To all who come to this D23 Expo 2019 news roundup, welcome!
I’ve attended three D23 Expos over the years. It’s a Disney fan convention hosted by the official Disney fan club, D23, right next door to Disneyland in Anaheim, California. D23 Expos are very fun and.. totally overwhelming with many once in a lifetime experiences. A lot of exciting Disney related news is shared over the course of these weekends. Disney often likes to announce information online and send out press releases the same time they announce info live at the event. If you’re looking for all the news, I’ve found it easier to follow it all online over actually being there in person! This post will host all the most exciting official announcements from the 2019 D23 Expo.
I’ve also been invited to attend a live simulcast of the Disney Parks, Experience and Products presentation here in Orlando. This is where new Disney Parks rides, restaurants, hotels and more are typically announced. I’ll have updates from that as it happens on Sunday 8/25 at 1:30 p.m Eastern!
Watch D23 Expo Live
Disney will be streaming the following events live here on D23.com
D23 Expo 2019 Announcements and News
Disney teased a big announcement August 22nd for a presentation on the D23 Expo schedule. It was One Day at Disney, a documentary coming to Disney+ about Cast Members and Disney employees around the world. The premise seems to be following how many different people contribute to The Walt Disney Company across the globe in one day. More info will be shared this Sunday 8/25.
A new EPCOT logo debuted adding to the excitement surrounding big changes coming to the park. We already know to expect a new entrance and new fireworks show. 
A Moana themed attraction titled Journey of Water is coming to EPCOT. I love Moana but if you’re looking for an actual ride.. don’t get too excited. Judging from the placement on the model at the Expo this may be more of a water play experience. We shall see this Sunday as more park news is announced. 
We will be able to get a closer look at the changes coming to EPCOT this October at Walt Disney World. Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience will be an exhibit inside the Odyssey Events Pavilion at EPCOT.
We learned the name of the Marvel themed land at Disney California Adventure: Avengers Campus! From the Disney Parks Blog: “When guests visit Avengers Campus, they will become part of an interconnected, global story that spans from California to Paris to Hong Kong with the Avengers recruiting new extraordinary people to join them.” I’m hoping the global part really means there is a worldwide interactive element of some kind.
The Star Wars hotel is turning out to be less of a hotel and more of a one-of-a-kind experience. It will be called the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. This two night, three day experience will take you on a journey on a starcruiser ship called the Halcyon. It includes a stop at Batuu, of course, but seems to take place mostly on the star cruiser. From the Disney Parks Blog, “Onboard, they will stay in well-appointed cabins, experience onboard dining, make a planet-side excursion to Black Spire Outpost on Batuu, and much more.”
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Presentation News
There was an incredible amount of news out of this presentation so I’m sharing some official Disney content to give you the most accurate details! Here are some highlights:
“Epcot will be unified with four neighborhoods that each speak to important aspects of the world and its people: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery. These neighborhoods will be filled with new experiences rooted in authenticity and innovation that take guests to new destinations, where the real is made fantastic in a celebration of curiosity, hands-on wonder and the magic of possibility.
World Showcase
- World Showcase will continue to be a celebration of culture, cuisine, architecture and traditions – infused with new magic.
- The United Kingdom pavilion will welcome the first attraction inspired by Mary Poppins. Guests will step in time down Cherry Tree Lane past Admiral Boom’s house, then enter Number 17, home of the Banks family, where their adventure will begin.
- In 2020, following the limited-time run of “Epcot Forever,” the new “HarmonioUS” will debut as the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park. It will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over, carrying them away harmoniously on a stream of familiar Disney tunes reinterpreted by a diverse group of artists from around the globe. “HarmonioUS” will feature massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers and more.
HarmonioUS new firework show will debut in 2020 at EPCOT
- In summer 2020, the France pavilion will offer even more for guests to discover, including the much-anticipated attraction Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, where guests will shrink to the size of Chef Remy and race through Gusteau’s restaurant on a wild adventure. Summer 2020 will also see the debut of a delicious new restaurant in the France pavilion, La Crêperie de Paris, offering both table- and quick-service options featuring a menu from celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse.
- Also in the France pavilion, the classic Impressions de France film will be joined by the new “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along,” debuting in January 2020 and directed by Don Hahn, producer of both the animated and live-action versions of this tale as old as time.
- “Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360”will debut in January 2020 in the Canada pavilion with new scenes and a new story.
- In the China pavilion, “Wondrous China” will take guests on a spectacular journey across the country, filmed and presented in a completely seamless 360-degree digital format.
World Celebration
- World Celebration will offer new experiences that connect guests to one another and the world around them.
- The iconic Spaceship Earth will remain a voyage through time as the journey transforms to reflect the power of storytelling to unite the human experience. New narration and an entirely new musical score will focus on the moments and ideas that define the story of humanity. Guests will follow a magical “story light” that brings the entire experience to life in dynamic ways, giving each scene energy and beauty that ties the entire journey together.
- A new pavilion will be the perfect place for live events, and the home base for Epcot’s signature festivals. It will provide a stunning elevated view of the entire park and an ideal spot to witness Epcot’s nighttime spectacular. This beautiful three-level structure will have one of the most remarkable architectural designs at any Disney park, featuring a plaza level, a middle expo level, and a park that sits in the sky on the top level.
- Epcot’s entrance plaza will be transformed with new experiences that connect guests with the world around them, welcoming them with a reimagined fountain, new pathways and sweeping green spaces that beautify the entryway. The design will pay homage to the origins of Epcot.
- As guests exit Spaceship Earth, they will discover a breathtaking new view of World Showcase from Dreamers Point. World Celebration will also feature a new statue celebrating the legacy of the original dreamer, Walt Disney, plus beautiful natural environments and global design elements filled with Disney magic and surprises, including a wishing tree in an enchanted forest and a story fountain celebrating the power and music of iconic Disney storytelling.
World Nature
- World Nature is dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty, awe and balance of the natural world. It will include The Land and The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilions.
- Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” will be the first experience inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film. This lush exploration trail will invite guests to meet and play with magical, living water. The water will have a life of its own – just like Moana’s friend, the ocean – and guests will learn about the importance of the natural water cycle.
- The Land pavilion’s new film, “Awesome Planet,” which showcases the beauty, diversity and dynamic story of the planet, will begin welcoming guests in January 2020.
World Discovery
- In World Discovery, stories about science, technology and intergalactic adventure come to life.
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be the first “other-world” showcase pavilion at Epcot. The adventure starts in the “Galaxarium,” a planetarium-like exhibition that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar. Guests will be invited to learn more about the treasures Xandar has to share – until the moment when the Guardians of the Galaxy arrive, and adventures across the cosmos ensue. The attraction will feature a new innovation from Walt Disney Imagineering – a storytelling coaster that rotates 360 degrees to focus guests on the action, including the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.
- An expansion of the Mission: SPACE pavilion, the new restaurant Space 220 will be a culinary experience featuring the celestial panorama of a space station, including daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles up. Guests will board a special elevator for a journey to a space station that is home to an incredible dining experience. Along the way, viewports will give guests real-time perspective as they travel high above the planet. Once they arrive, guests will enjoy fantastic meals and drinks while taking in views that are truly out of this world. Opening this winter, Space 220 will be operated by the Patina Restaurant Group.
- The PLAY! pavilion will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. In this digital metropolis, guests will discover an interactive city bursting with games, activities and experiences that connect them with friends, family and beloved Disney characters – both real and virtual – like never before. As part of this new pavilion, guests will have the chance to help legendary fashion icon Edna Mode on her quest to rid the world of uninspired style, or make a splash competing in a water-balloon fight hosted by Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby.
Guests will be able to visualize these exciting plans for Epcot when doors open Oct. 1, 2019, for Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience in the Odyssey Events Pavilion. They will discover engaging and interactive exhibits that showcase the relentless innovation, energy and excitement driving the park’s future throughout this unprecedented period of transformation.”
W H E W. I am thrilled about these enhancements. EPCOT is going to be absolutely incredible after this.
Aside from the huge EPCOT changes we also learned the name of the next Disney Cruise Line ship! The Disney Wish will have Rapunzel on the stern!
Also announced, for the 50th anniversary for Walt Disney World in 2021, celebrations will happen at every park, not just Magic Kingdom. I saw some amazing glitter balloons that I’m super excited to have around the parks! It will be The World’s Most Magical Celebration!
Disney+ Updates
Disney Plus, Disney’s new streaming service launching November 12th, content shared or expanded upon at the D23 Expo:
Phineas & Ferb The Movie: Candace Against The Universe
High School Musical: The Musical The Series
new Lizzie McGuire series with Hillary Duff
new Pixar short series Forky Asks a Question
Monsters at Work will feature new characters Tylor and Millie who are MU graduates
a slew of Marvel shows including Ms. Marvel
What If…? in which almost the entire MCU cast voices their character
She-Hulk
Moon Knight
The World According to Jeff Goldblum
Encore! A new reality show where executive produced by Kristen Bell where people revisit their high school performing dreams
Muppets Now a short-form unscripted series with celebrity guests debuting 2020
The Clone Wars next season will debut in February of 2020 (Ahsoka lives!)
The Mandalorian Star Wars bounty hunter series trailer debuted – watch it here
Ewan McGregor is confirmed for an untitled Obi-Wan Kenobi series
Disney Parks Pavilion Imagining Tomorrow, Today Video
This video has some more visuals for some of the news shared.
What I’m hoping we’ll learn at the D23 Expo 2019
What I want most: Disney Cruise Line news! Three new ships were announced at the last D23 Expo (coming in 2021, 2022, and 2023) and I’d love to get a look the progress and learn more. Specifically about the dining options, water slide or attraction and spas!
A: Disney Wish is the first new ship name shared! It will set sail January 2022.
Will we hear anything about the alleged Spider-Man licensing issue?
A: Sadly Tom Holland shared his character will no longer exist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.