Month: August 2024

NEWS: Disney Debuts FULL LOOK Inside NEW Park Expansions

It’s time for the third and final day of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event!

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event

On the second day, August 10th, we heard a TON of news at the Horizons — D23 Experiences Showcase about upcoming theme park projects, new nighttime entertainment, new cruise line ships, new gaming, and so much more! Disney dropped a lot of awesome looks at each of the new projects and got us excited for the next few years of Disney experiences. Every announcement was confirmed to be in production and none were “Blue Sky” ideas. Now, today, August 11th, we’re getting a first look at all the models for each of the major announcements that were made last night!








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Let’s go to the Imagineering showcase where models for the upcoming projects are being displayed! We’re starting with a look at Pueblo Esperanza coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

We got a close up of Casita from Encanto which will be an all-new ride in the new land!

The Casita model is extremely detailed and looks amazing!

Casita

You can also see an overall look at the new land that will take place in the Tropical Americas. This new land will take over what is currently DinoLand, U.S.A.

You can see an overview of the new land below.

Overview of Pueblo Esperanza

Disney also shared a look at the new carousel coming to the Topical Americas land. This carousel will be a fully functional wooden ride carved by a local wood carver from the village of Pueblo Esperanza! We even spotted a model of a wooden Kevin!

It’s Kevin!

Next, we checked out the new Monsters, Inc Land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! There will be the first-ever suspended roller coaster in a Disney park.

We can’t wait to ride on a door through the laugh factory!

‘Monsters, Inc’ roller coaster

Next, we’re heading to Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris where World of Frozen and a new Lion King land will be built!

Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris

We got a close up look at the model for the new Lion King land, and it looks amazing! There will even be a log plume ride, according to the model.

‘Lion King’ Land

Let’s head over to Disney California Adventure where a new ‘Avatar’ destination will be getting built!

‘Avatar’ attraction at Disney California Adventure

This new destination will take you to new places on Pandora themed to the new movies Avatar: The Way of Water, Avatar: Fire and Ash, and more future films.

The ‘Avatar’ model

Finally, we got a closer look at the concept art for the new Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom! It looks villainous, indeed.

Villains Land

We can’t wait for all of these projects to become reality! Still to come on day 3 are more panels and the Disney Legends Ceremony. We’re hanging out all day, so keep following DFB for more news!

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WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Which new project are you looking forward to most? Let us know in the comments!

The post NEWS: Disney Debuts FULL LOOK Inside NEW Park Expansions first appeared on the disney food blog.

Critter Country at Disneyland Getting New Name When Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opens

Critter Country at Disneyland will get a new name when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens later this year.

New Name for Critter Country

Sign reading "critter country" on a rustic wooden building adorned with various pots and artifacts under bright sunlight.

Disney revealed that Critter Country would become Bayou Country. The new name will go into effect the day Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens — November 15, 2024.

This will be the fourth name for this area of Disneyland Park. It was originally Indian Village, a showcase of Native American culture. With the construction and opening of Country Bear Jamboree in 1972, the land became Bear Country. When Splash Mountain opened in 1989, it was renamed Critter Country.

Critter Country is currently closed during the construction of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The Briar Patch and part of Pooh Corner will become “The Princess and the Frog”-inspired gift shops. The Hungry Bear Restaurant is being transformed into a Country Bear-inspired venue. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is not expected to change.

We shared a full tour of Critter Country before it closed. Watch our walkthrough video below.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure officially opened at Magic Kingdom in Florida on June 28, 2024. The attraction replaces Splash Mountain at both parks, utilizing the same ride track but with new theming. Splash Mountain closed permanently at Disneyland on May 31, 2023. Check out our most recent Tiana’s Bayou Adventure construction update from Disneyland.

For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news worldwide, visit WDWNT.

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Photos: Models of Monsters Inc. Coaster, Tropical Americas, Other Announced Projects Added To D23 Imagineering Display

Last night, Disney Parks made almost 50 announcements during the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at the Honda Center during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event for 2024. And these aren’t just blue sky announcements for some time, somewhere down the road. No, these are things that are reportedly being built or developed right now, and […]

The post Photos: Models of Monsters Inc. Coaster, Tropical Americas, Other Announced Projects Added To D23 Imagineering Display appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.

First Look at New Disneyland Resort ‘Avatar’ Land Model

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event displayed concept art and models of the new “Avatar” land coming soon to Disney California Adventure.

‘Avatar’ Land Model

A framed presentation board showcases various Auto Draft concept art images and sketches of a fantastical landscape, mounted against a red curtain backdrop.

This collage includes concept art released earlier this year and the overview revealed during the D23 Disney Experiences Showcase. There are also close-up depictions of the curved rock element that seems to be the centerpiece of the land.

A cluttered artist's workspace with various painting supplies, brushes, small plant models, and scattered papers on a table against a backdrop of dark curtains resembles an auto draft of creativity in motion.

That element is also depicted in one of the models on display. The models are displayed with paint and brushes, as though they are fresh out of the Imagineering workshop.

A detailed miniature landscape model featuring a waterfall, rocky formations, and foliage. An attached note requests no photographs for Auto Draft updates.

The land will include a boat ride and draw inspiration from “Avatar: The Way of Water” and future “Avatar” films, rather than the first one. This means it will be different from Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida.

A detailed diorama features a rocky landscape with trees and a small stream. Autob Draft notes and a blue figurine in a glass container are placed next to it on the table.

Among the land’s features will be waterfalls.

d23 dlr dca avatar experience models 0413

Check out every Disney Parks announcement from D23.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post First Look at New Disneyland Resort ‘Avatar’ Land Model appeared first on WDW News Today.

Epic Games x Disney — Check Out All the Fornite Reveals from D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event

Earlier this year, Disney and Epic Games announced a brand partnership promising huge collaborations between Fortnite and the entertainment company. At last nights D23 Disney Experiences Showcase, fans got a first taste of the partnership. What’s Happening: Disney Parks Blog has shared an indepth look at all the announcements made for Fortnite at D23: The Ultimate […]

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Celebrate Joe Rohde: The Brilliant Mind Behind Disney Parks 

Joe Rohde’s remarkable four decades-long career at Walt Disney Imagineering was no small feat. Before his retirement in 2021, Joe’s creative and visionary spirit blazed a trail of inspiring experiences, attractions and even theme parks that have captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the globe. This year, his work and dedication to The Walt Disney Company will be recognized and celebrated, as he’ll be named a Disney Legend alongside 13 other aspirational individuals at the celebratory ceremony on August 11, as part of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.   

Joe’s journey as an Imagineer is a testament to his power of passion, creativity, and storytelling. These guiding principles have influenced each of his projects, bringing a sense of wonder and adventure, and inviting guests to embark on immersive journeys unlike any other. 

Young Joe Rohde pursuing art

Young Joe Rohde pursuing art
Young Joe Rohde pursuing art

Young Joe Rohde pursuing art

Young Joe Rohde pursuing art
Young Joe Rohde pursuing art

After graduating from Occidental College, Joe went back to teach art, art history and set design for musicals at his old high school, Chaminade College Preparatory. During this time, a Disney executive and parent of one of his students spoke with him about joining Walt Disney Imagineering. He was hesitant at first, but later decided to put together a portfolio of his set design work that eventually got him an entry level job in the model room and later as a scenic painter where he worked on the Mexico pavilion in EPCOT. Not too soon after, he found himself using his eye for design on a variety of projects across Disney parks and experiences domestically including the Norway pavilion in EPCOT and the reimagination of Fantasyland at Disneyland Park. 

Joe Rohde smiles on a rock
Joe Rohde hard at work on Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Joe Rohde hard at work on Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Joe Rohde hard at work on Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Joe Rohde smiles in Pandora – The World of Avatar

Joe Rohde smiles in Pandora – The World of Avatar
Joe Rohde smiles in Pandora – The World of Avatar

His work on those projects earned him the honor of lead designer for a fourth theme park at Walt Disney World Resort. The park would serve as a lush sanctuary dedicated to the celebration and conservation of Earth’s diverse creatures and ecosystems. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park opened to the public in 1998 and has become a staple to the resort, educating guests on the beauty of the world’s natural environment and exciting them with thrilling attractions like Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain and Pandora – The World of Avatar. 

Joe Rodhe beside a model of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Joe Rodhe beside a model of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
Joe Rodhe beside a model of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Harrison Hightower

Harrison Hightower
Harrison Hightower

But he wasn’t done yet: Joe’s impact extends far beyond the creation and development of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. He was one of the lead designers for Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa on O’ahu, Hawai’i and helped design Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! in Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort. Internationally, Joe even served as the model for Harrison Hightower, the owner of the fictional “Hightower Hotel” at the Tower of Terror attraction at Tokyo DisneySea at Tokyo Disney Resort. 

Joe has always held an unwavering dedication to conservation and his community and is well renowned for integrating these passions not only across his various projects at The Walt Disney Company but also in other various aspects of his life. For this reason, he was instrumental in the creation of the Disney Conservation Fund, and his efforts have helped to raise over $125 million in grants for projects worldwide.  

In 2022, only a year after his retirement, he received the Disney Conservation Fund’s first Conservation Legacy Award for all his dedicated work for the environment. In his free time, Joe is still a strategic advisor for both Walt Disney Imagineering and commercial space travel company Virgin Galactic and continues to be inspired by the world around us – here on Earth and in space. 

Joe Rohde smiles

Looking at Joe Rohde’s extraordinary journey, he embodies the transformative power of imagination and the enduring legacy of impactful storytelling. His contributions have served as a reminder to dream, explore, and create without limits. We could not be more excited to welcome him as a Disney Legend and celebrate him at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event on Aug. 11.  

Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog and @disneyparks on social for the latest updates throughout the weekend including can’t-miss details about all-new and highly anticipated Disney Experiences projects that came out of Horizons, the D23 Disney Experiences Showcase on Aug. 10. 

The post Celebrate Joe Rohde: The Brilliant Mind Behind Disney Parks  appeared first on Disney Parks Blog.

First Look at Model for Pueblo Esperanza, New Tropical Americas Themed Land for Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Following the Disney Experiences Showcase on Saturday night, a model of Pueblo Esperanza is now on display at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. The new Tropical Americas land will replace DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Pueblo Esperanza Model

A display featuring a detailed model of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is situated in front of a large screen showing an aerial view of the theme park, reminiscent of the vibrant spirit found in Pueblo Esperanza.

The model reflects the previously released Tropical Americas land concept art. Disney announced during the showcase that the Tropical Americas land would be called Pueblo Esperanza, which means “Village of Hope.”

A scale model of Pueblo Esperanza theme park is displayed on a pedestal with informational text. Someone is taking a photo of the model with a smartphone.

Construction will begin this fall and happen in phases until the official opening in 2027, giving fans plenty of time to experience DINOSAUR, which will become a new Indiana Jones ride. The land will also have the first-ever “Encanto” ride and a carousel featuring Disney animals.

A detailed diorama of an ancient temple surrounded by dense forest known to the locals as Pueblo Esperanza. The temple has a red pyramid structure with stairs leading up to it, and small figures can be seen on the pathways leading to this sacred site.

The Indiana Jones ride will be set in a Mayan temple, which is included at the edge of the model. It seems this will replace the current façade of DINOSAUR but still be set away from the land slightly, as though hidden in the jungle.

A detailed model showcases a theme park with lush greenery, various buildings, pathways, and a distinct pagoda structure among other attractions, reminiscent of the vibrant atmosphere found in Pueblo Esperanza.

Other buildings on the model may be pre-existing buildings that will be rethemed, like Restaurantosaurus.

A detailed diorama features a miniature park with trees, a clock tower, buildings, and figurines. An archway serves as an entrance to what appears to be the idyllic village of Pueblo Esperanza, and the scene is surrounded by dense foliage.

The main entrance of the land is an archway.

A detailed scale model of an amusement park, inspired by Pueblo Esperanza, features various rides, buildings, and extensive landscaping with trees and greenery. A path meanders through the model, connecting different vibrant areas.

At the center of the land is a fountain, which Disney stated the land’s villagers gather at to tell stories.

A miniature model of Pueblo Esperanza features an amusement park with various buildings, trees, and a central circular structure. The scene includes pathways and a small number of model people, capturing the charm of this vibrant locale.
A detailed scale model of a residential area, Pueblo Esperanza, surrounded by dense foliage, featuring houses, pathways, and various small structures amidst a wooded landscape.

There are fake mountains on the show building behind Casita. The “Encanto” house will be the façade of its attraction.

Aerial view of Pueblo Esperanza, a rustic building complex surrounded by dense, green trees, with dirt pathways visible in the vicinity.
An aerial view of Pueblo Esperanza theme park with trees, paths, and buildings, including a central circular structure and various attractions dispersed among the greenery.
A detailed model of a colorful, multi-story house with red-tiled roofs, surrounded by plants and adorned with small trees and flowers, reminiscent of Pueblo Esperanza. The model is displayed on a pedestal in a dimly lit area.

A larger Casita model was also on display.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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First Pueblo Esperanza Carousel Creature Revealed for Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney has revealed the first animal that will be featured on the carousel in Pueblo Esperanza, a new Tropical Americas land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Pueblo Esperanza Carousel

A vibrant peacock sculpture and a framed artwork of a bright, lit-up pavilion are displayed against a backdrop of rich red curtains. The sign above the artwork reads "Disney's Animal Kingdom," enhancing the wonder with hints of Pueblo Esperanza's cultural charm.

The wood-carved sculpture of Kevin from “Up” was displayed with concept art of the carousel at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

A colorful, painted bird sculpture with an elaborate feather headdress, reminiscent of a Carousel Creature from Disney's Animal Kingdom, is displayed behind a protective barrier in a dimly lit room with dark red curtains.

Kevin’s saddle features colorful floral designs.

A colorful, large peacock sculpture with a vibrant design, featuring a long yellow beak and large eyes, sits on display with dark red curtains as the backdrop, resembling a Carousel Creature from Disney's Animal Kingdom.

The carousel will feature several Disney animal characters. The land’s lore states the carousel was created by a local woodcarver.

A large, colorful sculpture of a Carousel Creature with intricate patterns is displayed in a room with red curtains. A person in a white shirt stands nearby taking a photo, capturing the vibrant spectacle.
An illustration depicts a wooden carousel adorned with colorful lights, reminiscent of Dinoland USA. It is surrounded by trees and plants with string lights hanging above. People are seen walking around, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

Pueblo Esperanza will replace DinoLand U.S.A., with construction happening in phases. The land will also include “Encanto” and “Indiana Jones” rides. It will officially open in 2027.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Pride Lands Model Provides Detailed Look at ‘Lion King’ Land Coming to Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris guests will soon get to experience the Pride Lands from “The Lion King” with a new ride and surrounding area. Details of the Pride Lands were revealed in the model on display at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

‘The Lion King’ Pride Lands Model

A detailed miniature landscape model showing a hilly terrain with pathways, trees, and a small waterfall, much like scenes from The Lion King, displayed in a glass case with reflections visible.

The detailed model reinforces the ride’s striking resemblance to Splash Mountain, which closed to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom but remains at Tokyo Disneyland. Instead of a large tree stump on the top of the rocky hill, the “Lion King” attraction will have Pride Rock.

Model of a mountainous terrain with a small figure standing in a cave-like structure on the side of the mountain. The background is a deep purple color.

The model and concept art feature adult Simba standing on the ledge of Pride Rock.

A detailed miniature model depicting a rocky landscape with a waterfall flowing through a narrow gap and small figurines of people, animals, and vegetation scattered throughout, reminiscent of scenes from The Lion King.

A log ride vehicle drops from below Pride Rock into a turning river. The hillside is covered with pale grass and large boulders.

A diorama depicting a grassy landscape with miniature zebras, giraffes, and other animals among bushes and rocks.

There are also herds of animals like giraffes and zebras on the hillside.

A detailed diorama model depicts a hilly landscape with a waterfall, streams, pathways, and miniature figures of people. Trees and small structures are also part of the scene, reminiscent of The Lion King's breathtaking settings.

In front of the ride are winding dirt-brown pathways. In addition to the ride, Pride Lands will have dining, shopping, and character meet and greets.

A detailed miniature fantasy scene featuring small figures exploring a vibrant landscape with decorative trees and a rocky terrain, reminiscent of The Lion King. Bright colors and intricately designed elements bring this captivating model to life.

Details of the model include a feathery marquee above a cave entrance. This could be the entrance to the ride, which is set in the caverns below Pride Rock.

A detailed miniature scene depicts a bustling park with trails, lush greenery, rock formations, and small figures of people walking, some carrying balloons or engaging in activities. The playful atmosphere is reminiscent of The Lion King’s vibrant landscapes captured perfectly in this exquisite model.

There are more colorful African-inspired decorations throughout the land.

A detailed miniature diorama, reminiscent of scenes from The Lion King, depicts a lively village with small structures, trees, and numerous tiny human figures engaging in various activities, creating an enchanting model that captures the essence of vibrant community life.

In addition to the caves and caverns, there are manmade-looking structures. These are made of logs and sticks.

A detailed miniature model depicts a tribal village scene with huts, figurines of people, trees, and rock formations. Reminiscent of a scene from The Lion King, there are various activities taking place including gatherings and climbing.

There are a couple show buildings hidden by rock structures and trees. These may house character meet and greets or other themed experiences.

d23 dlp daw lion king pride lands model 0339

Tiny models of people provide a sense of scale for the area. It will be located along Adventure Bay, an expansion of Walt Disney Studios Park that also includes World of Frozen. The park will be renamed Disney Adventure World.

A detailed model of a theme park area inspired by The Lion King, featuring a large artificial mountain, lush vegetation, pathways, buildings, and miniature figures of people.

On the right side of the model, brown walls separate the land from a gray swath of land. This may be a backstage area or another section of Disney Adventure World.

A detailed diorama model displays a landscape with a river, forests, rocks, and numerous tiny human figures engaged in various activities amidst buildings and vegetation, reminiscent of scenes from The Lion King.

Trees and tree-like canopies provide some shade to the land.

A detailed model diorama depicting a miniature village scene with numerous small figurines, trees, and a thatched-roof structure surrounded by greenery. Various activities, reminiscent of scenes from The Lion King, are occurring throughout the vibrant setting.

One of the stick structures seems to be an awning covering a seating area.

A miniature diorama modeled after a tribal village scene, featuring detailed huts, trees, and small figurines engaged in various activities reminiscent of The Lion King.

That suggests the other structure will be a quick-service dining location.

A detailed miniature landscape model featuring a wooded area, a bare rectangular plot, rock formations reminiscent of Pride Rock from The Lion King, and small human figures engaged in various activities near the rocks.

World of Frozen will open in 2026 but an opening timeframe for the Pride Lands was not provided.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Review: Horizons – Disney Experiences Showcase Pays Off Past Disney Parks Presentations (While Adding Some Self-Depreciation)

We are descending from the blue sky and starting to dig some dirt. That was the jist of the Disney Experiences Showcases at D23 this year, which was titled Horizons. The journey was billed as a musical journey around the world, which it was. The anchor was a large fantastic orchestra that played songs from […]

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