WHAT’S NEW IN THE LAND OF DISNEY
Walt Disney World is constantly changing and updating. We look at what’s different and what’s coming soon to the Florida attraction.
Magic Kingdom’s new show
Walt Disney World always says goodnight with fireworks at Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom. Happily Ever After is the latest version of the day-ending extravaganza, with projections that make castle seem to go through dozens of “wardrobe changes.” There are fireworks, lasers, scenes from more than 25 Disney animations (and some original additions) plus a new theme song by Jordan Fisher and Angie Keilhauer. Tinker Bell still makes her signature flight.
The Toy Story continues
No date yet for the opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but we’re hearing more about what’s in store at the 4.5-hectare site, where visitors will be shrunk to toy size to venture into the world of Andy’s backyard. Ride the Slinky Dog Dash “family coaster attraction,” but be careful in Alien Swirling Saucers, where those “Oooo” aliens will try to capture your rocket toy vehicle with “The Claw.”
A galaxy far, far away
According to Disney, Hollywood Studios’ 5.5-hectare Star Wars Land is “well into construction” ahead of its 2019 opening. Created by Lucasfilm and Walt Disney Imagineering as an immersive inside-the-movie experience, a post on the Disney Parks blog says it will be set on a “mysterious destination somewhere on the Outer Rim . . . a thriving port for smugglers, rogue traders and adventurers.” Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., will also open a Star Wars Land.
Singalong with Woody and pals
The Music of Pixar Live! A Symphony of Characters is on until Aug. 27 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, teaming animation stars and film clips with a full orchestra. The musicians provide the soundtrack music from Toy Story, Up, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc. and others. Lots of cornball humour leads up to a rousing singalong finale of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” with more than a dozen costumed movie characters onstage.
Disney dining
Disney World’s foodie footprint continues to expand. The 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs Aug. 31 to Nov. 13, with 35 food and wine marketplaces. New restaurants will open at dining-shopping destination Disney Springs later this year, including 6,000-square-foot Wine Bar George from master sommelier George Miliotes, celebrity chef Tony Mantuano’s as-yet unnamed location and the Edison, a “steampunk-themed bar” and eatery with an underground 21-and-over club, Neverland Tunnels.