Goodbye 2016 … Hello New yEAR. 2016 is finally coming to an end. Another year of Disney memories and travel are over. But, don’t despair, 2017 is just around the corner waiting for us. The new yEAR will bring new Disney memories.
2016 has been a busy year indeed for Disney. Ground was broken at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (reportedly to be renamed) as Disney started to build the eagerly anticipated Star Wars Land. Toy Story Land is also underway in its construction of new rides, and helping ease congestion on the ever-popular Toy Story ride by adding an extra track.
We also saw the opening and renaming of Downtown Disney to the beautiful Disney Springs, boasting amazing restaurants such as Morimoto Asia and STK. There are also fancy new shops which grace the new space such as the Coca-Cola Store and Uniqlo. Not to worry; the old favorites are still there – such as Rainforest Cafe, The Christmas Store and World Of Disney.
Magic Kingdom saw the arrival of the Muppets … Great Moments in American History in Liberty Square. The new attraction seems to have become a hit, as the Muppets tell us all we should know in their usual humorous way. Tiana’ s Riverboat Party is the latest addition to the park. Guests can eat yummy desserts aboard the ferry boat whilst snagging prime viewing for the parade.
Let’s not forget that many of the onsite resorts have had updates too, to keep them looking fresh and modern. The Swan and Dolphin Resorts had a major refurbishment, as did Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Renovations are currently underway at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.
Next year we will see the opening of Pandora -the World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. With fingers crossed, we may see the debut of Rivers of Light in May 2017. This is the Animal Kingdom’s new nighttime show which has been a little bit of a challenge for the Imagineers. Originally due to open summer 2016, technological issues delayed the opening to 2017.
As a result of the ever-popular live-action movies, the new year will be another huge year for Disney! The much anticipated Beauty and the Beast live action movie will star Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as the Beast and Luke Evans as Gaston. Beauty and the Beast will be released March 2017, and is the first in a line of Disney movies to be released during the year.
Things to look forward to in 2017
Beauty and the Beast live action film
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2
The 8th installment of Star Wars
Cars 3
Coco
Pandora – The World of Avatar (Animal Kingdom)
Rivers of Light (Animal Kingdom)
Edison (Disney Springs)
Goodbye 2016
Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show (Hollywood Studios)
Earful Tower (Hollywood Studios)
Streets of America (Hollywood Studios)
Shark Reef (Typhoon Lagoon)
With all the changes it may be sad to see old attractions close. I’m excited however to see new ones arrive in the parks. Which attractions are you eager to experience in the upcoming year?
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