Every Disney fan knows that one should keep an eye on when the yearly D23 event is coming up. These events, the biennial D23 Expo and the alternating biennial Destination D23, are generally a place where the Disney Company announces their big news on upcoming rides for all their resorts over the world. The 2022 edition of the D23 expo in Anaheim, being held from 9th to 11th September, has not disappointed so far. Almost all ongoing projects had something new to show and we are happy to share the details with you.
Tokyo DisneySea
Tokyo DisneySea is receiving one of the biggest upgrades ever seen in a Disney-park. With four new dark rides (Arendelle: World of Frozen, Tangled, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell) it will be the biggest dark ride addition ever to an existing theme park. For all new rides ride vehicles have been shown. While Frozen uses the same vehicle as in Disneyland Hong Kong and Walt Disney Studios park, the other three will be new and unique for Tokyo Disneysea. Especially the Peter Pan ride vehicle leaves a lot of room for different ride systems and experiences.
Shanghai Disneyland
The iconic city of Zootropolis has been chosen as the first big new addition to Shanghai Disneyland. It is yet unknown how the area will look and which experiences, other than the announced dark ride, will be added. This D23 Expo Disney gave an exclusive look into the area and the new ride vehicles. The vehicles will feature two rows of five riders. More details are yet to be announced.
Disney World and Disneyland Anaheim
Both of the American castle parks will receive an upgraded version of the popular Splash Mountain semi-dark ride. As we reported earlier, the decision was made to retheme the log flume to the Princess and the Frog theme after controverse about the many Song of the South references in the ride. Both will be the first appearance of this movie in a Disney attraction. The new pictures and videos show the exterior of the rides. The rethemed versions are planed to open late 2024.
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is currently constructing a Arendelle: World of Frozen-theme zone, which will include the Frozen Ever After dark ride. While no new information on the dark ride was presented, Disney did reveal the train for the Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, a Vekoma Junior Coaster in the same themed area. An opening date for the new Arendelle-zone is yet unknown.
