D23’s Destination D is currently being held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort this morning and some exciting news has already made its way online.
First, Bob Chapek announced that Pandora: The World of Avatar is set to open in Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Summer 2017. He also gave panel-goers a preview of the expansion, revealing the new entry bridge which will soon serve as an entry into the base camp of Alpha Centauri Expeditions, the eco-tour group that will host explorers on their Pandora adventure. He also shared details of the two, new signature attractions of Avatar Flight of Passage, where guests will fly over the jungles of Pandora on a Mountain Banshee and Na’vi River Journey, a family-friendly boat ride through the bioluminescent forests. He also gave a first look at the new Satu’li Canteen, which is the main dining establishment for Pandora, featuring Na’vi art and cultural items; Windtraders, where travelers can purchase Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits, and more; and the Pongu Pongu, a drink location with a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner:
Next came a new image of the highly anticipated Star Wars Land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (and Disneyland). It was also revealed that desinations from Star Wars Episode VIII will eventually join the Star Tours itineraries:
Making their debut at the event, attendees were among the first to get their hands on the new MagicBands. These redesigned devices will roll out to Annual Passholders in December before being available to all resort guests soon:
Lastly, some other bits of news that are sure to excite/infuriate Disney fans came out during Chapek’s panel including confirmation that Walt Disney World’s Tower of Terror will go untouched while Epcot is in for a major transformation:
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