From Exciting to Eyebrow-Raising, Josh D'Amaro Had A LOT to Say Today About Disney Parks!

WOW!! Today was a HUGE day for Disney news!

Cinderella Castle

This morning during the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared SO much exciting news for many of the upcoming projects Disney has been preparing!

From the upcoming opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure to a glimpse inside Star Wars: Galactic Cruiser, to the reimagination of Splash Mountain — we got so many thrilling updates today! Here are some of the most noteworthy things said from the expo!

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

The construction for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure had been pushed back due to the global health crisis, leaving guests (impatiently) waiting for an update about the opening of this highly anticipated attraction. At the event, D’Amaro mentioned “Coming in 2021, we’re still on track to open Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.”

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Marquee

Now, we have a timeframe to look forward to! We’ve watched construction progress and now we can finally start counting the days (sort of) to when we’ll be able to scurry around Paris with the little chef! Here are some more interesting things Josh D’Amaro said during his keynote address!

Virtual Queues

With virtual queues becoming more and more popular due to Disney’s health and safety guidelines, we’ve found ourselves wondering if they will become the norm for the future of the parks.

World of Disney Virtual Queue sign

D’Amaro may have been hinting at a future of virtual queues when he said, “Do you really have to wait in line? Why can’t guests choose exactly what they want to do when they want to do it? After all, isn’t this what our millennials expect of us today? Why can’t a trip to Walt Disney World be simple?” While nothing was officially said on virtual queues yet, this definitely caught our attention.

Here is everything you need to know about Disney Virtual Queues

Bringing the Moon to Guests

Josh D’Amaro also states, “Why not take our guests to the moon? Or bring the moon to our guests?” While it seems like D’Amaro may be referring to the future opening of the Space 220 restaurant coming to EPCOT, he tackles the concept of things seeming “impossible.”

©Disney via IAAPA Expo 2020 Presentation

He shares the emphasis that Disney is placing on making guests their highest priority and never being scared to dream.

Peek inside the new Space 220 Restaurant coming to EPCOT

Hopes for the Disney Foundation

D’Amaro focuses on progression and moving forward, similar to the way Walt Disney did. He said, “I dare this industry: Stand proudly on the foundation we’ve built. Climb up on the shoulders of our legends, this legend (gesturing to Walt statue), and fly.”

Partners Statue in Magic Kingdom

As said in the nighttime spectacular Happily Ever After, “we all have the courage to fly!”

You can watch the full Happily Ever After Fireworks Show here

Splash Mountain Redesign

Earlier this year it was announced that Splash Mountain in Disney World and Disneyland will be reimagined to be themed for the beloved film, The Princess and the Frog. Although there’s no clear timeline just yet, it seems like plans are quickly being developed to get this project underway!

Princess and the Frog attraction Concept Art ©Disney

D’Amaro mentioned that certain changes “like the reimagining of ‘Splash Mountain,’ have been expedited to ensure that all who visit the company’s parks do feel welcome as well.” We can’t wait to see the full and finished redesign of this attraction!

Get more details on the upcoming Splash Mountain renovation

Those are just some of the many interesting, exciting, and eyebrow-raising quotes from chairman Josh D’Amaro today! We’re so happy to have some updates and can’t wait to see experience all these projects once they’re completed! Check back with DFB and we update you on ALL the Disney news!

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