food IS a theme park
Everyone, start gearing up for some big theme park news!
©Disney via IAAPA Expo 2020 Presentation
When it comes to Disney news, we tend to think of Destination D23 and D23 Expo. These ultimate Disney fan events come with news, behind-the-scenes looks, and more! Those conventions aren’t the only ones where you can expect big theme park news, though. Right now, we’re getting ready for another big theme park event with even more news coming next month!
Yes, you did read that title right, DFB reader: We are talking about a gravy-themed roller coaster.
©Holiday World
A few months ago, Holiday World announced that they were building a new roller coaster themed after Thanksgiving, with a special emphasis on gravy — yep, the beloved sauce (is it a sauce?) that you pour over turkey, mashed potatoes, and more. Now that we’ve all made ourselves incredibly hungry, we have an update on that coaster for you!
You might already be familiar with the D23 Expo (not being held in 2023) and Destination D (coming in September of 2023!) — both of which are expos run by Disney that typically bring in some exciting Disney news. But there’s ANOTHER event you need to mark down in your calendars ASAP.
©Disney via IAAPA Expo 2020 Presentation
IAAPA is The Global Association for the Attraction Industry and it holds its very own expo that can reveal some BIG updates for all kinds of theme parks around the world, including Disney’s! In the past, events held through IAAPA or at the IAAPA Expo have brought us updates on Avengers Campus in Disneyland, details about festivals and why they’re of critical importance to theme parks, and even news about Gideon’s Bakehouse. And soon, we could get more updates!
At the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions convention held last month in Orlando, about 30,000 industry leaders gathered to discuss the latest trends in food, festivals, and rides. And then, there was a session with the title: “Is Cash Dead?”
The IAAPA Expo at the Orange County Convention Center
Why would a theme park convention be taking on this economic issue? It turns out there are several reasons Disney World — and other attractions — would just rather not take your cash (most of the time).
The first words that visitors to Disney World’s main EPCOT web page read are “Celebrate the Stories That Connect People and Cultures Around the World.” The second sentence? “Festival Fun Awaits You Today.”
©Disney
While the main park icon at EPCOT is Spaceship Earth (aka the EPCOT “ball”), it could just as well be a festival booth. The ubiquitous booths that serve small plates and drinks during four festivals that cover the majority of days each year are a fun addition for most park goers — but they’re also the secret weapon Disney World is using to fill the park with returning visitors.
EPCOT is currently undergoing a HUGE transformation.
EPCOT construction
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind was one step in the process, but we’re keeping a close eye on the Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana construction and the progress on the PLAY! Pavilion. But there’s still so much unknown about what’s to come for this park, and we didn’t get many updates at the recent D23 Expo. However, it looks like an upcoming event next month will finally bring us more answers.
At DFB, we’re not afraid to admit it: we’re theme park nerds. We get excited when we hear about upcoming projects big and small, and we’ve had multiple discussions about why it’s so dark in Fantasyland (seriously, can we get some lights, Disney?). If you and your family pay attention to the Disney World trash cans or count the number of benches in each park, you might be interested in a mega theme park convention happening later this year.
From ride tech to lighting, IAAPA covers it ALL!
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (or IAAPA for short) hosts a HUGE expo where amusement park professionals come to show off the latest tech, attractions, and more. Now, we know the dates for the 2022 IAAPA Expo; let’s take a look!
Big fan of theme parks? An exciting event is coming up!
©Disney via IAAPA Expo 2020 Presentation
Each year, Disney participates in the IAAPA Expo — that’s the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions! In 2020, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Josh D’Amaro gave a presentation that included status updates on some major Disney projects like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Space 220 Restaurant, and Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser in Walt Disney World. So if you’re itching for more Disney news, you’ll want to know the dates for this year’s IAAPA Expo!
Disneyland Paris has been pretty significantly impacted by the closure of the parks.
©Disney
Though the resort remains closed for a second time since the beginning of the global pandemic, work has continued on the postponed Disney’s Hotel New York — The Art of Marvel. Now, amidst a BUNCH of other updates from Disney this morning, we’ve got a glimpse at the current hotel progress!
Ever wanted to have superpowers? We certainly have!
©Disney
That’s why we’re pretty pumped for the opening of Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Paris. The land was supposed to open in DCA with the WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure attraction in July but was delayed. Now, we have a peek at the RIDE VEHICLES for the new web-based attraction!
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