UPDATE: Confirmed by the official Disney Parks Blog: Great Movie Ride is, indeed, getting the axe to make way for the new “Runaway Railway” ride. Final day of operation is August 13, 2017.
UPDATE 2: Disney Parks Blog also confirmed that Ellen’s Universe of Energy is closing on August 13, 2017 as well, and WILL be the location for the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride.
UPDATE 3: More on Star Wars. Another ride in addition to the Millennium Falcon, involving the rider being on a Star Destoyer inside a hangar bay is also coming. Blue Milk at the Cantina. Opening Date is 2019, but no more specific than that. We do have confirmation that California will open theirs first, and then WDW will follow.
UPDATE 4: Tron Lightcycle Ride in MK is slated to open in time for Disney’s 50th Birthday in 2021. After checking out the concept art on the Disney Parks Blog, it looks as if the railroad may run through/underneath the ride structure. Obviously it’s concept art, and I’m NOT an Imagineer, so I can’t confirm this, but if it is accurate, there’s a pretty good chance the WDW Railroad is going to be down for an extended period of time.
STAR WARS
– Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the confirmed name of Star Wars lands in California and Hollywood Studios. BB8 and Bounty Hunters will be there. Chewy and Kylo Ren, too. (Could this be the end of the Launch Bay?) New ride where you fly the Millenium Falcon. Rex is DJ at the Cantina.
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
– “Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway” a new “2 1/2 D” ride based on the new animated shorts is coming to DHS as well. This is the attraction rumored to be replacing the Great Movie Ride. Bob Chapek did not specifically say whether this was an accurate rumor, but the ride is for sure coming.
Toy Story Land opening Summer 2018.
EPCOT
– World Showcase is getting the Ratatouille ride that DLP currently has. Will be open in time for WDW’s 50th Birthday celebration in 2021.
– China pavilion is getting a new seamless 360 video to replace the current CircleVision show.
– “More to come for World Showcase” that they aren’t ready to announce yet.
– Guardians of the Galaxy Ride is confirmed for Future World. Rumor was that this would replace Ellen. Placement was NOT confirmed by Chapek, BUT still seems pretty likely. Will also be opening by 2021, in time for WDW’s 50th.
– Mission Space is getting a whole new Green mission and an AMAZING LOOKING restaurant “adjacent to it.”
MAGIC KINGDOM
– Tron Light Cycles confirmed for Tomorrowland, on unused land next to Space Mountain. Rumors were swirling that the Tomorrowland Speedway would be demolished for this but the concept art looks like the Speedway may be staying.
– New Live Action Theatre coming to Main Street, USA.
WDW OVERALL
– New DVC Property near Epcot, Disney Riviera.
– Personal Transportation Cars themed around Minnie Mouse. “Minnie Vans”
– Skyway concept art and information released.
DISNEYLAND/CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
– “Pixar Fest” limited time event coming to Disneyland in 2018, including new entertainment and fireworks. Pixar Parade going to Disneyland. (I want to say Paint the Night will move to California Adventure?)
– Paradise Pier is being rethemed to “Pixar Pier,” and will open during the “Pixar Fest” celebration at Disneyland. However, the retheme on the Pier will be permanent, not limited time only.
Cars Land getting a new experience for Halloween, starting this year.
– Marvel land confirmed for California Adventure. Supposed to be a “completely immersive superhero universe.”
CRUISE LINE
– THREE new unique ships!
– Live Action Beauty and the Beast show using puppetry coming to the Dream.
DISNEYLAND PARIS
– New Hotel themed on Marvel. Costumes and Props on Display. Looks Awesome.
STAR WARS HOTEL
– Star Wars Resort Hotel is confirmed and in the works. Supposed to be a fully immersive experience entirely different than anything they’ve done before. Windows are views of space
Access the Mouse 