3 BIG Announcements We Can't Wait to Hear at the 2019 D23 Expo

Monday, June 3, 2019 - 07:21

2. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opening date

Image: Disney

It was a bit of a bummer when it was announced that Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge would open with one attraction, but we're sure that work on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is progressing rapidly, and hopefully Disney will have an opening date ready to share by the time the D23 Expo comes along. According to reports, this attraction will have a whopping total of 305 animatronic figures and droids, almost a third of which are expected to be Stormtroopers. In addition, sources state that this attraction will have 18 different show scenes that involve 5 different ride systems, making it one of the most (if not the most) technically advanced rides at a Disney park ever. In a climate that has recently favored screens and 3D effects, it looks like Star wars: Rise of the Resistance could usher in a new era of animatronic, practical effect, and ride system technology, and hopefully we'll be able to experience it soon!

3. Star Wars Hotel

Image: Disney

And speaking of Star Wars, Back in 2017 it was revealed that in an effort to extend the Star Wars experience beyond Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge a specialty hotel was being built that would allow fans to experience the Star Wars universe in a whole new way. Instead of just having decor "inspired" by Star Wars (like the movie-based wings of the Art of Animation) guests who stay in this hotel will be able to take part in an immersive experience designed from the ground up to be a living adventure that gives guests the chance to become the star of their own Star Wars Story.

To help facilitate this, Disney is building this now hotel right across from where Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will be on the south side of Disney's Hollywood Studios. Construction has already started on this new hotel, but Disney has not released any specifics in regards to cost or opening date. And with Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Hollywood Studios set to debut just a few days after the D23 Expo, revealing more information about this new Star Wars experience could help keep guests feeling the force beyond even the opening of Rise of the Resistance!

Amanda KondolojyView Profile

Managing editor of Theme Park Tourist and dark ride enthusiast. Amanda is a lifelong theme parks fan who lives just outside Orlando. When she’s not booking FastPass+ reservations, standing in a queue or eating the latest specialty cupcake, you can find her watching a Marvel movie, reading a book (probably by Neil Gaiman) or singing along to showtunes in her car. Contact: [email protected]