It’s been an exciting year to be a Disney fan with so many changes happening at Walt Disney World and we would like to take a moment to look back on some of the biggest debuts, events and stories of 2017. With the New Year just days away now is the perfect time for a Disney Year in Review looking back at some of the most amazing things Disney has brought us during 2017.
Here is a look at our Disney Year in Review highlighting 15 of the biggest developments from 2017 at Walt Disney World.
Epcot Festival of Arts
The Festival of the Arts made its debut January 13th at Epcot and featured pieces from Disney historical artist Mary Blair and Herb Ryman art of Epcot, to current Disney artists Joe Kaminski and Costa Alavezos, guests weren’t only surrounded by incredible visions, they were able to watch the creative process happen live. New art was created and revealed each weekend, so guests could look forward to a new experience every time they visited.
Disney Skyliner Gondola System
Permits were filed for a proposed gondola system, February 15, at Walt Disney World. The now confirmed Skyliner will transport guests between Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s new Riviera Resort
Rivers of Light Nighttime Spectacular
“Rivers of Light” opened February 17th at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It combines live performance, floating set pieces, a soaring musical score, fountains and more in a celebration of animals and nature. The story magically unfolds on the broad natural stage of the Discovery River, conveying the uplifting spirit of an ancient and timeless lantern ceremony and filled with symbolism, storytelling and plenty of heart.
Miss Adventure Falls
Opened March 2nd at Typhoon Lagoon. The new family raft attraction now open at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is a fast-paced waterslide takes you on a journey where you are sure to spot some of Captain Mary Oceaneer’s prized finds, have a blast and of course, get wet!
Galactic Nights
Disney’s Hollywood Studios hosted the first Star Wars: Galactic Nights hard ticket event . A new Hollywood-inspired special event debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on April 14. Guests came dressed as their favorite character and to celebrate forty years of Star Wars milestones.
Goodbye “Wishes”, hello “Happily Ever After”
“Wishes” makes its final run concluding its 13 year run at Magic Kingdom the evening prior only just, and a brand new nighttime spectacular titled “Happily Ever After” made its debut on Friday, May 12th to a packed crowd. This breathtaking show not only features awe-inspiring fireworks, but also has more lights, lasers and projections than any show at the park before it. “Happily Ever After” takes guests on the Disney journeys that they know and love, facing all of the challenges and adversity with their favorite characters on their path toward their own happy ending.
Pandora – The World of Avatar
On May 27th the highly anticipated land, Pandora – The World of Avatar, officially opened to guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The largest addition in the history of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora – The World of Avatar transports guests to the moon of Pandora, where they can explore floating mountains and bioluminescent rainforests. They can also enjoy unforgettable experiences, like sailing down a mystical river to encounter a Na’vi shaman at Na’vi River Journey, or experiencing what it’s like to soar over Pandora on the back of a mountain banshee at Avatar Flight of Passage.
We Wants The RedHead
On June 29th Disney Parks, confirmed that the popular “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride will be swapping out a scene in which a pirate buys his wife at auction. The scene, appears in the “Pirates” rides at Disney World, Disneyland and Disneyland Paris, and depicts a group of bound women on an auction block, with a banner reading “Auction, take a wench for a bride” hanging above their heads.
DisneyQuest
After 19 years of operation at Disney Springs DisneyQuest closed its doors for the last time on July 2nd. The interactive indoor theme park first opened on June 19,1998. DisneyQuest was designed as a way for guests to experience the Disney Parks without having to be at the actual theme park destination. Only two locations were built, despite plans to expand to other cities in the U.S.: Chicago and the then-called Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World.
Minnie Van Service
Disney launched a new transportation pilot called Minnie Van service in July. This new transportation service is now available for guests staying at select Disney Resorts. Through a collaboration with the US’ fastest growing rideshare service, Lyft, guests at these resorts can arrange their own private Disney vehicle right from the Lyft app on their smartphone. With Minnie Van service, Disney cast members will then whisk you away to wherever you want to be at Walt Disney World Resort.
Hurricane Irma
September 10th the storm strikes shutting down the parks for two days. The storm only caused cosmetic damage to the parks. However, Irma was part of a 1-2-3 punch of Cat 5 hurricanes which affected Disney Cruise itineraries for months.
Epcot’s 35th Anniversary
Epcot marked it’s 35th anniversary, this October 1st, with an epic in-park celebration. Thousands of Disney fans gathered at Epcot to celebrate the park’s 35th anniversary by watching a special ceremony that was highlighted with Disney characters, fun performances by the park’s most beloved musical acts and more. During the ceremony, George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort, spoke, honoring the park’s past and sharing excitement for its future.
Dogs Welcome at Select Resorts
Walt Disney World began allowing dogs at select resort hotels as of October 15. For the first time ever, the Walt Disney World Resort will welcome guests – and their dogs – to select resort properties as part of this new dog-friendly pilot program.
Galactic Nights
Following a sold-out event last April Disney’s Hollywood Studios hosted another Star Wars: Galactic Nights on December 16. The gala evening was filled with out-of-this-world entertainment celebrating the entire Star Wars saga, including special guest appearances by Star Wars celebrities. Favorite film moments, special effects and, of course, the epic Star Wars cinematic score filled the park all evening long.
Hall Of Presidents Reopens
After months of speculation about the opening date, Donald Trump finally makes his presidential debut in the Hall of Presidents on December 16th. He stands front and slightly off-center on the stage next to a seated Abraham Lincoln and his animatronic figure indeed has a speaking role.
2017 was an amazing year for Walt Disney World with so many things debuting or in the works. While this was a year to remember we can’t wait to see what 2018 brings as there is so much more ahead in 2018 and beyond.