What’s Next For Disney Parks In 2017? Avatar, Star Wars And Toy Story Land Updates

The U.S. Disney parks are going undergoing a transformation. Following the success of the new “Star Wars” films, both Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and Disneyland in Anaheim, California, are adding new lands dedicated to the franchise. Elsewhere, Disney World is also getting a “Toy Story” land to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom a section dedicated to “Avatar.”

Before 2017 rolls in, check out what Disney park visitors can expect from the hit vacation destinations in the coming months!

Avatar Land

Location: Animal Kingdom in Orlando

Opening Date: Summer 2017

Rides: There will be two rides in the 12-acres that make up Pandora - The World of Avatar. The first, a family friendly river adventure, Na’vi River Journey, which sends guests on a trip to the bioluminescent rainforest. For adrenaline junkies there’s Avatar Flight of the Passage, a “jaw-dropping experience” where you ride a Banshee over Pandora.

Restaurants: There are tons of spots to grab a bite in Animal Kingdom but Satu’li Canteen will be the main restaurant in the new land. Those looking for a beverage can head to Pongu Pongu.

Shops: “Avatar” fans will get their fill of movie merchandise. Windtraders is expected to sell Na’vi “cultural items” as well as toys and other souvenirs.

Toy Story Land

Location: Hollywood Studios in Orlando

Opening Date: TBD

Rides: There are two attractions on the way. The first is Slinky Dog Dash, a family style roller coaster. The second is reminiscent of Magic Kingdom’s Teacups. Alien Swirling Saucers will have guests sit in a toy saucer as their car tries to avoid the alien’s dread “claw.”

Other: Like the “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” playground, which was demolished to make way for the new land, Toy Story land will make you feel like you’ve been shrunken down to the size of one of Andy’s toys.

Star Wars Land

Location: Hollywood Studios in Orlando and Disneyland in Anaheim

Opening Date: TBD (construction is underway in both parks.)

Rides: Disney has announced that each park will have “two signature attractions.” One will have guests pilot the Millennium Falcon while the other allows fans to battle the first order and the resistance.

Restaurants: Food will be part of the Star Wars land experience. Disney Food Blog has concept photos of a table-service dinner club coming to the Orlando resort. Mos Eisley cantina, featured in Episode IV, is also speculated to serve food in the land.

Other: CEO Bob Iger said in August that the sections will be “jaw-dropping” places where “Star Wars” characters and their stories are fully realized. Previously, the company shared each park will be 14-acres.

Last month, Disney revealed after dark concept art for Star Wars land in Orlando, saying, “The land will take on a whole new dimension after dark and feature adventures and surprises around each corner.”

Bonus

Park visitors at Typhoon Lagoon in Orlando can also expect a new ride. The water park is introducing Miss Fortune Falls, a family raft attraction coming in spring 2017. The ride will follow fictional treasure hunter Captain Mary Oceaneer’s past. The ride time is expected to be two minutes, the longest at both Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach waterparks.