As the years prolong and the new becomes the old, the imagineers at Walt Disney World are bringing a fresh, new atmosphere to a family favorite theme park. Ever since their opening on October 1, 1971, Walt Disney World has been known as “The happiest place on earth,” and even to this day, I think it’s safe to say that this statement holds true. But times have changed and some of the classic animatronic characters in classic rides are starting to show their age. Older rides aren’t as desired as the new, popular rides such as Frozen Ever After, a new ride that appeared in Epcot soon after the movie was aired. Each of the four parks are getting a fresh new face with renovations and construction underway.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom will be adding some newer rides, some even from its sister park across the pond, Shanghai Disney. At the most recent D23 convention, imagineers confirmed the expansion of nearly 30% will be underway which will increase the annual attendance by six million visitors. This expansion will recreate the existing Tomorrowland Speedway into Shanghai Disney’s Tron coaster, a new town theater on Main Street USA, and a park wide addition that has actually already taken place, the “Minnie” vans, an Uber like transportation system that will take customers to and from parks, resorts or anywhere visitors’ hearts desire.

   Another rumor was confirmed by Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts, Bob Chapek, that Disney will have a fully functioning gondola system that will take visitors between Epcot, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, Art of Animation, and Hollywood Studios. It expected to be up and running before the 50th anniversary in 2021 as are many of the other renovations. The gondolas are to hold up to 4-6 passengers and are going to feature Disney characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and the Hitchhiking Ghosts. Along with the transportation, a new Star Wars themed resort will open up built alongside the new Star Wars Land opening in 2018. Another resort, in relation to Caribbean Beach Resort, will open in 2019 that will be named Disney’s Riviera Resort.

   With many new changes and additions being made, Disney promises to present nothing but their best, and we can assume that they will surpass our even greatest expectations!