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Disney Expo Surprises Include Johnny Depp And New Rides

September 15, 2009 at 9:03 AM | by | Comments (0)

While most were firmly planted on the couch watching Sunday’s football games, things were wrapping up at the D23 Expo in Anaheim. Disney hopes that this year’s expo—which is much like Comic Con for Disney fans—is just the first of many for years to come. If they announce as much as they did during this year’s edition, then we’ll definitely be intrigued year after year. However, we did know about a lot of their new projects already, including a revamp of the Star Tours attraction, thanks to the ol’ rumor mill.

One big surprise was to see Johnny Depp himself step onto the stage in full Captain Jack Sparrow regalia. He was in character and playfully going back and forth with one of the Disney suits on stage; he even commented about what poor Kermit the Frog tasted like. Depp was there to confirm that he will be returning in 2011 to star in the fourth edition of the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise.

As for theme park stuff, there was much new information about new rides coming to both Orlando and Anaheim. There were plenty of hype about all the updates and additions to the lesser-loved park across from Disneyland—Disney’s California Adventure. Although previously confirmed, the company was sure to promote the addition of a huge themed land devoted to the world of automobiles from the movie Cars, as well as a new ride based on The Little Mermaid. Adding these projects up, along with other new attractions, will bring $1 billion in improvements to the park over the next few years.

Down in Florida, much will be improved at the tired Fantasyland, which hasn’t seen too many updates since it first opened. The iconic Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride will get an update and be redesigned. Let’s just hope the line doesn’t get any longer than it already is. There’ll also be a new Be Our Guest restaurant where visitors can overindulge on theme park fare while being treated to the sights and sounds of the Beauty and the Beast characters. Now if they can just reduce the number of strollers rolling over toes in the park, we’ll see about getting our tickets.

Related Stories:
· D23 Expo [Official Site]
· Disney Announces Upgrades in Anaheim and Major Expansion in Orlando [LAT]
· Disney coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Loren Javier]

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