In case you missed it, an epic amount of Disney news was dropped over the weekend at the 2019 D23 Expo, the “ultimate Disney fan event.” And there’s plenty for Disney diehards to be excited about, from new movies to original programming on Disney+ to Disney Stores in Target locations. But there was one announcement we think is practically perfect in every way: Disney World is getting a Mary Poppins ride.
On the morning of Sunday, Aug. 25, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek took the stage to update fans on what’s headed to Disney parks in the coming years. When talk turned to Epcot’s massive transformation, Chapek called up a team of dancing chimney sweeps followed by the legendary Dick Van Dyke to deliver the big news: Cherry Tree Lane is coming to Epcot’s United Kingdom pavilion, and it will be home to a Mary Poppins attraction.
The lane will become a new “neighborhood” within the pavilion. Guests will be able to stroll past Admiral Boom’s house and up to 17 Cherry Tree Lane, the home of the Banks family. Once there, guests will be able to enter the home and experience the first-ever Mary Poppins-themed ride.
This is big news for fans of the old and new Mary Poppins films, the latter of which premiered in Dec. 2018.
On December 19, the story continues. Watch the all-new trailer for #MaryPoppinsReturns now: https://t.co/SnHlO9d4Hm pic.twitter.com/vThy5ewdhU
— The Walt Disney Company (@WaltDisneyCo) September 17, 2018
Epcot’s World Showcase is getting some other exciting updates as well, particularly just over the bridge at the France pavilion.
Another new ride, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, is under construction and a Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along will begin running in the theater, in addition to the longtime favorite film Impressions de France. And if shrinking down to Remy’s size and going on an adventure through Gusteau’s kitchen gives you a craving for some French fare (how could it not?), a new restaurant, Le Creperie de Paris, should take care of that with both quick-service and table-service offerings.
Who’s ready to book a jolly holiday?