Loads was using on the 2024 D23 Expo for Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The identical may very well be stated for Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro, who had spent the final couple of years and occasions like this dreaming of potentialities and what may very well be on the horizon. Now, it was time to ship.
Main as much as the Parks Panel, I felt what may very well be described as secondhand strain or nervousness. For what seems like an eternity, I’ve been a D’Amaro Defender, mentioning that lots of unpopular choices got here immediately from the highest through Bob Chapek (which has since been vindicated–it was the latter who pushed for extra layoffs and value will increase). Not solely that, however D’Amaro’s fingers have been tied for the final couple of years relating to new investments because of the mounting losses of the streaming companies and studios.
In equity, there’s additionally the fact that D’Amaro has subsequent to no accomplishments underneath his belt. Apart from a handful of favorable strikes to enhance visitor satisfaction, there’s little you may level to that’s attributable to D’Amaro. He’s very effectively preferred amongst Forged Members and previous colleagues, and appears to have a stable grasp of the parks, however he doesn’t have any main achievements to talk of. Principally, the 2024 D23 Expo Parks Panel was a make or break second not only for Walt Disney World and Disneyland, however for Josh D’Amaro as head of the Parks & Resorts division.
D’Amaro delivered. The Parks Panel was an enormous success each in fashion and substance, with one thing for everybody. The presentation started with Patrick Warburton arriving for a Soarin-style pre-show with nods to fan-favorite moments and continued with Uncle Jesse performing to a full home. The primary few musical numbers had been filled with homages to Disney parks previous and current, and demonstrated that this may be one thing particular for followers.
Music was the centerpiece of the Parks Panel, breaking apart the shorter and meatier substantive bulletins with large fashion. I’ve been attending D23 Expos (minus one) for the reason that starting, and this was the longest Parks Panel I can ever keep in mind. It (mercifully) didn’t fairly rival the interminably lengthy studios panels, and (fortunately) was higher than all of these. (They’ve turn into formulaic trailer + movie star on stage periods through the years.)
After John Stamos, I’ll admit that I didn’t know a lot of the different entertainers who carried out (not counting Billy Crystal and Darren Criss–I’m a fan of American Crime/Horror Story). However D23 attendees appeared to go loopy for the opposite musicians, and I appreciated the modifications of tempo, giving every announcement respiration room and time to marinate. This was simply the perfect produced D23 panel I’ve ever seen–the one factor that may’ve made it higher is Tom Cruise cutting down from the Honda Middle stage and using a motorbike as much as Josh D’Amaro. However he appeared to produce other engagements this weekend.
In fact, for anybody not really within the room–and for all of us in the long run–substance is what really issues. Josh emphasised in his opening remarks to the Parks Panel on the 2024 D23 Expo, “The whole lot we’re going to share with you is in energetic improvement. Plans are drawn. Dust is transferring. I simply need to be clear about this: We’re doing all the things you’re going to listen to tonight. This isn’t Blue Sky—we’re going to do all of this.”
These had been magic phrases that all of us wanted to listen to. One of many issues on our D23 want record was “No Blue Sky Nonsense.” That defined how lots of the goodwill and persistence followers would possibly in any other case have had has been exhausted, and that these public blue sky brainstorming periods simply really feel like a tedious tease or perhaps a model withdrawal to many followers.
We implored D’Amaro to say one thing substantive or nothing in any respect: “Present idea artwork. Share when shovel will hit soil. However don’t go up there and discuss in regards to the limitless potentialities that Imagineers are dreaming up or no matter. That’s only a waste of everybody’s time. It would garner some low-cost cheers, however as soon as followers understand that there’s no there there, sentiment will bitter.”
It certain looks as if he acquired the message, as each single announcement carried a concrete timeline–both a gap or when development will begin. Furthermore, the time horizon shouldn’t be distant–all the things mentioned will “begin to come to life over the subsequent 5 years.” (As a aspect word, it’s not fully clear what this implies. We had been individually suggested the introduced tasks would open within the subsequent 5 years, which might imply by 2029. That verbiage leaves a bit extra wiggle room–and I’m skeptical that Villains Land, for instance, will open by then.)
Different issues that I appreciated had been that D’Amaro didn’t filibuster or fixate on the previous. When it got here to the meat of the information, there wasn’t fluff–like that excruciating bit about “progressive fog” on Tiana’s Bayou Journey from final Expo. In actual fact, TBA is an effective instance as a result of it was barely even talked about. Just some seconds for a gap date at Disneyland as a part of a musical montage.
Up to now, there would’ve been an entire 15 minute section recapping stuff they only did. Personally, I’m glad we didn’t need to have a good time churros or no matter. However on the identical time, it’s fairly wild how some fairly huge near-term information was simply breezed over, solely getting passing point out. Between that and different bulletins that I’ve heard didn’t make the minimize, it ought to be an attention-grabbing few months as much more bulletins are made.
The largest (very nice) shock for me was the shortage of clones. For the longest time, the standard knowledge has been that cloning sights and lands is sensible to attenuate improvement prices. Regardless of the vocal minority of Disney followers who journey arguing in any other case, every park largely catered to its regional viewers.
With a bunch of recent sights as an alternative of clones–particularly for Avatar, Marvel, Automobiles and Coco–it looks as if the tide could also be turning on this. The world is now extra accessible than ever, which additionally is perhaps why we’ve seen the worldwide parks highlighted a lot extra by Disney (albeit not a lot at this presentation–it was largely the home parks).
Lastly, I additionally enormously appreciated not simply the dates for the 5-year plan, which made all of it really feel extra actual, however that there have been not less than a half-dozen stable bulletins for 2025. It’s nice that we’re getting new lands and rides beginning in a couple of years, however within the right here and now, I need to know what I’ve to look ahead to subsequent yr. Figuring out Magic Kingdom is getting an evening parade was enormous for me. Personally, I’d’ve preferred extra on Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary, however I can respect that the panel had lots of floor to cowl.
Nonetheless, this was the blockbuster D23 Parks Panel I had been hoping for, exceeding my expectations that it might rival the 2017 slate as the all-time. I nonetheless can’t imagine simply what number of bulletins we acquired, together with a couple of that had been out of left subject. However let’s minimize to the chase and get rolling with the rankings. You possibly can click on on any of the headlines to learn our articles with full particulars and complete commentary…
SETTING SAIL FROM 2027 to 2031 – The Disney Cruise Line fleet is increasing, bringing the full variety of ships docked all over the world to 13. Plus, new particulars in regards to the Disney Treasure and Disney Future had been revealed.
Although it’s not technically Walt Disney World or Disneyland information, I’m together with this as a result of DCL is often lumped in with the home parks. Not solely that, however my commentary on this information largely revolves round my fears about fleet enlargement, and the way it might find yourself having detrimental ramifications for investments in WDW and DLR.
OPENING NOVEMBER 15, 2024 — Blue skies and sunshine up forward! Tiana’s Bayou Journey impressed by Disney Animation’s “The Princess and the Frog,” at Disneyland opens at first of this vacation season.
I’m largely nervous about this. I like Tiana’s Bayou Journey although it’s a “warts and all” attraction. Nevertheless, that’s additionally with one huge caveat: when it’s working. That hasn’t been the case–not less than not constantly–because it opened at Walt Disney World.
My honest hope is that Disney figures out what’s improper with the Florida model of the trip and opens one thing dependable and with out fixed downtime at Disneyland. Past that, I’d like to see among the apparent points with the staging and present scenes fastened. I’m unsure a Christmas-time opening is adequate to deal with all of that–I used to be type of hoping Tiana’s Bayou Journey could be pushed into 2025.
COMING 2025 — Chill out with family and friends at two themed lounges coming to Walt Disney World impressed by Pirates of the Caribbean and Spaceship Earth.
I’m actually trying ahead to the Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern, which ought to be like a cross between Oga’s Cantina and Dealer Sam’s–however with pirates. The Spaceship Earth lounge ought to boast nice views, particularly at evening.
Some followers would possibly groan about extra bars, however I feel lounges are one thing Walt Disney World does rather well. They’re often family-friendly and with typically with nice meals (though I’m skeptical of that in these circumstances). That is Disney exhibiting as soon as once more that it views the theme parks as their very own mental property, and views Walt Disney World followers as a definite demo to whom it’s value catering.
CONSTRUCTION STARTS IN 2025 — Prepared to save lots of the world and galaxy? Properly, swimsuit up, as a result of new Avengers experiences are coming. At Disney California Journey, Avengers Campus will double in dimension with the addition of two new sights – Avengers Infinity Protection and Stark Flight Lab.
This could rank greater, however we’ve been listening to in regards to the Marvel E-Ticket attraction (now often known as Avengers Infinity Protection) for the reason that 2019 D23 Expo. It’s outdated information at this level and, frankly, ought to be open by now. So getting an announcement that development can be beginning subsequent yr–which in all probability means a 2027 or 2028 opening–is tough to get all that enthusiastic about.
With that stated, I’m an enormous fan of the trip system, and am optimistic generally about this enlargement. If Stark Flight Lab has respectable capability, this can be an enormous and far wanted win for DCA.
OPENS IN WINTER 2025 – Zootopia: Higher Zoogether has company visiting the totally different biomes you solely glimpse within the movie, touring together with Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and different characters. That is a substitute for “It’s Powerful to Be a Bug,” the 3D present contained in the Tree of Life. That attraction is predicted to shut in some unspecified time in the future in early 2025.
I’ve no main situation with Zootopia contained in the Tree of Life. It’s tucked away and comparatively insignificant, and the animals and their biomes can be highlighted somewhat than the metropolis they inhabit in Zootopia. For me, that’s nonetheless not splendid, but it surely’s shut sufficient. Nevertheless it does take Zootopia out of play as a standalone land a Animal Kingdom, which is vastly optimistic.
I’m trying ahead to Zootopia: Higher Zoogether. It’s primarily based on a enjoyable film we love with nice characters and catchy music. It definitely gained’t be as vital because the Avengers sights, but it surely’s coming sooner and Animal Kingdom urgently wants assist. (This record is graded on a curve, to some extent, giving weight to what’s on the horizon within the subsequent yr.)
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS 2026 — Seize your second! Journey to the Land of the Lifeless with Miguel and his skeletal household from Pixar’s “Coco” on this all-new attraction coming to Disney California Journey.
Walt Disney Imagineering will draw inspiration for the attraction from beloved classics, like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. “We’re bringing our skeletal solid of characters to life in an enormous approach by way of the newest Audio-Animatronics expertise,” Josh informed the D23 crowd. “These figures will seem in methods you’ll need to see to imagine.”
This could rank greater for me, since I like Coco and the sights inspiring this, however for the beginning date. Resulting from that, that is the announcement that felt the ‘least actual’ of all the things that was shared. And even it nonetheless felt pretty concrete, particularly as in contrast with the previous Blue Sky periods. It’s in all probability simply that this wasn’t on anybody’s radar–not less than not for DCA–and the beginning timeframe is extra distant than absolutely anything else.
JUMP TO LIGHTSPEED IN 2026 — Mando and Grogu have a brand new journey on the horizon coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Be a part of the Mandalorian and Child Yoda on brand-new adventures coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in celebration of the brand new Star Wars movie “The Mandalorian and Grogu” coming to theaters in 2026.
I’ve constantly and repeatedly been advocating for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to have a mushy reboot. I’m not going to rehash all of that right here, however the backside line is that I’d prefer to see Batuu break the sacred timeline and use the setting of the land as a leaping off level for brand spanking new adventures. (See Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Must Break the Guidelines for my tackle all of that.)
As issues at the moment stand, Millennium Falcon is arguably the third place Star Wars trip after Rise of the Resistance and Star Excursions. I like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and suppose it’s a greater general expertise from begin to end, however the trip portion of Star Excursions blows it away. Think about how nice Smugglers Run may very well be if it mixed the settings of Star Excursions with the interactivity and full package deal of the Millennium Falcon?! Bringing a brand new mission with Mando and Grogu may very well be a whole gamechanger–elevating Galaxy’s Edge as an entire together with it.
RACING TO OPEN IN 2025 — Discover the previous, current, and way forward for automation with a newly-rethemed Check Monitor, which Disney confirmed will open subsequent yr (as extensively anticipated). Moreover, new particulars had been shared in regards to the pre-show, queue reveals, and present scenes.
I liked Check Monitor 2.0 when it debuted, however time has achieved it no favors. From that perspective, Check Monitor 3.0 has lots of upside and nearly no draw back. Just about all the things that anybody loves about Check Monitor (the thrills) can be staying, so there’s little or no threat of this reimagining “messing up” what folks like in regards to the present trip.
Not solely that, however Check Monitor will get an replace impressed by World of Movement! That’s thrilling information that’s aimed squarely at longtime Walt Disney World followers. Whereas it stays to be seen precisely what meaning, it’s trigger for optimism. Check Monitor 3.0 is a low-floor, high-ceiling type of venture…and one being paid for by another person, so it’s not even coming on the expense of one other (greater precedence) Walt Disney World venture! Win-win!
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS 2319 2025 — It’s laughter they’re after when Sulley, Mike, and the remainder of the crew from Pixar Animation Studios’ “Monsters, Inc.” transfer into Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and let people contained in the manufacturing facility for the primary time.
Choosing up after the occasions of Pixar’s beloved movie, people have now been invited to go to the world of Monsters, Inc. The monsters want laughter to energy the town and maintain it operating easily, so that you’ll be capable of go to the Snigger Manufacturing facility, hear the laughs and zoom by way of the constructing identical to Sulley and Mike Wazowski, through a door. The Monsters, Inc. Doorways Coaster will put you proper in the course of the monster motion.
This might rank greater, however for my worry that it’ll find yourself changing Grand Avenue and MuppetVision 3D. If it leads to Animation Courtyard as an alternative, which is the place it belongs and the plain reply, I’ll be totally on board. Even so, it might solely transfer up one slot. It’s exhausting to get that excited for a ~2 minute curler coaster, even when the idea is superior.
DEBUTING IN 2025 — Cease by for a go to when “Walt Disney: A Magical Life” begins enjoying on the Primary Road Opera Home at Disneyland. After its preliminary debut, the present will then play in rotation with “Nice Moments with Mr. Lincoln.”
As somebody who’s cynical in regards to the firm utilizing Walt Disney as a company mascot, defend for unpopular choices, and different superficial functions (like making an attempt to redeem the aggressively underwhelming World Celebration with Dreamers Level), I’m susceptible to skepticism in direction of any invoking of the person who began all of it. And whereas I feel there are nonetheless potential landmines with the Walt Disney Audio Animatronics, I’m nonetheless on board.
The important thing distinction is that “Walt Disney: A Magical Life” is substantive and comes at a time when youthful generations know much less–or nothing in any respect–in regards to the man who made the magic. Honoring and preserving Walt Disney’s legacy and passing on his life story to new audiences so he isn’t forgotten trumps all else. That’s the reason this ranks so extremely–that is my sleeper decide from the D23 Expo.
ZOOMING TO CONSTRUCTION IN 2025 – Begin your engines, fan favourite tales and characters from Pixar’s “Automobiles” race into Magic Kingdom with two new sights and enjoyable for the entire household.
In isolation, I’m really someplace between cautiously optimistic and flat-out excited for 2 new Automobiles rides coming to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. The film isn’t my favourite, however Automobiles Land at DCA is unbelievable–and the franchise’s settings and characters work effectively when tailored to theme parks. Radiator Springs Racers is considered one of our favourite rides, and I can’t wait to see Imagineers roll out for the subsequent Automobiles rides.
Subsequent to D23, Walt Disney World revealed that the Automobiles space will really exchange the Rivers of America, which means that Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Sq. Riverboat will completely shut. This information let lots of the air out of the tires, so to talk, from Walt Disney World’s in any other case blockbuster D23. However for that, this may make the highest 3. And it nonetheless would possibly, relying upon execution.
OPENING IN 2027 — Tropical Americas will come to Disney’s Animal Kingdom that includes everybody’s favourite archeologist, Indiana Jones, and the magical casita from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Oscar-winning movie “Encanto.” (We’ve separate posts for the Encanto Magical Madrigal Casita Darkish Experience and Indiana Jones Journey.)
On the one hand, I’m nonetheless unhappy that Walt Disney World by no means went all-in on dinosaurs and gave the awesomest animal the land they deserve. Alternatively, Dino-Rama, because it really existed, sucked. There’s no two methods about it. Dino-Rama was terrible, and lower than Disney’s excessive requirements. It will undoubtedly be an enormous improve as in comparison with what was there earlier than.
I’m significantly excited for Indiana Jones Journey, and getting a 3rd model of this attraction with a storyline that’s distinctive and becoming for DAK. The 2 present incarnations are amongst my favourite rides on the earth, and I’ve heard that this may very well be the perfect of the bunch. The Encanto darkish trip is extra of a wild card. My worry is that followers predict Mystic Manor, and what we’d get can be extra alongside the traces of the Little Mermaid. It doesn’t must be trackless to be nice, but it surely does must be actively participating and enchanting.
EXPLORE MORE OF PANDORA – Sivako! Introduced for Disney California Journey, journey to an entire new nook of Pandora, impressed by “Avatar: The Means of Water” and future Avatar movies.
This new and thrilling tour will convey all of the motion, pleasure, and marvel of Avatar, taking company all the way in which to the wide-open seas of Pandora. That is going to be a dynamic, intense and emotional expertise on a grand scale that we all know our company will love. The tour will take company looking for majestic pure wonders that may solely be discovered on Pandora, discovering dense forests, and extra alongside the way in which.
The progressive attraction is rumored to make use of the identical trip system as Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure at Shanghai Disneyland. That’s a wonderful attraction, arguably prime 10 in your entire world, and an enormous a part of why is its progressive trip system. From a technological perspective, I can’t consider many sights that method Shanghai Pirates–in all probability Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, however I’m unsure what else. It’s really the right trip system for combining the vibe of Na’vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage!
CONSTRUCTION STARTING SOON — That is no fortunately ever after. Get able to see a darker aspect of your favourite fairytales when the Villains solid a spell over Magic Kingdom. Villains Land can be residence to 2 main sights, eating, and procuring on an extremely twisted grand scale.
Years from now, Disney followers will nonetheless be speaking in regards to the vitality within the room when Josh D’Amaro revealed Villains Land at Magic Kingdom as his “yet another factor” announcement. Both in a nasty approach because it’ll be one other sufferer in pile of unbuilt ideas, or a great way because it involves life.
Even with the chance that Villains Land will debut within the early 2030s (it ought to open in 2029 if that is really a 5-year plan, as prompt), this nonetheless ranks close to the highest of my record. How might it not? Have you ever seen that idea artwork?!?! After being rumored for so long as I’ve been a fan (with ideas courting again to the Nineties), it’s type of wild to see this lastly coming to life at such an epic scale.
Villains Land matches the mould for an ideal Magic Kingdom themed land. Although it’s turn into a franchise or model, at its coronary heart, it is a extra open idea like the present lands, somewhat than a single mental property, film or character. As a lot as I take pleasure in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, I nonetheless suppose it feels odd and disconnected from the remainder of Disneyland. So I’m glad to see Villains Land versus Encanto or Coco lands.
Competing with Common’s Darkish Universe plus the fan enthusiasm for Villains Land means the Imagineers are going to convey their a-game with Villains Land. Extra importantly, it implies that as an alternative of continuing with apprehension, Walt Disney World will go all-in on this enlargement, giving it the price range and area wanted to create one thing really…effectively, magical feels just like the improper phrase.
ARRIVING ON MAIN STREET, U.S.A. IN 2025 — When the solar units within the Magic Kingdom, a brand new parade will waltz down Primary Road! Get able to witness “Disney Starlight.” This all-new parade will proceed the nighttime spectacular legacy began by the Primary Road Electrical Parade, utilizing the newest expertise to inform new tales in regards to the characters you like. All of this is delivered to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy, along with beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios movies “Peter Pan,” “Encanto,” “Frozen,” and extra.
This was the announcement I wished most out of the 2024 D23 Expo. I do know Disney Starlight shouldn’t be as horny or thrilling as new lands or sights, however we additionally don’t have to attend 3+ years for it and Disney Starlight is without doubt one of the few issues that may really function an “reply” to Epic Universe. Clearly, leisure can’t compete with a brand new gate–but it surely does function counterprogramming to peel some folks away from Common.
Together with the fireworks, the evening parade units the nighttime temper in Magic Kingdom. It’s greater than that, although. Walt Disney first launched fireworks as his “kiss goodnight” to company on the finish of a protracted day, as a technique to ship folks residence on a excessive word. It’s similar to the grand finale of the present itself, however for the visitor’s day as an entire. We can’t wait to expertise Disney Starlight as a household, making new recollections collectively and rekindling outdated ones alongside the way in which. That’s why the Disney Starlight Parade is #1, surpassing even Villains Land.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What are your reactions to the varied bulletins for Walt Disney World and Disneyland on the 2024 D23 Expo? What has you most and least excited? Have been any of those bulletins downright unhealthy or detrimental information, in your view? Something you’re hoping doesn’t find yourself coming to fruition? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Any questions we might help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!