It’s an thrilling time to be a Walt Disney World fan. We’re anxiously awaiting bulletins for the upcoming development cycle of “turbocharged” development to see what’s on the horizon within the subsequent decade. Rumors and wishful pondering are swirling, with hypothesis of recent lands and points of interest, plus experience reimaginings and different growth.
Together with contemporary and thrilling new buzz, some age-old rumors gained’t die, popping up time and again over time with a cussed persistence–like a penguin or camel or cockroach, relying upon your perspective. So it ought to come as no shock that sure prospects are making a resurgence as soon as once more, provided that just a few of those initiatives have been pitched over the last improvement cycle that got here to a untimely finish.
That so many rumors are swirling is not any shock. The corporate has $17 billion funding plans for Walt Disney World within the subsequent decade. There’s each incentive to spend that a lot or extra, as theme parks have been an space of energy and stability for the corporate, with the previous decade of investments fueling large development. On prime of all that, the elephant within the room for Walt Disney World is Common’s Epic Universe, the third theme park being inbuilt Central Florida by Comcast. That may renew the theme park wars within the decade to come back, motivating Disney to provide you with a greater “reply” to Epic Universe than it’s present “nothing.”
With all of that mentioned, not all “rumors” for the way forward for Walt Disney World are of equal high quality or probability. These are very a lot air quotes round rumor, as so lots of the proposals we’ve heard about are WDW diehard’s daydreams. Issues we as a fan neighborhood would collectively like to see and may prefer to will into existence, however are nonetheless unlikely. If this wishful pondering is repeated usually sufficient and with a sure confidence, it takes on quasi-rumor standing–like a foul recreation of phone. That’s among the checklist beneath.
There are additionally entries which have extra credibility to them, and a larger probability of coming to fruition down the highway. These are actual rumors, or have been at one level. If the above class is sort of a unhealthy recreation of phone, that is akin to “the place there’s smoke, there’s hearth.” Rumors which have lingered as a result of they’re good concepts–and people by no means die in Imagineering. Nonetheless, being a good suggestion doesn’t alone assure a venture being greenlit, which means we’d have to attend some time longer for these ideas to come back to life.
Suffice to say, we’d wager in opposition to listening to any of the next bulletins in the course of the Horizons Park Panel on the 2024 D23 Expo. Perhaps in 2026, 2028, or additional down the highway–however the probabilities of something on this checklist turning into official in 2024 is exceedingly unlikely…
Skyliner Enlargement – This one retains arising, and I’m not likely positive from the place. Each time I hear rumors of a supposed Skyliner growth, the routes are totally different. Generally there’s a connection for Coronado Springs, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the All Stars to Animal Kingdom. Then there was Coronado Springs to Blizzard Seashore and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Yet one more was ??? (I don’t keep in mind) to Disney Springs.
I’ve a tough time believing that any of those or different routes occur. The primary Skyliner fulfilled a purpose of getting buses off the roads, upgrading lodging to create two “Worth Plus” and one “Reasonable Plus” resort, whereas giving a brand new Disney Trip Membership tower in no man’s land a definite promoting level.
Earlier than daydreaming about Skyliner growth, it’s important to reply a essential query: what does this do for Disney? Coronado Springs already does fairly effectively because the conference lodge, the All Stars serve a job as budget-friendly lodging, and there’s little incentive to spend so much to make entry simpler to a shopping mall full of third events. About the one risk, I assume, is additional lowering labor and different prices of buses, however I don’t see that alone as sufficiently compelling for Skyliner growth.
De-Disco-ified Yeti – Joe Rohde promised to repair the notorious Disco Yeti that hasn’t labored for many of Expedition Everest’s existence. The legendary Imagineer couldn’t get that completed when he was round, and now he’s gone (at the least formally). C’mon, does anybody actually consider that Disney goes to spend the cash essential to repair this? When even the park’s greatest advocate–and one with inside affect–couldn’t get it completed?
I’ll admit that that is partially wishful pondering on my half. The Yeti Audio Animatronics was a colossal waste of cash for one thing that may solely be seen for a fraction of a second. In a park that has loads of issues and is in pressing want of loads of assist, the yeti shouldn’t be fastened anytime in at the least the following decade. Budgets are finite and that’s a poor use of each (down)money and time. Sorry not sorry.
If you happen to nonetheless assume Disco Yeti needs to be fastened, I’m curious which parks venture you assume the ~$50 million ought to come from? Tropical Americas, Past Large Thunder–possibly Magic Kingdom doesn’t really want an evening parade? Followers complain about Walt Disney World not getting sufficient consideration, but it surely does–the larger drawback is that the corporate doesn’t spend cash smarter in terms of WDW.
fifth Gate – I’m not even going to dignify this one with a prolonged clarification. We’ve been over this time and time once more, but it surely retains arising as a result of Common’s Epic Universe.
Many followers count on an equal “reply” to Epic Universe, and the one factor that may actually compete with a brand new theme park is a brand new theme park. That completely is not going to occur. There’s a 0% probability Disney proclaims a fifth theme park for Walt Disney World on the 2024 D23 Expo and like 2% that one is introduced by the 2034 D23 Expo. If you wish to learn extra about this subject: Right here’s Why a fifth Theme Park Will NOT Be Constructed at Walt Disney World within the Subsequent Decade.
Wonders of Wakanda – Again when the primary Black Panther film was a smash success on the field workplace, there have been almost-immediate credible rumors that Disney was evaluating it for the parks. One of many main contends was for it changing Wonders of Life again in 2018. Clearly, it didn’t win out as Play Pavilion was introduced as an alternative. That idea has since been shelved.
Within the final 12 months, each Disney CEO Bob Iger and Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro have mentioned Wakanda as a number one candidate for growth at Walt Disney World or Disneyland. It’s proper up there with Frozen, Encanto, and Coco because the IPs talked about most. And it’s the one a kind of that doesn’t have already got a house at Walt Disney World or a touchdown place in Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom or Past Large Thunder at Magic Kingdom.
Repurposing the Wonders of Life pavilion into Wakanda would create a de facto Marvel miniland in World Discovery, and it may very well be the second ‘Different World Showcase’ pavilion. From Walt Disney World’s perspective, and as a matter of marketability, that most likely makes loads of sense. Personally, I don’t love the concept of extra Marvel in EPCOT, however I believe that Wakandan know-how may very well be the leaping off level for this to be shoehorned into EPCOT. It wouldn’t make any much less sense than the Wonders of Xandar, which works decently effectively as a framing gadget.
Nonetheless, I don’t assume this occurs. If Walt Disney World has any urge for food for extra Marvel (and that’s an enormous “if”), a reimagined Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster is essentially the most logical touchdown level. That may be the cheaper and extra marketable choice, and depart the Wonders pavilion open for extra family-friendly ideas that is likely to be higher matches.
The Simpsons – There are extremely credible rumors that when Common’s license on the Simpsons expires in 2028, these lands will shut. There are myriad causes for this, from the experience system being in poor form and approaching the tip of its life to Common wanting devoted Nintendo presences in every of its current gates along with Epic Universe. I can not independently corroborate Common rumors, however these explanations cross the scent check for me.
What doesn’t cross the scent check is the idea that when the theme park license reverts to Disney, they’ll make the most of that by constructing their very own land, attraction–no matter. This isn’t a reputable rumor, it’s an assumption. And, for my part, it’s not a very good one. The Simpsons is efficacious to the Hulu again catalog as a result of it has a ton of episodes. I’m extremely skeptical that it’s helpful as a theme park property within the 2030s, when the franchise’s peak reputation is over 30 years prior to now.
Monsters, Inc. Doorways Coaster – Since I’ve been energetic within the fan neighborhood as an grownup, there have been rumors of a Monsters Inc. Doorways Coaster. At one level, it was a “completed deal” for the spot subsequent door to Toy Story Mania in Pixar Place. That was lengthy earlier than Toy Story Land was a factor.
Sooner or later (most likely when Toy Story Mania bought a 3rd monitor, taking that choice off the desk), the situation moved to Animation Courtyard. Different variations place it in Sundown Showcase or space that’s at present backstage however may very well be repurposed to attach lifeless ends of the park.
For the document, I feel the Monsters Inc. Doorways Coaster is an excellent thought for a family-friendly “story” coaster. I additionally assume that there’s reality to the notion that good concepts by no means actually die in Imagineering and that applies to this idea. So I nonetheless assume there are respectable odds this will get constructed someplace, sometime. I’m simply not assured it’ll be at DHS or greenlit till there’s one other Monsters film that does effectively on the field workplace.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Enlargement – Disney won’t ever admit it, however Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has underperformed relative to expectations. I sort of hate even saying this, as there’s a cottage business of Cartmans who feed off of anger in direction of Disney’s dealing with of the franchise. However it’s nonetheless true, and you must look no additional than Disney cancelling plans for the Paris model of the land and by no means cloning the growth anyplace else. (To not point out the unmitigated failure of Galactic Starcruiser, however that’s a considerably separate subject.)
Had Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge been a hit, it had loads of room for growth at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And it nonetheless seemingly may take over Grand Avenue or extra backstage actual property, including one other experience and extra within the course of. It gained’t. Not less than, not anytime within the foreseeable future.
The perfect case situation–and one which I strongly consider ought to occur–is a gentle reboot of the land that ditches the strict “story” and timeline guidelines to make the land extra enjoyable. That would yield extra leisure and the previously-planned restaurant, and it could give Galaxy’s Edge a shot within the arm within the course of. And that may end in additional growth of the land down the highway, however no time quickly.
Jungle E book Trip – Again earlier than there have been credible rumors of a Lion King experience heading to Animal Kingdom, there have been stories of a Jungle E book attraction heading to EPCOT as a part of an India pavilion. Like Lion King, a part of the rumor was that the Jungle E book attraction would make the most of the identical experience system as Shanghai Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure.
This experience system for an underwater-controlled boat was patented by Disney a number of years in the past, however has but to resurface in different points of interest apart from Shanghai. Beforehand, the experience system was additionally rumored for Peter Pan’s By no means Land Journey in Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea and a brand new Pandora attraction in Animal Kingdom (lengthy earlier than it turned a rumor for Disneyland Resort).
Regardless of Lion King having the clear benefit, it doesn’t seem that Jungle E book experience rumors are completely lifeless. I wouldn’t wager on them coming to fruition anytime quickly, however I additionally wouldn’t wager in opposition to them. Jungle E book is without doubt one of the few animated classics that doesn’t have an attraction (the reside motion remake additionally did rather well). That alone provides a component of plausibility to this risk.
Ice Age Mountain – Ever since Disney acquired the rights to Ice Age through the Fox transaction, concepts have floated round in regards to the franchise discovering a house at Animal Kingdom. Word that I’m not calling these rumors and even wishful pondering, it simply appeared like followers baselessly assumed that since Ice Age was standard (was it actually, although?), it’d find yourself within the parks.
The most recent iteration of that is an overlay of Expedition Everest. Not as a result of there’s a single iota of reality to it, however as a result of, I assume, there’s snow on the mountain and within the film? It ought to go with out saying, however this isn’t going to occur.
Extra typically talking, I don’t assume any Ice Age points of interest or a land will ever occur at Walt Disney World. Rightly or wrongly (rightly is the right reply), Disney doesn’t view Ice Age as one in every of its top-tier franchises. There has by no means been any sign in any respect that the corporate plans on incorporating these motion pictures into the parks.
It needs to be telling that not even characters have appeared within the parks at this level. In the event that they’re not prepared to spend the minimal on leisure or non permanent choices, what affordable foundation is there for believing they could construct a full land or experience?
World Showcase Enlargement – Walt Disney World has an extended and wealthy historical past of unbuilt World Showcase pavilions that got here so shut to occurring. Most notable are Equatorial Africa, Spain, and Israel, all of which have been truly introduced by Disney. If you happen to’re not acquainted with these ideas, there’s a lot about them in Walt Disney’s Epcot Heart: Creating the New World of Tomorrow. On the time this ebook was written, it was nonetheless believed that these pavilions have been coming to EPCOT Heart, so the ebook spends time discussing them.
Quick-forward to the 2010s (and maybe even earlier), and the massive rumor was Brazil. The rumors actually gained momentum from 2017 to 2019, to the purpose that an announcement in the course of the latter 12 months’s D23 Expo was believed to be a completed deal. In actual fact, a scheduled tweet from Disney companions “leaked” the information…that by no means was. Whereas we don’t know for positive what occurred, extra rumors afterwards steered it was a timing subject and Disney not desirous to announce in the course of the 2019 Amazon rainforest fires. Then, after all, 2020 occurred.
Quick ahead once more to this 12 months, when Disney introduced D23 Brazil: The Final Fan Occasion to be held in Sao Paulo this November. So after all that’s going to rekindle the rumor and/or hypothesis mill. For our half, we’ve heard completely nothing credible. A couple of Brazil or any new pavilion in World Showcase. It doesn’t seem to be there’s any urge for food for additional growth in World Showcase. Even when there needs to be.
Disney’s Magical Categorical Returns – It’s unlikely that Disney’s Magical Categorical is ever coming again. Nonetheless, if ever there was a time to convey again the airport transportation that gave Walt Disney World a quasi-captive viewers and helped improve occupancy, it’s when the competitor throughout city is opening a brand new theme park and has a glut of lodge stock awaiting the event.
For the reason that resolution to finish Disney’s Magical Categorical was made, we’ve been saying it is not sensible even from a enterprise perspective–that there have to be extra to the story. It is because, in contrast to different on-site visitor perks, the “free” service was extremely helpful to Walt Disney World. It made vacationers a captive viewers who have been much less more likely to go and spend cash elsewhere.
Way back, Walt Disney World decided that the rise in common per visitor spending with Disney’s Magical Categorical plus the perceived comfort and goodwill obtained from providing the service outweighs the common per visitor value of providing the service. It’s potential that calculus modified in the course of the period of pent-up demand, particularly as rideshare providers turned extra frequent and simpler to burst the Disney bubble, so to talk.
However the opening of Epic Universe is likely to be event for revisiting the choice. We’ve additionally been saying for some time that the most important risk Common poses to Disney comes through lodge occupancy numbers. If Epic Universe can peel away even ~10% of on-site company from Walt Disney World, that’s an enormous drawback.
Disney’s Magical Categorical may assist tackle that, whereas additionally preserving a subset of company fully on-site. The bubble isn’t as sturdy because it as soon as was and there’s actually no approach to stop WDW company from taking day journeys to Common, however there are methods to maintain them staying on-site at Walt Disney World. Perks is one in every of them, and there’s no higher perk than DME!
So whereas I’d nonetheless wager in opposition to a return of Disney’s Magical Categorical within the close to future, I feel there’s a non-zero probability of it occurring…and the probability will increase if Walt Disney World feels stress from Common Orlando.
BONUS: third Gate at Disneyland – DisneylandForward has damaged the brains of Disney followers. What was as soon as thought not possible–a 3rd gate at Disneyland–now seems like a foregone conclusion to some. We hold seeing this pop up on lists of predictions for the 2024 D23 Expo, to the purpose that it’s driving me loopy.
The chances of DisneylandForward are actually thrilling. However that’s all they’re–prospects. For just like the dozenth time, DisneylandForward is just not a substantive plan or development venture, it’s extra like a zoning proposal. DisneylandForward is absolutely all about paving the way in which for future developments of an unsure nature by giving Disney extra autonomy over land use by stress-free the DRSP.
Though its approval does require Disney to take a position at the least $2 billion into the parks over the following decade, with potential for $2.5 billion, it doesn’t require that to be spent on precise growth past the berms. Disney may spend double that quantity on the present parks with out rising the footprint of the resort in any respect and that will nonetheless fulfill the situations of the DisneylandForward approval. In actual fact, that’s nearly precisely what I feel will occur (with the potential exception of what’s at present the Hollywood Backlot being constructed out into the bus loop).
A variety of followers are making massive assumptions based mostly on the environmental affect examine for DisneylandForward. That used precise present buildings for points of interest from Tokyo and Shanghai, which bought followers excited, however all of these have been placeholders. It’s quite a bit simpler to simply recycle plans which have already been made and drop them into such a report relatively than make new (pretend) plans for no actual objective.
To finish this on an optimistic observe, I truly do assume I’ll see a 3rd park at Disneyland in my lifetime. And albeit, I wouldn’t be shocked if work began on it someday within the 2030s. Not like Walt Disney World, there are loads of the reason why it truly makes a point of sense. At any time when the third gate does come to fruition, it’ll be a direct results of DisneylandForward laying the muse for it. I simply don’t assume that it’s within the playing cards for the medium-term. There’s loads of room for development throughout the current gates, in order that’s what we’ll see first.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What rumors would you wager in opposition to being confirmed on the 2024 D23 Expo–or ever? Which of those do you assume are fan daydreaming? Which do you view as ‘good concepts that by no means die’ throughout the halls of Imagineering? Every other persistent rumors for Walt Disney World that you just’d wager in opposition to? Are you excited/optimistic about what might be revealed in the course of the Horizons Park Panel, or taking an “I’ll consider it once I see it” stance given the entire cancelled initiatives of the final ~5 years? Any shock bulletins you assume is likely to be potential?