One month from this weekend, the 2025 Vacation spot D23 occasion shall be held at Walt Disney World. Rumors and wishful considering are swirling as followers anxiously awaiting bulletins for Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom & past. Our personal want record contains the return of Figment & Dreamfinder and different facets of OG EPCOT Heart, Lion King and Inside Out sights, a brand new drone present, experience reimaginings and the return of ‘2019 regular’ at WDW.
Final 12 months, we predicted a giant slate of bulletins for the D23 Expo–the largest for the reason that 2017 D23 Expo. Popping out of the closures, the 2022 occasion wasn’t practically pretty much as good, with loads of “what ifs?” Previous to that, a lot revealed in 2019 acquired cancelled as a result of COVID. Then there was the final Vacation spot D23 occasion, which was large. It was arguably greater than the earlier D23 Expo, seemingly as a result of the corporate was scrambling to pivot again to parks after traders soured on streaming.
Because it turned out, final 12 months’s D23 Expo was big. One of many greatest ever, far surpassing the earlier two. Consequently, it’s our expectation that the 2025 Vacation spot D23 will NOT be an announcement-heavy occasion. Disney “shot its shot” with D23 Expo final 12 months, so there shouldn’t be a lot in the way in which of massive reveals or bombshell information on the 2025 Vacation spot D23. We count on largely new particulars & idea artwork about recognized tasks, much like D23 Brazil final 12 months.
It’s our robust expectation that the 2025 Vacation spot D23 shall be a return to regular, again when Vacation spot D(23) was extra of a fan celebration (again then, in regards to the historical past of Walt Disney World) with just a few updates and behind-the-scenes appears to be like at venture improvement sprinkled in. This is sensible, on condition that final 12 months’s D23 Expo was additionally a return to regular.
I’m beginning with this ‘warning’ as a result of many followers count on every subsequent D23 occasion to be greater and higher than the final, topping what was beforehand revealed. Some followers have watched one too many Marvel motion pictures. Not like tremendous hero movies that may use loopy CGI to ship us to a brand new multiverse or use greater explosions to explode New York or no matter, theme park improvement takes time.
Disney has already revealed the main slate via ~2030. Why would they announce extra large growth one 12 months later? It’s going to take the passage of time and one other D23 Expo earlier than we get extra blockbuster information, and even 2026 may be too early for that! That is exactly why Vacation spot D23 will certainly have a smaller slate than final 12 months’s D23 Expo and doubtless be scaled-back as in comparison with the 2023 Vacation spot D23, too.
However, it is a want record of what we wish introduced at Vacation spot D23. It’s vital to supply the caveat that what we need to occur is just not what will occur. These aren’t predictions. It’s a heaping serving to of wishful considering, as a result of what enjoyable is it to ‘scale back the expectations’ of your greatest goals?!
Right here’s what we hope will get introduced. We’ll be again in every week or so with a (a lot shorter) record of precise predictions for Walt Disney World information throughout the 2025 Vacation spot D23…
Go All-In on Visitor Expertise Wins
We’re not getting a fifth gate at Vacation spot D23, I promise you. However it’s not all “go large or go dwelling.” Simply take a look at what number of of you pour into the feedback of posts like Resort Airline Examine-In Service Returning to Disney World in Pilot Program, merely craving for a return to 2019 regular. Think about getting a few of that again, to revitalize the visitor expertise and provides attendance a shot within the arm?!
To that finish, I’ll add a number of fast hits to my want record that may be big wins for which Walt Disney World followers would go wild:
- Return of (Actual) Additional Magic Hours
- Finish of All Park Reservations
- Return of Disney’s Magical Categorical
- Full Return Airport-to-Resort Baggage Dealing with
- Return of Resort Merchandise Supply
- Return of Tables in Wonderland
- Restoration of Free MagicBands
That every one considerations the visitor expertise and satisfaction. I’d additionally wish to see the strategy taken with the substance of the Vacation spot D23 information, much like the final occasion.
Success with Singles & Doubles
The 2023 Vacation spot D23 had a sturdy lineup of smaller-scale bulletins just like the Pirates Tavern, Take a look at Observe 3.0, Nation Bear Musical Jamboree, Zootopia: Higher Zoogether, and extra. We haven’t seen all of these materialize, however what has debuted has been well-received per visitor satisfaction surveys.
One factor that I personally hate in regards to the growth and fifth gate fixation is that it ignores a lot that must be improved and up to date. Current sights and areas that might use reimaginings or enhancements. Disney might spend that full $17 billion funding on enhancing Walt Disney World’s present choices and nonetheless have work to do!
A singles and doubles technique is a superb strategy for Vacation spot D23, particularly in relation to tasks that may be began and completed earlier than Tropical Americas opens. So announce experience reimaginings of Tomorrowland Speedway, Magnificence and the Beast: Dwell on Stage, Pixar Quick Movie Competition, Reflections of China (no matter occurred to that venture?!) and extra.
The house crowd would go nuts even for minor updates to the Carousel of Progress or TTA PeopleMover that protect the spirit of these beloved sights. Area Mountain is overdue for a observe substitute, and relying upon the size and scope of that venture, it has the potential to be a double or triple.
Reimagining Reveals
There are a number of experience reimaginings or updates on the horizon which have already been formally introduced, together with Zootopia: Higher Zoogether, Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin, Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad, Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
It’d be good to see extra about what’s deliberate for these enhancements. Present footage of the Audio Animatronics being added to Area Ranger Spin, what the Muppets’ takeover of RnRC will entail, whether or not there shall be any substantive adjustments to the pre-show and queue of MFSR, and so forth.
Cinderella Citadel Dream Lights or Nation Bear Christmas
A lot that made Christmas at Walt Disney World nice is gone. It might be good if we acquired a non-upcharge vacation addition for as soon as, versus a subtraction. For individuals who have by no means had an opportunity to see the Cinderella Citadel Dream Lights, they have been nothing wanting spectacular. No projections can match the greater than 200,000 tiny white lights that illuminate Cinderella Citadel and rework it right into a veritable ice palace.
Nation Bear Christmas can be one other nice return to kind, and my hope is that the reimagining of the present into Nation Bear Musical Jamboree made it simpler to replace. In a really wishful considering situation, maybe they’ve already recorded songs for seasonal exhibits and are simply ready for the best time to deploy them!
It appears unlikely that both of this stuff will return this Christmas. Bookings are robust and reductions are minimal, which largely clarify why Walt Disney World doesn’t must attempt as onerous throughout the holidays anymore. However it is a want record, and I’d love for them to go above and past once more. That was a part of the Disney Distinction.
Sew’s Nice Escape 2.0
Sew’s Nice Escape completely closed as the recognition of its titular character waned. Sew was now not the cultural phenomenon is within the early aughts and the attraction was a internet destructive for visitor satisfaction. It made extra sense to shutter the attraction with out substitute than proceed subjecting company to it.
Then got here alongside Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Sew” remake, which is the 12 months’s top-earning film and first $1 billion launch. This isn’t an enormous shock. The movie holds a 92% viewers rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an “A” CinemaScore. Sew has a multi-generational fanbase, seeing a resurgence with youthful generations and endurance with millennials. It’s so well-liked {that a} sequel has already been introduced.
It’s time for an additional sequel: Sew’s Nice Escape 2.0, which might be one other 2026 venture introduced at Vacation spot D23. My unpopular opinion is that Sew’s Nice Escape had the bones of a very good attraction. It had a strong pre-show set-up and an awesome Audio Animatronics determine. The issue was the writing, and Sew’s Nice Escape being a product of its time.
The most cost effective factor to repair in an attraction that doesn’t “work” is its script. Imagineering might write circles across the previous Sew’s Nice Escape, and inject contemporary life into this attraction a la Nation Bear Musical Jamboree and the Little Mermaid – A Musical Journey. Whereas an entirely new attraction on this area can be optimum, a fast reimagining using present property is essentially the most environment friendly possibility. It’d be a a lot wanted win for Tomorrowland.
Villains Land Reveal
Walt Disney World has began to tug again the curtain on Automobiles Land, now generally known as Piston Peak Nationwide Park, which is the primary section of the Past Massive Thunder venture in Magic Kingdom. In all probability, that is being carried out at the least partially in phases, with no matter’s coming to Villains Land debuting 1-2 years after Piston Peak.
That places the opening of Villains Land in or round 2030, and it may be untimely to share particulars in regards to the sights and different choices within the land at this level. Hopefully we’re improper about this. That Walt Disney World is fast-tracking each halves of the growth, and can quickly be pulling again the curtain on the movies featured in Villains Land, and the sights, eating places, and extra that’ll be discovered within the space.
Show Lakeshore Lodge Isn’t Lackluster
It’s no secret that I’ve been important of Walt Disney World’s current resort output. At the very least, the exteriors. Every thing from Gran Destino Tower to Riviera Resort to Island Tower has been a boxy eyesore on the surface, thematically incongruous with its environment. There’s no greater offender than Disney Lakeshore Lodge, which I used to be happy to see shelved a number of years again.
However guess what? It’s taking place now and there’s no altering that. So detractors like me can proceed whining or we will cheer for the absolute best consequence. (Why not each?!) And as a lot as I’ve disliked the aforementioned exteriors, I’ve beloved the interiors of all of them, and the characteristic units of all however Island Tower. Not solely that, however the ‘wilderness’ is my favourite resort area. I actually wish to be pleasantly shocked by Lakeshore Lodge, and for Imagineers to make lemonade out of lemons with the venture.
There are causes for optimism. Web site plans present what seems to be a lazy river and waterfront restaurant; it’ll have distinctive lodging, and a big foyer. Nevertheless, nothing has been formally revealed about Disney Lakeshore Lodge other than its existence. Vacation spot D23 can be an awesome alternative to showcase the mixed-used resort, highlighting its wealthy characteristic set and what makes it a Disney resort.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reboot
I’ve advocated for this many instances, so I’m not going to rehash all of that right here. The underside line is that I’d wish to see Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge 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.)
A mushy reboot of the Star Wars land can be a possibility to introduce beloved characters, use the catwalks within the land for mini-shows, and make the land extra lived-in due to droids and extra performers. All of this may breathe new life into the land and assist it lastly notice its full potential.
With the BDX Droids now showing at Walt Disney World, Darth Vader getting evicted from Launch Bay, and the Mandalorian & Child Yoda mission coming to Smugglers Run, it positive looks like the desk is lastly being set for this in 2026. Throw a brand new Jedi Coaching Academy into the combination and Galaxy’s Edge might lastly be a “full” land.
Muppets Courtyard 2.0
We already know that an Electrical Mayhem overhaul of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster is coming subsequent 12 months, and extra particulars about that appear inevitable. So there’s actually nothing to “want” for there, besides Imagineering getting a funds versus it being a “no dough” venture.
My actual hope right here is that the Muppets takeover extra of the Sundown Showcase space or Sundown Ranch Market…or each! Certain, the Villains Unfairly Ever After present is at the moment within the former and prone to final at the least 5 years. However there’s nothing to cease extra placemaking efforts within the space to show it into one thing extra cohesive.
No good concept in Imagineering ever dies, and maybe this might be the partial realization of the Muppets Studio land idea from many years in the past. That was purported to characteristic not simply MuppetVision 3D, but additionally two eating places: “The Nice Gonzo’s Pandemonium Pizza Parlor” and “Swedish Chef’s Cooking College.” It’s unlikely the out of doors meals court docket turns into both of these issues, however maybe property might be reused from Muppets Courtyard, and we get a return of the Muppet Cellular Lab that used to run at EPCOT.
Lion King Experience
Finally 12 months’s D23 Expo, Disney confirmed rumors that had been swirling for months a few Lion King sights. Effectively, they half-confirmed it, asserting the Delight Lands Enlargement for Disney Journey World. The complete rumor was (is?) {that a} variant of that attraction can be coming to Animal Kingdom, between the Port of Harambe and Pandora, albeit not as a log flume experience.
As earlier than, I do know nothing about the veracity of those rumors, a lot much less the (potential) DAK venture. What I’ve heard “instructed” from credible sources is that extra is on the way in which to Animal Kingdom as half of the present 10-year plan. That makes full sense, as DAK wants extra to be a full-day park. I can’t consider many higher choices than the Lion King, which is each applicable for the situation and a contemporary traditional film that also doesn’t have a experience at Walt Disney World.
Even when a Lion King experience is on the desk for Walt Disney World, it wouldn’t shock me if it’s too early to listen to about it. That Disney desires to deal with Tropical Americas, and save that for a future occasion. By way of probability, that is most likely an announcement for D23 Expo versus Vacation spot D, anyway.
DAK Drones
Disney Goals That Soar was the very best factor to debut at Walt Disney World final summer time. After which it simply ended, by no means to be spoken of once more. I refuse to consider that’s it. There’s simply no means that the corporate spent all of that cash creating nighttime leisure for a present at Disney Springs.
There are a number of causes for Walt Disney World lastly getting a drone present at one among its parks, however in a nutshell, attendance is considerably decrease at Animal Kingdom than every other park at Walt Disney World. The park is in pressing want for additions, and there’s a very good likelihood that the opposite parks begin cannibalizing Animal Kingdom attendance till that occurs. The primary Walt Disney World park individuals will lower to be able to go to Epic Universe is Animal Kingdom.
That is exactly why Tropical Americas is coming to Animal Kingdom, and is the primary large venture of the subsequent improvement cycle. That’ll give DAK a shot within the arm, and assist revitalize the flailing park. A drone present at Animal Kingdom would clear up loads of issues, however the large query at this level is whether or not Walt Disney World debuts it in 2026 or waits till Tropical Americas.
Sooner makes theoretical sense, however as Disney may’ve realized with Rivers of Gentle, there’s not sufficient to maintain company within the park between 4 pm and nightfall, so maybe Tropical Americas is required first because the “bridge” to stop the afternoon exodus.
Inside Out Into Wonders of Life
Up till it was completely paused, Play Pavilion was deliberate for the previous Wonders of Life. Walt Disney World already did loads of work fixing the roof and different infrastructure points with the pavilion and it is a prime piece of actual property now that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is drawing individuals to this nook of the park.
Play Pavilion all the time struck me as a proposal with a brief shelf life, like a modernized Innoventions however with out heavy-handed sponsorship. Over 5 years later, it’s unlikely that a lot deliberate for the pavilion nonetheless has a lot of a future. And what does might simply be included into the Walt Disney Studios Lot venture over at DHS. That opens up the door for one thing new within the Wonders of Life.
My dream situation is for a revival of the ‘Well being Pavilion’ idea that includes Baymax and Bing Bong. This IP injection would make full sense for the previous Wonders of Life, with an attraction that’s a religious successor to Skull Command and extra. Each Massive Hero 6 and Inside Out might coexist in a Well being Pavilion.
Placing the Wonders pavilion to life additionally seemingly suits with Walt Disney World’s aim of including extra family-friendly reprieves from the warmth, which can be what’s taking place with the Magic of Disney Animation subsequent 12 months and GoofyCore Corridor at the moment. Maybe we’ll quickly be capable to get ‘Goofy About Well being’ in a cool setting once more!
Put the Future Again in Future World
Clearly this isn’t going to occur, however it is a want record. And it’s my dream for Disney to acknowledge they screwed up the EPCOT overhaul and we’re not caught with this for many years to come back.
As a substitute of bringing again CommuniCore Corridor in identify solely, ditch the neighborhood nonsense and provides us an optimistic Future World with a central backbone that’s higher than an workplace park in Irvine. Change the rust-themed panorama with imaginative options, vibrant gardens and (gasp) water-filled fountains.
I’ll endure one other 5 years of EPCOT being a sea of development partitions if the tip consequence is definitely bold. Extra realistically, I do hope that Disney realizes the EPCOT overhaul isn’t truly finished and actually might use a section 2. After the success of Take a look at Observe 3.0, it looks like extra followers are on board with Imagineering getting an opportunity to revitalize Future World.
Spaceship Earth Reimagining
Walt Disney World has already introduced a multi-month refurbishment of Spaceship Earth beginning just a few days earlier than Vacation spot D. The dangerous information is that that is routine upkeep, and not the massive experience reimagining. It’ll most likely be to revive damaged results, enhance the descent, improve cameras, and lighting. There are additionally widespread rumors of swapping out the screens on the experience autos for OLED, which has already occurred with a take a look at automobile.
Whereas we now have no insider info, our sneaking suspicion is that that is much like the Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster refurbishments over the past couple of the years, which occurred in two phases and addressed the underlying experience system. What if the SSE refurbishment is equally laying the groundwork for a reimagining, permitting that to happen in a extra consolidated timeframe than the ~18 months this venture was beforehand anticipated to take?
As acknowledged above, the EPCOT overhaul is just not completed, even when Disney did dangle the “mission achieved” banner. The park wants extra assist and might’t wait till the 2030s to get it. We totally count on Wonders of Life, Spaceship Earth, and/or the ultimate entry to occur within the subsequent few years. The one query is relatively they’re Vacation spot D or D23 Expo bulletins…
Journey into Creativeness 4.0, Feat. Figment & Dreamfinder
Is it actually a D23 want record with out the compulsory daydreaming about Journey into Creativeness 4.0?! I’m not going to rehash all of that right here but once more, however suffice to say, it simply is sensible to reimagine Journey into Creativeness. (Learn that for my full pitch.)
An Creativeness reinvigoration would generate goodwill amongst WDW diehards and forge new followers within the course of. It’d be one thing that may outline the EPCOT transformation, tying it collectively right into a extra cohesive venture. Figment would grow to be the face and mascot of the new-look EPCOT, elevating the in any other case underwhelming central backbone within the course of.
For Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro, this must be a no brainer. Bringing again the actual Figment and Dreamfinder would assist rebuild visitor goodwill and deal with fan disenchantment. There’s no different constructive announcement that may outweigh so many prior negatives ones. It’d be a legacy venture for Bob Iger, and place the CEO-in-waiting as a fan favourite determine earlier than he takes the helm.
Lastly confirming Journey into Creativeness 4.0 is one surefire approach to get large applause from the Vacation spot D23 viewers, and that is one case the place it simply is sensible to make the announcement at Vacation spot D23 versus D23 Expo. Break this information in entrance of the house crowd at Walt Disney World. The Florida followers deserve it. If company management is worried about restoring goodwill that has been eroded the final 5 years, guaranteeing visits from loyal followers, and an optimistic outlook in regards to the future, it’s the logical time to do one thing that ought to’ve been finished over a decade in the past.
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Your Ideas
Care to share your personal want record for the 2025 Vacation spot D23? Any shock bulletins you’re hoping to listen to? Something on this record that you just’re hoping does or does NOT come true? Every other ideas so as to add or questions on Vacation spot D23? 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 under within the feedback!
One month from this weekend, the 2025 Vacation spot D23 occasion shall be held at Walt Disney World. Rumors and wishful considering are swirling as followers anxiously awaiting bulletins for Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom & past. Our personal want record contains the return of Figment & Dreamfinder and different facets of OG EPCOT Heart, Lion King and Inside Out sights, a brand new drone present, experience reimaginings and the return of ‘2019 regular’ at WDW.
Final 12 months, we predicted a giant slate of bulletins for the D23 Expo–the largest for the reason that 2017 D23 Expo. Popping out of the closures, the 2022 occasion wasn’t practically pretty much as good, with loads of “what ifs?” Previous to that, a lot revealed in 2019 acquired cancelled as a result of COVID. Then there was the final Vacation spot D23 occasion, which was large. It was arguably greater than the earlier D23 Expo, seemingly as a result of the corporate was scrambling to pivot again to parks after traders soured on streaming.
Because it turned out, final 12 months’s D23 Expo was big. One of many greatest ever, far surpassing the earlier two. Consequently, it’s our expectation that the 2025 Vacation spot D23 will NOT be an announcement-heavy occasion. Disney “shot its shot” with D23 Expo final 12 months, so there shouldn’t be a lot in the way in which of massive reveals or bombshell information on the 2025 Vacation spot D23. We count on largely new particulars & idea artwork about recognized tasks, much like D23 Brazil final 12 months.
It’s our robust expectation that the 2025 Vacation spot D23 shall be a return to regular, again when Vacation spot D(23) was extra of a fan celebration (again then, in regards to the historical past of Walt Disney World) with just a few updates and behind-the-scenes appears to be like at venture improvement sprinkled in. This is sensible, on condition that final 12 months’s D23 Expo was additionally a return to regular.
I’m beginning with this ‘warning’ as a result of many followers count on every subsequent D23 occasion to be greater and higher than the final, topping what was beforehand revealed. Some followers have watched one too many Marvel motion pictures. Not like tremendous hero movies that may use loopy CGI to ship us to a brand new multiverse or use greater explosions to explode New York or no matter, theme park improvement takes time.
Disney has already revealed the main slate via ~2030. Why would they announce extra large growth one 12 months later? It’s going to take the passage of time and one other D23 Expo earlier than we get extra blockbuster information, and even 2026 may be too early for that! That is exactly why Vacation spot D23 will certainly have a smaller slate than final 12 months’s D23 Expo and doubtless be scaled-back as in comparison with the 2023 Vacation spot D23, too.
However, it is a want record of what we wish introduced at Vacation spot D23. It’s vital to supply the caveat that what we need to occur is just not what will occur. These aren’t predictions. It’s a heaping serving to of wishful considering, as a result of what enjoyable is it to ‘scale back the expectations’ of your greatest goals?!
Right here’s what we hope will get introduced. We’ll be again in every week or so with a (a lot shorter) record of precise predictions for Walt Disney World information throughout the 2025 Vacation spot D23…
Go All-In on Visitor Expertise Wins
We’re not getting a fifth gate at Vacation spot D23, I promise you. However it’s not all “go large or go dwelling.” Simply take a look at what number of of you pour into the feedback of posts like Resort Airline Examine-In Service Returning to Disney World in Pilot Program, merely craving for a return to 2019 regular. Think about getting a few of that again, to revitalize the visitor expertise and provides attendance a shot within the arm?!
To that finish, I’ll add a number of fast hits to my want record that may be big wins for which Walt Disney World followers would go wild:
- Return of (Actual) Additional Magic Hours
- Finish of All Park Reservations
- Return of Disney’s Magical Categorical
- Full Return Airport-to-Resort Baggage Dealing with
- Return of Resort Merchandise Supply
- Return of Tables in Wonderland
- Restoration of Free MagicBands
That every one considerations the visitor expertise and satisfaction. I’d additionally wish to see the strategy taken with the substance of the Vacation spot D23 information, much like the final occasion.
Success with Singles & Doubles
The 2023 Vacation spot D23 had a sturdy lineup of smaller-scale bulletins just like the Pirates Tavern, Take a look at Observe 3.0, Nation Bear Musical Jamboree, Zootopia: Higher Zoogether, and extra. We haven’t seen all of these materialize, however what has debuted has been well-received per visitor satisfaction surveys.
One factor that I personally hate in regards to the growth and fifth gate fixation is that it ignores a lot that must be improved and up to date. Current sights and areas that might use reimaginings or enhancements. Disney might spend that full $17 billion funding on enhancing Walt Disney World’s present choices and nonetheless have work to do!
A singles and doubles technique is a superb strategy for Vacation spot D23, particularly in relation to tasks that may be began and completed earlier than Tropical Americas opens. So announce experience reimaginings of Tomorrowland Speedway, Magnificence and the Beast: Dwell on Stage, Pixar Quick Movie Competition, Reflections of China (no matter occurred to that venture?!) and extra.
The house crowd would go nuts even for minor updates to the Carousel of Progress or TTA PeopleMover that protect the spirit of these beloved sights. Area Mountain is overdue for a observe substitute, and relying upon the size and scope of that venture, it has the potential to be a double or triple.
Reimagining Reveals
There are a number of experience reimaginings or updates on the horizon which have already been formally introduced, together with Zootopia: Higher Zoogether, Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin, Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad, Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
It’d be good to see extra about what’s deliberate for these enhancements. Present footage of the Audio Animatronics being added to Area Ranger Spin, what the Muppets’ takeover of RnRC will entail, whether or not there shall be any substantive adjustments to the pre-show and queue of MFSR, and so forth.
Cinderella Citadel Dream Lights or Nation Bear Christmas
A lot that made Christmas at Walt Disney World nice is gone. It might be good if we acquired a non-upcharge vacation addition for as soon as, versus a subtraction. For individuals who have by no means had an opportunity to see the Cinderella Citadel Dream Lights, they have been nothing wanting spectacular. No projections can match the greater than 200,000 tiny white lights that illuminate Cinderella Citadel and rework it right into a veritable ice palace.
Nation Bear Christmas can be one other nice return to kind, and my hope is that the reimagining of the present into Nation Bear Musical Jamboree made it simpler to replace. In a really wishful considering situation, maybe they’ve already recorded songs for seasonal exhibits and are simply ready for the best time to deploy them!
It appears unlikely that both of this stuff will return this Christmas. Bookings are robust and reductions are minimal, which largely clarify why Walt Disney World doesn’t must attempt as onerous throughout the holidays anymore. However it is a want record, and I’d love for them to go above and past once more. That was a part of the Disney Distinction.
Sew’s Nice Escape 2.0
Sew’s Nice Escape completely closed as the recognition of its titular character waned. Sew was now not the cultural phenomenon is within the early aughts and the attraction was a internet destructive for visitor satisfaction. It made extra sense to shutter the attraction with out substitute than proceed subjecting company to it.
Then got here alongside Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Sew” remake, which is the 12 months’s top-earning film and first $1 billion launch. This isn’t an enormous shock. The movie holds a 92% viewers rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an “A” CinemaScore. Sew has a multi-generational fanbase, seeing a resurgence with youthful generations and endurance with millennials. It’s so well-liked {that a} sequel has already been introduced.
It’s time for an additional sequel: Sew’s Nice Escape 2.0, which might be one other 2026 venture introduced at Vacation spot D23. My unpopular opinion is that Sew’s Nice Escape had the bones of a very good attraction. It had a strong pre-show set-up and an awesome Audio Animatronics determine. The issue was the writing, and Sew’s Nice Escape being a product of its time.
The most cost effective factor to repair in an attraction that doesn’t “work” is its script. Imagineering might write circles across the previous Sew’s Nice Escape, and inject contemporary life into this attraction a la Nation Bear Musical Jamboree and the Little Mermaid – A Musical Journey. Whereas an entirely new attraction on this area can be optimum, a fast reimagining using present property is essentially the most environment friendly possibility. It’d be a a lot wanted win for Tomorrowland.
Villains Land Reveal
Walt Disney World has began to tug again the curtain on Automobiles Land, now generally known as Piston Peak Nationwide Park, which is the primary section of the Past Massive Thunder venture in Magic Kingdom. In all probability, that is being carried out at the least partially in phases, with no matter’s coming to Villains Land debuting 1-2 years after Piston Peak.
That places the opening of Villains Land in or round 2030, and it may be untimely to share particulars in regards to the sights and different choices within the land at this level. Hopefully we’re improper about this. That Walt Disney World is fast-tracking each halves of the growth, and can quickly be pulling again the curtain on the movies featured in Villains Land, and the sights, eating places, and extra that’ll be discovered within the space.
Show Lakeshore Lodge Isn’t Lackluster
It’s no secret that I’ve been important of Walt Disney World’s current resort output. At the very least, the exteriors. Every thing from Gran Destino Tower to Riviera Resort to Island Tower has been a boxy eyesore on the surface, thematically incongruous with its environment. There’s no greater offender than Disney Lakeshore Lodge, which I used to be happy to see shelved a number of years again.
However guess what? It’s taking place now and there’s no altering that. So detractors like me can proceed whining or we will cheer for the absolute best consequence. (Why not each?!) And as a lot as I’ve disliked the aforementioned exteriors, I’ve beloved the interiors of all of them, and the characteristic units of all however Island Tower. Not solely that, however the ‘wilderness’ is my favourite resort area. I actually wish to be pleasantly shocked by Lakeshore Lodge, and for Imagineers to make lemonade out of lemons with the venture.
There are causes for optimism. Web site plans present what seems to be a lazy river and waterfront restaurant; it’ll have distinctive lodging, and a big foyer. Nevertheless, nothing has been formally revealed about Disney Lakeshore Lodge other than its existence. Vacation spot D23 can be an awesome alternative to showcase the mixed-used resort, highlighting its wealthy characteristic set and what makes it a Disney resort.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reboot
I’ve advocated for this many instances, so I’m not going to rehash all of that right here. The underside line is that I’d wish to see Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge 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.)
A mushy reboot of the Star Wars land can be a possibility to introduce beloved characters, use the catwalks within the land for mini-shows, and make the land extra lived-in due to droids and extra performers. All of this may breathe new life into the land and assist it lastly notice its full potential.
With the BDX Droids now showing at Walt Disney World, Darth Vader getting evicted from Launch Bay, and the Mandalorian & Child Yoda mission coming to Smugglers Run, it positive looks like the desk is lastly being set for this in 2026. Throw a brand new Jedi Coaching Academy into the combination and Galaxy’s Edge might lastly be a “full” land.
Muppets Courtyard 2.0
We already know that an Electrical Mayhem overhaul of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster is coming subsequent 12 months, and extra particulars about that appear inevitable. So there’s actually nothing to “want” for there, besides Imagineering getting a funds versus it being a “no dough” venture.
My actual hope right here is that the Muppets takeover extra of the Sundown Showcase space or Sundown Ranch Market…or each! Certain, the Villains Unfairly Ever After present is at the moment within the former and prone to final at the least 5 years. However there’s nothing to cease extra placemaking efforts within the space to show it into one thing extra cohesive.
No good concept in Imagineering ever dies, and maybe this might be the partial realization of the Muppets Studio land idea from many years in the past. That was purported to characteristic not simply MuppetVision 3D, but additionally two eating places: “The Nice Gonzo’s Pandemonium Pizza Parlor” and “Swedish Chef’s Cooking College.” It’s unlikely the out of doors meals court docket turns into both of these issues, however maybe property might be reused from Muppets Courtyard, and we get a return of the Muppet Cellular Lab that used to run at EPCOT.
Lion King Experience
Finally 12 months’s D23 Expo, Disney confirmed rumors that had been swirling for months a few Lion King sights. Effectively, they half-confirmed it, asserting the Delight Lands Enlargement for Disney Journey World. The complete rumor was (is?) {that a} variant of that attraction can be coming to Animal Kingdom, between the Port of Harambe and Pandora, albeit not as a log flume experience.
As earlier than, I do know nothing about the veracity of those rumors, a lot much less the (potential) DAK venture. What I’ve heard “instructed” from credible sources is that extra is on the way in which to Animal Kingdom as half of the present 10-year plan. That makes full sense, as DAK wants extra to be a full-day park. I can’t consider many higher choices than the Lion King, which is each applicable for the situation and a contemporary traditional film that also doesn’t have a experience at Walt Disney World.
Even when a Lion King experience is on the desk for Walt Disney World, it wouldn’t shock me if it’s too early to listen to about it. That Disney desires to deal with Tropical Americas, and save that for a future occasion. By way of probability, that is most likely an announcement for D23 Expo versus Vacation spot D, anyway.
DAK Drones
Disney Goals That Soar was the very best factor to debut at Walt Disney World final summer time. After which it simply ended, by no means to be spoken of once more. I refuse to consider that’s it. There’s simply no means that the corporate spent all of that cash creating nighttime leisure for a present at Disney Springs.
There are a number of causes for Walt Disney World lastly getting a drone present at one among its parks, however in a nutshell, attendance is considerably decrease at Animal Kingdom than every other park at Walt Disney World. The park is in pressing want for additions, and there’s a very good likelihood that the opposite parks begin cannibalizing Animal Kingdom attendance till that occurs. The primary Walt Disney World park individuals will lower to be able to go to Epic Universe is Animal Kingdom.
That is exactly why Tropical Americas is coming to Animal Kingdom, and is the primary large venture of the subsequent improvement cycle. That’ll give DAK a shot within the arm, and assist revitalize the flailing park. A drone present at Animal Kingdom would clear up loads of issues, however the large query at this level is whether or not Walt Disney World debuts it in 2026 or waits till Tropical Americas.
Sooner makes theoretical sense, however as Disney may’ve realized with Rivers of Gentle, there’s not sufficient to maintain company within the park between 4 pm and nightfall, so maybe Tropical Americas is required first because the “bridge” to stop the afternoon exodus.
Inside Out Into Wonders of Life
Up till it was completely paused, Play Pavilion was deliberate for the previous Wonders of Life. Walt Disney World already did loads of work fixing the roof and different infrastructure points with the pavilion and it is a prime piece of actual property now that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is drawing individuals to this nook of the park.
Play Pavilion all the time struck me as a proposal with a brief shelf life, like a modernized Innoventions however with out heavy-handed sponsorship. Over 5 years later, it’s unlikely that a lot deliberate for the pavilion nonetheless has a lot of a future. And what does might simply be included into the Walt Disney Studios Lot venture over at DHS. That opens up the door for one thing new within the Wonders of Life.
My dream situation is for a revival of the ‘Well being Pavilion’ idea that includes Baymax and Bing Bong. This IP injection would make full sense for the previous Wonders of Life, with an attraction that’s a religious successor to Skull Command and extra. Each Massive Hero 6 and Inside Out might coexist in a Well being Pavilion.
Placing the Wonders pavilion to life additionally seemingly suits with Walt Disney World’s aim of including extra family-friendly reprieves from the warmth, which can be what’s taking place with the Magic of Disney Animation subsequent 12 months and GoofyCore Corridor at the moment. Maybe we’ll quickly be capable to get ‘Goofy About Well being’ in a cool setting once more!
Put the Future Again in Future World
Clearly this isn’t going to occur, however it is a want record. And it’s my dream for Disney to acknowledge they screwed up the EPCOT overhaul and we’re not caught with this for many years to come back.
As a substitute of bringing again CommuniCore Corridor in identify solely, ditch the neighborhood nonsense and provides us an optimistic Future World with a central backbone that’s higher than an workplace park in Irvine. Change the rust-themed panorama with imaginative options, vibrant gardens and (gasp) water-filled fountains.
I’ll endure one other 5 years of EPCOT being a sea of development partitions if the tip consequence is definitely bold. Extra realistically, I do hope that Disney realizes the EPCOT overhaul isn’t truly finished and actually might use a section 2. After the success of Take a look at Observe 3.0, it looks like extra followers are on board with Imagineering getting an opportunity to revitalize Future World.
Spaceship Earth Reimagining
Walt Disney World has already introduced a multi-month refurbishment of Spaceship Earth beginning just a few days earlier than Vacation spot D. The dangerous information is that that is routine upkeep, and not the massive experience reimagining. It’ll most likely be to revive damaged results, enhance the descent, improve cameras, and lighting. There are additionally widespread rumors of swapping out the screens on the experience autos for OLED, which has already occurred with a take a look at automobile.
Whereas we now have no insider info, our sneaking suspicion is that that is much like the Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster refurbishments over the past couple of the years, which occurred in two phases and addressed the underlying experience system. What if the SSE refurbishment is equally laying the groundwork for a reimagining, permitting that to happen in a extra consolidated timeframe than the ~18 months this venture was beforehand anticipated to take?
As acknowledged above, the EPCOT overhaul is just not completed, even when Disney did dangle the “mission achieved” banner. The park wants extra assist and might’t wait till the 2030s to get it. We totally count on Wonders of Life, Spaceship Earth, and/or the ultimate entry to occur within the subsequent few years. The one query is relatively they’re Vacation spot D or D23 Expo bulletins…
Journey into Creativeness 4.0, Feat. Figment & Dreamfinder
Is it actually a D23 want record with out the compulsory daydreaming about Journey into Creativeness 4.0?! I’m not going to rehash all of that right here but once more, however suffice to say, it simply is sensible to reimagine Journey into Creativeness. (Learn that for my full pitch.)
An Creativeness reinvigoration would generate goodwill amongst WDW diehards and forge new followers within the course of. It’d be one thing that may outline the EPCOT transformation, tying it collectively right into a extra cohesive venture. Figment would grow to be the face and mascot of the new-look EPCOT, elevating the in any other case underwhelming central backbone within the course of.
For Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro, this must be a no brainer. Bringing again the actual Figment and Dreamfinder would assist rebuild visitor goodwill and deal with fan disenchantment. There’s no different constructive announcement that may outweigh so many prior negatives ones. It’d be a legacy venture for Bob Iger, and place the CEO-in-waiting as a fan favourite determine earlier than he takes the helm.
Lastly confirming Journey into Creativeness 4.0 is one surefire approach to get large applause from the Vacation spot D23 viewers, and that is one case the place it simply is sensible to make the announcement at Vacation spot D23 versus D23 Expo. Break this information in entrance of the house crowd at Walt Disney World. The Florida followers deserve it. If company management is worried about restoring goodwill that has been eroded the final 5 years, guaranteeing visits from loyal followers, and an optimistic outlook in regards to the future, it’s the logical time to do one thing that ought to’ve been finished over a decade in the past.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study lodges on our Walt Disney World Lodges Evaluations web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Suggestions for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys put up takes a novel take a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Experience Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the very best place to begin is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every little thing you should know!
Your Ideas
Care to share your personal want record for the 2025 Vacation spot D23? Any shock bulletins you’re hoping to listen to? Something on this record that you just’re hoping does or does NOT come true? Every other ideas so as to add or questions on Vacation spot D23? 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 under within the feedback!
One month from this weekend, the 2025 Vacation spot D23 occasion shall be held at Walt Disney World. Rumors and wishful considering are swirling as followers anxiously awaiting bulletins for Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom & past. Our personal want record contains the return of Figment & Dreamfinder and different facets of OG EPCOT Heart, Lion King and Inside Out sights, a brand new drone present, experience reimaginings and the return of ‘2019 regular’ at WDW.
Final 12 months, we predicted a giant slate of bulletins for the D23 Expo–the largest for the reason that 2017 D23 Expo. Popping out of the closures, the 2022 occasion wasn’t practically pretty much as good, with loads of “what ifs?” Previous to that, a lot revealed in 2019 acquired cancelled as a result of COVID. Then there was the final Vacation spot D23 occasion, which was large. It was arguably greater than the earlier D23 Expo, seemingly as a result of the corporate was scrambling to pivot again to parks after traders soured on streaming.
Because it turned out, final 12 months’s D23 Expo was big. One of many greatest ever, far surpassing the earlier two. Consequently, it’s our expectation that the 2025 Vacation spot D23 will NOT be an announcement-heavy occasion. Disney “shot its shot” with D23 Expo final 12 months, so there shouldn’t be a lot in the way in which of massive reveals or bombshell information on the 2025 Vacation spot D23. We count on largely new particulars & idea artwork about recognized tasks, much like D23 Brazil final 12 months.
It’s our robust expectation that the 2025 Vacation spot D23 shall be a return to regular, again when Vacation spot D(23) was extra of a fan celebration (again then, in regards to the historical past of Walt Disney World) with just a few updates and behind-the-scenes appears to be like at venture improvement sprinkled in. This is sensible, on condition that final 12 months’s D23 Expo was additionally a return to regular.
I’m beginning with this ‘warning’ as a result of many followers count on every subsequent D23 occasion to be greater and higher than the final, topping what was beforehand revealed. Some followers have watched one too many Marvel motion pictures. Not like tremendous hero movies that may use loopy CGI to ship us to a brand new multiverse or use greater explosions to explode New York or no matter, theme park improvement takes time.
Disney has already revealed the main slate via ~2030. Why would they announce extra large growth one 12 months later? It’s going to take the passage of time and one other D23 Expo earlier than we get extra blockbuster information, and even 2026 may be too early for that! That is exactly why Vacation spot D23 will certainly have a smaller slate than final 12 months’s D23 Expo and doubtless be scaled-back as in comparison with the 2023 Vacation spot D23, too.
However, it is a want record of what we wish introduced at Vacation spot D23. It’s vital to supply the caveat that what we need to occur is just not what will occur. These aren’t predictions. It’s a heaping serving to of wishful considering, as a result of what enjoyable is it to ‘scale back the expectations’ of your greatest goals?!
Right here’s what we hope will get introduced. We’ll be again in every week or so with a (a lot shorter) record of precise predictions for Walt Disney World information throughout the 2025 Vacation spot D23…
Go All-In on Visitor Expertise Wins
We’re not getting a fifth gate at Vacation spot D23, I promise you. However it’s not all “go large or go dwelling.” Simply take a look at what number of of you pour into the feedback of posts like Resort Airline Examine-In Service Returning to Disney World in Pilot Program, merely craving for a return to 2019 regular. Think about getting a few of that again, to revitalize the visitor expertise and provides attendance a shot within the arm?!
To that finish, I’ll add a number of fast hits to my want record that may be big wins for which Walt Disney World followers would go wild:
- Return of (Actual) Additional Magic Hours
- Finish of All Park Reservations
- Return of Disney’s Magical Categorical
- Full Return Airport-to-Resort Baggage Dealing with
- Return of Resort Merchandise Supply
- Return of Tables in Wonderland
- Restoration of Free MagicBands
That every one considerations the visitor expertise and satisfaction. I’d additionally wish to see the strategy taken with the substance of the Vacation spot D23 information, much like the final occasion.
Success with Singles & Doubles
The 2023 Vacation spot D23 had a sturdy lineup of smaller-scale bulletins just like the Pirates Tavern, Take a look at Observe 3.0, Nation Bear Musical Jamboree, Zootopia: Higher Zoogether, and extra. We haven’t seen all of these materialize, however what has debuted has been well-received per visitor satisfaction surveys.
One factor that I personally hate in regards to the growth and fifth gate fixation is that it ignores a lot that must be improved and up to date. Current sights and areas that might use reimaginings or enhancements. Disney might spend that full $17 billion funding on enhancing Walt Disney World’s present choices and nonetheless have work to do!
A singles and doubles technique is a superb strategy for Vacation spot D23, particularly in relation to tasks that may be began and completed earlier than Tropical Americas opens. So announce experience reimaginings of Tomorrowland Speedway, Magnificence and the Beast: Dwell on Stage, Pixar Quick Movie Competition, Reflections of China (no matter occurred to that venture?!) and extra.
The house crowd would go nuts even for minor updates to the Carousel of Progress or TTA PeopleMover that protect the spirit of these beloved sights. Area Mountain is overdue for a observe substitute, and relying upon the size and scope of that venture, it has the potential to be a double or triple.
Reimagining Reveals
There are a number of experience reimaginings or updates on the horizon which have already been formally introduced, together with Zootopia: Higher Zoogether, Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin, Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad, Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
It’d be good to see extra about what’s deliberate for these enhancements. Present footage of the Audio Animatronics being added to Area Ranger Spin, what the Muppets’ takeover of RnRC will entail, whether or not there shall be any substantive adjustments to the pre-show and queue of MFSR, and so forth.
Cinderella Citadel Dream Lights or Nation Bear Christmas
A lot that made Christmas at Walt Disney World nice is gone. It might be good if we acquired a non-upcharge vacation addition for as soon as, versus a subtraction. For individuals who have by no means had an opportunity to see the Cinderella Citadel Dream Lights, they have been nothing wanting spectacular. No projections can match the greater than 200,000 tiny white lights that illuminate Cinderella Citadel and rework it right into a veritable ice palace.
Nation Bear Christmas can be one other nice return to kind, and my hope is that the reimagining of the present into Nation Bear Musical Jamboree made it simpler to replace. In a really wishful considering situation, maybe they’ve already recorded songs for seasonal exhibits and are simply ready for the best time to deploy them!
It appears unlikely that both of this stuff will return this Christmas. Bookings are robust and reductions are minimal, which largely clarify why Walt Disney World doesn’t must attempt as onerous throughout the holidays anymore. However it is a want record, and I’d love for them to go above and past once more. That was a part of the Disney Distinction.
Sew’s Nice Escape 2.0
Sew’s Nice Escape completely closed as the recognition of its titular character waned. Sew was now not the cultural phenomenon is within the early aughts and the attraction was a internet destructive for visitor satisfaction. It made extra sense to shutter the attraction with out substitute than proceed subjecting company to it.
Then got here alongside Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Sew” remake, which is the 12 months’s top-earning film and first $1 billion launch. This isn’t an enormous shock. The movie holds a 92% viewers rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an “A” CinemaScore. Sew has a multi-generational fanbase, seeing a resurgence with youthful generations and endurance with millennials. It’s so well-liked {that a} sequel has already been introduced.
It’s time for an additional sequel: Sew’s Nice Escape 2.0, which might be one other 2026 venture introduced at Vacation spot D23. My unpopular opinion is that Sew’s Nice Escape had the bones of a very good attraction. It had a strong pre-show set-up and an awesome Audio Animatronics determine. The issue was the writing, and Sew’s Nice Escape being a product of its time.
The most cost effective factor to repair in an attraction that doesn’t “work” is its script. Imagineering might write circles across the previous Sew’s Nice Escape, and inject contemporary life into this attraction a la Nation Bear Musical Jamboree and the Little Mermaid – A Musical Journey. Whereas an entirely new attraction on this area can be optimum, a fast reimagining using present property is essentially the most environment friendly possibility. It’d be a a lot wanted win for Tomorrowland.
Villains Land Reveal
Walt Disney World has began to tug again the curtain on Automobiles Land, now generally known as Piston Peak Nationwide Park, which is the primary section of the Past Massive Thunder venture in Magic Kingdom. In all probability, that is being carried out at the least partially in phases, with no matter’s coming to Villains Land debuting 1-2 years after Piston Peak.
That places the opening of Villains Land in or round 2030, and it may be untimely to share particulars in regards to the sights and different choices within the land at this level. Hopefully we’re improper about this. That Walt Disney World is fast-tracking each halves of the growth, and can quickly be pulling again the curtain on the movies featured in Villains Land, and the sights, eating places, and extra that’ll be discovered within the space.
Show Lakeshore Lodge Isn’t Lackluster
It’s no secret that I’ve been important of Walt Disney World’s current resort output. At the very least, the exteriors. Every thing from Gran Destino Tower to Riviera Resort to Island Tower has been a boxy eyesore on the surface, thematically incongruous with its environment. There’s no greater offender than Disney Lakeshore Lodge, which I used to be happy to see shelved a number of years again.
However guess what? It’s taking place now and there’s no altering that. So detractors like me can proceed whining or we will cheer for the absolute best consequence. (Why not each?!) And as a lot as I’ve disliked the aforementioned exteriors, I’ve beloved the interiors of all of them, and the characteristic units of all however Island Tower. Not solely that, however the ‘wilderness’ is my favourite resort area. I actually wish to be pleasantly shocked by Lakeshore Lodge, and for Imagineers to make lemonade out of lemons with the venture.
There are causes for optimism. Web site plans present what seems to be a lazy river and waterfront restaurant; it’ll have distinctive lodging, and a big foyer. Nevertheless, nothing has been formally revealed about Disney Lakeshore Lodge other than its existence. Vacation spot D23 can be an awesome alternative to showcase the mixed-used resort, highlighting its wealthy characteristic set and what makes it a Disney resort.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reboot
I’ve advocated for this many instances, so I’m not going to rehash all of that right here. The underside line is that I’d wish to see Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge 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.)
A mushy reboot of the Star Wars land can be a possibility to introduce beloved characters, use the catwalks within the land for mini-shows, and make the land extra lived-in due to droids and extra performers. All of this may breathe new life into the land and assist it lastly notice its full potential.
With the BDX Droids now showing at Walt Disney World, Darth Vader getting evicted from Launch Bay, and the Mandalorian & Child Yoda mission coming to Smugglers Run, it positive looks like the desk is lastly being set for this in 2026. Throw a brand new Jedi Coaching Academy into the combination and Galaxy’s Edge might lastly be a “full” land.
Muppets Courtyard 2.0
We already know that an Electrical Mayhem overhaul of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster is coming subsequent 12 months, and extra particulars about that appear inevitable. So there’s actually nothing to “want” for there, besides Imagineering getting a funds versus it being a “no dough” venture.
My actual hope right here is that the Muppets takeover extra of the Sundown Showcase space or Sundown Ranch Market…or each! Certain, the Villains Unfairly Ever After present is at the moment within the former and prone to final at the least 5 years. However there’s nothing to cease extra placemaking efforts within the space to show it into one thing extra cohesive.
No good concept in Imagineering ever dies, and maybe this might be the partial realization of the Muppets Studio land idea from many years in the past. That was purported to characteristic not simply MuppetVision 3D, but additionally two eating places: “The Nice Gonzo’s Pandemonium Pizza Parlor” and “Swedish Chef’s Cooking College.” It’s unlikely the out of doors meals court docket turns into both of these issues, however maybe property might be reused from Muppets Courtyard, and we get a return of the Muppet Cellular Lab that used to run at EPCOT.
Lion King Experience
Finally 12 months’s D23 Expo, Disney confirmed rumors that had been swirling for months a few Lion King sights. Effectively, they half-confirmed it, asserting the Delight Lands Enlargement for Disney Journey World. The complete rumor was (is?) {that a} variant of that attraction can be coming to Animal Kingdom, between the Port of Harambe and Pandora, albeit not as a log flume experience.
As earlier than, I do know nothing about the veracity of those rumors, a lot much less the (potential) DAK venture. What I’ve heard “instructed” from credible sources is that extra is on the way in which to Animal Kingdom as half of the present 10-year plan. That makes full sense, as DAK wants extra to be a full-day park. I can’t consider many higher choices than the Lion King, which is each applicable for the situation and a contemporary traditional film that also doesn’t have a experience at Walt Disney World.
Even when a Lion King experience is on the desk for Walt Disney World, it wouldn’t shock me if it’s too early to listen to about it. That Disney desires to deal with Tropical Americas, and save that for a future occasion. By way of probability, that is most likely an announcement for D23 Expo versus Vacation spot D, anyway.
DAK Drones
Disney Goals That Soar was the very best factor to debut at Walt Disney World final summer time. After which it simply ended, by no means to be spoken of once more. I refuse to consider that’s it. There’s simply no means that the corporate spent all of that cash creating nighttime leisure for a present at Disney Springs.
There are a number of causes for Walt Disney World lastly getting a drone present at one among its parks, however in a nutshell, attendance is considerably decrease at Animal Kingdom than every other park at Walt Disney World. The park is in pressing want for additions, and there’s a very good likelihood that the opposite parks begin cannibalizing Animal Kingdom attendance till that occurs. The primary Walt Disney World park individuals will lower to be able to go to Epic Universe is Animal Kingdom.
That is exactly why Tropical Americas is coming to Animal Kingdom, and is the primary large venture of the subsequent improvement cycle. That’ll give DAK a shot within the arm, and assist revitalize the flailing park. A drone present at Animal Kingdom would clear up loads of issues, however the large query at this level is whether or not Walt Disney World debuts it in 2026 or waits till Tropical Americas.
Sooner makes theoretical sense, however as Disney may’ve realized with Rivers of Gentle, there’s not sufficient to maintain company within the park between 4 pm and nightfall, so maybe Tropical Americas is required first because the “bridge” to stop the afternoon exodus.
Inside Out Into Wonders of Life
Up till it was completely paused, Play Pavilion was deliberate for the previous Wonders of Life. Walt Disney World already did loads of work fixing the roof and different infrastructure points with the pavilion and it is a prime piece of actual property now that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is drawing individuals to this nook of the park.
Play Pavilion all the time struck me as a proposal with a brief shelf life, like a modernized Innoventions however with out heavy-handed sponsorship. Over 5 years later, it’s unlikely that a lot deliberate for the pavilion nonetheless has a lot of a future. And what does might simply be included into the Walt Disney Studios Lot venture over at DHS. That opens up the door for one thing new within the Wonders of Life.
My dream situation is for a revival of the ‘Well being Pavilion’ idea that includes Baymax and Bing Bong. This IP injection would make full sense for the previous Wonders of Life, with an attraction that’s a religious successor to Skull Command and extra. Each Massive Hero 6 and Inside Out might coexist in a Well being Pavilion.
Placing the Wonders pavilion to life additionally seemingly suits with Walt Disney World’s aim of including extra family-friendly reprieves from the warmth, which can be what’s taking place with the Magic of Disney Animation subsequent 12 months and GoofyCore Corridor at the moment. Maybe we’ll quickly be capable to get ‘Goofy About Well being’ in a cool setting once more!
Put the Future Again in Future World
Clearly this isn’t going to occur, however it is a want record. And it’s my dream for Disney to acknowledge they screwed up the EPCOT overhaul and we’re not caught with this for many years to come back.
As a substitute of bringing again CommuniCore Corridor in identify solely, ditch the neighborhood nonsense and provides us an optimistic Future World with a central backbone that’s higher than an workplace park in Irvine. Change the rust-themed panorama with imaginative options, vibrant gardens and (gasp) water-filled fountains.
I’ll endure one other 5 years of EPCOT being a sea of development partitions if the tip consequence is definitely bold. Extra realistically, I do hope that Disney realizes the EPCOT overhaul isn’t truly finished and actually might use a section 2. After the success of Take a look at Observe 3.0, it looks like extra followers are on board with Imagineering getting an opportunity to revitalize Future World.
Spaceship Earth Reimagining
Walt Disney World has already introduced a multi-month refurbishment of Spaceship Earth beginning just a few days earlier than Vacation spot D. The dangerous information is that that is routine upkeep, and not the massive experience reimagining. It’ll most likely be to revive damaged results, enhance the descent, improve cameras, and lighting. There are additionally widespread rumors of swapping out the screens on the experience autos for OLED, which has already occurred with a take a look at automobile.
Whereas we now have no insider info, our sneaking suspicion is that that is much like the Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster refurbishments over the past couple of the years, which occurred in two phases and addressed the underlying experience system. What if the SSE refurbishment is equally laying the groundwork for a reimagining, permitting that to happen in a extra consolidated timeframe than the ~18 months this venture was beforehand anticipated to take?
As acknowledged above, the EPCOT overhaul is just not completed, even when Disney did dangle the “mission achieved” banner. The park wants extra assist and might’t wait till the 2030s to get it. We totally count on Wonders of Life, Spaceship Earth, and/or the ultimate entry to occur within the subsequent few years. The one query is relatively they’re Vacation spot D or D23 Expo bulletins…
Journey into Creativeness 4.0, Feat. Figment & Dreamfinder
Is it actually a D23 want record with out the compulsory daydreaming about Journey into Creativeness 4.0?! I’m not going to rehash all of that right here but once more, however suffice to say, it simply is sensible to reimagine Journey into Creativeness. (Learn that for my full pitch.)
An Creativeness reinvigoration would generate goodwill amongst WDW diehards and forge new followers within the course of. It’d be one thing that may outline the EPCOT transformation, tying it collectively right into a extra cohesive venture. Figment would grow to be the face and mascot of the new-look EPCOT, elevating the in any other case underwhelming central backbone within the course of.
For Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro, this must be a no brainer. Bringing again the actual Figment and Dreamfinder would assist rebuild visitor goodwill and deal with fan disenchantment. There’s no different constructive announcement that may outweigh so many prior negatives ones. It’d be a legacy venture for Bob Iger, and place the CEO-in-waiting as a fan favourite determine earlier than he takes the helm.
Lastly confirming Journey into Creativeness 4.0 is one surefire approach to get large applause from the Vacation spot D23 viewers, and that is one case the place it simply is sensible to make the announcement at Vacation spot D23 versus D23 Expo. Break this information in entrance of the house crowd at Walt Disney World. The Florida followers deserve it. If company management is worried about restoring goodwill that has been eroded the final 5 years, guaranteeing visits from loyal followers, and an optimistic outlook in regards to the future, it’s the logical time to do one thing that ought to’ve been finished over a decade in the past.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study lodges on our Walt Disney World Lodges Evaluations web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Suggestions for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys put up takes a novel take a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Experience Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the very best place to begin is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every little thing you should know!
Your Ideas
Care to share your personal want record for the 2025 Vacation spot D23? Any shock bulletins you’re hoping to listen to? Something on this record that you just’re hoping does or does NOT come true? Every other ideas so as to add or questions on Vacation spot D23? 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 under within the feedback!
One month from this weekend, the 2025 Vacation spot D23 occasion shall be held at Walt Disney World. Rumors and wishful considering are swirling as followers anxiously awaiting bulletins for Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom & past. Our personal want record contains the return of Figment & Dreamfinder and different facets of OG EPCOT Heart, Lion King and Inside Out sights, a brand new drone present, experience reimaginings and the return of ‘2019 regular’ at WDW.
Final 12 months, we predicted a giant slate of bulletins for the D23 Expo–the largest for the reason that 2017 D23 Expo. Popping out of the closures, the 2022 occasion wasn’t practically pretty much as good, with loads of “what ifs?” Previous to that, a lot revealed in 2019 acquired cancelled as a result of COVID. Then there was the final Vacation spot D23 occasion, which was large. It was arguably greater than the earlier D23 Expo, seemingly as a result of the corporate was scrambling to pivot again to parks after traders soured on streaming.
Because it turned out, final 12 months’s D23 Expo was big. One of many greatest ever, far surpassing the earlier two. Consequently, it’s our expectation that the 2025 Vacation spot D23 will NOT be an announcement-heavy occasion. Disney “shot its shot” with D23 Expo final 12 months, so there shouldn’t be a lot in the way in which of massive reveals or bombshell information on the 2025 Vacation spot D23. We count on largely new particulars & idea artwork about recognized tasks, much like D23 Brazil final 12 months.
It’s our robust expectation that the 2025 Vacation spot D23 shall be a return to regular, again when Vacation spot D(23) was extra of a fan celebration (again then, in regards to the historical past of Walt Disney World) with just a few updates and behind-the-scenes appears to be like at venture improvement sprinkled in. This is sensible, on condition that final 12 months’s D23 Expo was additionally a return to regular.
I’m beginning with this ‘warning’ as a result of many followers count on every subsequent D23 occasion to be greater and higher than the final, topping what was beforehand revealed. Some followers have watched one too many Marvel motion pictures. Not like tremendous hero movies that may use loopy CGI to ship us to a brand new multiverse or use greater explosions to explode New York or no matter, theme park improvement takes time.
Disney has already revealed the main slate via ~2030. Why would they announce extra large growth one 12 months later? It’s going to take the passage of time and one other D23 Expo earlier than we get extra blockbuster information, and even 2026 may be too early for that! That is exactly why Vacation spot D23 will certainly have a smaller slate than final 12 months’s D23 Expo and doubtless be scaled-back as in comparison with the 2023 Vacation spot D23, too.
However, it is a want record of what we wish introduced at Vacation spot D23. It’s vital to supply the caveat that what we need to occur is just not what will occur. These aren’t predictions. It’s a heaping serving to of wishful considering, as a result of what enjoyable is it to ‘scale back the expectations’ of your greatest goals?!
Right here’s what we hope will get introduced. We’ll be again in every week or so with a (a lot shorter) record of precise predictions for Walt Disney World information throughout the 2025 Vacation spot D23…
Go All-In on Visitor Expertise Wins
We’re not getting a fifth gate at Vacation spot D23, I promise you. However it’s not all “go large or go dwelling.” Simply take a look at what number of of you pour into the feedback of posts like Resort Airline Examine-In Service Returning to Disney World in Pilot Program, merely craving for a return to 2019 regular. Think about getting a few of that again, to revitalize the visitor expertise and provides attendance a shot within the arm?!
To that finish, I’ll add a number of fast hits to my want record that may be big wins for which Walt Disney World followers would go wild:
- Return of (Actual) Additional Magic Hours
- Finish of All Park Reservations
- Return of Disney’s Magical Categorical
- Full Return Airport-to-Resort Baggage Dealing with
- Return of Resort Merchandise Supply
- Return of Tables in Wonderland
- Restoration of Free MagicBands
That every one considerations the visitor expertise and satisfaction. I’d additionally wish to see the strategy taken with the substance of the Vacation spot D23 information, much like the final occasion.
Success with Singles & Doubles
The 2023 Vacation spot D23 had a sturdy lineup of smaller-scale bulletins just like the Pirates Tavern, Take a look at Observe 3.0, Nation Bear Musical Jamboree, Zootopia: Higher Zoogether, and extra. We haven’t seen all of these materialize, however what has debuted has been well-received per visitor satisfaction surveys.
One factor that I personally hate in regards to the growth and fifth gate fixation is that it ignores a lot that must be improved and up to date. Current sights and areas that might use reimaginings or enhancements. Disney might spend that full $17 billion funding on enhancing Walt Disney World’s present choices and nonetheless have work to do!
A singles and doubles technique is a superb strategy for Vacation spot D23, particularly in relation to tasks that may be began and completed earlier than Tropical Americas opens. So announce experience reimaginings of Tomorrowland Speedway, Magnificence and the Beast: Dwell on Stage, Pixar Quick Movie Competition, Reflections of China (no matter occurred to that venture?!) and extra.
The house crowd would go nuts even for minor updates to the Carousel of Progress or TTA PeopleMover that protect the spirit of these beloved sights. Area Mountain is overdue for a observe substitute, and relying upon the size and scope of that venture, it has the potential to be a double or triple.
Reimagining Reveals
There are a number of experience reimaginings or updates on the horizon which have already been formally introduced, together with Zootopia: Higher Zoogether, Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin, Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad, Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
It’d be good to see extra about what’s deliberate for these enhancements. Present footage of the Audio Animatronics being added to Area Ranger Spin, what the Muppets’ takeover of RnRC will entail, whether or not there shall be any substantive adjustments to the pre-show and queue of MFSR, and so forth.
Cinderella Citadel Dream Lights or Nation Bear Christmas
A lot that made Christmas at Walt Disney World nice is gone. It might be good if we acquired a non-upcharge vacation addition for as soon as, versus a subtraction. For individuals who have by no means had an opportunity to see the Cinderella Citadel Dream Lights, they have been nothing wanting spectacular. No projections can match the greater than 200,000 tiny white lights that illuminate Cinderella Citadel and rework it right into a veritable ice palace.
Nation Bear Christmas can be one other nice return to kind, and my hope is that the reimagining of the present into Nation Bear Musical Jamboree made it simpler to replace. In a really wishful considering situation, maybe they’ve already recorded songs for seasonal exhibits and are simply ready for the best time to deploy them!
It appears unlikely that both of this stuff will return this Christmas. Bookings are robust and reductions are minimal, which largely clarify why Walt Disney World doesn’t must attempt as onerous throughout the holidays anymore. However it is a want record, and I’d love for them to go above and past once more. That was a part of the Disney Distinction.
Sew’s Nice Escape 2.0
Sew’s Nice Escape completely closed as the recognition of its titular character waned. Sew was now not the cultural phenomenon is within the early aughts and the attraction was a internet destructive for visitor satisfaction. It made extra sense to shutter the attraction with out substitute than proceed subjecting company to it.
Then got here alongside Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Sew” remake, which is the 12 months’s top-earning film and first $1 billion launch. This isn’t an enormous shock. The movie holds a 92% viewers rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an “A” CinemaScore. Sew has a multi-generational fanbase, seeing a resurgence with youthful generations and endurance with millennials. It’s so well-liked {that a} sequel has already been introduced.
It’s time for an additional sequel: Sew’s Nice Escape 2.0, which might be one other 2026 venture introduced at Vacation spot D23. My unpopular opinion is that Sew’s Nice Escape had the bones of a very good attraction. It had a strong pre-show set-up and an awesome Audio Animatronics determine. The issue was the writing, and Sew’s Nice Escape being a product of its time.
The most cost effective factor to repair in an attraction that doesn’t “work” is its script. Imagineering might write circles across the previous Sew’s Nice Escape, and inject contemporary life into this attraction a la Nation Bear Musical Jamboree and the Little Mermaid – A Musical Journey. Whereas an entirely new attraction on this area can be optimum, a fast reimagining using present property is essentially the most environment friendly possibility. It’d be a a lot wanted win for Tomorrowland.
Villains Land Reveal
Walt Disney World has began to tug again the curtain on Automobiles Land, now generally known as Piston Peak Nationwide Park, which is the primary section of the Past Massive Thunder venture in Magic Kingdom. In all probability, that is being carried out at the least partially in phases, with no matter’s coming to Villains Land debuting 1-2 years after Piston Peak.
That places the opening of Villains Land in or round 2030, and it may be untimely to share particulars in regards to the sights and different choices within the land at this level. Hopefully we’re improper about this. That Walt Disney World is fast-tracking each halves of the growth, and can quickly be pulling again the curtain on the movies featured in Villains Land, and the sights, eating places, and extra that’ll be discovered within the space.
Show Lakeshore Lodge Isn’t Lackluster
It’s no secret that I’ve been important of Walt Disney World’s current resort output. At the very least, the exteriors. Every thing from Gran Destino Tower to Riviera Resort to Island Tower has been a boxy eyesore on the surface, thematically incongruous with its environment. There’s no greater offender than Disney Lakeshore Lodge, which I used to be happy to see shelved a number of years again.
However guess what? It’s taking place now and there’s no altering that. So detractors like me can proceed whining or we will cheer for the absolute best consequence. (Why not each?!) And as a lot as I’ve disliked the aforementioned exteriors, I’ve beloved the interiors of all of them, and the characteristic units of all however Island Tower. Not solely that, however the ‘wilderness’ is my favourite resort area. I actually wish to be pleasantly shocked by Lakeshore Lodge, and for Imagineers to make lemonade out of lemons with the venture.
There are causes for optimism. Web site plans present what seems to be a lazy river and waterfront restaurant; it’ll have distinctive lodging, and a big foyer. Nevertheless, nothing has been formally revealed about Disney Lakeshore Lodge other than its existence. Vacation spot D23 can be an awesome alternative to showcase the mixed-used resort, highlighting its wealthy characteristic set and what makes it a Disney resort.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reboot
I’ve advocated for this many instances, so I’m not going to rehash all of that right here. The underside line is that I’d wish to see Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge 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.)
A mushy reboot of the Star Wars land can be a possibility to introduce beloved characters, use the catwalks within the land for mini-shows, and make the land extra lived-in due to droids and extra performers. All of this may breathe new life into the land and assist it lastly notice its full potential.
With the BDX Droids now showing at Walt Disney World, Darth Vader getting evicted from Launch Bay, and the Mandalorian & Child Yoda mission coming to Smugglers Run, it positive looks like the desk is lastly being set for this in 2026. Throw a brand new Jedi Coaching Academy into the combination and Galaxy’s Edge might lastly be a “full” land.
Muppets Courtyard 2.0
We already know that an Electrical Mayhem overhaul of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster is coming subsequent 12 months, and extra particulars about that appear inevitable. So there’s actually nothing to “want” for there, besides Imagineering getting a funds versus it being a “no dough” venture.
My actual hope right here is that the Muppets takeover extra of the Sundown Showcase space or Sundown Ranch Market…or each! Certain, the Villains Unfairly Ever After present is at the moment within the former and prone to final at the least 5 years. However there’s nothing to cease extra placemaking efforts within the space to show it into one thing extra cohesive.
No good concept in Imagineering ever dies, and maybe this might be the partial realization of the Muppets Studio land idea from many years in the past. That was purported to characteristic not simply MuppetVision 3D, but additionally two eating places: “The Nice Gonzo’s Pandemonium Pizza Parlor” and “Swedish Chef’s Cooking College.” It’s unlikely the out of doors meals court docket turns into both of these issues, however maybe property might be reused from Muppets Courtyard, and we get a return of the Muppet Cellular Lab that used to run at EPCOT.
Lion King Experience
Finally 12 months’s D23 Expo, Disney confirmed rumors that had been swirling for months a few Lion King sights. Effectively, they half-confirmed it, asserting the Delight Lands Enlargement for Disney Journey World. The complete rumor was (is?) {that a} variant of that attraction can be coming to Animal Kingdom, between the Port of Harambe and Pandora, albeit not as a log flume experience.
As earlier than, I do know nothing about the veracity of those rumors, a lot much less the (potential) DAK venture. What I’ve heard “instructed” from credible sources is that extra is on the way in which to Animal Kingdom as half of the present 10-year plan. That makes full sense, as DAK wants extra to be a full-day park. I can’t consider many higher choices than the Lion King, which is each applicable for the situation and a contemporary traditional film that also doesn’t have a experience at Walt Disney World.
Even when a Lion King experience is on the desk for Walt Disney World, it wouldn’t shock me if it’s too early to listen to about it. That Disney desires to deal with Tropical Americas, and save that for a future occasion. By way of probability, that is most likely an announcement for D23 Expo versus Vacation spot D, anyway.
DAK Drones
Disney Goals That Soar was the very best factor to debut at Walt Disney World final summer time. After which it simply ended, by no means to be spoken of once more. I refuse to consider that’s it. There’s simply no means that the corporate spent all of that cash creating nighttime leisure for a present at Disney Springs.
There are a number of causes for Walt Disney World lastly getting a drone present at one among its parks, however in a nutshell, attendance is considerably decrease at Animal Kingdom than every other park at Walt Disney World. The park is in pressing want for additions, and there’s a very good likelihood that the opposite parks begin cannibalizing Animal Kingdom attendance till that occurs. The primary Walt Disney World park individuals will lower to be able to go to Epic Universe is Animal Kingdom.
That is exactly why Tropical Americas is coming to Animal Kingdom, and is the primary large venture of the subsequent improvement cycle. That’ll give DAK a shot within the arm, and assist revitalize the flailing park. A drone present at Animal Kingdom would clear up loads of issues, however the large query at this level is whether or not Walt Disney World debuts it in 2026 or waits till Tropical Americas.
Sooner makes theoretical sense, however as Disney may’ve realized with Rivers of Gentle, there’s not sufficient to maintain company within the park between 4 pm and nightfall, so maybe Tropical Americas is required first because the “bridge” to stop the afternoon exodus.
Inside Out Into Wonders of Life
Up till it was completely paused, Play Pavilion was deliberate for the previous Wonders of Life. Walt Disney World already did loads of work fixing the roof and different infrastructure points with the pavilion and it is a prime piece of actual property now that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is drawing individuals to this nook of the park.
Play Pavilion all the time struck me as a proposal with a brief shelf life, like a modernized Innoventions however with out heavy-handed sponsorship. Over 5 years later, it’s unlikely that a lot deliberate for the pavilion nonetheless has a lot of a future. And what does might simply be included into the Walt Disney Studios Lot venture over at DHS. That opens up the door for one thing new within the Wonders of Life.
My dream situation is for a revival of the ‘Well being Pavilion’ idea that includes Baymax and Bing Bong. This IP injection would make full sense for the previous Wonders of Life, with an attraction that’s a religious successor to Skull Command and extra. Each Massive Hero 6 and Inside Out might coexist in a Well being Pavilion.
Placing the Wonders pavilion to life additionally seemingly suits with Walt Disney World’s aim of including extra family-friendly reprieves from the warmth, which can be what’s taking place with the Magic of Disney Animation subsequent 12 months and GoofyCore Corridor at the moment. Maybe we’ll quickly be capable to get ‘Goofy About Well being’ in a cool setting once more!
Put the Future Again in Future World
Clearly this isn’t going to occur, however it is a want record. And it’s my dream for Disney to acknowledge they screwed up the EPCOT overhaul and we’re not caught with this for many years to come back.
As a substitute of bringing again CommuniCore Corridor in identify solely, ditch the neighborhood nonsense and provides us an optimistic Future World with a central backbone that’s higher than an workplace park in Irvine. Change the rust-themed panorama with imaginative options, vibrant gardens and (gasp) water-filled fountains.
I’ll endure one other 5 years of EPCOT being a sea of development partitions if the tip consequence is definitely bold. Extra realistically, I do hope that Disney realizes the EPCOT overhaul isn’t truly finished and actually might use a section 2. After the success of Take a look at Observe 3.0, it looks like extra followers are on board with Imagineering getting an opportunity to revitalize Future World.
Spaceship Earth Reimagining
Walt Disney World has already introduced a multi-month refurbishment of Spaceship Earth beginning just a few days earlier than Vacation spot D. The dangerous information is that that is routine upkeep, and not the massive experience reimagining. It’ll most likely be to revive damaged results, enhance the descent, improve cameras, and lighting. There are additionally widespread rumors of swapping out the screens on the experience autos for OLED, which has already occurred with a take a look at automobile.
Whereas we now have no insider info, our sneaking suspicion is that that is much like the Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster refurbishments over the past couple of the years, which occurred in two phases and addressed the underlying experience system. What if the SSE refurbishment is equally laying the groundwork for a reimagining, permitting that to happen in a extra consolidated timeframe than the ~18 months this venture was beforehand anticipated to take?
As acknowledged above, the EPCOT overhaul is just not completed, even when Disney did dangle the “mission achieved” banner. The park wants extra assist and might’t wait till the 2030s to get it. We totally count on Wonders of Life, Spaceship Earth, and/or the ultimate entry to occur within the subsequent few years. The one query is relatively they’re Vacation spot D or D23 Expo bulletins…
Journey into Creativeness 4.0, Feat. Figment & Dreamfinder
Is it actually a D23 want record with out the compulsory daydreaming about Journey into Creativeness 4.0?! I’m not going to rehash all of that right here but once more, however suffice to say, it simply is sensible to reimagine Journey into Creativeness. (Learn that for my full pitch.)
An Creativeness reinvigoration would generate goodwill amongst WDW diehards and forge new followers within the course of. It’d be one thing that may outline the EPCOT transformation, tying it collectively right into a extra cohesive venture. Figment would grow to be the face and mascot of the new-look EPCOT, elevating the in any other case underwhelming central backbone within the course of.
For Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro, this must be a no brainer. Bringing again the actual Figment and Dreamfinder would assist rebuild visitor goodwill and deal with fan disenchantment. There’s no different constructive announcement that may outweigh so many prior negatives ones. It’d be a legacy venture for Bob Iger, and place the CEO-in-waiting as a fan favourite determine earlier than he takes the helm.
Lastly confirming Journey into Creativeness 4.0 is one surefire approach to get large applause from the Vacation spot D23 viewers, and that is one case the place it simply is sensible to make the announcement at Vacation spot D23 versus D23 Expo. Break this information in entrance of the house crowd at Walt Disney World. The Florida followers deserve it. If company management is worried about restoring goodwill that has been eroded the final 5 years, guaranteeing visits from loyal followers, and an optimistic outlook in regards to the future, it’s the logical time to do one thing that ought to’ve been finished over a decade in the past.
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Your Ideas
Care to share your personal want record for the 2025 Vacation spot D23? Any shock bulletins you’re hoping to listen to? Something on this record that you just’re hoping does or does NOT come true? Every other ideas so as to add or questions on Vacation spot D23? 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 under within the feedback!
