Precisely one month from as we speak, on August 10, the Parks & Resorts panel might be introduced throughout the 2024 D23 Expo. Walt Disney World and Disneyland followers are anxiously awaiting bulletins for the following part of “turbocharged” progress. Rumors and wishful pondering are swirling about what’s on the horizon, with hypothesis of trip reimaginings, additions, and growth.
As we’ve been saying for the final 12 months, an enormous slate of bulletins on the 2024 D23 Expo truly makes a variety of sense. The final time that occurred was the 2017 D23 Expo, which revealed an enormous slate of additives. Going into and popping out of the pandemic, the 2019 and 2022 occasions weren’t almost pretty much as good–a variety of issues that have been cancelled or by no means occurred.
However there’s purpose to imagine the 2024 D23 Expo will as soon as once more attain the identical highs as 2017. The final challenge cycle has now wrapped up, there’s nothing brand-new underneath energetic building at Walt Disney World or Disneyland, and the time is true to share what’s in retailer for the following growth part. Disney has virtually telegraphed that that is what is going to occur.
The corporate has $17 billion funding plans for Walt Disney World. With the approval of DisneylandForward, they’ve dedicated to spending one other $2 billion or extra at Disneyland. Larger image, there’s the SEC submitting indicating that the corporate plans to double funding to $60 Billion in Walt Disney World, Disneyland & past.
The response to this information was primarily crickets. Followers yawned, taking an I’ll imagine it after I see it angle. Buyers, who additionally need to see extra funding in Parks & Resorts, responded with a collective shrug. The inventory value didn’t transfer in any respect. Within the months since then, Wall Avenue has been asking extra questions in regards to the substance of Disney’s growth plans.
On high of all that, the elephant within the room for Walt Disney World is Common’s Epic Universe, the third theme park being inbuilt Central Florida by Comcast. Formally, Disney gained’t have any “reply” to Epic Universe. Their public place is a mix of ‘Common is answering every little thing we’ve completed within the final decade’ and that ‘a rising tide lifts all boats.’ However as we clarify in How Walt Disney World Will “Compete” with Epic Universe, there’s extra to it than that.
The underside line is that the stage has been set for a fully epic D23 Expo. Followers need massive information. Buyers need massive information. The corporate is lastly in a monetary place to construct, and thus ship massive information. The stakes are excessive, and we firmly imagine that Disney will ship. (No stress.)
Earlier than we dig into the specifics of what we wish introduced at D23 Expo, it’s essential to supply the caveat that this can be a want checklist. It’s not primarily based on any inside data neither is it a listing of predictions. That is what we hope might be introduced given what’s realistically on the desk, not what we truly suppose might be revealed. That is overly optimistic–if even 25% of this finally ends up coming to fruition, I’ll be very blissful. Regardless of the disappointments and laborious classes of the previous few years, I believe there’s a compelling case for optimism for the long-term way forward for each Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
With that mentioned, right here’s what I hope will get introduced–and what does NOT get talked about–for Walt Disney World and Disneyland throughout the 2024 D23 Expo, in no specific order. We’ll be again roughly per week or so earlier than the large presentation with a (a lot shorter) checklist of precise predictions…
No Blue Sky Nonsense – “Fish or minimize bait.” It’s time to cease losing time speaking, and begin doing. Collectively, it looks as if that’s the place the fan neighborhood is in the case of the splashy non-announcement bulletins Disney has “made” for its theme parks for the reason that 2022 D23 Expo.
The preliminary response to the Dino-Rama and ‘Past Large Thunder’ growth proposals was pleasure. As soon as the mud settled and followers realized simply what had and, extra importantly, had not been introduced that gave approach to skepticism, pessimism, and downright dismissiveness. It’s been an analogous story since–the phrase “turbocharged” when speaking about Parks & Resorts has virtually develop into a punchline.
Maybe they’re seeing and listening to suggestions that’s totally different from what this web site sees, however from my view, this method will not be working. It’s arguably worse than saying nothing in any respect. A giant a part of the issue right here is the baseline from which the method is beginning–it’s occurring towards the backdrop of a number of delayed or cancelled initiatives.
No matter causes, a variety of the goodwill and endurance followers would possibly in any other case have had with these non-announcement bulletins was already exhausted previous to the beginning of the present course of. Now, these public blue sky brainstorming classes simply really feel like a tedious tease or perhaps a model withdrawal to many followers.
If there’s one thing substantive to say about one thing, say it. Make an announcement about what it truly might be. Present idea artwork. Share when shovel will hit soil. However don’t go up there and speak in regards to the limitless potentialities that Imagineers are dreaming up or no matter. That’s only a waste of everybody’s time. It would garner some low-cost cheers, however as soon as followers notice that there’s no there there, sentiment will bitter.
No DisneylandForward – Very same story right here. I don’t need to see idea artwork of Fantasy Springs, Zootopia, or superior lands within the worldwide parks which are (supposedly) “into consideration” for Disneyland. Certain factor, Bob.
You already received the glorified zoning challenge authorised, Disney. No additional must play politics on this one to get the residents of Anaheim in your aspect. Share what is definitely taking place, or nothing in any respect.
Much less Filler & Fluff – There’s undoubtedly going to be a little bit of pageantry and fanfare within the opening, finale, and possibly different elements of the presentation. That’s the character of the beast. I’ll be the primary to confess that nobody does a sizzle reel to hype up the group and get the feelings flowing fairly like Disney.
I additionally somewhat benefit from the musical numbers that includes Solid Members and characters, particularly those which have supplied a bridge from previous to current to future at prior D23 Expos. So I’m not averse to any of that. (I additionally don’t suppose they need to get carried away–it’s a fragile steadiness.)
That is extra to reiterate the above, as there have been a number of ostensibly substantive segments over the past D23 Expo that have been totally pointless. The highest instance that involves thoughts was the phase about Tiana’s Bayou Journey that “confirmed off” smoke and lighting. That one struck me as actively counterproductive, because it bolstered misconceptions that there wouldn’t be something spectacular in regards to the attraction.
I do know we nonetheless describe this because the “Parks & Resorts” panel somewhat than “Disney Experiences,” however it’s technically the latter. And I’d somewhat hear about Epic Mickey Rebrushed or no matter is occurring with Fortnite (and so on) than substance-less segments about theme parks.
Some Singles & Doubles – They might announce a fifth gate for Walt Disney World and a 3rd gate for Disneyland at D23, and a few followers would nonetheless complain that it’s not sufficient. They’d be disenchanted there was no point out of Disney’s Magical Specific, free FastPass, Horizons being rebuilt, Pal Mickey introduced again, full toppings bars at Pecos Payments and Cosmic Ray’s, Beastly Kingdom, and a seventh gate at Walt Disney World, too. Disney ought to cease making an attempt to please the unpleasable.
It’s not all “go massive or go house.” To that time, I actually preferred the method that Disney took ultimately 12 months’s Vacation spot D23, the off-year history-oriented occasion at Walt Disney World. That had a sturdy lineup of smaller-scale bulletins just like the Pirates Tavern, Check Monitor 3.0, Nation Bear Musical Jamboree, and extra. With out query, it was the most important and greatest Vacation spot D ever from an bulletins perspective. (It wasn’t a “newsy” occasion in any respect till 2021.)
A solely singles and doubles technique will not be viable for D23 Expo. It’s a blockbuster occasion the place followers predict bombshell information about new lands and sights. However peppering in some smaller stuff between the heavy hitters can be a pleasant one-two punch–particularly if Disney isn’t able to expose particulars or launch detailed idea artwork about some issues which are rumored to be within the pipeline.
So give us data about trip reimaginings of Spaceship Earth, Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster, Large Thunder Mountain Railroad, Autopia/Tomorrowland Speedway, and the rest taking place for refurbishment that’ll additionally obtain enhancements. New particulars and idea artwork of previously-announced or at the moment underway initiatives like Check Monitor or the Zootopia present would additionally examine this field.
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 a variety of work fixing the roof and different infrastructure points with the pavilion and this can be a prime piece of actual property now that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is drawing folks to this nook of the park.
Up till this summer season, my dream situation was for a revival of the ‘Well being Pavilion’ idea that includes Baymax and an assortment of different characters. I’d nonetheless like one thing alongside these strains, however that includes Inside Out. 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. (Presumably a shared house between Large Hero 6 and Inside Out?)
Admittedly, most of my need for Inside Out to take over the previous Wonders of Life pavilion is to take the IP off the desk. Whereas I believe Wonders of Life makes way more sense for the Inside Out IP, the Creativeness pavilion can be undoubtedly being thought of. I’d hate to see that occur, so give it Wonders of Life as a substitute. Provided that Inside Out 2 has been an enormous hit, it’s solely a matter of time earlier than it will get a significant presence within the parks. And who doesn’t need to see Bing Bong introduced again to life as a wonderful Audio Animatronics determine?!
CommuniCore Corridor Alternative – Clearly this isn’t going to occur, however I can dream. And this is perhaps a “when the canine catches the automotive” situation, anyway. As a lot as I’d like for Disney to acknowledge they screwed up the EPCOT overhaul and we’re not caught with this for many years to return, I’m additionally unsure I’m able to endure one other 5 years of EPCOT being a sea of building partitions.
On a extra life like word, I hope that Disney realizes the EPCOT overhaul isn’t truly completed and actually may use a part 2. Most likely wishful pondering, as all indicators level to plans targeted across the different 3 parks.
Sew’s Nice Escape Alternative – There was a seemingly credible rumor pre-closure {that a} Wreck-It Ralph Sugar Rush attraction can be coming to this house. Clearly, that didn’t occur. It could appear these plans have been absolutely deserted, however then Tokyo Disneyland introduced a (very vaguely) comparable idea to switch its Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters attraction. (The Magic Kingdom incarnation was not, and possibly couldn’t be, a shooter trip.)
That is one other house that may very well be good for one thing with Baymax. There’s additionally Pixar’s Elio in 2025, which is a science fiction movie and thus may conceivably match into Tomorrowland. The issue with Disney sci-fi movies, although, is that they’ve a 50/50 shot at flopping. Frankly, I don’t actually care what will get introduced–even when it’s a stopgap with an anticipated decade-long lifespan, it’s higher than the nothing we’ve now.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reboot – I’ve advocated for this many occasions, 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 new adventures. (See Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Must Break the Guidelines for my tackle all of that.)
A delicate reboot of the Star Wars land can be a chance to introduce beloved characters, use the catwalks within the land for mini-shows, and make the land extra lived-in because of droids and extra performers. They might additionally doing a take a look at run of a dinner present in Starcruiser at Walt Disney World for a future purpose-built venue within the land. All of this might breathe new life into the land and assist it lastly notice its full potential.
Extra Muppets – What I’d actually love is an Electrical Mayhem overhaul of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster, and Muppets takeover of the entire Sundown Showcase space. However it appears extremely unlikely that the Muppets will get two mini-lands in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Talking of which, Grand Avenue is principally a clean slate. It was designed to principally be a crowd hall for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which has confirmed pointless. No good concept in Imagineering ever dies, and maybe this may very well be the partial realization of the Muppets Studio land idea from a long time in the past. That was presupposed to function not simply MuppetVision 3D, but additionally two eating places: “The Nice Gonzo’s Pandemonium Pizza Parlor” and “Swedish Chef’s Cooking Faculty.”
Grand Avenue may obtain the San Fransokyo Sq. remedy, with a Muppet Makeover that transforms Mama Melrose into Swedish Chef’s Cooking Faculty and BaseLine Faucet Home right into a Muppets institution. Bringing again the ‘Nice Moments’ puppets for a present within the home windows overhead can be one other nice transfer, as would extra placemaking all through the land.
Animation Courtyard Overhaul – Walt Disney World has already introduced the reimagined Little Mermaid puppet present. It could be implausible if extra have been revealed about the way forward for this nook of the park, which has gotta be one of the miserable areas of Walt Disney World. It has massive Walt Disney Studios Park vitality, which isn’t a superb factor.
I don’t have any particular ‘want’ for what this overhaul would entail. Something is best than what’s there now, even when it’s largely simply aesthetics and placemaking. However it actually needs to be extra than simply aesthetics and placemaking.
Summer time Nightastic 2.0 – We’ve talked about this repeatedly within the final 12 months (and possibly will do a devoted put up on it quickly), however we hope that Disney pulls out the entire Summer time Nightastic playbook, and makes 2025 a summer season of spectaculars, anchored round new and reimagined leisure on each coasts.
Walt Disney World will want a promotional push for Summer time 2025 to “counter” Epic Universe. Disneyland wants one thing greater than Pixar Fest to maintain folks coming. Nearly by default, the answer will seemingly be leisure–it’s the one factor that may conceivably occur on this tight of a timeline.
After years of rumors and wishful pondering, right here’s hoping that 2025 will lastly be the 12 months that each Paint the Night time returns to Disneyland. It’s been some time, however they’re each sitting in storage in Southern California, and Paint the Night time has a nonetheless comparatively new float. Getting one other new float or two and costumes and calling the parade ‘reimagined’ can be a simple win.
At Walt Disney World, it’s conceivable that as-yet unannounced leisure involves Disney’s Hollywood Studios and/or Magic Kingdom. That might imply a parade, parades (day and night time), or a parade and a projections/fireworks present. Then there’s the “Disney Desires That Soar” drone present, which we’re nonetheless satisfied was a take a look at for one thing in Animal Kingdom.
Avatar Expertise Elaboration – As soon as each few months since he returned, Bob Iger has talked about the “Avatar expertise” at Disneyland. Every new point out conveys a morsel of more information, with the most important growth being the above piece of idea artwork he shared throughout the Walt Disney Firm’s Annual Assembly of Shareholders ‘sizzle reel’ in April. In keeping with Iger, this exhibits what the Avatar attraction that’s probably coming to Disneyland Resort may appear like.
This artwork means that the Avatar expertise is definitely Pandora land, and can function a ship trip together with immersive environments which are just like and totally different from the incarnation of the land in Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Which is smart given Disneyland’s distinctive house constraints and the discharge of Avatar: The Approach of Water for the reason that Animal Kingdom incarnation of the challenge.
I’d like affirmation that this idea artwork displays what is going to be constructed, the place it’ll be positioned, and what all it’ll entail. Extra idea artwork can be pretty, too. That is definitely on my want checklist, but additionally looks as if an extremely protected prediction following the approval of DisneylandForward and provided that James Cameron might be in attendance at D23. (And since that is clearly a challenge about which Iger cares.)
Tomorrowland Transformation – I’ve resolved myself to this not truly taking place–however this can be a want checklist, not predictions. By the point the 2024 D23 Expo rolls round, it’ll be nearly 5 years since Disney introduced “A Nice, Large, Stunning Tomorrowland Entrance Coming Quickly to Disneyland.” That entrance, depicted within the idea artwork above, nonetheless has not come to fruition. The idea artwork had develop into so pale that they lately changed–however didn’t take away–it. So there’s nonetheless hope!
That entrance was seemingly step one in a deliberate, lengthy overdue transformation of Tomorrowland at Disneyland. It appears logical that the following “new” Tomorrowland will revisit the 1967 concepts of Walt Disney and his Imagineers that envisioned it as a “world on the transfer,” streamlining the design to take away the visible hodgepodge and exchange it with clear mid-century fashionable stylization.
On a substantive stage, I’d like to see Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters get a brand new idea. As Hyperspace Mountain has confirmed, Area Mountain may develop into a completely “new” trip through the strategic use of screens. One thing extra everlasting may very well be an enormous draw and completed with out vital funding or downtime.
Then there’s the previous Innoventions/Tremendous Hero HQ/Star Wars Launch Bay constructing. This simply received a DVC lounge final 12 months, so it’s unlikely going anyplace. However the overwhelming majority of the house continues to be unused. It may develop into the house of a model new attraction–or maybe the loading space for the PeopleMover. Now that’s very wishful pondering, however once more, that’s what this checklist is!
Fantasyland Enlargement – For years, there have been rumblings of Fantasyland growth at Disneyland. Most variations of this contain changing Fantasyland Theatre and taking over a few of the house between Toontown and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or some portion of the lagoons and Autopia space on the other aspect.
Most credible variations of this rumor revolved round Arendelle, however are actually a number of years previous. Transferring ahead on this simply is smart. Fantasyland is cramped, and opening up extra walkways would ease the pressure of crowds and assist with capability. Not solely that, however World of Frozen has already confirmed an enormous hit in Hong Kong–cloning that now can be cost-effective and a straightforward win for Disneyland.
Avengers Campus: Part 2 – Fingers crossed that that is the third consecutive D23 Expo with an Avengers Campus E-Ticket attraction announcement. Will it nonetheless be the King Thanos family-friendly trip? Will or not it’s a revival of the Quinjet idea? Will or not it’s one thing model new? No one is aware of!
It’s in all probability protected to say that the trip automobile shared at Vacation spot D23 continues to be correct. That implies the trip system might be just like or the identical as Peter Pan’s By no means Land Journey (or Spider-Man at Common), which is smart. It additionally implies that there are a variety of potentialities for the trip itself.
Disney ought to need to proceed bettering DCA to extend its drawing energy. The primary part of Avengers Campus is underwhelming, and is getting worse with current leisure cuts. Which is why this isn’t simply listed as an Avengers E-Ticket reveal–additionally they must announce leisure or one thing near-term so the land doesn’t simply limp alongside for the following few years.
Hong Kong Disneyland has already signaled that its long-delayed Marvel E-Ticket is lastly shifting ahead. It’s protected to anticipate information about that at D23 Expo, and regardless of the plans are to be pretty comparable at HKDL and DCA.
Tropical Americas Full Reveal – This Dino-Rama substitute and growth is already confirmed. At Vacation spot D23 final 12 months, Disney introduced that Imagineering will rework this into a brand new land impressed by a area generally known as “Tropical Americas.”
Imagineers have taken analysis journeys to biodiverse areas of South America, stretching up into Central America for inspiration on the growth. Building permits have already been filed, and Imagineering goes to have a big trailer park campus backstage. So we all know Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom is really-for-real taking place, and never simply blue sky daydreaming.
What’s not but official is what, precisely, Tropical Americas will entail. It’s been recommended that an Encanto darkish trip and Indiana Jones Journey changing DINOSAUR, together with a brand new carousel and refreshes of the doorway and restaurant are on the way in which. What I’d like is affirmation of all of this, plus 7 items of idea artwork: Indiana Jones exterior and inside; Encanto exterior and inside (with trip automobile); restaurant, carousel, and entrance.
Past Large Thunder Reveal – Again in April, Imagineering indicated that preliminary water administration permits for Past Large Thunder can be filed within the coming weeks. Over three months later, that also hasn’t occurred. Nonetheless, that little tidbit alone means that plans for the large Magic Kingdom challenge have firmed up.
My expectation is that Past Large Thunder might be carried out in phases, and that Disney gained’t be able to expose full particulars for the whole growth. That’s comprehensible. On the very least, I’d anticipate to listen to in regards to the first part of the challenge, together with which characters and ideas might be represented.
Whereas I’d wish to see extra, I’d be happy with a single piece of idea artwork displaying a hen’s eye take a look at the growth–not just like the impressionistic one from two years in the past, however extra just like the artwork for New Fantasyland and Fantasy Springs (and even the above Tropical Americas artwork, for that matter) that conveys a tad extra specificity.
Lion King Experience – Rumors have been swirling for months that two Lion King sights are on the way in which: one at Walt Disney Studios Park/Disney Journey World and one other at Animal Kingdom, between the Port of Harambe and Pandora.
I do know completely nothing in regards to the veracity of those rumors, a lot much less the (potential) initiatives themselves. What I’ve heard “recommended” from credible sources is that Imagineering isn’t simply constructing the trailer park for Tropical Americas, and extra is on the way in which to Animal Kingdom. That makes full sense, because it wants extra. 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 trip at Walt Disney World.
Even when a Lion King trip has been greenlit for Walt Disney World, it wouldn’t shock me if it’s too early to listen to about it. That Disney needs to give attention to Tropical Americas, and save that for a future occasion. Through which case, right here’s hoping we nonetheless hear in regards to the model for France.
Out of Left Subject Shock – Regardless that that is my want checklist, it’s considerably grounded within the ‘actuality’ of cheap rumors and rumblings. It’s the wildest desires or concepts from the deepest depths of my creativeness–it’s believable stuff.
With that mentioned, what I actually hope occurs is a few bulletins, irrespective of the dimensions or scope, that come out of left area–carefully guarded secrets and techniques that catch followers completely abruptly…in a great way. And talking of Creativeness…
Figment & Dreamfinder – Lastly, this checklist wouldn’t be full 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 smart 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 might outline the EPCOT transformation, tying it collectively right into a extra cohesive challenge. Figment would develop into the face and mascot of the new-look EPCOT, elevating the in any other case underwhelming central backbone within the course of. Oh, and it’d be a license to print cash–simply consider the merchandising potential!
For Bob Iger, this needs to be a no brainer transfer. Bringing again the true Figment and Dreamfinder would assist with rebuild visitor goodwill and handle fan disenchantment. It’s a surefire manner of undoing a variety of the outrage and model harm from the previous few years. I can’t consider another single optimistic announcement that might outweigh so many prior negatives ones. Rather a lot can be forgiven by followers within the blink of a watch. It’d be a legacy challenge for Bob Iger.
Asserting Journey into Creativeness 4.0 is one surefire approach to get large applause from the D23 Expo viewers, undo model harm of the final a number of years, and assure visits from loyal followers. About the one methods to attain which are the return of Figment and Dreamfinder or the PeopleMover (the occasion is in Anaheim, in any case). If Disney executives are really involved about all of this stuff, it’s the logical time to do one thing that ought to’ve been completed a decade in the past.
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Your Ideas
What’s in your want checklist for 2024 D23 Expo bulletins? Do you suppose will probably be the biggest-ever Expo for Walt Disney World and Disneyland information? Will or not it’s one other disappointment? Are you excited/optimistic about what might be revealed, or taking an “I’ll imagine it after I see it” stance given the entire cancelled initiatives of the final ~5 years? Any shock bulletins you suppose is perhaps potential?