Precisely one month from at this time, on August 10, the Parks & Resorts panel will likely be introduced throughout the 2024 D23 Expo. Walt Disney World and Disneyland followers are anxiously awaiting bulletins for the subsequent part of “turbocharged” progress. Rumors and wishful considering are swirling about what’s on the horizon, with hypothesis of trip reimaginings, additions, and enlargement.
As we’ve been saying for the final yr, a giant slate of bulletins on the 2024 D23 Expo really makes quite a lot 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 practically pretty much as good–quite a lot of issues that have been cancelled or by no means occurred.
However there’s motive to consider the 2024 D23 Expo will as soon as once more attain the identical highs as 2017. The final mission cycle has now wrapped up, there’s nothing brand-new beneath energetic development at Walt Disney World or Disneyland, and the time is correct to share what’s in retailer for the subsequent improvement part. Disney has virtually telegraphed that that is what’s 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. Greater 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 consider it once 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 concerning the substance of Disney’s enlargement plans.
On prime of all that, the elephant within the room for Walt Disney World is Common’s Epic Universe, the third theme park being in-built Central Florida by Comcast. Formally, Disney received’t have any “reply” to Epic Universe. Their public place is a mix of ‘Common is answering all the pieces we’ve achieved 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 huge information. Buyers need huge information. The corporate is lastly in a monetary place to construct, and thus ship huge information. The stakes are excessive, and we firmly consider that Disney will ship. (No strain.)
Earlier than we dig into the specifics of what we would like introduced at D23 Expo, it’s essential to supply the caveat that it is a want checklist. It’s not based mostly on any inside information neither is it an inventory of predictions. That is what we hope will likely be introduced given what’s realistically on the desk, not what we really assume will likely be revealed. That is overly optimistic–if even 25% of this finally ends up coming to fruition, I’ll be very glad. Regardless of the disappointments and laborious classes of the previous couple of years, I feel there’s a compelling case for optimism for the long-term way forward for each Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
With that stated, 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 every week or so earlier than the massive 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 like 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’ enlargement proposals was pleasure. As soon as the mud settled and followers realized simply what had and, extra importantly, had not been introduced that gave strategy to skepticism, pessimism, and downright dismissiveness. It’s been an analogous story since–the phrase “turbocharged” when speaking about Parks & Resorts has virtually grow to be 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 shouldn’t be working. It’s arguably worse than saying nothing in any respect. An enormous a part of the issue right here is the baseline from which the method is beginning–it’s occurring in opposition to the backdrop of a number of delayed or cancelled initiatives.
No matter causes, quite a lot of the goodwill and endurance followers may 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 periods 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 really will likely be. Present idea artwork. Share when shovel will hit soil. However don’t go up there and discuss concerning the countless prospects that Imagineers are dreaming up or no matter. That’s only a waste of everybody’s time. It’d 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 might be (supposedly) “into consideration” for Disneyland. Positive factor, Bob.
You already bought the glorified zoning mission authorized, Disney. No additional have to play politics on this one to get the residents of Anaheim in your facet. 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 relatively benefit from the musical numbers that includes Solid Members and characters, particularly those which have offered 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 assume they need to get carried away–it’s a fragile stability.)
That is extra to reiterate the above, as there have been a couple of ostensibly substantive segments over the last D23 Expo that have been totally pointless. The highest instance that involves thoughts was the section 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 concerning the attraction.
I do know we nonetheless describe this because the “Parks & Resorts” panel relatively than “Disney Experiences,” however it’s technically the latter. And I’d relatively hear about Epic Mickey Rebrushed or no matter is happening with Fortnite (and so forth) 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 attempting to please the unpleasable.
It’s not all “go huge or go dwelling.” To that time, I actually preferred the method that Disney took ultimately yr’s Vacation spot D23, the off-year history-oriented occasion at Walt Disney World. That had a strong lineup of smaller-scale bulletins just like the Pirates Tavern, Take a look at Monitor 3.0, Nation Bear Musical Jamboree, and extra. With out query, it was the largest 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 shouldn’t 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 could be a pleasant one-two punch–particularly if Disney isn’t able to reveal particulars or launch detailed idea artwork about some issues which might be rumored to be within the pipeline.
So give us information about trip reimaginings of Spaceship Earth, Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster, Large Thunder Mountain Railroad, Autopia/Tomorrowland Speedway, and anything taking place for refurbishment that’ll additionally obtain enhancements. New particulars and idea artwork of previously-announced or presently underway initiatives like Take a look at Monitor or the Zootopia present would additionally verify this field.
Inside Out Into Wonders of Life – Up till it was completely paused, Play Pavilion was deliberate for the outdated Wonders of Life. Walt Disney World already did quite a lot 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.
Up till this summer season, my dream state of affairs 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 non secular successor to Skull Command and extra. (Probably a shared house between Large Hero 6 and Inside Out?)
Admittedly, most of my want for Inside Out to take over the previous Wonders of Life pavilion is to take the IP off the desk. Whereas I feel Wonders of Life makes far more sense for the Inside Out IP, the Creativeness pavilion can also be undoubtedly being thought-about. I’d hate to see that occur, so give it Wonders of Life as an alternative. Provided that Inside Out 2 has been an enormous hit, it’s solely a matter of time earlier than it will get a serious 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 Substitute – Clearly this isn’t going to occur, however I can dream. And this is perhaps a “when the canine catches the automobile” state of affairs, 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 come back, I’m additionally undecided I’m able to endure one other 5 years of EPCOT being a sea of development partitions.
On a extra reasonable word, I hope that Disney realizes the EPCOT overhaul isn’t really achieved and actually may use a part 2. In all probability wishful considering, as all indicators level to plans centered across the different 3 parks.
Sew’s Nice Escape Substitute – There was a seemingly credible rumor pre-closure {that a} Wreck-It Ralph Sugar Rush attraction could be coming to this house. Clearly, that didn’t occur. It might appear these plans have been totally 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 might be excellent 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 now have now.
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 prefer 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 could 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. 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 may 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. Nevertheless 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 might be the partial realization of the Muppets Studio land idea from many years in the past. That was alleged to function not simply MuppetVision 3D, but additionally two eating places: “The Nice Gonzo’s Pandemonium Pizza Parlor” and “Swedish Chef’s Cooking College.”
Grand Avenue may obtain the San Fransokyo Sq. therapy, with a Muppet Makeover that transforms Mama Melrose into Swedish Chef’s Cooking College and BaseLine Faucet Home right into a Muppets institution. Bringing again the ‘Nice Moments’ puppets for a present within the home windows overhead could 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 might be improbable 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 huge Walt Disney Studios Park power, 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 principally simply aesthetics and placemaking. Nevertheless it actually ought to be extra than simply aesthetics and placemaking.
Summer time Nightastic 2.0 – We’ve talked about this repeatedly within the final yr (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 individuals 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 considering, right here’s hoping that 2025 will lastly be the yr 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’ could be a straightforward 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 evening), 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 additional information, with the largest improvement being the above piece of idea artwork he shared throughout the Walt Disney Firm’s Annual Assembly of Shareholders ‘sizzle reel’ in April. In line with Iger, this reveals what the Avatar attraction that’s presumably coming to Disneyland Resort may appear to be.
This artwork means that the Avatar expertise is definitely Pandora land, and can function a ship trip together with immersive environments which might be just like and totally different from the incarnation of the land in Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Which is sensible given Disneyland’s distinctive house constraints and the discharge of Avatar: The Approach of Water for the reason that Animal Kingdom incarnation of the mission.
I’d like affirmation that this idea artwork displays what is going to be constructed, the place it’ll be situated, and what all it’ll entail. Extra idea artwork could be beautiful, too. That is definitely on my want checklist, but additionally looks like an extremely protected prediction following the approval of DisneylandForward and on condition that James Cameron will likely be in attendance at D23. (And since that is clearly a mission about which Iger cares.)
Tomorrowland Transformation – I’ve resolved myself to this not really taking place–however it is a want checklist, not predictions. By the point the 2024 D23 Expo rolls round, it’ll be virtually 5 years since Disney introduced “A Nice, Large, Lovely Tomorrowland Entrance Coming Quickly to Disneyland.” That entrance, depicted within the idea artwork above, nonetheless has not come to fruition. The idea artwork had grow to be so pale that they just 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 subsequent “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 substitute it with clear mid-century fashionable stylization.
On a substantive degree, I’d like to see Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters get a brand new idea. As Hyperspace Mountain has confirmed, House Mountain may grow to be a completely “new” trip through the strategic use of screens. One thing extra everlasting might be a giant draw and achieved with out important funding or downtime.
Then there’s the outdated Innoventions/Tremendous Hero HQ/Star Wars Launch Bay constructing. This simply bought a DVC lounge final yr, so it’s unlikely going wherever. However the overwhelming majority of the house remains to be unused. It may grow to be the house of a model new attraction–or maybe the loading space for the PeopleMover. Now that’s very wishful considering, however once more, that’s what this checklist is!
Fantasyland Enlargement – For years, there have been rumblings of Fantasyland enlargement at Disneyland. Most variations of this contain changing Fantasyland Theatre and taking over a number of the house between Toontown and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or some portion of the lagoons and Autopia space on the alternative facet.
Most credible variations of this rumor revolved round Arendelle, however at the moment are a number of years outdated. Transferring ahead on this simply is sensible. 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 could 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 it’s a revival of the Quinjet idea? Will 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 remains to be correct. That implies the trip system will likely be just like or the identical as Peter Pan’s By no means Land Journey (or Spider-Man at Common), which is sensible. It additionally signifies that there are a variety of prospects for the trip itself.
Disney ought to need to proceed enhancing DCA to extend its drawing energy. The primary part of Avengers Campus is underwhelming, and is getting worse with latest leisure cuts. Which is why this isn’t simply listed as an Avengers E-Ticket reveal–in addition they have to announce leisure or one thing near-term so the land doesn’t simply limp alongside for the subsequent 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 alternative and enlargement is already confirmed. At Vacation spot D23 final yr, Disney introduced that Imagineering will rework this into a brand new land impressed by a area typically known as “Tropical Americas.”
Imagineers have taken analysis journeys to biodiverse areas of South America, stretching up into Central America for inspiration on the enlargement. Development 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 best way. 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 could be filed within the coming weeks. Over three months later, that also hasn’t occurred. However, that little tidbit alone means that plans for the large Magic Kingdom mission have firmed up.
My expectation is that Past Large Thunder will likely be carried out in phases, and that Disney received’t be able to reveal full particulars for all the enlargement. That’s comprehensible. On the very least, I’d anticipate to listen to concerning the first part of the mission, together with which characters and ideas will likely be represented.
Whereas I’d prefer to see extra, I’d be happy with a single piece of idea artwork displaying a chook’s eye have a look at the enlargement–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 Trip – Rumors have been swirling for months that two Lion King sights are on the best way: 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 concerning 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 best way 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 basic 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 concentrate on Tropical Americas, and save that for a future occasion. During which case, right here’s hoping we nonetheless hear concerning the model for France.
Out of Left Discipline Shock – Though that is my want checklist, it’s considerably grounded within the ‘actuality’ of affordable rumors and rumblings. It’s the wildest desires or concepts from the deepest depths of my creativeness–it’s believable stuff.
With that stated, what I actually hope occurs is a few bulletins, regardless of the size or scope, that come out of left area–carefully guarded secrets and techniques that catch followers completely unexpectedly…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 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 might outline the EPCOT transformation, tying it collectively right into a extra cohesive mission. 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. Oh, and it’d be a license to print cash–simply consider the merchandising potential!
For Bob Iger, this ought to be a no brainer transfer. Bringing again the true Figment and Dreamfinder would assist with rebuild visitor goodwill and deal with fan disenchantment. It’s a surefire manner of undoing quite a lot of the outrage and model harm from the previous couple of years. I can’t consider some other single optimistic announcement that might outweigh so many prior negatives ones. Rather a lot could be forgiven by followers within the blink of an eye fixed. It’d be a legacy mission for Bob Iger.
Asserting Journey into Creativeness 4.0 is one surefire strategy to get huge 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 realize which might be the return of Figment and Dreamfinder or the PeopleMover (the occasion is in Anaheim, in any case). If Disney executives are actually involved about all of these items, it’s the logical time to do one thing that ought to’ve been achieved a decade in the past.
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Your Ideas
What’s in your want checklist for 2024 D23 Expo bulletins? Do you assume it will likely be the biggest-ever Expo for Walt Disney World and Disneyland information? Will it’s one other disappointment? Are you excited/optimistic about what will likely be revealed, or taking an “I’ll consider it once I see it” stance given all the cancelled initiatives of the final ~5 years? Any shock bulletins you assume is perhaps doable?
