Throughout the subsequent decade, Walt Disney World goes to reimagine rides in Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom. In all probability a number of which are overdue for substitute in addition to opening day originals in want of updates. This lists the sights which are prime candidates to be overhauled and what we’d prefer to see if or when that happens.
For starters, we all know extra journey reimaginings are on the horizon as a result of Disney has stated so. Whereas the corporate has plans to speculate $60 billion in Parks & Resorts over the subsequent 10 years, CEO Bob Iger stated the spending can be backloaded. However he additionally indicated {that a} menu of latest issues will begin opening in 2025, and there’ll be a cadence yearly of extra funding and elevated capability from then by means of the 2030s.
Equally, Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro has made feedback that they wish to develop the footprints of the parks by constructing past the berm whereas additionally enhancing utilization inside them. Each of these items essentially imply journey reimaginings. One, as a result of enhancing utilization is “code” for reimaginings (or shenanigans like Genie/NextGen, however Disney has realized from these errors).
There’s additionally the truth that the corporate has but to place shovel-to-soil, so it’d be inconceivable to open something on a daily “cadence” beginning in 2025 or 2026 that’s not a journey reimagining. None of this needs to be an enormous shock. We’ve all seen how “shortly” Disney builds new lands and sights. The dangerous information is that correct enlargement at Walt Disney World will possible arrive nearer to 2030 than 2025.
The excellent news is that there are a dozen-plus sights which are at phases of their life cycle after they want to be up to date. Effectively, perhaps this isn’t a constructive out of your perspective–nostalgia is an enormous a part of the Disney expertise and alter to fan-favorites will be troublesome to simply accept.
Not solely that, however not each previous journey reimagining has been progress–some have been downgrades or lateral strikes. Journey reimaginings additionally should not almost as “attractive” as park enlargement. A clean canvas is far more thrilling for its limitless prospects than even the incremental enhancements of a well-executed reimagining.
I get it, however I additionally disagree with that sentiment. I believe it’s the identical sort of pondering that fuels followers to maintain clamoring for a legendary fifth gate moderately than, you already know, fixing and increasing upon the present 4 parks, 3 of which nonetheless want a number of assist. (And the opposite of which has a very nice enlargement pad!) As thrilling as a fifth park is on paper, a lot of the price range can be blown on infrastructure and different issues that aren’t sights.
It’s a considerably comparable concept with journey reimaginings. Once I go searching Walt Disney World, there are simply a dozen sights which are outdated and might be dramatically improved. This might be performed quicker and cheaper than fully-fledged enlargement, too. In a world the place money and time are finite and even $60 billion received’t go almost so far as some followers may suppose, reimaginings are key.
Anyway, let’s get right down to brass tacks and canopy the prime candidates for reimaginings at Walt Disney World…
Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster – I’m absolutely satisfied that this may occur within the subsequent few years. Reimagining Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster isn’t just the protected transfer, however it will be cash properly spent. It presents a possibility for Imagineering to simply inject new life in an attraction that’s inherently widespread as a thrill journey, and would give the corporate one thing to market between now and 2026.
In our publish, Will Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Be Reimagined?, we cowl prospects for the brand new theme in addition to why we strongly imagine it will occur at some point. There are a number of causes for this, together with the reputational legal responsibility offered by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, who has now been named in two sexual abuse lawsuits within the final two years.
Additionally value noting is that Walt Disney World has nothing on deck for 2025 as an oblique “reply” to Epic Universe. Until Disney is simply going to ‘quit’ and let Common have 2025 (a method that we identified may make some extent of sense in Is Common “Beating” Disney?), they should begin transferring on one thing quickly.
Enter a redone Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster. Few sights have as a lot untapped advertising potential and might be performed in beneath a yr and can be a colossal draw with mainstream audiences. Though Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster is already fairly widespread, I can’t consider every other rides that hit the ‘candy spot’ of an environment friendly reimagining and a marketable one.
Whereas I nonetheless suppose that there are a selection of viable reimagining themes, none has as a lot potential as Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster: Taylor’s Model. The curmudgeons on the market are going to right away scoff at this, as hating the favored factor has grow to be a character for some. I’m no Swiftie (she wouldn’t crack my private prime 50 musicians), however I acknowledge that Taylor Swift is a juggernaut. (And likewise, not the whole lot must be aimed squarely at me.)
Love or hate her, there’s no denying Taylor Swift’s reputation–she transcends pop stardom. Disney already introduced “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Model)” to its Disney+ streaming service, so there’s already a longtime relationship. There are additionally rumors she’ll have a future position the MCU. (Maybe Disney might kill two birds with one stone, making this a Marvel and Taylor Swift curler coaster?!)
Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster: Taylor’s Model is the one attraction overlay that will deliver a wholly new viewers to Walt Disney World. Simply take a look at what occurred with the NFL, as Swifties watched “realized soccer” and watched whole video games only for glimpses of the celebrity. This reimagining alone might be a professional reply to Epic Universe when it comes to drawing energy, which is sorta miserable, nevertheless it’s additionally correct.
Sew’s Nice Escape – There are a number of sights I debated together with on this checklist that possible received’t make it to see the 2030s–together with Star Wars Launch Bay, Disney Junior Dance Occasion, and a number of other different theater and stage present areas–the issue is that the majority of them will likely be basically remodeled into one thing else, and thus redeveloped moderately than reimagined.
It’s an identical story right here, however the distinction is that Imagineering is boxed in with the previous Sew’s Nice Escape house given what’s adjoining and above it. So the constructing received’t be torn down, and there’s a very good likelihood that the subsequent occupant makes use of an identical format to profit from the restricted footprint right here.
As for what might change Sew’s Nice Escape, there are a selection of choices. Essentially the most boring of which might be importing Sew Encounter from one of many worldwide parks. It’s mainly Turtle Discuss, however with Sew (who’s an alien, not a turtle). An alternative choice can be one thing comparable, however with Baymax as a substitute of Sew. There’s additionally Pixar’s Elio in 2025, which is a science fiction movie and thus might conceivably match into Tomorrowland. The issue with Disney sci-fi movies, although, is that they’ve a 50/50 shot at flopping.
DINOSAUR — Walt Disney World followers will debate the demise of Dinoland and Dino-Rama for many years to return. Followers are already unhappy concerning the chance of shedding DINOSAUR, which looks as if an inevitability at this level even when it’s not 100% official. I additionally suspect that, over time, an after-the-fact fondness will kind round Dinoland as a complete–followers will miss the extinct space much more when trying again by means of the rose-colored glasses of nostalgia.
The factor is…these of us are sorta proper! Scientifically talking, dinosaurs are the awesomest animal of all-time, edging out hammerhead sharks and the T-800. There are dozens of slam dunk concepts involving dinosaurs in theme parks that will’ve been wondrous to behold. None of them have occurred or will occur, which I believe is actually a disgrace.
With that stated, DINOSAUR simply isn’t it. The journey has a lot squandered potential, and even its diehard followers will notice this as soon as Indiana Jones Journey opens. As a lover of dinosaurs, I’d’ve liked to have a DINOSAUR with the standard of Indiana Jones Journey. However that’s not what we acquired, and as such, DINOSAUR is due for a reimagining.
I simply hope someday down the street, Disney offers Imagineering the price range and freedom to create a dinosaur land that actually wows. Jurassic Park and Common don’t have a monopoly on the idea. Imagineers might create an unique theme park IP with dinosaurs that knocks our collective socks off!
Disney & Pixar Quick Movie Competition – There are additionally a number of completely different movies in EPCOT that would make this checklist, however the one one which needs to be an pressing precedence is the Disney & Pixar Quick Movie Competition. The fabric right here is satisfactory and value watching, making it a good possibility when you’re craving air-conditioning or seeking to escape a storm. However on the finish of the day, these are actually simply Disney and Pixar cartoon shorts that you can watch on Disney+ at house.
Though it’s higher than some EPCOT movies, the explanation a reimagining needs to be prioritized right here is as a part of a bigger-picture Creativeness pavilion overhaul. The #1 entry on this checklist is, spoiler alert, a reimagined Journey into Creativeness with Figment (and Dreamfinder). That journey plus a redone ImageWorks plus one thing worthwhile within the Magic Eye Theater might breathe new life into this nook of the park.
As for what ought to change the Disney & Pixar Quick Movie Competition, the plain candidate is an Inside Out present. That may give the pavilion an unique character in Figment for the followers, plus IP drawing energy for informal visitors. It doesn’t have to be a lavish manufacturing–one other 3D movie might conceivably work–however I’d like to see a Bing Bong Audio Animatronics determine.
Magnificence and the Beast: Dwell on Stage — This stage present retelling Magnificence and the Beast in condensed kind is actually as outdated because the animated film itself. It’s satisfying, doing an satisfactory job with choreography, performances, and dramatic styling. Generally simple-but-good is greater than sufficient.
The issue is that Magnificence and the Beast: Dwell on Stage simply feels outdated. Every thing about it simply offers off Nineteen Nineties vibes. It’s the totality of all of it, and the way it contrasts with newer variations of animated films that offers it away. So many extra trendy productions have come and gone at Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line that might be plugged into DHS and can be a breath of contemporary air, comparatively talking.
To that time, I’d like to see this changed by a type of DCL productions. My favourite is Tangled: The Musical, which might even be an incredible possibility given how underrepresented Tangled is within the parks. However even the newer Magnificence and the Beast or Frozen musicals from DCL can be incredible. I’d favor that to a montage present, however am not essentially averse to one thing like Mickey and the Magician, which is an unbelievable manufacturing.
Peter Pan’s Flight – This journey’s enduring reputation and the truth that it instructions a few of the longest wait instances in all of Walt Disney World means it shouldn’t be changed by a wholly new journey idea. Flying over the streets of London and Neverland is a timeless lightning-in-a-bottle expertise that ought to by no means go away.
As a lot as I really like the brand new Peter Pan’s By no means Land Journey in Fantasy Springs, I wouldn’t wish to lose the straightforward allure and delight of Peter Pan’s Flight for it. (Not that it issues, since By no means Land Journey would by no means slot in such a small footprint and I can’t see Disney spending “OLC cash” on considerably comparable attraction when Peter Pan’s Flight continues to be so widespread.)
As a substitute, Peter Pan’s Flight needs to be plussed with projection mapping and different lighting results–as has been performed in Anaheim, Paris, Shanghai, and Tokyo. Updating infrastructure so the flight is much less jerky and smoother would assist with suspension of disbelief. If we’re actually daydreaming, changing the journey system solely with bigger autos to enhance hourly throughput can be wonderful. (That’s most likely a stretch, although, because it’s the kind of replace that will set off security and accessibility modifications.)
Imagineering acquired it proper with Peter Pan’s Flight many years in the past, so that is extra a modernization than a fully-fledged reimagining. Over time, Imagineering has performed precisely that with Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, plus different Fantasyland classics at Disneyland. It’s time Peter Pan’s Flight left its datedness within the mud and acquired an opportunity to fly increased. (If current journey refurbishment rumors are to be believed, this one goes to occur…to some extent.)
Spaceship Earth — The final attraction standing from EPCOT Middle’s unique slow-moving darkish journey slate. Spaceship Earth was scheduled for reimagining again in 2020, which was overdue even then. The monitor is in tough form and the descent offers off deserted mall vibes. The present model of the attraction, (partially) redone in 2007, is now the longest-running incarnation of Spaceship Earth.
The way in which this journey communicates to visitors–particularly within the finale–likewise feels antiquated. Ironic and disappointing on condition that it’s an attraction about communication. Humanity’s shared story is a compelling one and the journey’s location inside EPCOT’s iconic geodesic sphere is admittedly cool, however Spaceship Earth squanders a lot of its potential. Particularly the clunky conclusion that fails to encourage.
The “Story Gentle” reimagining that was slated to happen in 2020 was controversial, with many purists cringing at the opportunity of character IP being added. No matter occurs at this level can be a distinct idea than that, and truthfully, I’m prepared to roll the cube. The present state of the second-half of the attraction is embarrassing, the script is drained, and the tacky screen-based ending is atrocious.
Spaceship Earth deserves higher, and diehard followers shouldn’t need to concern a reimagining as a result of the top consequence may, in some way, be even worse. Personally, I’d be completely tremendous with a fiber optic gentle path ‘main’ the way in which by means of the present scenes, plus the addition of an all-new finale. No must reinvent the wheel (or movable sort printing press?), simply add readability to what’s communicated and an exclamation-inducing finale.
Buzz Lightyear’s House Ranger Spin – I really like the concept of Buzz Lightyear’s House Ranger Spin as a shooter journey that really makes use of bodily present scenes to make it partaking for visitors who wish to benefit from the attraction passively. Among the staging, props, and Audio Animatronics are actually cool. The interactivity is enjoyable, and Walt Disney World might use extra sights like this. I personally favor gamified sights like this–ones which are satisfying whether or not you play or not, because it provides multigenerational attraction.
Sadly, this drained darkish journey hasn’t been modernized in over 20 years. It’s nonetheless a reimagined journey of one other reimagined journey (with some remnants of its predecessors, Delta Dreamflight and If You Had Wings, nonetheless in place). The parks in Anaheim, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai have all since iterated upon and improved the Buzz Lightyear shooter journey, and it’s gone time for Magic Kingdom to comply with go well with.
Whereas probably the most logical transfer is changing the blasters and a few targets, I’d truthfully prefer to see this journey reimagining go a step additional and grow to be one thing completely different solely, a la Ant-Man and the Wasp: Nano Battle at Hong Kong Disneyland. Walt Disney World already has one other Toy Story interactive sport journey–and heck, a whole land. Make this Sew’s Slimers (or Plasma Blasters) or retheme it to some obscure Marvel character to whom Common doesn’t have the rights in Florida. An alternative choice is ready to see how the Wreck-It-Ralph shooter that’s changing Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters at Tokyo Disneyland seems. Cloning that would make sense!
Tomorrowland Speedway – Good for many who wish to benefit from the stench and cognitive impairment of car exhaust, Tomorrowland Speedway is noisy, smelly, and simplistic. The flip aspect is that Tomorrowland Speedway is a ceremony of passage attraction for youths that’s deserving of its place in Magic Kingdom.
Again earlier than we had a child, I felt like I “wanted” to defend Tomorrowland Speedway with a purpose to be balanced and never one of many dreaded, out-of-touch Childless Millennial Disney Adults. Now I’m free to say what I actually suppose beneath the duvet of parenthood: Tomorrowland Speedway is a waste of valuable actual property. There’s nothing Disney can do to distinguish it from dime-a-dozen go-cart rides. It’s time to interchange Tomorrowland Speedway utterly.
Tokyo Disneyland “traded” their model for Fantasyland and Tomorrowland enlargement that includes a Magnificence and the Beast E-Ticket, indoor theater, and Baymax flat journey. There isn’t that a lot house right here, however Disney might nonetheless accomplish that a lot to make Fantasyland and Tomorrowland circulation higher and modernize this stretch of the park. The Baymax flat journey plus one other main Fantasyland headliner might change it, whereas additionally making TRON Lightcycle Run circulation higher with the remainder of the park.
I’m skeptical Disney has the will to tear out Tomorrowland Speedway, so on the very least, modernize the fleet and add higher present scenes. Use that sponsorship with Basic Motors to make Tomorrowland Speedway much less embarrassing.
Journey into Creativeness with Figment — Now again in meet & greet kind and shortly to have his personal function movie, Figment is extra widespread than ever. It simply is sensible to reimagine Journey into Creativeness. It would generate goodwill amongst WDW diehards and forge new followers within the course of.
It’d be one thing that will 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. Oh, and it’d be a license to print cash–simply consider the merchandising potential!
Figment is widespread not for the prevailing attraction in its present sorry state, however due to the unique Journey into Creativeness. If something, the truth that the journey and its star character nonetheless have a strong maintain on adults of a sure age many years after they disappeared speaks volumes concerning the indelible impression they left on the youth of the Eighties and Nineteen Nineties.
The unique Journey into Creativeness was mesmerizing. Above all else, it was imaginative, as cliche as that may sound. As a younger little one, I used to be spellbound by the unique, its characters, and the evocative scenes they inhabited. It was a timeless attraction that captivated visitors, sparked their imaginations, and cast lifelong Walt Disney World followers. Recapturing that misplaced magic and spirit of creativeness would have the identical influence right now, proving that rides don’t want film IP to be large successes. That the theme parks, themselves, are a type of mental property.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
Do any sights at Walt Disney World strike you as being prime candidates for journey reimaginings? Something you suppose our checklist “snubbed” that needs to be slated for substitute or at the least an replace? Do you agree or disagree with our decisions? Any questions we can assist you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
