How Will Disney World “Compete” with Common’s Epic Universe in 2025?

Epic Universe is the theme park opening in 2025 at Common Orlando. It seems superb and is bound to be massively common due to lands based mostly on Nintendo, Harry Potter, How you can Practice Your Dragon, and Monsters. Unsurprisingly, this has triggered many followers to surprise how Walt Disney World will compete with that new third gate. This submit makes an attempt to reply the titular query, with real looking potentialities as to what WDW will do.

Let’s begin with what Walt Disney World will not do. Many followers need an equal “reply” to Epic Universe, and the one factor that may actually compete with a brand new theme park is a brand new theme park. That completely won’t occur. Definitely not in 2025 and nearly actually not by 2035. (Right here’s Why a fifth Theme Park Will NOT Be Constructed at Walt Disney World within the Subsequent Decade.)

On a smaller scale, we are able to additionally rule out new lands or rides. That ship has sailed–there isn’t sufficient time. The one factor even formally introduced on that entrance is Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom, which is a mixture of reimaginings and enlargement. In all probability, Tropical Americas is the subsequent main venture on the horizon (exterior of trip reimaginings) and it’ll begin in late 2024 and be achieved in 2026 or 2027.

Formally, Disney received’t have any official reply to Epic Universe. CEO Bob Iger claims that Epic Universe is definitely Common’s reply to Disney, enjoying catch-up on a decade of nonstop growth at Walt Disney World and that the corporate doesn’t have anxiousness about Common’s third theme park.

That’s posturing. Disney received’t acknowledge the venture as a menace or Common as a bona fide competitor. Disney has possible concluded that the one approach to “win” is to not play the sport–to fall again on the “rising tide lifts all boats” mantra that they used again when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened and Walt Disney World had no instant reply to that.

Truthfully, sitting out this spherical of the theme park wars and conceding the highlight for 2025 may be the very best hand that Disney can play. Disney followers don’t need to hear this, however nothing Disney can do will high Epic Universe or steal Common’s thunder, so why even attempt going tit for tat?

Therefore Iger’s reply. Past that…what else is he going to say? That behind closed doorways, Disney’s c-suite is deeply involved about Common gaining marketshare, dropping attendance and–extra importantly–resort occupancy? That the corporate sat on its arms for too lengthy on account of streaming and different points, and it’s too late for an enough response? I’m certain that may play very well with Wall Avenue! After all Iger just isn’t going to be sincere; don’t be naive.

That brings us to the excellent news. Unofficially, Walt Disney World will do one thing as an try at counterprogramming to Epic Universe. Clearly not on the identical scale–it can not conceivably be a brand new theme park, land, and even trip in 2025. However there are nonetheless issues that could possibly be achieved to peel days–and even resort stays–away from Common when guests come to Orlando for Epic Universe.

That is the listing of real looking smaller scale ways in which Walt Disney World may be aggressive in 2025 even when they’re not on the identical stage as Epic Universe…

Drones – I refuse to imagine Disney Desires That Soar is the top sport for drone shows at Walt Disney World. There’s no manner that the corporate spent all of that cash growing nighttime leisure for a present at Disney Springs. It’s simply too good to be the ultimate fruits of drone reveals at Walt Disney World. It’s gotta be proof of idea–a take a look at of the expertise for one thing greater and higher in 2025. C’mon, does anybody actually assume Disney would purposefully situated its finest new summer time leisure exterior of a park in a spot that’s free to see?!

I do know the issues and counterpoints. That drone reveals require massive staging areas and Disney Springs has an acceptable space. That the authorized division has legal responsibility issues about drones flying over visitor areas. Neither of those are insurmountable obstacles. The visitor response to Disney Desires That Soar has been so resoundingly constructive and crowds are colossal. That has to have executives salivating, realizing the sort of shot within the arm {that a} drone show might give Animal Kingdom.

There are a number of causes for Walt Disney World lastly getting a drone present, however in a nutshell, attendance is considerably decrease at Animal Kingdom than another park at Walt Disney World. The park is in pressing want for additions, and there’s an excellent probability that the opposite parks begin cannibalizing Animal Kingdom attendance till that occurs. If Epic Universe goes to “steal” park days from Walt Disney World, the primary place folks will minimize is Animal Kingdom.

That is exactly why Tropical Americas was formally introduced for Animal Kingdom. That’ll give DAK a shot within the arm, and assist revitalize the flailing park. Within the meantime, Animal Kingdom wants one thing to attract company to the park–and hold them there in afternoons and evenings.

A drone present at Animal Kingdom would clear up lots of issues. It could possibly be the ace up Disney’s sleeve that offers them majorly marketable leisure for 2025 that additionally doesn’t require expensive (in Disney’s eyes) performers. Though they’re turning into more and more widespread, drone reveals nonetheless have a sure wow-factor not present in fireworks or fountain reveals on a lagoon. A Walt Disney World drone present could possibly be the key sauce to one way or the other competing with Common for eyeballs in 2025–the sort of factor that resonates on social media nearly as a lot as Mario.

Summer season Celebration – My hope is that Walt Disney World pulls out the entire Summer season Nightastic playbook to “compete” with Epic Universe. Make it a summer time of spectaculars, with quite a lot of new and returning leisure. For these unfamiliar with Summer season Nightastic, it was a particular occasion held in Summer season 2010 and was, basically, Walt Disney World’s “reply” to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Throughout Summer season Nightastic, Principal Avenue Electrical Parade got here to Magic Kingdom from DCA; Magic, Music & Mayhem fireworks returned to the skies over Cinderella Fort; minor leisure was added; rides acquired enhancements. It was a very enjoyable occasion, and though it didn’t even come near stealing Common’s thunder, it gave Walt Disney World a marketable draw that attracted vacationers. It was as a lot a “success” as presumably might’ve been anticipated given the circumstances.

By the point Summer season 2025 rolls round, Walt Disney World’s fiftieth Anniversary will likely be a distant reminiscence–the guts of it over for a number of years. Disney100 by no means actually was all that a lot of a celebration at Walt Disney World. Level being, simply the correct quantity of time can have handed for one more large-scale occasion with out followers and informal company getting “celebration fatigue.”

This method would make full sense, as leisure and celebrations are the tried and true response to attendance woes, stopgaps between new large-scale additions, or counterprogramming to new choices at Common. All three of these situations will apply in 2025, so a twist on Summer season Nightastic simply is smart. Right here’s hoping that Walt Disney World goals greater than only a Summer season Nightastic–possibly that blended with Yr of a Million Desires 2.0?!

Different Leisure – Talking of extra leisure, right here’s a listing of what’s nonetheless lacking from Walt Disney World:

• Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
• As soon as Upon a Time
• Rivers of Gentle
• Residents of Hollywood
• Jedi Coaching Academy
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid (returns in late 2024)
• Residents of Principal Avenue
• Principal Avenue Trolley Present
• Pandora Rangers & Drummers

Not less than half of that stuff is rarely coming again, most likely extra. However bringing again a few of it might assist spherical out the advertising for 2025. Or Walt Disney World might introduce new projections reveals, cavalcades, character appearances, and so forth.

Despite the fact that Competition of Fantasy is now a decade previous, it nonetheless feels too new (and beloved) for Walt Disney World to exchange outright. A few new items from latest movies might give it renewed life, although. A brand-new daytime parade at DHS is also a welcome addition that rounds out the leisure slate there. Bringing again Jedi Coaching Academy seems like low-hanging fruit and an apparent win with mother and father.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Gentle Reboot – Imagineering has launched plenty of little teases that appear to counsel they’ve a giant image plan to do a smooth reboot and relaunch of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. There are a selection of causes for this, from Galactic Starcruiser closing to the strengths of Avengers Campus being evident to R&D assessments within the parks.

Talking of Starcruiser, there have been an increasing number of rumblings revolving round a future dinner present. The entire latest chatter we’ve heard means that Walt Disney World is actively exploring concepts for a Star Wars dinner present (and possibly extra). Once more, this may be one thing that was initially meant for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at each Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The area was put aside for it.

With the advantage of zero inside information, our guess is a dinner present held inside Starcruiser that ‘departs’ from Galaxy’s Edge is launched sooner or later at Walt Disney World. Ought to that go nicely, we’d anticipate development to start on a correct venue inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for a dinner present to open in 2025 or 2026 at each Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

It’s not tough to examine a smooth reboot of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to launch the land to thrilling new time intervals and locations–breaking the sacred timeline (however tastefully!) and utilizing the setting of the land as a leaping off level for brand new adventures. (We’ve advocated for this for some time–see Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Must Break the Guidelines for my tackle all of that.)

A smooth reboot of the Star Wars land could be a chance 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 provide renewed advertising potential. Heck, they may take issues a step additional and provides the Star Wars land a brand new subtitle, changing “Galaxy’s Edge.”

Return of Disney’s Magical Categorical – It is a longshot and I don’t need to give a false sense of hope. It’s unlikely that Disney’s Magical Categorical is ever coming again. Nonetheless, if ever there was a time to carry again the airport transportation that gave Walt Disney World a quasi-captive viewers and helped improve occupancy, it’s when the competitor throughout city is opening a brand new theme park and has a glut of resort stock awaiting the event.

For the reason that choice to finish Disney’s Magical Categorical was made, we’ve been saying it is mindless even from a enterprise perspective–that there have to be extra to the story. It is because, not like different on-site visitor perks, the “free” service was extremely worthwhile to Walt Disney World. It made vacationers a captive viewers who had been much less more likely to go and spend cash elsewhere.

Way back, Walt Disney World decided that the rise in common per visitor spending with Disney’s Magical Categorical plus the perceived comfort and goodwill obtained from providing the service outweighs the common per visitor price of providing the service. It’s potential that calculus modified through the period of pent-up demand, particularly as rideshare companies grew to become extra widespread and simpler to burst the Disney bubble, so to talk.

However the opening of Epic Universe may be event for revisiting the choice. We’ve additionally been saying for some time that the most important menace Common poses to Disney comes through resort occupancy numbers. If Epic Universe can peel away even ~10% of on-site company from Walt Disney World, that’s a giant downside.

Disney’s Magical Categorical might assist deal with that, whereas additionally holding some company fully on-site. The bubble isn’t as robust because it as soon as was and there’s actually no manner to stop WDW company from taking day journeys to Common, however there are methods to maintain them staying on-site at Walt Disney World. Perks is considered one of them, and there’s no higher perk than DME! (That is most likely one of many large causes for Lightning Lane Multi Move changing Genie, given the numerous on-site benefit the brand new service will provide.)

Cinderella Fort Dream Lights – You’ve most likely heard this one earlier than, however I’ll by no means move up the chance to sing the praises of the Cinderella Fort Dream Lights. These icicle lights had been considered one of our favourite issues about Christmas at Walt Disney World for the decade-plus previous to them being cancelled in 2020. We spent many a late night time on Principal Avenue, merely gazing down at these resplendent lights, savoring the scene. I misplaced depend of what number of occasions we did this through the years–most likely over 100.

No projections can match the greater than 200,000 tiny white lights that illuminate Cinderella Fort and remodel it right into a veritable ice palace. The Dream Lights would cease you in your tracks, with the resplendent bodily show being an absolute jaw-dropper. Phrases, images, and video completely can not do it justice. No matter reward you’ve heard in regards to the Dream Lights, it’s true. All of it.

Dream Lights returning wouldn’t assist Walt Disney World compete with Common through the summer time, clearly, however followers would–surely–ebook journeys for Christmas to see them once more, serving to prop up the final two months of the calendar 12 months. I refuse to imagine that the terrible Frozen projections are really the long-term plan for decking Cinderella Fort out for Christmas.

Take a look at Observe 3.0 – This one is a certain factor on condition that Take a look at Observe 2.0 already closed final month to make manner for Take a look at Observe 3.0. If I needed to guess, this venture is extra concerned than the final trip reimagining and can basically reboot the attraction with all new present scenes and extra. It’ll nonetheless use the identical trip system and monitor format.

The marketability of Take a look at Observe 3.0 relies upon largely on Basic Motors, the funds and parameters they’ve given Imagineering. Thrill rides can have lots of drawing energy, even reimagined ones. So this must rise to that stage, and never merely be a lightweight aesthetic refresh together with bringing again “It’s Enjoyable to Be Free” to throw old fashioned EPCOT Heart followers a bone. There must be extra there there. If  the funds, timeline, scale and scope are all massive/lengthy sufficient, there could possibly be Take a look at Observe 3.0 billboards and adverts when it debuts–my guess is someday in Spring 2025.

Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster – Lately reopened after its second multi-month refurbishment in as a few years, Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster was not reimagined…throughout this closure. There’s nothing to say these two closures weren’t laying the groundwork for a reimagining, and doing vital work to the trip system to increase the curler coaster’s life.

We’ve coated all of this earlier than, however I can not think about Aerosmith nonetheless being connected to this trip in 5 years. The time for the reimagining is now (2025), earlier than the large, brand-new capex investments. Once more, thrill rides are marketable, so if that is reimagined right into a Marvel trip, it could possibly be big with minimal funding (comparatively talking) and a decent turnaround time. My cash is on this being the large “new” trip for 2025.

The Taylor Swift Card – Disney spent a reported $75 million to accumulate the unique streaming rights to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. I’m no math whiz, however that feels like some huge cash to me. And you understand what? It was most likely price each penny for the brand new Disney+ subs it added.

As for what this could possibly be–your guess is nearly as good as mine. The final time the world had this large of a pop star, Disney introduced in George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola and made Captain EO with him and a bunch of area Muppet kinda critters. So yeah, Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster may seem to be the apparent alternative for a Taylor Swift attraction, however there are manner weirder choices.

Oh, and George Lucas appears to have loads of free time and Francis Ford Coppola is gonna want some cash as soon as Megalopolis bombs, so possibly we are able to get Captain ShE-O out of this. Would possibly I humbly counsel that, as a substitute of a 3D film (that’s so performed out), they follow a RnRC reimagining and do one thing bizarre with it?! Followers have been clamoring for a Muppet takeover of RnRC…so how about area Muppets plus Taylor Swift plus a curler coaster plus ample weirdness. Taylor Swift with Rizzo the Rat, Hooter and Fuzzball as her sidekicks is Disney’s profitable lottery ticket.

Joking apart, there are few extra apparent reimaginings than an easy Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster: Taylor’s Model. Love or hate her, there’s no denying Taylor Swift’s reputation–she transcends pop stardom at a stage most likely not seen since Michael Jackson. That is one attraction overlay that may carry a wholly new viewers to Walt Disney World and would have greater drawing energy than a Black Panther (or different Marvel) redo of RnRC. This reimagining alone could possibly be a professional reply to Epic Universe when it comes to drawing energy, which is sorta miserable…but in addition correct.

Evening Parade – Principal Avenue Electrical Parade has been the McRib of Disney Reside Leisure–the “break glass in case of emergency” leisure when attendance urgently wanted a lift. You already know the scenario is dire when there’s a last-minute announcement of MSEP returning and Disney is scrambling.

For the final decade or so, Walt Disney World has held out on breaking that tumbler. I feel 2025 is lastly the 12 months once they’ll don’t have any different choice. I additionally assume that wheeling out the traditional Principal Avenue Electrical Parade (might it even survive one other journey from California?!) isn’t going to chop it. And that Walt Disney World management is aware of this.

That leaves a few precise potentialities: importing Paint the Evening from California or getting a brand-new night time parade, lastly fulfilling fan wishes for SpectroMagic 2.0. There have already been rumblings in regards to the latter and it appears to make sense–however I’ll imagine it once I see it. I’ve been burned too many occasions by the rumor mill, even through credible sources claiming an evening parade at Walt Disney World was a “achieved deal.”

Like Mulder, I need to imagine. I additionally assume it makes full sense for a brand-new night time parade to lastly debut at Walt Disney World in 2025. Given how a lot they’ve resisted up to now decade, the announcement of a brand new night time parade is the surest signal that Disney management really is anxious about Epic Universe, regardless of what they are saying.

2024 D23 Expo – The upcoming D23 occasion is make or break. This would be the occasion the place we discover out whether or not Disney CEO Bob Iger and Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro are literally severe in regards to the $60 billion of funding in theme parks ($17 billion of which is supposedly earmarked for Walt Disney World), or if it’s all empty guarantees.

Regardless, none of that’s coming to fruition till 2027 or later. It received’t really be an “reply” to Epic Universe, even when it does reassure followers. My extra hope and expectation is that the 2024 D23 Expo is well-rounded, with near-term singles and doubles along with swinging for the fences with the brand new rides and lands (however nonetheless no new parks) within the long-term. I’m optimistic that we’ll get really-for-real information, and lots of it, and never simply blue sky bluster. However I’m additionally ready to be incorrect.

A few of these singles and doubles could possibly be extra trip reimaginings or plussings of present points of interest. Something from our listing of High 10 Journey Reimaginings Wanted at Walt Disney World could be an excellent choice, though I doubt that a few of these might realistically be achieved throughout the subsequent 12 months. They’ll most likely must do lesser enhancements, alongside the strains of inserting Hatbox Ghost into Haunted Mansion (however good ones this time, please).

Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study resorts on our Walt Disney World Accommodations Critiques web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Critiques. To save cash on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a singular have a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Journey Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the very best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every little thing you’ll want to know!

YOUR THOUGHTS

How do you assume Walt Disney World will (unofficially) reply to Epic Universe? Play the tried and true ‘leisure celebration’ card? Much more trip reimaginings? Or is “do nothing in any respect” turning into a extra distinct risk in your thoughts? Suppose Disney has trigger for concern, or do you usually agree {that a} rising tide lifts all boats? Suppose rising the marketplace for Central Florida theme parks is an ‘everyone-wins’ finest case state of affairs? Every other ideas or commentary so as to add? Any questions we might help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!