The Way forward for Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom

Tomorrowland has one foot sooner or later and one other caught up to now. This isn’t a brand new downside in Magic Kingdom. We’ve been writing concerning the “Hassle with Tomorrowland” since Walt Disney World started constructing TRON Lightcycle Run, and it was hardly a novel take even on the time. The difficulty has existed for some time–arguably many years.

It’s additionally not only a downside distinctive to Walt Disney World. Aside from Shanghai Disneyland, each Tomorrowland has this similar difficulty to various levels, and it solely will get worse with the older parks. You might possibly say that Disneyland Paris will get a go by eschewing Tomorrowland in favor of the extra timeless Discoveryland, however that land additionally assist. Even the much-newer Hong Kong Disneyland has Tomorrowland troubles, with that Star Wars-meets-Marvel land being a little bit of a multitude.

Then there’s Disneyland. There’s a motive “New Tomorrowland” makes our want listing for each single D23 occasion, and why the corporate itself introduced “A Nice, Huge, Stunning Tomorrowland Entrance Coming Quickly to Disneyland” again in November 2019. Over 5 years later, that new entrance nonetheless has not come to fruition. The partitions are nonetheless up and the idea artwork on them had change into so pale that they not too long ago changed it–versus eradicating it. So there’s nonetheless hope!

That entrance was probably step one in a deliberate, lengthy overdue transformation of Tomorrowland at Disneyland. If the idea artwork was any indication, the following “new” Tomorrowland would 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.

Then there’s Tokyo Disneyland. That park already contracted the footprint of its large Tomorrowland to make approach for a New Fantasyland that includes Magnificence and the Beast, in addition to The Pleased Trip with Baymax (the latter of which is a part of Tomorrowland). Presently, Tokyo Disneyland is investing over $400 million (56 billion yen) to create a reimagined space of Tomorrowland that entails rebuilding Area Mountain.

The brand new Tomorrowland plaza at Tokyo Disneyland will categorical the connection between Earth and the universe, representing a picture of a future the place people are in concord with nature. It’s additionally anticipated to “harmonize” the disparate areas of the sprawling Tomorrowland, which is a medley of various designs from completely different eras, from mid-century fashionable to Nineteen Nineties outer house to fashionable Monstropolis.

We’re beginning by mentioning these different Tomorrowland initiatives as a result of they signify potential blueprints for Magic Kingdom. It’s pretty clear that Walt Disney World does have plans for a reimagining of Tomorrowland and has for some time, however they haven’t occurred for no matter motive.

As talked about above, we beforehand wrote concerning the ‘Hassle with Tomorrowland’ again throughout development of TRON Lightcycle Run. Previous to that, there had been rumors of an aesthetic overhaul of Tomorrowland to modernize the land. Or maybe extra precisely, to mid-century modernize the land. To declutter it, peeling again the layers of artifice added throughout Tomorrowland ’94, and reveal the unique design beneath.

Type of like what occurred to the still-standing CommuniCore constructing at EPCOT (paradoxically, not the one with CommuniCore within the identify) however solely partly. Maybe a greater instance is a historic residence in Palm Springs being restored, which principally includes eradicating the junk added over time. One other good instance that I hope to put in writing about sooner or later includes the Grand Canyon Concourse on the Modern and all of the layers of muddle which have gathered over the previous few many years. However I digress.

We all know these rumors of a Tomorrowland aesthetic overhaul have been credible as a result of they occurred! At the very least, partly. If my recollection is right, the challenge started in 2018/2019 and was dubbed ‘Tomorrowland 2021.’

That identify didn’t consult with the timeline of the brand new Tomorrowland, however reasonably, the 12 months it’d be accomplished. Like so many different Walt Disney World initiatives of the time (together with TRON Lightcycle Run), it was slated to be carried out in time for Walt Disney World’s fiftieth Anniversary.

Quite a lot of work was carried out to refresh Tomorrowland. Truthfully, I do not know how a lot of that was accomplished. What I do know is that it stopped together with lots of our different goals for a brighter future in March 2020. You in all probability know the way the story goes from there. As with so many different Walt Disney World initiatives, it will appear plans have been shelved indefinitely to replace Tomorrowland.

However not fully! A number of months earlier than the opening of TRON Lightcycle Run, Tomorrowland’s Prime Two Points of interest (Carousel of Progress and the TTA PeopleMover) Obtained Updates.

These weren’t blockbuster adjustments, however have been incremental upgrades that have been additionally clearly ardour initiatives. As had been prompt earlier than, there have been individuals heading up the Tomorrowland challenge who cared. What they could’ve lacked in finances they made up for with coronary heart…however there’s solely to date that’ll get you with out a lot cash.

That is kind of the place issues have stood with Tomorrowland since final 12 months. There have been minor initiatives right here and there, however my understanding is that these are a part of regularly-scheduled FAM refreshes that don’t have anything to do with Tomorrowland, particularly.

With that mentioned, there have been just a few newer developments. The primary is that Tokyo Disneyland is changing its Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters attraction with a Wreck-It Ralph journey. There are two potential implications of this.

There was a seemingly credible rumor pre-closure {that a} Wreck-It Ralph Sugar Rush attraction could be coming to Sew’s Nice Escape. Clearly, that didn’t occur and the venue sits dormant, save for backstage space for storing. Whereas Tokyo’s idea is clearly for a special journey reimagining, there’s no motive Imagineering couldn’t use shared belongings (related Audio Animatronics, set-dressing, and many others) for 2 completely different Wreck-It Ralph sights to scale back challenge prices (or reasonably, to have OLC foot the invoice for designs Disney plans to make use of later).

Equally as notable, Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters at Tokyo Disneyland was fashionable and in actually nice form when it closed. Much better than every other model of that attraction, save for Shanghai, which is nearly its personal factor fully. It additionally wouldn’t be the primary time that Walt Disney World “inherited” hand-me-downs from Tokyo Disneyland. This additionally not too long ago occurred with the autos at Tomorrowland Speedway. Heck, they may put the stuff from Astro Blasters on the identical ship as parade floats for Disney Starlight Dream the Night time Away Parade! That is purely speculative, although.

The newest growth is that Walt Disney World has introduced that Astro Orbiter will shut for refurbishment starting January 13, 2025. The closure is anticipated to final by means of Summer time 2025, with no precise reopening date specified right now.

That would imply it returns as early as Memorial Day or as late as Labor Day (Disney’s regular timeframe for summer time). It is also shortened or prolonged based mostly on the scope of the work, which is presently unknown.

There are a whole lot of issues that could possibly be occurring right here. One of many causes we love Astro Orbiter at Magic Kingdom–and put it forward of even Dumbo on the subject of spinners–is as a result of it’s perched excessive above the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover platform. The sweeping views of Magic Kingdom are what elevates this spinner…but additionally makes it a little bit of a trouble.

They could possibly be engaged on the elevators, queue, or journey system itself. The present period of the refurbishment means that Astro Orbiter is receiving extra than simply routine upkeep. That is one thing main…however it in all probability stops wanting a fully-fledged reimagining.

It’s price noting that Astro Orbitor (completely different spelling, kind of the identical journey) at Disneyland was closed for a prolonged refurbishment from final 12 months by means of this spring. Throughout the downtime, the spinner was fully dismantled and put again collectively. It reopened with new lighting, contemporary coat of paint, and (presumably) a repaired or refreshed journey system.

Our expectation is one thing related for Astro Orbiter at Magic Kingdom. We’re not anticipating main guest-facing adjustments. It’s nonetheless going to be a spinner, and possibly not “The Pleased Rocket Trip with Baymax” (cool as that sounds).

Magic Kingdom’s Astro Orbiter final acquired vital updates in 2014, when its colour scheme and lighting have been refreshed. I don’t recall whether or not it acquired journey system work at the moment, or if it was fully beauty. About one decade earlier than that, an identical challenge was undertaken. So it appears the spinner is due for its 10-year check-up!

The ultimate growth is the entire D23 Expo bulletins. That’s right–the D23 information. You would possibly marvel why, on condition that actually none of this involved Tomorrowland. You positive ’bout that?

Amongst different issues, Disney introduced a brand new Automobiles space in Magic Kingdom will substitute the Rivers of America, leading to everlasting closures of Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Sq. Riverboat. Additionally they introduced MuppetVision 3D closing to make approach for the Monsters, Inc. Doorways Coaster and Monstropolis.

This nonetheless may appear unrelated to Tomorrowland. Nonetheless, there are a few pretty main connections.

With Monstropolis coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Monsters, Inc. Snigger Flooring in Tomorrowland turns into redundant. It’s not fully clear whether or not Snigger Flooring goes to be relocated to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, however there does look like house for a stage present. This might be in Monstro Theater, which is proven within the idea artwork as taking up the house that at present homes MuppetVision 3D.

Our expectation is that it’s a brand new present, however it doesn’t actually matter–the purpose stays that Walt Disney World doesn’t want two separate Monsters, Inc. exhibits in two separate parks. Monsters, Inc. Snigger Flooring might be at concerning the finish of its life and not using a reimagining, anyway.

It’s an identical story with the Automobiles land coming to Magic Kingdom. This space will function a brand new attraction, which we strongly consider might be a trackless E-Ticket off-road thrill journey that’s like put friends behind the wheel (type of) in an autonomous automobile that simulates the thrill of driving an ATV. We’ve referred to as this Tomorrowland Speedway on steroids–consider it as iterating on that attraction in a considerably related strategy to what Avatar Flight of Passage does with Soarin.

The underside line is that this places two extra Tomorrowland sights in play for future developments, along with Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin and the now-defunct Sew’s Nice Escape.

We’d go a step past that, and say that just about something in Tomorrowland could possibly be ripe for redevelopment, with the exceptions of Area Mountain and TRON Lightcycle Run. To the extent attainable, venues could possibly be mixed to go well with fully new sights, reasonably than simply repurposing the present footprints.

This could possibly be vital, as most of those areas have been retrofit a number of instances already, and that is probably not possible but once more. Though who amongst us wouldn’t like to see an Alien Encounter reboot that includes one other reboot, Alien Romulus?! (I child. I do know there’s no approach that occurs in Magic Kingdom. Even when it ought to.)

My suspicion is that Imagineering has lined up the initiatives this was purposefully, teeing up a reimagining of Tomorrowland as a part of the 10-year plan within the early 2030s as soon as the present 5-year plan is completed. It’s even attainable this occurs earlier than then, as a part of the aesthetic overhaul has already been undertaken, and these could possibly be smaller-scale off-year initiatives introduced at one thing just like the 2025 Vacation spot D23.

I’m tremendous with this, and I say this as a giant fan of Tomorrowland ’94.

It’s the model of the land from my childhood, and each the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter and Timekeeper nonetheless rank as two of my all-time favourite Walt Disney World sights. Nonetheless, as with each of these sights, the cohesive design of Tomorrowland ’94 is lengthy gone.

The land I cherished is gone, and was even earlier than the Tomorrowland 2021 challenge started. That was simply the ultimate nail in its coffin. To no matter extent Tomorrowland ’94 nonetheless exists, it’s principally as a corpse. Stray design particulars and different artifice that was forgotten, or purposefully painted over as a part of a “no dough” redo. It’s like Future World circa 2019–one thing I already missed, even earlier than that ill-fated challenge started.

When it comes to structure and design, there’s presently loads occurring in Tomorrowland.

There are remnants of the Area Age thrives and Googie structure of the unique Tomorrowland within the core constructions. The vast majority of the land remains to be a melange of Streamline Moderne, Manufacturing facility Pomo, and industrial design, however that is already being peeled again. There’s additionally a hodgepodge of assorted different stuff because of additions and partial removals.

There’s additionally TRON Lightcycle Energy Run with its swooping natural design and biomimicry options. This fashion of structure is in contrast to something at present present in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, which is simple to know when you notice the journey was cloned from Shanghai Disneyland, the place it suits alongside each the land and metropolis itself. I don’t see a situation the place Walt Disney World goes all-in on making the remainder of Tomorrowland resemble TRON. That could possibly be cool, however would in all probability be too pricey.

The perfect case situation might be additional stripping away of the Tomorrowland ’94 particulars to disclose the mid-century or streamline fashion beneath and including new thematic components harking back to Googie or Area Age design. Whereas that’s actually not the identical because the natural design of TRON Lightcycle Energy Run, it could possibly be argued that each at the very least share some ultramodern bloodlines.

Personally, I feel that will work. Googie is tough to outline, however I feel it’s at the very least adjoining to each the swooping traces of the PeopleMover observe and the cover of TRON Lightcycle Run. Issues just like the Palms of Tomorrow are in all probability post-modern, but additionally can coexist peacefully alongside the biomimicry of TRON.

There are kernels of concepts and thematic components that may exist in concord, and extra thematic components might carry additional symbiosis to the land. Type of like Tomorrowland ’94 did three many years in the past. As somebody who loves that incarnation of the land and thinks what Disney pulled off there is without doubt one of the nice reimagining tales, I’m totally on board. Imagineers used the identical core kinds however managed to rework them into one thing new and novel. They might do it once more.

I additionally wouldn’t thoughts Walt Disney World totally leaning into nostalgia and restoring the unique design of Tomorrowland. There’s a motive that is the one factor Tokyo Disneyland isn’t touching in its Tomorrowland, and why Disneyland introduced a reimagined entrance that evokes this look. As a result of it holds up.

Futurist design has aged nicely, and it stays a novelty that’s uncommon exterior of Southern California. There’s a renewed affection for retro Area Age designs, that are directly futuristic and basic. Sarcastically, that fashion is in the present day precisely the kind of retro-futurism Tomorrowland ’94 was attempting to convey when it changed the Area Age design.

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Your Ideas

What do you consider Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom? Any hopes for an overarching reimagining of the land’s aesthetic, or are you tremendous with Tomorrowland, as-is? Suppose the land might be overhauled within the 2030s, or maybe earlier, given the empty areas and redundancy of Tomorrowland Speedway and Monsters Snigger Flooring? Do you agree or disagree with my evaluation? Any questions we will help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!