Precisely one month from nowadays, on August 10, the Parks & Lodges panel might be offered all through the 2024 D23 Expo. Walt Disney International and Disneyland enthusiasts are anxiously waiting for bulletins for the following section of “turbocharged” expansion. Rumors and wishful pondering are swirling about what’s at the horizon, with hypothesis of experience reimaginings, additions, and growth.
As we’ve been announcing for the ultimate 12 months, a large slate of bulletins on the 2024 D23 Expo in fact makes a large number of sense. The ultimate time that took place used to be the 2017 D23 Expo, which published an enormous slate of additives. Going into and popping out of the pandemic, the 2019 and 2022 occasions weren’t just about as excellent–a large number of issues that have been cancelled or by no means took place.
However there’s reason why to consider the 2024 D23 Expo will as soon as once more succeed in the similar highs as 2017. The ultimate venture cycle has now wrapped up, there’s not anything brand-new beneath lively development at Walt Disney International or Disneyland, and the time is correct to proportion what’s in retailer for the following construction section. Disney has almost telegraphed that that is what is going to occur.
The corporate has $17 billion funding plans for Walt Disney International. With the approval of DisneylandForward, they’ve dedicated to spending any 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 International, Disneyland & past.
The response to this information used to be necessarily crickets. Enthusiasts yawned, taking an I’ll consider it once I see it angle. Buyers, who additionally need to see extra funding in Parks & Lodges, answered with a collective shrug. The inventory value didn’t transfer in any respect. Within the months since then, Wall Side road has been asking extra questions concerning the substance of Disney’s growth plans.
On most sensible of all that, the elephant within the room for Walt Disney International is Common’s Epic Universe, the 3rd theme park being in-built Central Florida by means of Comcast. Formally, Disney received’t have any “solution” to Epic Universe. Their public place is a mix of ‘Common is answering the whole thing we’ve completed within the ultimate decade’ and that ‘a emerging tide lifts all boats.’ However as we give an explanation for in How Walt Disney International Will “Compete” with Epic Universe, there’s extra to it than that.
The key is that the level has been set for a fully epic D23 Expo. Enthusiasts need giant information. Buyers need giant information. The corporate is after all in a monetary place to construct, and thus ship giant information. The stakes are top, and we firmly consider that Disney will ship. (No drive.)
Prior to we dig into the specifics of what we wish introduced at D23 Expo, it’s vital to supply the caveat that this can be a want record. It isn’t in accordance with any within information neither is it a listing of predictions. That is what we hope might be introduced given what’s realistically at the desk, no longer what we in fact assume might be published. That is overly constructive–if even 25% of this finally ends up coming to fruition, I’ll be more than happy. Regardless of the disappointments and tough classes of the previous couple of years, I feel there’s a compelling case for optimism for the long-term long run of each Walt Disney International and Disneyland.
With that mentioned, right here’s what I am hoping will get introduced–and what does NOT get discussed–for Walt Disney International and Disneyland all through the 2024 D23 Expo, in no explicit order. We’ll be again kind of per week or so earlier than the massive presentation with a (a lot shorter) record of tangible predictions…
No Blue Sky Nonsense – “Fish or reduce bait.” It’s time to prevent losing time speaking, and get started doing. Jointly, it kind of feels like that’s the place the fan group is relating to the splashy non-announcement bulletins Disney has “made” for its theme parks because the 2022 D23 Expo.
The preliminary response to the Dino-Rama and ‘Past Large Thunder’ growth proposals used to be pleasure. As soon as the mud settled and enthusiasts discovered simply what had and, extra importantly, had no longer been introduced that gave approach to skepticism, pessimism, and downright dismissiveness. It’s been a equivalent tale since–the phrase “turbocharged” when speaking about Parks & Lodges has almost change into a punchline.
In all probability they’re seeing and listening to comments that’s other from what this website sees, however from my view, this way isn’t running. It’s arguably worse than announcing not anything in any respect. A large a part of the issue this is the baseline from which the way is beginning–it’s going on towards the backdrop of a number of behind schedule or cancelled tasks.
Without reference to causes, a large number of the goodwill and endurance enthusiasts would possibly another way have had with those non-announcement bulletins used to be already exhausted previous to the beginning of the present procedure. Now, those public blue sky brainstorming periods simply really feel like a tedious tease or perhaps a model withdrawal to many enthusiasts.
If there’s one thing substantive to mention about one thing, say it. Make a press release about what it in fact might be. Display thought artwork. Proportion when shovel will hit soil. However don’t move up there and communicate concerning the never-ending chances that Imagineers are dreaming up or no matter. That’s only a waste of everybody’s time. It will garner some affordable cheers, however as soon as enthusiasts understand that there’s no there there, sentiment will bitter.
No DisneylandForward – Very same tale right here. I don’t need to see thought artwork of Myth Springs, Zootopia, or superior lands within the world parks which can be (supposedly) “into consideration” for Disneyland. Certain factor, Bob.
You already were given the glorified zoning venture authorized, Disney. No additional wish to play politics in this one to get the voters of Anaheim to your facet. Proportion what’s in fact taking place, or not anything in any respect.
Much less Filler & Fluff – There’s definitely going to be slightly of pageantry and fanfare within the opening, finale, and almost certainly different portions of the presentation. That’s the character of the beast. I’ll be the primary to confess that no person does a sizzle reel to hype up the group and get the sentiments flowing fairly like Disney.
I additionally moderately benefit from the musical numbers that includes Forged Contributors and characters, particularly those that experience supplied a bridge from previous to provide to long run at prior D23 Expos. So I’m no longer averse to any of that. (I additionally don’t assume they will have to get over excited–it’s a gentle stability.)
That is extra to reiterate the above, as there have been a couple of ostensibly substantive segments all through the ultimate D23 Expo that have been totally unnecessary. The highest instance that involves thoughts used to be the section about Tiana’s Bayou Journey that “confirmed off” smoke and lighting fixtures. That one struck me as actively counterproductive, because it strengthened misconceptions that there wouldn’t be anything else spectacular concerning the appeal.
I do know we nonetheless describe this because the “Parks & Lodges” panel moderately than “Disney Reviews,” however it’s technically the latter. And I’d moderately listen 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 5th gate for Walt Disney International and a 3rd gate for Disneyland at D23, and a few enthusiasts would nonetheless bitch that it’s no longer sufficient. They’d be disenchanted there used to be no point out of Disney’s Magical Categorical, loose FastPass, Horizons being rebuilt, Friend Mickey introduced again, complete toppings bars at Pecos Expenses and Cosmic Ray’s, Beastly Kingdom, and a 7th gate at Walt Disney International, too. Disney will have to forestall looking to please the unpleasable.
It’s no longer all “move giant or move house.” To that time, I in fact preferred the way that Disney took finally 12 months’s Vacation spot D23, the off-year history-oriented tournament at Walt Disney International. That had a powerful lineup of smaller-scale bulletins just like the Pirates Tavern, Check Observe 3.0, Nation Endure Musical Jamboree, and extra. With out query, it used to be the most important and perfect Vacation spot D ever from an bulletins standpoint. (It wasn’t a “newsy” tournament in any respect till 2021.)
A only singles and doubles technique isn’t viable for D23 Expo. It’s a blockbuster tournament the place enthusiasts expect bombshell information about new lands and sights. However peppering in some smaller stuff between the heavy hitters could be a lovely one-two punch–particularly if Disney isn’t in a position to expose main points or unencumber detailed thought artwork about some issues which can be rumored to be within the pipeline.
So give us information about experience reimaginings of Spaceship Earth, Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster, Large Thunder Mountain Railroad, Autopia/Tomorrowland Speedway, and anything happening for refurbishment that’ll additionally obtain improvements. New main points and thought artwork of previously-announced or recently underway tasks like Check Observe or the Zootopia display would additionally test this field.
Inside of Out Into Wonders of Lifestyles – Up till it used to be completely paused, Play Pavilion used to be deliberate for the outdated Wonders of Lifestyles. Walt Disney International already did a large number of paintings solving the roof and different infrastructure problems with the pavilion and this can be a high piece of genuine property now that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is drawing other folks to this nook of the park.
Up till this summer time, my dream state of affairs used to be for a revival of the ‘Well being Pavilion’ thought that includes Baymax and an collection of different characters. I’d nonetheless like one thing alongside the ones traces, however that includes Inside of Out. This IP injection would make entire sense for the previous Wonders of Lifestyles, with an appeal that’s a religious successor to Skull Command and extra. (Perhaps a shared house between Large Hero 6 and Inside of Out?)
Admittedly, maximum of my want for Inside of Out to take over the previous Wonders of Lifestyles pavilion is to take the IP off the desk. Whilst I feel Wonders of Lifestyles makes a lot more sense for the Inside of Out IP, the Creativeness pavilion could also be definitely being thought to be. I’d hate to peer that occur, so give it Wonders of Lifestyles as a substitute. For the reason that Inside of Out 2 has been an enormous hit, it’s just a topic of time earlier than it will get a big presence within the parks. And who doesn’t need to see Bing Bong introduced again to existence as an excellent Audio Animatronics determine?!
CommuniCore Corridor Substitute – Clearly this isn’t going to occur, however I will be able to dream. And this could be a “when the canine catches the auto” state of affairs, anyway. Up to I’d like for Disney to recognize they screwed up the EPCOT overhaul and we’re no longer caught with this for many years to come back, I’m additionally no longer certain I’m in a position to undergo any other 5 years of EPCOT being a sea of development partitions.
On a extra life like be aware, I am hoping that Disney realizes the EPCOT overhaul isn’t in fact completed and in fact may just use a section 2. Most probably wishful pondering, as all indicators level to plans targeted across the different 3 parks.
Sew’s Nice Get away Substitute – There used to be a reputedly credible rumor pre-closure {that a} Break-It Ralph Sugar Rush appeal could be coming to this house. Clearly, that didn’t occur. It could appear the ones plans have been absolutely deserted, however then Tokyo Disneyland introduced a (very vaguely) equivalent thought to interchange its Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters appeal. (The Magic Kingdom incarnation used to be no longer, and almost certainly may just no longer be, a shooter experience.)
That is any other house which may be easiest for one thing with Baymax. There’s additionally Pixar’s Elio in 2025, which is a science fiction movie and thus may just conceivably have compatibility into Tomorrowland. The issue with Disney sci-fi movies, although, is that they have got a 50/50 shot at flopping. Frankly, I don’t in fact care what will get introduced–even though it’s a stopgap with an anticipated decade-long lifespan, it’s higher than the not anything we’ve got now.
Big name Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reboot – I’ve advocated for this repeatedly, so I’m no longer going to rehash all of that right here. The key is that I’d like to peer Big name Wars: Galaxy’s Edge damage the sacred timeline and use the environment of the land as a leaping off level for brand new adventures. (See Big name Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Must Damage the Regulations for my tackle all of that.)
A cushy reboot of the Big name Wars land could be a possibility to introduce cherished characters, use the catwalks within the land for mini-shows, and make the land extra lived-in because of droids and further performers. They might additionally doing a take a look at run of a dinner display in Starcruiser at Walt Disney International for a long run purpose-built venue within the land. All of this is able to breathe new existence into the land and lend a hand it after all understand its complete doable.
Extra Muppets – What I’d in fact love is an Electrical Mayhem overhaul of Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster, and Muppets takeover of the entire Sundown Show off space. However it kind of feels extremely not likely that the Muppets gets two mini-lands in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Talking of which, Grand Street is principally a clean slate. It used to be designed to principally be a crowd hall for Big name Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which has confirmed pointless. No excellent thought in Imagineering ever dies, and most likely this might be the partial realization of the Muppets Studio land thought from many years in the past. That used to be meant to function no longer simply MuppetVision three-D, but additionally two eating places: “The Nice Gonzo’s Pandemonium Pizza Parlor” and “Swedish Chef’s Cooking College.”
Grand Street may just obtain the San Fransokyo Sq. remedy, with a Muppet Makeover that transforms Mama Melrose into Swedish Chef’s Cooking College and BaseLine Faucet Space right into a Muppets status quo. Bringing again the ‘Nice Moments’ puppets for a display within the home windows overhead could be any other nice transfer, as would extra placemaking right through the land.
Animation Courtyard Overhaul – Walt Disney International has already introduced the reimagined Little Mermaid puppet display. It could be improbable if extra have been published about the way forward for this nook of the park, which has gotta be one of the vital miserable spaces of Walt Disney International. It has giant Walt Disney Studios Park power, which isn’t a excellent factor.
I don’t have any explicit ‘want’ for what this overhaul would entail. The rest is healthier than what’s there now, even though it’s most commonly simply aesthetics and placemaking. Nevertheless it in fact will have to be extra than simply aesthetics and placemaking.
Summer season Nightastic 2.0 – We’ve discussed this time and again within the ultimate 12 months (and almost certainly will do a devoted publish on it quickly), however we are hoping that Disney pulls out the entire Summer season Nightastic playbook, and makes 2025 a summer time of spectaculars, anchored round new and reimagined leisure on each coasts.
Walt Disney International will want a promotional push for Summer season 2025 to “counter” Epic Universe. Disneyland wishes one thing greater than Pixar Fest to stay other folks coming. Nearly by means of default, the answer might be leisure–it’s the one factor that may conceivably occur in this tight of a timeline.
After years of rumors and wishful pondering, right here’s hoping that 2025 will after all be the 12 months that each Paint the Night time returns to Disneyland. It’s been some time, however they’re each sitting in garage in Southern California, and Paint the Night time has a nonetheless rather new glide. Getting any other new glide or two and costumes and calling the parade ‘reimagined’ could be a very easy win.
At Walt Disney International, it’s possible that as-yet unannounced leisure involves Disney’s Hollywood Studios and/or Magic Kingdom. That would imply a parade, parades (day and night time), or a parade and a projections/fireworks display. Then there’s the “Disney Desires That Bounce” drone display, which we’re nonetheless satisfied used to be a take a look at for one thing in Animal Kingdom.
Avatar Enjoy Elaboration – As soon as each few months since he returned, Bob Iger has discussed the “Avatar enjoy” at Disneyland. Every new point out conveys a morsel of extra information, with the most important construction being the above piece of thought artwork he shared all through the Walt Disney Corporate’s Annual Assembly of Shareholders ‘sizzle reel’ in April. In keeping with Iger, this displays what the Avatar appeal that’s most likely coming to Disneyland Lodge may just seem like.
This artwork means that the Avatar enjoy is in fact Pandora land, and can function a ship experience together with immersive environments which can be very similar to and other from the incarnation of the land in Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney International. Which is sensible given Disneyland’s distinctive house constraints and the discharge of Avatar: The Manner of Water because the Animal Kingdom incarnation of the venture.
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 thought artwork could be beautiful, too. That is definitely on my want record, but additionally turns out like a shockingly protected prediction following the approval of DisneylandForward and for the reason that James Cameron might be in attendance at D23. (And because that is obviously a venture about which Iger cares.)
Tomorrowland Transformation – I’ve resolved myself to this no longer in fact taking place–however this can be a want record, no longer predictions. By the point the 2024 D23 Expo rolls round, it’ll be virtually 5 years since Disney introduced “A Nice, Large, Gorgeous Tomorrowland Front Coming Quickly to Disneyland.” That front, depicted in the concept that artwork above, nonetheless has no longer come to fruition. The concept that artwork had change into so pale that they not too long ago changed–however didn’t take away–it. So there’s nonetheless hope!
That front used to be most probably step one in a deliberate, lengthy late transformation of Tomorrowland at Disneyland. It kind of feels logical that the following “new” Tomorrowland will revisit the 1967 concepts of Walt Disney and his Imagineers that envisioned it as a “international at the transfer,” streamlining the design to take away the visible hodgepodge and exchange it with blank mid-century fashionable stylization.
On a substantive stage, I’d love to peer Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters get a brand new thought. As Hyperspace Mountain has confirmed, House Mountain may just change into a completely “new” experience by the use of the strategic use of monitors. One thing extra everlasting can be a giant draw and completed with out vital funding or downtime.
Then there’s the outdated Innoventions/Tremendous Hero HQ/Big name Wars Release Bay construction. This simply were given a DVC living room ultimate 12 months, so it’s not likely going any place. However the overwhelming majority of the gap remains to be unused. It might change into the house of a brand spanking new appeal–or most likely the loading space for the PeopleMover. Now that’s very wishful pondering, however once more, that’s what this record is!
Fantasyland Growth – For years, there were rumblings of Fantasyland growth at Disneyland. Maximum variations of this contain changing Fantasyland Theatre and taking on one of the most house between Toontown and Big name Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or some portion of the lagoons and Autopia space at the reverse facet.
Maximum credible variations of this rumor revolved round Arendelle, however at the moment are a number of years outdated. Shifting ahead in this simply is sensible. Fantasyland is cramped, and opening up extra walkways would ease the stress of crowds and lend a hand with capability. Now not most effective that, however International of Frozen has already confirmed an enormous hit in Hong Kong–cloning that now could be cost-effective and a simple win for Disneyland.
Avengers Campus: Section 2 – Arms crossed that that is the 3rd consecutive D23 Expo with an Avengers Campus E-Price tag appeal announcement. Will it nonetheless be the King Thanos family-friendly experience? Will or not it’s a revival of the Quinjet thought? Will or not it’s one thing model new? No person is aware of!
It’s almost certainly protected to mention that the experience automobile shared at Vacation spot D23 remains to be correct. That means the experience machine might be very similar to or the similar as Peter Pan’s By no means Land Journey (or Spider-Guy at Common), which is sensible. It additionally signifies that there are a variety of chances for the experience itself.
Disney will have to need to proceed bettering DCA to extend its drawing energy. The primary section of Avengers Campus is underwhelming, and is getting worse with fresh leisure cuts. Which is why this isn’t simply indexed as an Avengers E-Price tag divulge–additionally they wish to announce leisure or one thing near-term so the land doesn’t simply limp alongside for the following couple of years.
Hong Kong Disneyland has already signaled that its long-delayed Wonder E-Price tag is after all shifting ahead. It’s protected to be expecting information about that at D23 Expo, and regardless of the plans are to be quite equivalent at HKDL and DCA.
Tropical Americas Complete Divulge – This Dino-Rama alternative and growth is already showed. At Vacation spot D23 ultimate 12 months, Disney introduced that Imagineering will grow to be this into a brand new land impressed by means of a area occasionally known as “Tropical Americas.”
Imagineers have taken analysis journeys to biodiverse spaces of South The us, stretching up into Central The us for inspiration at the growth. Development allows have already been filed, and Imagineering goes to have a big trailer park campus behind the scenes. So we all know Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom is really-for-real taking place, and no longer simply blue sky having a pipe dream.
What’s no longer but reliable is what, precisely, Tropical Americas will entail. It’s been urged that an Encanto darkish experience and Indiana Jones Journey changing DINOSAUR, together with a brand new carousel and refreshes of the doorway and eating place are at the manner. What I’d like is affirmation of all of this, plus 7 items of thought artwork: Indiana Jones external and inner; Encanto external and inner (with experience automobile); eating place, carousel, and front.
Past Large Thunder Divulge – Again in April, Imagineering indicated that preliminary water control allows for Past Large Thunder could be filed within the coming weeks. Over 3 months later, that also hasn’t took place. Nonetheless, that little tidbit on my own means that plans for the large Magic Kingdom venture have firmed up.
My expectation is that Past Large Thunder might be performed in levels, and that Disney received’t be in a position to expose complete main points for all the growth. That’s comprehensible. On the very least, I’d be expecting to listen to concerning the first section of the venture, together with which characters and ideas might be represented.
Whilst I’d like to peer extra, I’d be glad with a unmarried piece of thought artwork appearing a chicken’s eye take a look at the growth–no longer just like the impressionistic one from two years in the past, however extra just like the artwork for New Fantasyland and Myth Springs (and even the above Tropical Americas artwork, for that topic) that conveys a tad extra specificity.
Lion King Experience – Rumors were swirling for months that two Lion King sights are at the manner: one at Walt Disney Studios Park/Disney Journey International and any other at Animal Kingdom, between the Port of Harambe and Pandora.
I do know completely not anything concerning the veracity of those rumors, a lot much less the (doable) tasks themselves. What I’ve heard “urged” from credible resources is that Imagineering isn’t simply construction the trailer park for Tropical Americas, and extra is on how you can Animal Kingdom. That makes entire sense, because it wishes extra. I will be able to’t call to mind many higher choices than the Lion King, which is each suitable for the site and a contemporary vintage film that also doesn’t have a experience at Walt Disney International.
Despite the fact that a Lion King experience has been greenlit for Walt Disney International, it wouldn’t wonder me if it’s too early to listen to about it. That Disney needs to concentrate on Tropical Americas, and save that for a long run tournament. Through which case, right here’s hoping we nonetheless listen concerning the model for France.
Out of Left Box Wonder – Although that is my want record, it’s moderately grounded within the ‘fact’ of affordable rumors and rumblings. It’s the wildest goals or concepts from the inner most depths of my creativeness–it’s believable stuff.
With that mentioned, what I in fact hope occurs is a few bulletins, regardless of the size or scope, that pop out of left box–carefully guarded secrets and techniques that catch enthusiasts utterly by means of wonder…in an effective way. And talking of Creativeness…
Figment & Dreamfinder – After all, this record wouldn’t be entire with out the mandatory having a pipe dream about Adventure into Creativeness 4.0. I’m no longer going to rehash all of that right here over again, however suffice to mention, it simply is sensible to reimagine Adventure into Creativeness. (Learn that for my complete pitch.)
An Creativeness reinvigoration would generate goodwill amongst WDW diehards and forge new enthusiasts within the procedure. It’d be one thing that may outline the EPCOT transformation, tying it in combination right into a extra cohesive venture. Figment would change into the face and mascot of the new-look EPCOT, raising the another way underwhelming central backbone within the procedure. Oh, and it’d be a license to print cash–simply call to mind the vending doable!
For Bob Iger, this will have to be a no brainer transfer. Bringing again the actual Figment and Dreamfinder would lend a hand with rebuild visitor goodwill and cope with fan disenchantment. It’s a surefire manner of undoing a large number of the outrage and model injury from the previous couple of years. I will be able to’t call to mind some other unmarried certain announcement that may outweigh such a lot of prior negatives ones. So much could be forgiven by means of enthusiasts within the blink of an eye fixed. It’d be a legacy venture for Bob Iger.
Saying Adventure into Creativeness 4.0 is one surefire approach to get huge applause from the D23 Expo target market, undo model injury of the ultimate a number of years, and ensure visits from dependable enthusiasts. About the one tactics to reach which can be the go back of Figment and Dreamfinder or the PeopleMover (the development is in Anaheim, finally). If Disney executives are in point of fact enthusiastic about all of these items, it’s the logical time to do one thing that are meant to’ve been completed a decade in the past.
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Your Ideas
What’s to your want record for 2024 D23 Expo bulletins? Do you assume it’ll be the biggest-ever Expo for Walt Disney International and Disneyland information? Will or not it’s any other unhappiness? Are you excited/constructive about what is going to be published, or taking an “I’ll consider it once I see it” stance given all the cancelled tasks of the ultimate ~5 years? Any wonder bulletins you assume could be imaginable?
