It’s a thrilling time to be a Disney fan. In fact, it’s been really long since I’ve been this optimistic about the direction of the parks. The announcements at last weekend’s Experiences showcase at D23: The Ultimate Fan Event give me hope for a bright future. Disney’s choices seem to prioritize the fans and not just the obvious business angle. I still have some questions, though.
The parks presentation lasted for more than two hours, but there was far too much to cover. We also took some weird detours, but I have to remember that Disney is putting on a show at the Honda Center. This isn’t just about the announcements. With this fact in mind, I know you have questions about even the most exciting updates. I’ve summed up some of the biggest unknowns for me from the D23 news. These 10 choices just scratch the surface of what I’d like to know. Let’s dive into some of my questions for Disney in the upcoming months (and years).
1. Will the PeopleMover return to Tomorrowland at Disneyland?
Near the end of Saturday’s presentation, Chairman of Disney Experiences Thomas Mazloum gave the exciting news that Tomorrowland at Disneyland would finally receive attention. I’ve examined the Disney Parks Blog info closely to look for any hints we’d see a return of the PeopleMover. More open spaces are nice, but this land only thrives with the “world on the move” happening above us.
We’ve also received news that the Tomorrowland updates have passed Avatar in the timeline of expansions. I feel like completing the changes by Disneyland’s 75th Anniversary in 2030 makes sense. What better way to celebrate such a milestone anniversary than the bring back an attraction that nearly everyone loves? Imagineers have stressed “Walt’s opening day vision” as driving this land, which is a good sign. The PeopleMover didn’t open in 1955, but it was part of the beloved 1967 expansion.
Personally, I believe we will see a new PeopleMover as part of this expansion. Why update Tomorrowland and cite the past if it’s not part of the plans? I suspect that Disney either hasn’t figured out the final logistics or wants to save this reveal for D23 in 2028. That one announcement would bring the house down! It doesn’t need to exactly match the prior version either. Disney has a wide range of transportation options that can still work as the PeopleMover. I would have loved to receive official confirmation, but I’ll stay hopeful for its triumphant return.
2. What will the new Journey Into Imagination ride be like?
I’d read credible rumors that a new version of Imagination was happening, so I was losing my mind when it seemed missing near the end of Saturday’s presentation. The exciting reveal of Neil Patrick Harris as the Dreamfinder was brilliant. Mazloum described it as a “new journey into imagination at EPCOT with Dreamfinder and Figment”, and it’s incredible news that is long overdue. But what will it be?
Details are scarce at this time, which makes me think we’re years away from a new Imagination ride. Even so, I love that Disney has decided to use the original as an inspiration for whatever comes next. Expectations are high given how great the 1983 attraction was, but I think the Imagineers have their hearts in the right place. You can call it fan service, but the way this new leadership group at Disney is approaching the parks gives me hope for what’s next.
My prediction is that we’ll learn a lot more about this new version at the next D23 in 2028, but I’m just speculating based on the lack of information today. I also wonder if they’ll use the same ride track or completely start over inside the massive structure. There’s a lot more space in the tired ImageWorks area that could be used for the ride (like it was originally). I can’t wait to learn more about what new adventures Dreamfinder and Figment will take in the future.
3. How will the Imagination updates impact the Magic Eye Theater?
I’m thinking of the Imagination announcement as mostly impacting the main ride. However, we could also see a new movie in the Magic Eye Theater. The Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival should have been a short-term placeholder but has been in place for many years. A crazier thought would be taking the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind approach and using the theater as the queue for a popular attraction. The current line is probably too small to handle the crowds.
Regardless of what approach Disney takes, I hope they don’t just leave the short films in place. The Magic Eye Theater has functioned well as a secondary attraction for Imagination from the start. Magic Journeys, Captain EO, and Honey, I Shrunk the Audience! all provided unique experiences. The current version is mostly just a place to relax with air conditioning. I don’t expect we will learn anything about the Imagination updates soon, and I’m sure a lot of conversations are happening at WDI about the entire pavilion.
4. When will the Tropical Americas expansion open?
I appreciate that Disney often mentioned what years certain attractions would open, though only in 2027 and 2028. They even clarified that Monstropolis would have a phased opening with most of it arriving next year. But they did not even give an opening year for the Tropical Americas expansion. I expected it would arrive next summer, but now I’m wondering if it will be 2028. Disney could be hedging their bets and waiting to see how construction progresses before announcing it.
Another possibility is that we’ll also see a phased opening with either Indy (probably) or Encanto opening next year. Then the other attraction would follow in 2028. I suspect that at least El Carrusel de los Animalitos might be ready sooner, though it might stand too close to the construction of Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto. Yes, I had to look up these names. The timing of this expansion also plays a key role in my next question; I don’t expect construction on both to be happening at the same time.
5. When will the Yeti at Expedition Everest get fixed?
I love that Disney has finally decided to fix the massive Yeti animatronic on Expedition Everest. It should have happened years ago, but maybe the technology has improved to make it easier. My understanding is that Disney will fix the current animatronic figure and not be replacing it. The coaster is still amazing, but this change will help to make the attraction even better.
I was lucky enough to ride the original version, and the moment when the Yeti swooped down near the track was incredible. If the new update is even close to that experience, it’s going to wow guests. The big question for me is when this change will occur. Disney didn’t give any details about the fix, and I think that connects to the lack of info about the Tropical Americas opening. I don’t expect Disney to close Expedition Everest for the repairs until at lease one or both of Indy and Encanto is ready.
The most likely scenario is that Disney will wait until they fully open Tropical Americas before Everest goes into what’s likely a long refurb. So we’re likely looking at the Yeti returning in 2029 if my expectations are accurate. I’d also love to see the Imagineers add small touches to enhance the coaster even more while they update the Yeti. I won’t get greedy, though. This was one of the coolest announcements on Saturday, and I’m hoping that Disney can succeed in bringing the Yeti back to its original glory.
6. What changes will be part of the fifth version of Spaceship Earth?
We’ve heard this song before, and I was nervous about the last version of Spaceship Earth announced at D23. That was a very different era with Bob Chapek involved, however. The focus on storytelling felt like a way to cram IP where it didn’t belong. I don’t believe this new version will follow that trend. Imagineer Ali Rubinstein stressed that Spaceship Earth would still be classically Epcot. I read that statement as confirming we won’t have Disney characters inside the park’s signature attraction.
Rubinstein also noted they will make updates to every scene, but I anticipate that many would just involve updated animatronics and effects. I also expect Spaceship Earth will have a new narrator and script. The changes will likely focus on the ride’s second half, especially the descent. I’d love to see physical sets near the end in the vein of the Jeremy Irons version. I’m excited about this fifth version of Spaceship Earth and believe the Imagineers will do it right.
7. Will there be a third attraction themed to 101 Dalmations in Villains Land?
Okay, I may have fallen for what the amazing Glenn Close was selling on stage on Saturday. She had me convinced that Disney was going to announce a flat ride themed to 101 Dalmations. Was that all just a lark because they could get Close to appear at D23? It’s possible it was just a silly diversion for the show.
I believe that it would be smart to have three attractions at Villains Land in a similar vein to Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea. The added capacity would take the pressure off the two giant headliners and spread crowds around the land. The Maleficent coaster and Magic Mirror dark ride are going to draw massive lines, and I’d love to see more to do within this popular land.
8. How much later will the door coaster open at Monstropolis?
I appreciate that Disney clarified how Monstropolis will have a phased opening. It’s great that we’ll be able to enjoy the show at the Glob Theater, grab a bite at Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza, and marvel at the animatronic sushi chef at Harryhausen’s Restaurant. All of these should be open in 2027, and that’s awesome!
What’s less clear is when the door coaster will open to anchor the new land. My guess is some time in 2028, but there’s a big difference (obviously) between January and November. I don’t blame Disney for not giving us more info; it takes a lot to finalize a complicated coaster. Having Monstropolis fully open will help to balance the Hollywood Studios and give us more to do in each visit.
9. Will the Pandora expansion at Disney California Adventure ever happen?
I don’t love the Avatar films, but I adore Pandora: the World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I was thrilled when Disney announced a second Pandora land at Disney California Adventure. Prior to D23, rumors surfaced that the expansion might never happen. It sounded like Disney had decided to go in an entirely new direction.
After that speculation, it surprised me that a model of Pandora at DCA was part of the Imagineering Pavilion at D23. We also heard a brief mention of the land during Saturday night’s presentation. There were no significant updates, however, and that again makes me question if this land will get built. News that Tomorrowland updates will happen first also isn’t a great sign for Pandora. I had similar feelings early on with the Animal Kingdom land, so maybe this is just how Disney handles Avatar. Even so, I feel like the chances aren’t great for more Pandora in the parks.
10. What upcoming changes to the parks weren’t announced at D23?
We always hear of lands and attractions getting cut at the last minute, and I’m sure that was the case this time. Most expected Disney to announce that Space Mountain at Walt Disney World would receive a major overhaul. It would likely include at least a new track in a similar vein to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. There was a Space Mountain update at D23, but it only mentioned Tokyo and Paris changes.
I also wondered if Disney would announce the return of Disney’s Magical Express, and I still feel like this would be a no-brainer to excite both fans and casual guests. They have been slowing rolling out the free airport luggage transfer service and just added the Caribbean Beach (the first moderate) this week. If Disney continues to add resorts to that program, it could signal a return of Magical Express in the future.
Beyond those examples (and the lack of Pandora news), I suspect a lot of the decisions centered around how much info to provide about certain updates. We didn’t learn much about Spaceship Earth, Tomorrowland at Disneyland, and Imagination. That will likely get fleshed out in 2028. I also expect Disney to announce smaller changes throughout the year and not wait two years for the next D23. They can stay nimble and continue to update the parks as conditions change. It’s going to be a really fun next few years at the parks!
What are some of your biggest questions from last weekend’s D23 announcements? I’d love to hear your thoughts. You can leave a comment below or send me an e-mail to dan@tomorrowsociety.com. It’s a great time to be a Disney fan!
Check Out These Related Articles: D23 Questions
Listen to my Tomorrow Society Podcast episode on “My Favorite Announcements from Disney’s Surprising D23 Experiences Showcase” released earlier this week.
Learn more about everything announced at the D23 Experiences showcase on the Disney Parks Blog.
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