New Land at AK for 2012

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

On another message board, someone reported receiving an e-mail reply to a query confirming the development of a new land at AK. I thought it was interesting and that I might post it here to see if any of you think it is valid.

The poster's original e-mail read:

I have heard that at Animal Kingdom they are supposed to build another land. What will this land be? And when will it be opening?

And this was the response:

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World Resort.

The Walt Disney World Resort is constantly working with our "Imagineers" and evaluating new ideas for further enhancing our attractions and entertainment offerings in the parks. At this time, we can confirm that they are currently in the process of developing a new "land" at Walt Disney's Animal Kingdom. We are sorry we can't provide more details other then to say this new area is scheduled to open in 2012.

We appreciate your understanding.

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us.

Please include your full name, E-Mail address, and reservation number if applicable on all correspondence.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Ronda Kendall

WDW Online Communications

[fan of the TTA]

sounds valid enough.. but i wonder what the new land could be?. at this moment in time, i can't figure out anything that animal kingdom really need, although maybe some more stuff relating to creatures of the sea

[jheigl]

The original question I'm sure was asked and I'm sure the person received that response, however, I think that person may have edited it to say that they are developing a new land. From what I have seen with Disney, they are usually very secretive about future developments, and for this person to just come out and respond that they are going to develop something but not have any furthur comment, seems a little fishy. The entire email response is something that I could have made up myself, so perhaps it was. I'm not saying that it is not true, however I am a bit skeptical that someone within the company would divulge that they are developing but not give any furthur details, judging by how close Disney seems to keep things like this to the vest. If it is true, cool! If not, I'm not surprised.

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Well, one way to know if the response is made up or not is to write your own letter to Disney asking the same question. Anyone want to give it a try?

[fan of the TTA]

i'm up for that if someone gave me an address, then post my response

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Does someone have the e-mail addy close by?

[selina4disney]

There have been rumors of Night Kingdom at AK for months. That's probably what the letter is referring too. At a separate admission rumored of approximately $300 per person, it is intended to compete with Discovery Cove. The latest rumor IIRC was it was scaled back. Just do a google for Night Kingdom Disney and you will get lots of results.

[Cheshire Figment]

Several years before AK opened Judy and I were shown a film and then surveyed while we were at Epcot (it was done in a room above Norway). The film and survey took over an hour. It appears that the film was based on the plans for AK.

One of the section was to be the "Beastly Kingdom" filled with mythical beasts. These would include dragons, multi-headed creatures, etc., from mythology around the world. Note that many of the benches at AK have cutouts on the back of various animals; one of those is a dragon.

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

I don't think that this is Night Kingdom. At least, it doesn't seem like a seperate admission would be charged. Sounds more like an expansion to the existing AK that would be included in the price of admission.

[ChrisFL]

and there were replies on that other message board that this email has a few inaccuracies (like calling it "Walt Disney's Animal Kingdom" which is incorrect) and the name "Ronda Kendall" does not show up as an actual employee if TWDC

[dexim54]

and there were replies on that other message board that this email has a few inaccuracies (like calling it "Walt Disney's Animal Kingdom" which is incorrect) and the name "Ronda Kendall" does not show up as an actual employee if TWDC

Poster is right, there is no such person with that email.

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Well, that is all interesting. Howeve, like I said, it's not that hard to test for accuracy. Disney usually sends form replies to questions. So if someone writes and asks basically the same question and gets a different reply, we'll know it's a hoax. If someone were to give me the e-mail address, I would write to them and others could do the same. Then we could post the responses here.

[marsrunner]

I believe the consensus on that "other" message board was that the reply was authentic in that it came from Disney and the person who posted it was not making it up. However, many of the resident "experts" (I don't put quotes to be derogatory, I just don't know how much of an expert any of them are) thought that it might be a hoax internally, i.e. some CM sent the reply as a joke.
I find it hard to believe that Disney would not make an official public announcement stating they are working on a new land for a major park, and yet respond to some average Joe with an e-mail detailing it. Sounds fishy to me. Of course, I'm no expert either, so what do I know.

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Again, while I see where you are coming from, there's a really easy way to settle this. We just have to write WDW and see what they say. If we consistently get the same answer as that guy did, then we can place more credibility on the expansion rumour. So, does somebody (anybody?) have the address to write to?

[yitbos96bb]

On another message board, someone reported receiving an e-mail reply to a query confirming the development of a new land at AK. I thought it was interesting and that I might post it here to see if any of you think it is valid.

The poster's original e-mail read:



And this was the response:

I call fake email

Disney is mum on ALL DETAILS and CMs are threatened with termination if they reveal anything or even speculate... ask anyone who talked with DVC cast members when that "imaginary" North tower first started going up.

Disney would have stuck with the comment that they don't speculate or answer rumors and NEVER would add the ending part.

Nice idea, but 99% sure this is false (but would LOVE to be wrong)... especially given the projected weak business in 2009.

[minnie61650]

I doubt if the email is valid but there are a few rumors from pretty reliable sources that dirt will start moving in the AK by spring of 2009 and a new "area"/ land? is the planning for 2011/2012.

Some rumors are that they will be adding a Journey to the center of the Earth ride like the one at Tokyo DisneySea. (The exclusive rights at the Tokyo DisneySea JTTCoE ride are due to expire around that time.)

Other rumors are a Beastlie Kingdome Land.

Take it for what it is worth.

As with all things Disney .....Time will tell.

[fan of the TTA]

beastly kingdom?. now that would be cool! but journey to the centre of the earth is not really to do with animals, is it.

[ChrisFL]

beastly kingdom?. now that would be cool! but journey to the centre of the earth is not really to do with animals, is it.

It is as much as Everest is....basically there is an encounter with one really big creature near the end of the ride, like Everest. I haven't been on Journey to know if there are other animals...ask me again in about 2 months! :D :woohoo:

[fan of the TTA]

at least everist has a place in the park. all i'm saying

[CanadianGuy]

Disney is very smart to undertake construction projects during an economic downturn.

HOWEVER.. this email doesn't 'ring true' ... if someone wants to spin the CSR roulette wheel...

wdw.guest.communications@disney.com

[Wickedrenthead]

This Beastly Kingdom idea actually sounds like a really good idea. There have been many "complaints" I guess we can call them, that Disney does not have enough thrill rides. The way I look at it, it seems kind of true. (MK- 3 mountains, EPCOT- Test track and Mission space, DHS- T.O.T. and Rock n' Roller coaster, AK- Diinosaur and Everest) Maybe this will bring in more people.

[Sorahana]

I wish Beastly Kingdom would come to be a reality. It seems like such a cool idea.

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Disney is very smart to undertake construction projects during an economic downturn.

HOWEVER.. this email doesn't 'ring true' ... if someone wants to spin the CSR roulette wheel...

wdw.guest.communications@disney.com

Thanks for giving me the e-mail address. I never thought that would be so hard to get my hands on.

I'm going to write to them asking the exact same thing that the person I quoted in my OP did. I will post the response when and if I get one. If others want to do the same, please feel free.

[Padrepride]

AK needs a new land to replace Camp Minnie-Mickey. I love the idea of a Beastly Kingdom. And responding to the original email, why would anyone from online communications break the news let alone know about it?

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

I have sent my e-mail. I just cut and pasted the contents from the original one in question. I'll let you know how it goes.

[MJMcBride]

One of the section was to be the "Beastly Kingdom" filled with mythical beasts. These would include dragons, multi-headed creatures, etc., from mythology around the world. Note that many of the benches at AK have cutouts on the back of various animals; one of those is a dragon.

There was to be a Dragon Tower roller coaster where the guests are recruited by giant talking bats into stealing the dragon's hoard. There was a Mother Goose shop and a Loch Ness Cafe built around a lagoon where you guessed it, old Nessie would pop up to the sound of scottish bagpipes, there was to be a unicorn maze and Fantasia Gardens as well

This article references some of the Beastlie Kingdomme ideas

http://www.mouseextra.com/2008/04/29/beastly-kingdomme-what-might-have-been/#comments

[MJMcBride]

I don't think that this is Night Kingdom. At least, it doesn't seem like a seperate admission would be charged. Sounds more like an expansion to the existing AK that would be included in the price of admission.

Some rumors have stated that the Night Kingdom is basically dead but the basics of the plan would be parlayed over to DAK

[KYMickey]

Actually, a lot of the ideas for Beastly Kingdom would probably make it a good addition to challenge the Harry Potter area being built at Universal! Maybe not such a bad idea on Disney's part. :yay:

[ChrisFL]

Actually, a lot of the ideas for Beastly Kingdom would probably make it a good addition to challenge the Harry Potter area being built at Universal! Maybe not such a bad idea on Disney's part. :yay:

Incredibly Ironic statement actually.

The land that HP is replacing, the lost continent, had themes directly from Beastly Kingdom's imagineering!! Dueling Dragons was a modified version of what was going to be in AK, designed by imagineers that were at Disney, then let go, then picked up by Universal Creative!

[gymnastgirlflips]

I hope that rumor is true, even if it probably isn't. I read all about Beastly Kingdom and it sounds like alot of fun! It would be awesome if they built it, I wish they had a long time ago. Its something I would expect to find at Animal Kingdom.

[lacrosse_lady72]

I think a Central/South America theme would be awesome. Rainforest... Galapagos... you don't really see too much of anything south of the border in the parks.

Beastly kingdom would be great as well. AK is big enough for both probably.

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

I think a Central/South America theme would be awesome. Rainforest... Galapagos... you don't really see too much of anything south of the border in the parks.

Don't forget about the Rainforest Room at Rafiki's Planet Watch. It's not much but at least it represents a little bit of that region.

[Tink's Tormentor]

I know what site you are referring to. I am a member there as well. Once I saw that email, I sniffed out a fake. However, everything there seems legit. People in the know on that site have confirmed someone told the wrong person the right information. The rumor is Mysterious Island replacing Camp Minnie-Mickey by 20012-2015 year range.

I sent an email myself, but got a response saying no new lands are planned. So, take that person's email for what it is worth.

[Tink's Tormentor]

and there were replies on that other message board that this email has a few inaccuracies (like calling it "Walt Disney's Animal Kingdom" which is incorrect) and the name "Ronda Kendall" does not show up as an actual employee if TWDC

CMs also use pseudonyms, as was referenced in the thread on the other site. I received an email from Nancy Carpenter. Look to see if she exists on the CM portal.

Poster is right, there is no such person with that email.

Again, fake names are known to be used.

beastly kingdom?. now that would be cool! but journey to the centre of the earth is not really to do with animals, is it.

Camp Minnie-Mickey will not be replaced with Beastly Kingdomme. My post above tells you what is supposed to go there, Mysterious Island. Of course, that's today. Tomorrow, who knows...

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

I sent an email myself, but got a response saying no new lands are planned. So, take that person's email for what it is worth.

Do you still have the response? It would be great if you could post it here. We are collecting them. :)

[Tink's Tormentor]

Do you still have the response? It would be great if you could post it here. We are collecting them. :)

I should. Let me check my AOL account. I will post the email here once I find it. BRB....

[Tink's Tormentor]

OK here is my response:

Dear Guest,

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World Resort.

At this time we have no information of another land opening in Disney's
Animal Kingdom Park.

Hope you plan to visit soon!

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact
us.

Please include your full name, E-Mail address, and reservation number if
applicable on all correspondence.

Thank you!

Nancy Carpenter
WDW Online Communications

PLEASE NOTE: All information is subject to change without notice and
should be confirmed just prior to your visit.

[Tink's Tormentor]

If you notice, my response states the proper name of AK, which is Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, not Walt Disney's Animal Kingdom. So, either the CM was having fun at that person's expense, or he/she faked the email.

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Your e-mail doesn't say no new lands are being planned. They are very careful with the wording, aren't they?

[Tink's Tormentor]

Your e-mail doesn't say no new lands are being planned. They are very careful with the wording, aren't they?

Of course. They also don't say new lands ARE planned.. LOL...

[Laneychris]

Interesting

[Tink's Tormentor]

Interesting

Not very. The person on the other site could have possibly faked an email, despite it looking real. Everyone else who has sent emails to Disney received basically the same letter I received.

Of course, the current rumor is for Mysterious Island replacing Camp Minnie-Mickey. While that is kind of interesting, it won't be very interesting until we get some sort of details regarding the addition. :)

[MJMcBride]

I think a Central/South America theme would be awesome. Rainforest... Galapagos... you don't really see too much of anything south of the border in the parks.

Beastly kingdom would be great as well. AK is big enough for both probably.

easily

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Everyone else who has sent emails to Disney received basically the same letter I received.

I haven't actually received a response to my letter yet and I was careful to use the exact same wording as the person quoted in my OP. We shall see.

[minnie61650]

I haven't actually received a response to my letter yet and I was careful to use the exact same wording as the person quoted in my OP. We shall see.

Thanks for the update.

Please keep us informed.

[Tink's Tormentor]

easily

and then some...

[Tink's Tormentor]

I haven't actually received a response to my letter yet and I was careful to use the exact same wording as the person quoted in my OP. We shall see.

When did you send your email? I received a response after 4 or 5 days...

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

When did you send your email? I received a response after 4 or 5 days...

If you scroll upthread, you shall see. :goodvibes (I'm too lazy to look it up myself. :))

[Tink's Tormentor]

If you scroll upthread, you shall see. :goodvibes (I'm too lazy to look it up myself. :))


Ahh, you only sent it on the 28th... Give it a few more days, maybe a week.. You'll receive your answer... :thumbsup2

[IMGN]

This is either Night Kingdom or that other fairy-tale land.

[Tink's Tormentor]

This is either Night Kingdom or that other fairy-tale land.

Thanks for the confirmation and welcome to the boards... Are you someone in the know???

[Jessfrogger88]

I always thought Austrailia would be a good addition to the park...but would love the South America or Beastly rumors...


Night Kingdom sounded like a sure fire flop from the get go.

[IMGN]

Thanks for the confirmation and welcome to the boards... Are you someone in the know???

Not officially in the know, no. If I was, I couldn't have posted that. But it's really rather obvious that it's going to be one of the two. The Night Kingdom project would have to be scaled back in light of the recession, so it's common sense for it to go into a new AK land.

But in my mind (and in my hopes as well, haha) it's more likely that the new land will be the long-anticipated Beastly Kingdom, a land based on the creatures that never were. You can see that in the original AK logo, there was a dragon along with the other animals. The dragon was supposed to represent the BK, with the other animals representing the other lands - Asia, Dinoland USA, etc.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/1b/Animal_Kingdom_TPark_Color.png/180px-Animal_Kingdom_TPark_Color.png

And recently, everyone's favorite (and often incorrect) rumor spreader Jim Hill had an interesting article (http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2008/03/23/monday-mouse-watch-it-s-lights-out-for-dak-s-rivers-of-light-parade-while-beastly-kingdomme-makes-a-character-based-comeback.aspx) on Beastly Kingdom making a comeback in the minds of the Imagineers.

So Beastly Kingdom makes alot of sense. But so does Night Kingdom, really.

I just hope it's the BK because that's the one that appeals to me more.

[Tink's Tormentor]

Thanks for your post IMGN.. But, seriusly, I have heard the new land being planned, not greenlit mind you, is Mysterious Island... In other words, JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH may be coming!!!!

[Soarin08]

I'd love to see an addition to AK. It's my least favorite park and I need something other than EE to even make me want to consider going there.

[Tink's Tormentor]

I'd love to see an addition to AK. It's my least favorite park and I need something other than EE to even make me want to consider going there.

I think AK is a fantastic park, theme alone... I always thought of it as a half day park, but, more and more, I see it now as full time... EE was a great addition, and if Mysterious Island comes into being, then we'll have another awesome land...

I think people tend to look at Animal Kingdom all wrong... I don't think AK is a park we should look at in terms of how many rides there are.. We should look at the over all theme, and, IMHO, the theme kicks Hollywood Studios and Epcot out of the park, no pun intended lol..

[MJMcBride]

Thanks for your post IMGN.. But, seriusly, I have heard the new land being planned, not greenlit mind you, is Mysterious Island... In other words, JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH may be coming!!!!

not a terrible idea if its combined w/ some other elements for the BK

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

I love the idea for an Austrailian land mentioned upthread. There's so much they could do with that in terms of animals.

[Tink's Tormentor]

not a terrible idea if its combined w/ some other elements for the BK

I would hope they would incorporate some sort of fantasty-type animals, er, creatures there... Thing is, this isn't greenlit yet... It is just an idea out there... With the economy, who knows if we will see it.. Or when...

[Tink's Tormentor]

I love the idea for an Austrailian land mentioned upthread. There's so much they could do with that in terms of animals.

Austrailia would be cool, but, I would imagine another safari-style ride through the outback.. Would be too much like Africa...

Does anyone know what the plans would have called for if Austrialia were added?

[IMGN]

I think people tend to look at Animal Kingdom all wrong... I don't think AK is a park we should look at in terms of how many rides there are.. We should look at the over all theme, and, IMHO, the theme kicks Hollywood Studios and Epcot out of the park, no pun intended lol..

Most people look at it like a zoo with rides.
Just like most people look at the rest of Walt Disney World as an "amusement" park.

[Tink's Tormentor]

Most people look at it like a zoo with rides.
Just like most people look at the rest of Walt Disney World as an "amusement" park.

But it is Notahzu!!!!

[IMGN]

But it is Notahzu!!!!

Ekzakutally!!!