The Frontierland thing is in my view a "Blue Sky" rumor. Something that's probably being discussed at high levels. (i.e. "We need more capacity at MK, where could we put it? Oh, Frontierland. What could we put there?") There probably throwing around ideas at WDI and seeing what sticks. That's also where the every once in the while Tomorrowland expansion rumors come from.
My guess is with the DAK and DHS expansions (and DSprings for another 12 months) sucking down money like drunken sailors there little chance of any big projects at MK in the next two years. Then they start to run into the run-up to the 50th, a year they definitely will not want major construction going on in the park, so either this is something that would happen in the 2018-2020 timeframe, or it won't happen until after 2021.
I definitely could see them sprucing up Tomorrowland. I don't know this for sure, but any major facility like WDW and each of the parks has to have a "to maintain" budget separate from their "new project" budget. With the hub and Pirates refurbs wrapping up, something will come on the plate for next year. How much longer until they give up on Stich. I've only ever been in there once, do they actually get people in there?
I actually don't think it's entirely unreasonable. Seeing as Disney should be finished with Disney Springs, Avatar, DAK enhancements, Frozen Ever After, Soarin upgrades, TSMM expansions, hub/infrastructure work, and Toy Story Land by 2017; that leaves Star Wars land, parking improvements, and perhaps another mysterious land. DHS will be getting the lion's share of all money spent for resort development. A misbalance that should be corrected if they're expecting Magic Kingdom to keep growing (and if RCID's building patterns are any guess, they expect it to). Say they break ground late 2017 (start of fiscal year 2018), they could have it done easily by late 2020 in time for a 50th celebration. Any additional costs would be offset by the decreased spending of the those above projects being finished. It seems perfectly possible.
Even if it did push into the 50th, it would be built in the far left corner of the park away from the majority of park activity.
Tomorrowland is an interesting slate to work with. Their current Sci-Fi theme seems to be working well, but updating attractions and increasing draw is what the need to do next. Design wise, we have one of the best Tomorrowlands because we're not actually trying to be a real "tomorrow."
And once again...for the 1,427th time:
"Celebrations" were an Eisner thing in wdw...the current managers get away with doing nothing and can charge more for it...
So foolish to think that a 2 year block is there as they try to convert to Beverly Hills...
You'll be able to buy tshirts...that's for certain...and a high intensity parade or two...
...definitely more dessert parties.
I find that hard to believe. Walt Disney Company found the 50th anniversary Disneyland celebration at Walt Disney World very successful. It worked. Attendance went up, and general excitement levels went up too. I think what happened is Disney tried to turn every year into a "celebration." That led to burnout among fans, and a general hostility towards the concept. The 50th anniversary party at Walt Disney World is a legitimate reason to celebrate though. That's what set it apart. I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only fan who was jealous of all the cool stuff Disneyland was getting. I think TDO knows there's a distinction between what happened in 2007 and what happened at the Disneyland 60th. By putting out some collectibles, spending a couple million on ride improvements, and by putting up decorations, Disneyland went crazy. Even if they could only replicate some of the tiniest amount of that success, it'd be worth it. I'm betting we get a large celebration with new offerings for the 50th. I'm sure they have some gold decorations laying around in some warehouse...
Listening to WDW Today podcast with Len Testa he said with talking to Jim Hill Disney is looking to drastically reduce the number of AP's at Disneyland. Disneyland currently has about 1.2 million AP holders and the want thhat number closer to 600,000...
That's insane if true especilly at Disneyland where people get way more upset about things than at WDW. I can only imagine what future price increases they are looking at for Anahein let alone WDW.
You said it
@rteetz. That's insane. They're betting on Star Wars and the continued growth of the Resort district. I think this could definitely work, but they'd better be confident before they betray hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue that know what they're doing. I've been one of the most ardent "Disneyland is discouraging pass holder growth camp."
This does seem odd coming off of the 60th AP love party, and MiceChat saying Disney was happy with their AP count.
