Rumors abound for the 50th.
Here are the biggies (all shamelessly lifted from
www.wdimagic.com - an AMAZING site for keeping up to date with current rumors - everything in parenthesis are things I have heard, that you may not be aware of, and have no reference to
www.wdimagic.com).:
Keep in mind that these are all still ONLY RUMORS - Unless confirmed such as TOT or FFF
50th Anniversary Plans
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of
Disneyland, WDI is proposing some massive rennovations to five classic Disneyland attractions. Here is what we have heard:
Space Mountain
Space Mountain would be completely rennovated to more closely resemble the Paris counterpart - cannon launch and all! (Also talk of adding a loop).
The Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion would see the addition of new rooms along the haunting tour. (Also talk of new animatronics being put in, utilizing the new hopper/Haunted Mansion Holiday Jack technology)
Pirates of the Carribean
Guests would get caught in the middle of a massive battle between two ships in the re-invention of the classic scene from Pirates. (Also talk of a flaming skull, that you would sail through to show your transition from present to past...as well as talk of steepening the first drop for a bigger thrill. This one may also get some smoother animatronics as well).
Jungle Cruise
The river would be extended through an entirely new show building similar to the ruins found in the Florida attraction. Also, Imagineers want to make the animals more lifelike such as making the hippos actually "attack" the boats.
It's a Small World
The exterior facade would receive a fiber optic lighting system, and the building would be flooded with water like the Florida version rather than the boats just travelling through a canal. Also, updated amimatronic figures would be installed.
Adventureland
Aladdin Themed Area/Attraction
We've receieved reports of rumors suggesting a new area in Adventureland that would carry an Aladdin theme. This area would include a new attraction using advanced 3-D technology similar to that used on Universal's Island's of Adventure Spiderman attraction in which guests would be treated to a magic carpet ride through Agrabah. (Most people belive that this will be placed where "Aladdin's Oasis" used to be...They will most likely keep much of the decorations as part of the queue. They may also make an indoor version of the Aladdin ride at WDW's magic kingdom, painting and sculpting the interior to look like a moonlit ride over Agrabah.)
The Enchanted Tiki Room Update
It is rumored that talks have been going on concerning an "update" to the Enchanted Tiki Room show. Nothing has been finalized, but it is said it would NOT be the version installed at Walt Disney World. Instead, characters from Walt Disney Feature Animation's upcoming film Lilo and Stitch my be added to spruce things up a bit. (Which I personally would enjoy much more than "Under new management" which never really suited it in my opinon-even though I will always prefer the original above all others)
Critter Country
Winnie the Pooh's Hunny Hunt
Rumored to be a copy of the attraction that was recently installed at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. (This is now confirmed, although no one seems to know for sure if it will be a ride, ala WDW or a show, like Tokyo - Time will tell.)
Frontierland
Tom Sawyer Island Expansion
Utilizing the area currently occupied by Fort Wilderness and the old Mine Train ride area, some rumors suggest that Tom Sawyer Island could either expand, or a new attraction could be built on these areas.
Guyser Mountain
This attraction is rumored to be similar to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at the Disney MGM Studios at Walt Disney World in Florida. The story is said to be something like you are in a cottage that sits atop a guyser, and gets shot up in the air, only to fall back to the ground again. Details are still sketchy. (This seems to be more on the back burner since TOT is coming to DCA in 2003).
Woody's Roundup
Rumored to be similar to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World, this attraction would star Woody, and would revolve around the story of Woody's past television show as depicted in "Toy Story 2." (you would go after some varmints
)
Fantasyland
Villian Mountain
An old rumor... A new "water coaster" mountain attraction that is rumored to be in development for all Disney theme park locations around the globe. For more information, see Walt Disney World section. (There is some hush hush, but intense rumors about something going on where the Fantasyland Skybucket station is. Most folks thought it would be pooh, but obviously its not. There is talk of a "Villain area" back there, with Villain mountain being an ominous volcano, and extending into part of the old Big Thunder BBQ - Of course if Guyser Mountain gets in, then this one probably wont fit. . Probably one or the other)
Tomorrowland
Space Mountain Rocket Replacement
We've received reports that the rocket trains on Space Mountain may be replaced with new ones. These new trains would be very similar to the current ones, but would have an improved sound system in place. (we all love the sound, but it is inconsistent at best).
Rocket Rods Replacement
There are now rumors surfacing that a rollercoaster-type ride is in development for the former Rocket Rods track... Other rumors suggest that the old People Mover may make a return to Tomorrowland. (While even more rumors speak of a return of the rocket rods with banked curves, and some speak of part of the track being used for Buzz, continuing into the top level of the arcade, which has been empty, since they took out all shooting games after Columbine.)
Atlantis Ride
Patterned after Disney's animated film Atlantis: The Lost Empire, this attraction would be installed in the old Submarine Lagoon and would take guests on an adventurous journey to find the lost continent of Atlantis. Of course, several "suprises" would await them along the way... Other rumors suggest that the old Submarine Voyage will be re-opened without any modifications.
Star Tours II
A very old rumor, it is now thought that this will not happen until after the next of the Star Wars prequils is released. The old Star Tours movie could be replaced by a new film based on "Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace." Instead of traveling to the moon of Endor, guests would now be in for a high speed adventure as they join a pod race. Along with the new film, new effects would also be added to add to the storyline. (There are also talks of having certain "ships" having different movies...then you could have many more experiences, increasing the re rideability of it - Of course, George Lucas has complete control).
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Modeled after the attraction of the same name at Walt Disney World, this attraction would be bulit inside the CircleVision building in what used to be the queue line for the now closed Rocket Rods. Other rumors counter that this space will once again be used for CircleVision films. (As I said before, there are many places, that this may be done, Another older rumor is that they will install a rotating restaurant in the Circlevision theater, ala the Land in Epcot)
- Rumor Tina has heard- Tron 2.0
There are rampant rumors of a new game and a new movie based on the original Tron (The first movie being the launching pad for most CGI done in film today). Many folks have speculated that if it does well, an attraction will be based upon it.
- Rumor Tina has heard- Alien Encounter
Possibly placed in the Circlevision Theater, Top of the Arcade, Top level of Space Mountain Plateau.
Miscellaneous
A new land
We have received several reports on a rumored new land that could appear in Disneyland. The land is rumored to be placed at the back of the Rivers of America in the old Big Thunder BBQ area. The working title for this new land is "Toon Lagoon," and it would be themed to Disney animated films. Attractions for this area are rumored to include a swinging ship, bumper boats, bumper cars, a sky tower and a Lilo and Stitch theater. (Some CM's have alluded that if Fliks does well in DCA, this may gain more speed.)
A new nighttime light parade
With the retirement of the Main Street Electrical Parade and the short run of Light Magic, Disneyland has been without a night time light parade since 1997. At the time the plug was pulled on Light Magic, Disneyland Guest Relations stated that it was on hiatus until summer of 2000. As we now know, it has not returned, and it is doubtful that it ever will. Now that "Disney's Electrical Parade" is now running at DCA, many think that in the years to come it will be refurbished and move back to Disneyland.
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Disney's California Adventure
Hollywood Pictures Backlot
Superstar Limo Redo
Due to a somewhat mixed response to this attraction, rumors suggest that it will be redone as a tour of Hollywood with Goofy as your tourguide.
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
This attraction will be installed in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot area of the park, just beyond the wall that surrounds the waiting area at the Hyperion Theater. Based on the popular attraction of the same name at the Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney World, this attraction will be slightly different. The exterior of the building has been redesigned to reflect a 1930's style Hollywood building. This attraction will also feature three drop shafts rather than only two as is the case in Florida. Rumors are flying about the actual ride experience. Some say the portion of the ride where the elevator actually moves through the Twilight Zone has been eliminated from these plans. Other rumors say that a brand new effect has been created whereby guests will get to see elevators full of guests disappearing. Original rumors suggested that a haunted hotel would be built into this attraction where guests could actually stay, however this is not a part of the confirmed plans. (More will be released after we get closer to the 2003 open date.)
Armageddon
Rumored a while back to be one of the first additions to DCA, this attraction was thought to be dead when the space it was to occupy in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot was taken up with the building that now houses the "Who Want's to Be a Millionaire -- Play It!" attraction. With news surfacing that this attraction will most likely be closing soon, and with the lackluster performance of Superstar Limo, new rumors are surfacing that Disneyland officials are once again taking a look at this attraction to help spruce up this area of the park. If built, it would most likely be a duplicate of the attraction that recently opened at Disney Studios Paris.
The Golden State
Country Bears
Yes, as crazy as it sounds, some rumors are now saying that the Country Bears will make a move across the Esplanade to take up residence in Disney's California Adventure. This could be in the form of a new show, or as added detail along the banks of Grizzly River Run. (Some also say that a new small theater will be built between the Hyperion and TOT. The storyline will be that you see the bears warming up for a performance at the Hyperion - So it'll be going along with the movie. Others say that a restraunt with them may be implemented ala Chuck E Cheese or the Now Defunct Mooseburger Lodge at Magic Mountain).
Flick's Fun Faire
Located in the Bountiful Valley Farm area, this area themed after "A Bug's Life" would involve the addition of several new attractions geared for the younger audience. Some of the rumored attractions include bumper cars, and a spinning Dumbo-type ride. As it gets closer to the September opening, more details will be known.
Paradise Pier
Monsters Inc. dark ride
A dark ride that would be patterned after the Disney/Pixar film scheduled to premier Fall 2001.
Ursula spinning ride
Guests would ride in cars attched to the ends of Ursula's tenticals in this Dumbo-type spinning ride. (Wouldn't take up much space, as they are thinking about placing it in the empty zone within the helixes near the end of California Screaming)
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Across the "Land"
West Coast
Disney Cruise Lines
It is rumored that the popular Disney Cruise Lines could someday have a West Coast port.
Third Disney Theme Park at Disneyland Resort
The official word is that The Walt Disney Co. and the city of Anaheim are currently working out an agreement for a third theme park at the Disneyland Resort. This could include a new theme park, a water park, a shopping and/or entertainment complex, and/or another resort hotel.
Water Park
The newest reports suggest that the next expansion to the Disneyland Resort will come in the form of a water park. The proposed park would be themed around the six main continents (since there are seven continents, one will be missing...?). The South American area would feature a Mayan temple that houses 6 water slides, two of which would be 50 mph, with an 80 degree drop. The European land would feature a swiss castle that would house 6 more slide, four of which would sprial down the four turrets of the castle. The Asia land would be surrounded by a recreation of the Great Wall of China, which would serve as a "lazy river" attraction. Reports say that this park is currently slated for 2010, so plans can certainly change (as they usually do...).
THEME for the third theme park
While it is official that the Disneyland Resort is in the process of planning another expansion to possibly include a third theme park, the exact theme for this park has not yet been released. One rumor says that this park will take it's cues from the World Showcase area of Epcot, only centered specifically on Europe. The park would feature Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Spain, and England. An Eiffel Tower free-fall ride is rumored to be in development, as well as a Pirates of the Caribbean style boat ride attraction. Other rumors say that a theme park is not in the plans, and the next expansion will be in the form of a water park.
Wow this is long,
I hope this helps ya out.
~Tina.
