Any New Attractions Coming To MK?

[Jcon]

But, they announced Pandora way back in 2011 -- so at least six years from announcement to opening. That is a long time.

I think Disney would be better served if they were more like Universal, where they often start building before they actually announce a project. (Or, if they just built faster.)

Yes, I suppose they could do it like Universal, announce something, spend a few years building, and open bits at a time.

 

[rteetz]

Is Stitch turning into Wreck It Ralph?

Rumor has it stitch theater A is already being dismantled.

 

[rteetz]

But, they announced Pandora way back in 2011 -- so at least six years from announcement to opening. That is a long time.

I think Disney would be better served if they were more like Universal, where they often start building before they actually announce a project. (Or, if they just built faster.)

Disney announced the deal with James Cameron for avatar to be in the theme parks. There were no specifics as what it would be because it was way to early. Imagineering didn't have any plans for rides or anything when it was announced.

 

[MermaidMommy]

Disney announced the deal with James Cameron for avatar to be in the theme parks. There were no specifics as what it would be

The announcement from Disney Parks Blog in September 2011 did state that they were building an Avatar-themed land at AK, though (and that construction was supposed to have begun in 2013). https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/09/avatar-coming-to-disney-parks/

... it was way to early. Imagineering didn't have any plans for rides or anything when it was announced.

That's partly my point. When they announce something, and then take 2-3 years to start building, and then take an additional 3 years or so to actually finish, it makes the process seem so long. I was comparing Disney to Universal earlier, where both Harry Potter lands took 3 years from announcement to opening, I believe. I think that strategy cuts down on guests' perception of excessively long build times.

 

[jhaig]

If MK does expand in the future, what direction would it go? What part of the park has the most undeveloped land behind it that would provide the best opportunity for expansion?

 

[DVCcurious]

I would be shocked to see any major changes to MK before 2025. They could re-theme stitch or a restaurant, but there will be no new lands or even new rides.

The other three parks need serious work. After Avatarland opens in late 2017 and Star Wars is finished in 2020 (my guess, not official opening date) they should look to Epcot. Epcot could use work in both Futureland and Internationalland. If they did work at Epcot it would easily fill 2020-2025, so that's why I expect no changes to MK for the next decade.

 

[AdamEfimoff]

I have always thought a dining venture with space projections inside the building. Where you order food on a computer would be cool

 

[DisneyOma]

The announcement from Disney Parks Blog in September 2011 did state that they were building an Avatar-themed land at AK, though (and that construction was supposed to have begun in 2013). https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/09/avatar-coming-to-disney-parks/

That's partly my point. When they announce something, and then take 2-3 years to start building, and then take an additional 3 years or so to actually finish, it makes the process seem so long. I was comparing Disney to Universal earlier, where both Harry Potter lands took 3 years from announcement to opening, I believe. I think that strategy cuts down on guests' perception of excessively long build times.

The second Harry Potter area has one attraction, and a bunch of shops. Not too hard to build, on land already prepared/used. Avatar area has two attractions, a lot of 'fresh' land to prepare/drain/clear, etc. Also, Hogsmeade area isn't as well done as it should have been - blank sides of Hogwarts, backstage areas visible from the queue, etc. I think they rushed it and ruined a bit of the potential. They also just recycled a roller coaster, and plunked in a carnival-style kiddie coaster. I get the need to do so with both, but not very time-consuming.

 

[mom2rtk]

The second Harry Potter area has one attraction, and a bunch of shops. Not too hard to build, on land already prepared/used. Avatar area has two attractions, a lot of 'fresh' land to prepare/drain/clear, etc. Also, Hogsmeade area isn't as well done as it should have been - blank sides of Hogwarts, backstage areas visible from the queue, etc. I think they rushed it and ruined a bit of the potential. They also just recycled a roller coaster, and plunked in a carnival-style kiddie coaster. I get the need to do so with both, but not very time-consuming.

Still no justification. It's ridiculous how long it has taken to complete Avatarland.

 

[MJ6987]

They'll definitely have something big planned for the 50th - I'd guess new night time parade PLUS spectacular new show to replace Wishes

 

[Accident]

There is a road project happening on the west side of MK that looks like it could be making more room for an expansion.

 

[mom2rtk]

They'll definitely have something big planned for the 50th - I'd guess new night time parade PLUS spectacular new show to replace Wishes

A 5 year wait does not make me feel better.

 

[DisneyOma]

Still no justification. It's ridiculous how long it has taken to complete Avatarland.

Constructionwise, I disagree. They're building "floating" rocks, trying for special effects like light-up walkways, etc. Universal tends to build a bunker-style building, slap on some decorations, and call it a day. Half of the "stores" in Diagon Alley are false fronts.

From announcement to completion, maybe. But Disney always announces much earlier than Universal.

 

[mom2rtk]

Constructionwise, I disagree. They're building "floating" rocks, trying for special effects like light-up walkways, etc. Universal tends to build a bunker-style building, slap on some decorations, and call it a day. Half of the "stores" in Diagon Alley are false fronts.

From announcement to completion, maybe. But Disney always announces much earlier than Universal.

I think the reason they announce so early is so they can have it out there as a "coming soon" enticement for a longer period of time before they actually have to start on it. They need to stop that. I for one, and tired of hearing about Avatarland. There was a period of time I looked forward to discovering what it was going to be like, but the excitement for me is long past.

 

[HopperFan]

There are plans to expand the park's footprint to both the east and the west, but these are, if I understand, more in the 5-10-year time frame.

Agree with plans. I don't think we will see anything major done until after the 50th. They will want the park in a non-construction pristine state during that time. After that we might see something.

If MK does expand in the future, what direction would it go? What part of the park has the most undeveloped land behind it that would provide the best opportunity for expansion?

The original standard was the park could not be built outside the train tracks BUT Space Mountain is actually outside the train tracks but the entrance is inside ... so if they are going to stay to this standard they have some options.

The land to the north of SM, can be accessed. It is more than large enough for an entire land.

Stitch, is probably on it's way out. I'd rather they take their time and not put another bad band-aid in there. Tomorrowland needs a connective purpose and theme.

I for one would not be sad to see the Speedway go. It takes up a huge amount of land, is loud, it smells (surely it's toxic) and I hate riding on it. On normal days there is barely a line compared to years ago.

The work areas and water pageant are not in the way of a potential NW expansion.

There is discussion that Tom Sawyer Island could be "repurposed" and the park expanded with a redesign of Frontierland.

Magic Kingdom already has a large number of attractions, I wouldn't bet too heavy on any major expansion. I think Epcot will be next after the other two are complete.

They'll definitely have something big planned for the 50th - I'd guess new night time parade PLUS spectacular new show to replace Wishes

I agree that the 50th will bring some big stuff for Magic Kingdom. But I for sure wouldn't rule out some new night time entertainment in the near future. Lots of stuff happens behind the scenes that we are not aware of ..... they have even surprised us recently with Drones and Jingle BAM.

 

[WEDWDW]

They'll definitely have something big planned for the 50th - I'd guess new night time parade PLUS spectacular new show to replace Wishes

I agree-I think each Park will get a new attraction and/or Parade/Show just like for Disneyland's 50th.

 

[cigar95]

..... they have even surprised us recently with Drones and Jingle BAM.

The drones at the Springs are a dry run for something bigger in the future. My guess would be for the eventual successor to the Water Pageant. (Drones over water makes lawyers much happier than drones over guests!)

 

[HopperFan]

The drones at the Springs are a dry run for something bigger in the future. My guess would be for the eventual successor to the Water Pageant. (Drones over water makes lawyers much happier than drones over guests!)

No doubt, particularly when you look at all the drawings with the patents they filed to go along with them.

The curious part is they asked for a waiver for the no-fly zone, the zone covers MK and Epcot.

I know there is rumbling about Epcot, lagoon or the smaller one in front of the Odyssey. Great viewing potential at either.

 

[pampam]

They have had to re-do Tomorrowland many times because the present keeps catching up to the future. I think Tomorrowland is due for refreshing.