D23 Expo 2019 (First page with major info)

[TheMaxRebo]

Being at the announcement, they did not call it a ride, but what Chapek did say is that you will come down Cherry Tree lane and enter in through the Banks house. If it is a carousel or a spinner, this would make no sense. Those would be in a park outdoors at Cherry Tree lane, right? It is of course too early to tell, the whole thing could be cancelled, but I think it much more likely based on that description, that the queue is in the house - similar to what they did for Peter Pan - and the ride is a dark ride. I don't think the would bother constructing an entire street just to put in a carousel.

However, this makes me think a couple of things.
1) the millennium festival center behind UK is going to go.
2) with all the stuff they do there for the festival's, it's unlikely they take that out until they build the new festival center.
3) therefore - I think we have at least 3 years before we see cherry tree lane.

I do think it is like 3 years or so until we see it, but not sure they need to get rid of the millennium building .... I did some quick google measurements, and there is about 3,300 sq meters of space ... and measuring the show buildings for Peter Pan and Winnie the Poo, they are each about 1,800 sq meters, so they could fit something there if they want

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I love when people are unhappy, disappointed, or whatever and they express it, they are whining. It's a discussion board and people are going to have differing opinions.

It really is a big, big deal to me that both rides that were strongly rumored to be open when I go (Rat and Railway) now seem to both be pushed back (again for Railway) until summer or later. I was looking forward to them, I don't care about Marvel and Star Wars, while I'm sure I'll enjoy, was not why I was looking forward to this trip.

So yes, for me, yesterday was a disappointment.

There's nothing wrong with being critical of Disney sometimes, honestly.

Bright side to all of this, maybe people will put off 2020 trips and wait until 2021 or later when a lot of this will be done!

certainly nothing wrong with being critical of Disney and I understand being bummed about the dates (or in some cases, lack of dates). I am worried if some closures start before our trip in Feb and obviously won't get MMRR or Rat for then (and to think, I originally thought MMRR might be open for our August trip we just got back from)

I think it si more the people that feel nothing is ever right and throw out the "This does fit with Walt's vision for EPCOT", etc. and refuse to listen to any counter points that can get tiresome

 

[Tink1987]

THIS. THIS. THIS.

The amount of whining over the weekend, literally made me shut down my Twitter account. I couldn't take the complaining anymore. Everytime they announce something the "Fans" go straight into "this is awful" mode, and it doesn't fit. Many of whom weren't even alive to see the park in it's infancy. Drives me absolutely batty. Pretty sure if Walt were still alive, he'd know that these parks have to evolve with the times.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1165942167048794114

It’s probably a good job you came off Twitter. There’s having opinions and then there is this.

 

[Tink1987]

I do think it is like 3 years or so until we see it, but not sure they need to get rid of the millennium building .... I did some quick google measurements, and there is about 3,300 sq meters of space ... and measuring the show buildings for Peter Pan and Winnie the Poo, they are each about 1,800 sq meters, so they could fit something there if they want

View attachment 429672

Thank you for the super helpful satellite grab!

 

[Farro]

certainly nothing wrong with being critical of Disney and I understand being bummed about the dates (or in some cases, lack of dates). I am worried if some closures start before our trip in Feb and obviously won't get MMRR or Rat for then (and to think, I originally thought MMRR might be open for our August trip we just got back from)

I think it si more the people that feel nothing is ever right and throw out the "This does fit with Walt's vision for EPCOT", etc. and refuse to listen to any counter points that can get tiresome

I get it.

I'm just really, really bummed about this and with the rumors of all the other closures coming it's hard to get excited about our May trip. And we've been saving for so long, it's hard not to feel a bit crushed.

 

[jknezek]

I get it.

I'm just really, really bummed about this and with the rumors of all the other closures coming it's hard to get excited about our May trip. And we've been saving for so long, it's hard not to feel a bit crushed.

That's part of the problem with coming to pages like this. You know what's coming and what's closed. For most casual visitors, it's not a big deal. You do what's there, and there is always plenty to do. But it certainly can leave you hollow if you feel like you spent a ton of money and are missing out. I know our trip in January we had horrible weather, sick kids, transportation issues and ride problems, and we just fought through. It was still fun, but I definitely came home wondering if it had been worth the money. My wife and kids, who don't pay any attention to stuff like we do on here had a good time and keep asking when we are going back.

You'll have to do what's best for you, but I think before I go again I'll just drop off following Disney for a while and try and be there in the moment instead of framing it against all the other things I know are coming or could be open.

 

[Ambehnke]

I love when people are unhappy, disappointed, or whatever and they express it, they are whining. It's a discussion board and people are going to have differing opinions. And believe me, this is one of the nicer ones...

It really is a big, big deal to me that both rides that were strongly rumored to be open when I go (Rat and Railway) now seem to both be pushed back (again for Railway) until summer or later. I was looking forward to them, I don't care about Marvel and Star Wars, while I'm sure I'll enjoy, was not why I was looking forward to this trip.

So yes, for me, yesterday was a disappointment.

There's nothing wrong with being critical of Disney sometimes, honestly.

Bright side to all of this, maybe people will put off 2020 trips and wait until 2021 or later when a lot of this will be done!

I think this is why they are so careful with announcing dates. We talked yesterday about future trips after the “updates” we got. I have an AP that is good through January and I don’t even know if we will use it again. Maaaaaybe Jan just to see SW:GE and the Skyliner. After that we talked about late 2021 early 2022 once we have more of the new stuff done Rat, MMRR, Guardians, Tron, some Epcot updates, etc. We have been a 1-2 times a year family for the last five years. Now we’re looking at waiting 3 years.

 

[mcjaco]

I love when people are unhappy, disappointed, or whatever and they express it, they are whining. It's a discussion board and people are going to have differing opinions. And believe me, this is one of the nicer ones...

It really is a big, big deal to me that both rides that were strongly rumored to be open when I go (Rat and Railway) now seem to both be pushed back (again for Railway) until summer or later. I was looking forward to them, I don't care about Marvel and Star Wars, while I'm sure I'll enjoy, was not why I was looking forward to this trip.

So yes, for me, yesterday was a disappointment.

There's nothing wrong with being critical of Disney sometimes, honestly.

Bright side to all of this, maybe people will put off 2020 trips and wait until 2021 or later when a lot of this will be done!

I'm all for being critical, but we've reached this point where we're critical before the final product even has shovels in the dirt. We're literally criticizing, fantastical artist renderings and declaring things "terrible."

Call me old fashioned, but I have faith in the execution of almost (yes, I said almost), everything Disney does. There's been wrong turns, mismanagement, etc. but a majority of the time they get it right. It's why I've been going for forty years.

I went to EPCOT, in November of '82 (as an eight year old). Do I miss UofE, Horizons, WoM, the original Imagination, Kitchen Kabaret? Yes. Absolutely. But I also get to see these parks through my seven year old's eyes now, and they're both inspired, and amazed at the experiences they get when we visit, much like I was. It's an amazing journey to watch the parks entertain generation after generation.

 

[Tigger's ally]

I love when people are unhappy, disappointed, or whatever and they express it, they are whining. It's a discussion board and people are going to have differing opinions. And believe me, this is one of the nicer ones...

In my book, I understand the disappointment and unhappiness for things. I just don't expect to see it by the same person immediately after each and every single announcement. Then it became "whining" to me.

 

[Farro]

In my book, I understand the disappointment and unhappiness for things. I just don't expect to see it by the same person immediately after each and every single announcement. Then it became "whining" to me.

Well, we disagree. I think it's fun to see everyone's knee-jerk, visceral reaction right after things are announced or a song is heard, makes it interesting. I mean, it's kind of what all these forms of social media are for.

Then the dust settles and you see how everyone feels once done processing all the info.

 

[Firebird060]

Disney Genie is the evolution of MDE that makes the most sense. Disney has been collecting all this Data for millions of visitors for years now. Disney Genie is them making use of all of this Data. Its more then Disney surveys we might take at the gate to the park. This is how the internet of things can be used to map out peoples complete day. AI and large data sets is what is going to drive Disney Genie, I expect a soft roll out for a few months to a year, then a Hard roll out where MDE is something you are going to have to opt in to use, and then the eventual Death of MDE all together, Its easier to have crowd control if you can literally direct people into having there Fastpasses at a certain Area of the park at a certain time. It is easier for staffing for restaurants as well. It will also be easier for Disney to suggest some of the unpopular restaurants for Dinning by making them have a bigger foot print in the app. For us Veterans, we will still know what to avoid for Dining but for the first time guest. "Look Disney is suggesting we might like Tonys Town Square for lunch, lets go there" while there maybe a small availability at Be Our Guest" The Genie will help Disney try and move crowds out over the park and try and keep restaurants that have more availability do to lesser demand, more full. This "priority advertising in the app" will not only help with plan your vacation but help Disney with multi level guest management and sway the uninformed.

This is what your magic bands have really helped create.

 

[Tigger's ally]

Well, we disagree. I think it's fun to see everyone's knee-jerk, visceral reaction right after things are announced or a song is heard, makes it interesting. I mean, it's kind of what all these forms of social media are for.

Then the dust settles and you see how everyone feels once done processing all the info.

Yeah, we probably do disagree. I just have always been more a fan of thinking about something, reasoning, then commenting. Not a hot take guy myself. I realize I am a relic. That's why I just shut it off. A hot take wouldn't have been good.

 

[skier_pete]

Remember in the late 2000s when Disney did nothing new for like 6 years? Now we've had 10 years+ of new rides and attractions. Which would you rather have? I can't see anyone should wait on a trip until "everything is open". Hopefully in three years we'll be talking about other things.

Personally, I have no complaints about the changes in Epcot except the lack of change in imagination.

 

[Tigger's ally]

Remember in the late 2000s when Disney did nothing new for like 6 years? Now we've had 10 years+ of new rides and attractions. Which would you rather have? I can't see anyone should wait on a trip until "everything is open". Hopefully in three years we'll be talking about other things.

Personally, I have no complaints about the changes in Epcot except the lack of change in imagination.

Yeah, after spending $ on MK, AK and Studios we all wanted some investment in Epcot. And we are getting it. May not be what we personally wanted, but it definitely is $$$ and attention for the park that needed it the most.

 

[Farro]

Remember in the late 2000s when Disney did nothing new for like 6 years? Now we've had 10 years+ of new rides and attractions. Which would you rather have? I can't see anyone should wait on a trip until "everything is open". Hopefully in three years we'll be talking about other things.

Personally, I have no complaints about the changes in Epcot except the lack of change in imagination.

Are you asking me? I'd rather have Railway and Rat open when I go. Yep. They plain take too long to build a single ride. That's how I feel.

Not worried about the Epcot construction, I've already said I think it's going to look amazing.

 

[Firebird060]

Honestly I am suprised rat isnt opening this year, they have had the building up for quite a while, and the ride vehicles and tech is all cookie cutter from DLP , I assume they may be having some of the same engineers working on Rat working on the Railroad. If thats the case, then i can understand the slow down since that would be newer ride vehicles and tech

 

[blewits]

Disney Genie is the evolution of MDE that makes the most sense. Disney has been collecting all this Data for millions of visitors for years now. Disney Genie is them making use of all of this Data. Its more then Disney surveys we might take at the gate to the park. This is how the internet of things can be used to map out peoples complete day. AI and large data sets is what is going to drive Disney Genie, I expect a soft roll out for a few months to a year, then a Hard roll out where MDE is something you are going to have to opt in to use, and then the eventual Death of MDE all together, Its easier to have crowd control if you can literally direct people into having there Fastpasses at a certain Area of the park at a certain time. It is easier for staffing for restaurants as well. It will also be easier for Disney to suggest some of the unpopular restaurants for Dinning by making them have a bigger foot print in the app. For us Veterans, we will still know what to avoid for Dining but for the first time guest. "Look Disney is suggesting we might like Tonys Town Square for lunch, lets go there" while there maybe a small availability at Be Our Guest" The Genie will help Disney try and move crowds out over the park and try and keep restaurants that have more availability do to lesser demand, more full. This "priority advertising in the app" will not only help with plan your vacation but help Disney with multi level guest management and sway the uninformed.

This is what your magic bands have really helped create.

I agree. I think it will replace MDE eventually. I also hope/wish it will do something about ADR’s and FP not having to be booked SO FAR out in advance. A week or two, yes. 180 and 90 or 60 days out is absolutely ridiculous, IMHO.

Anything to alleviate the level of detailed planning involved is alright by me. If it will do that, and not just give me crappy restaurants and FP’s for rides that don’t really need them.

I enjoy the planning to a certain degree but sometimes I just would like to have the freedom of being in the moment without missing major attractions, etc. we don’t get to go all of the time. Once every few years for the last few decades. So, we do have “must do’s” of course, but sometimes I just want to sit and observe rather than running from place to place. I hope Genie helps with that.

 

[blewits]

My apologies to SSE purists, but Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool (which is now Disney IP through Fox acquisition?) narrating the history of the world would be amazing. Maybe they could do an after-hours event and switch up the narration?

Not sure if I want Ryan Reynolds narrating history to me but, I’d be hella happy to let him ride next to me in the attraction.

 

[dlavender]

I'm with yall on "fighting" the EPCOT purists.....

For me growing up, EPCOT was a snooze fest. TBH, without FEA, my kids felt the same way. I think that the additions are going to make that park have a higher repeatability for families like mine and I’m excited for the changes.

I think being upset that a ride won’t open when you go is 100% warranted. I say that because unlike the period of no expansion, we have seen insane price increases. It’s hard not to pay more YOY and not want more..... It changes the equation. If I have to pay more to go next year, it makes sense to wait until at least one of the new rides is open...My .02

 

[NoTime42]

I'm with yall on "fighting" the EPCOT purists.....

For me growing up, EPCOT was a snooze fest. TBH, without FEA, my kids felt the same way. I think that the additions are going to make that park have a higher repeatability for families like mine and I’m excited for the changes.

I think being upset that a ride won’t open when you go is 100% warranted. I say that because unlike the period of no expansion, we have seen insane price increases. It’s hard not to pay more YOY and not want more..... It changes the equation. If I have to pay more to go next year, it makes sense to wait until at least one of the new rides is open...My .02

While I have always enjoyed Epcot, and my kids always enjoyed Epcot. (They enjoyed spending time at the dancing waters and fountains and fiber optic sidewalks...)
I will agree spending a day with today’s $$$ ticket prices, at Epcot is now a very hard sell to non-regulars.

A co-worker did his 1st WDW trip last year. 4 days, but they did MK 2x and didn’t go to Epcot.
Next year their daughter is old enough that they will go for FEA. I’m guessing Disney has a lot of research showing similar patterns.