Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2023 Edition

[BrianL]

It really does feel like at this point Disney will do everything with Figment except spend the money to make his ride actually good.

I don't necessarily even hate the current version if it were plussed up a little. I'd prefer to see something more like the original, but I do like Eric Idle. They can at least make sure everything in it is actually working though! I haven't ridden it in a while, but it has been in rough shape.

 

[kylenne]

Encanto and Moana cemented themselves into Disney history and they've proven they can contend with the heavy hitters.

Thank you thank you thank you. Not saying folk in this thread are doing it but I am so over people constantly claiming Moana is "flash in the pan" and doesn't deserve representation in the parks. She is absolutely a beloved character at this point, every time I saw HEA pre-covid people young and old lost their minds at her segment and were singing along at the top of their lungs (self included). And I met her during the xmas party in 2019 and started lining up even before the party started and still had to wait a crazy long time.

Personally I can't wait. Sad that I will miss Mirabel this year unless Disney decides to start selling out of state APs again, but the Moana news made my whole day. We are adding more AK time to our May trip just for this. We don't have kids but some of my favorite moments and memories in the parks have been from time spent with the characters.

 

[BrianL]

Thank you thank you thank you. Not saying folk in this thread are doing it but I am so over people constantly claiming Moana is "flash in the pan" and doesn't deserve representation in the parks. She is absolutely a beloved character at this point, every time I saw HEA pre-covid people young and old lost their minds at her segment and were singing along at the top of their lungs (self included). And I met her during the xmas party in 2019 and started lining up even before the party started and still had to wait a crazy long time.

Personally I can't wait. Sad that I will miss Mirabel this year unless Disney decides to start selling out of state APs again, but the Moana news made my whole day. We are adding more AK time to our May trip just for this. We don't have kids but some of my favorite moments and memories in the parks have been from time spent with the characters.

Who says Moana is flash in the pan? Crazy! The movie is a masterpeice.

 

[Smugpugmug]

I don't necessarily even hate the current version if it were plussed up a little. I'd prefer to see something more like the original, but I do like Eric Idle. They can at least make sure everything in it is actually working though! I haven't ridden it in a while, but it has been in rough shape.

I just wish they would revert it back to the original version (I never got to experience it. Was too busy not being born yet). They can rip out that DVC lounge too if they need the space. It's easily the worst ride in Epcot right now and it's a shame since there is obviously a fanbase for Figment. I agree that it's in rough shape right now. One of the Figment animatronics hasn't worked since mid January.

 

[kylenne]

Who says Moana is flash in the pan? Crazy! The movie is a masterpeice.

A lot of weird, bitter people on Reddit and elsewhere but I've even seen it here from time to time, like when the Poly renos were announced. Every time Moana gets something else someone has to chime in with some nonsense. I'm always baffled by it because it well and truly is a masterpiece and one of the best of the revival era (I still play the soundtrack near daily) but the cynic in me thinks there's ulterior motives behind it. Almost like some are resentful it was so successful and wanted it to fail.

 

[kylenne]

I just wish they would revert it back to the original version (I never got to experience it. Was too busy not being born yet). They can rip out that DVC lounge too if they need the space. It's easily the worst ride in Epcot right now and it's a shame since there is obviously a fanbase for Figment. I agree that it's in rough shape right now. One of the Figment animatronics hasn't worked since mid January.

I was exactly the right age for the original and I really feel sorry for younger people who never got to experience it in its heyday. It really was a masterpiece and imo the heart of old school EPCOT and what it represented. Even if they can't bring Dreamfinder or the original iteration back, I feel like almost any revamp would be better than the abomination they have in there now.

 

[1lilspark]

Literally crying right now.

The Main St projections were great. That was one of the few things that was great about Enchantment.

I am surprised they didn't change up the music or castle projections a little, but this is still GREAT!

j

The 50 medallion had animated effects with that’s what friends are for

Moana, Mirabel and Figment meet and greet details confirmed for Walt Disney World

Beginning April 22, Moana will greet fellow voyagers on Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – just in time for the park’s 25th anniversary.

Fans of Figment will get the chance to hug the long-time EPCOT icon at the Imagination! pavilion beginning late summer.

Mickey Mouse and friends will also have a new home at Communicore Hall opening later this year as part of the EPCOT transformation.

And, at Magic Kingdom Park this fall, Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ hit film “Encanto” will greet guests in Fairytale Garden surrounded by whimsical décor inspired by La Familia Madrigal.

Merida should still be there in April right? Just in case I don’t get a chance to wait for her on course of the Pixar races?

Yeah, now fix up his ride!

Agree

 

[Shelby Schroepfer]

Thank you thank you thank you. Not saying folk in this thread are doing it but I am so over people constantly claiming Moana is "flash in the pan" and doesn't deserve representation in the parks. She is absolutely a beloved character at this point, every time I saw HEA pre-covid people young and old lost their minds at her segment and were singing along at the top of their lungs (self included). And I met her during the xmas party in 2019 and started lining up even before the party started and still had to wait a crazy long time.

Personally I can't wait. Sad that I will miss Mirabel this year unless Disney decides to start selling out of state APs again, but the Moana news made my whole day. We are adding more AK time to our May trip just for this. We don't have kids but some of my favorite moments and memories in the parks have been from time spent with the characters.

every word is the truth! I saw HEA 3 times before it was replaced and YUP people would LOSE THEIR MINDS at the Moana segment. I'm talking screaming, crying, singing at the top of their lungs. We also attended a few Halloween parties and I remember riding Aladdin's carpets and saying to my 4 year old "Look honey there's Moana! Take a good look that's the closest you'll ever get to her!" because the line wrapped around Adventureland lol. She is still well loved and thanks to Lin Manuel Miranda, the soundtracks for both Moana and Encanto are played daily by millions.

 

[NJlauren]

shhhh!!! I'm still in that window and I can't fathom the day we are past characters I mean Mom will always hug Mickey but still...

The good news even my to old to wait in line to meet them almost 9 year old loves meeting them at meals, she just doesn’t want to wait in line for them. And well I love a Mickey meet any day!

 

[BrianL]

A lot of weird, bitter people on Reddit and elsewhere but I've even seen it here from time to time, like when the Poly renos were announced. Every time Moana gets something else someone has to chime in with some nonsense. I'm always baffled by it because it well and truly is a masterpiece and one of the best of the revival era (I still play the soundtrack near daily) but the cynic in me thinks there's ulterior motives behind it. Almost like some are resentful it was so successful and wanted it to fail.

Oh, well, Reddit....

 

[BrianL]

every word is the truth! I saw HEA 3 times before it was replaced and YUP people would LOSE THEIR MINDS at the Moana segment. I'm talking screaming, crying, singing at the top of their lungs. We also attended a few Halloween parties and I remember riding Aladdin's carpets and saying to my 4 year old "Look honey there's Moana! Take a good look that's the closest you'll ever get to her!" because the line wrapped around Adventureland lol. She is still well loved and thanks to Lin Manuel Miranda, the soundtracks for both Moana and Encanto are played daily by millions.

This is like Coco at Disneyland. Coco is popular and all and guests at WDW like it, but at DL they ABSOLUTELY LOVE it to an insane degree. I'm sure it's because of the large Latin community there, but it really is impressive the reaction it gets. Then again, Coco is a stone-cold masterpeice too, possibly Pixar's best film, so you know, I get it.

 

[Teamubr]

I was exactly the right age for the original and I really feel sorry for younger people who never got to experience it in its heyday. It really was a masterpiece and imo the heart of old school EPCOT and what it represented.

100%! I'm old enough that I was at EPCOT the first year it opened and Figment was my all time favorite. (And yes I have several of his popcorn buckets from last year!)

j

 

[Violetspider]

EPCOT Will Host Disney100 Celebrations Starting Later This Year

Later this year, Walt Disney World Resort will join the global celebration of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary – 10 decades of creativity and innovation. Look for more details to come, as EPCOT prepares to host this unforgettable celebration at Walt Disney World.

“Later this year” sounds a lot like “after summer” to me. That would stink for our annual July trip. Come on Disney. Get the celebration happening!

 

[Douglas Dubh]

I feel like almost any revamp would be better than the abomination they have in there now.

Well, Imagination 3 is better than Imagination 2 was, even if neither was as good as Imagination 1.

 

[Douglas Dubh]

I feel like almost any revamp would be better than the abomination they have in there now.

Woops double post.

 

[OKW Lover]

“Later this year” sounds a lot like “after summer” to me. That would stink for our annual July trip. Come on Disney. Get the celebration happening!

I wonder if they are waiting for the actually 100th anniversary. That will be October 16, 2023.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Just to share from Disney’s Site on the Identity Program that opens reservations on March 21​

TRON Identity Program​

View attachment 746171

Select Your Program​

Prepare to enter the Grid through a Grid Digitization Portal located in Tomorrowland Launch Depot. Once inside, you will be able to create an action figure, or Program, that looks and sounds just like you.
As a User, you will go through the customization process. Image Capture will scan your facial features. Then, you’ll select your helmet and body configuration. Will your Program be an Enforcer or a Combatant? A Scout or a Heavy Sentry? The choice is yours. Also, don’t forget to select a team color. Finally, you’ll visit Command Input, where you will record 6 lines of dialogue in your own voice.
Please allow 20 minutes to make your selections. Once all of your choices have been made, your Program will be ready for retrieval within 60 minutes. Be aware that purchase of your Program is required.
Important Details

• Payment will be due upon arrival at the location
• One action figure per User per experience
• Packaging included
• Additional customizable items can be purchased at Tomorrowland Launch Depot
• Recommended age is 5 years and older
• The experience area is limited to the User and one Guest—at least one person in the party must be age 14 or older
• Guest of the User may not customize their figure when accompanying the builder
• Customizable action figures are nonrefundable and are not eligible for Annual Passholder (or other) discounts
• This experience is separate from TRON Lightcycle / Run. The purchase of a TRON Identity Program does not include admission or priority access to the TRON Lightcycle / Run attraction.

To add the pricing has been added. These figures are $89.99

 

[HokieRaven5]

“Later this year” sounds a lot like “after summer” to me. That would stink for our annual July trip. Come on Disney. Get the celebration happening!

It’s probably fall 2023. That’s when Journey of Water is slated to open, and the Communicore area should also be ready by then.

 

[kylenne]

Well, Imagination 3 is better than Imagination 2 was, even if neither was as good as Imagination 1.

Definitely true. It's still so depressing though.

To add the pricing has been added. These figures are $89.99

This is actually cheaper than I assumed it would be.

 

[Violetspider]

I wonder if they are waiting for the actually 100th anniversary. That will be October 16, 2023.

All the posts and merch pics coming out of DL certainly aren't making it easy to wait for WDW to join the party.