Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2024 Edition

[Smugpugmug]

Looks like Tom Sawyer and the Rivers of America are on the chopping block for the Cars stuff, and Villains Land will be beyond Big Thunder.
Disney Parks Blog Post

This is what I predicted sadly and when I said this on a Disney Facebook page, I was viciously attacked. I admittedly have never been on Tom Sawyer Island but I did enjoy the Rivers of America so this is very unfortunate.

 

[jpeterson]

Looks like Tom Sawyer and the Rivers of America are on the chopping block for the Cars stuff, and Villains Land will be beyond Big Thunder.
Disney Parks Blog Post

I can understand why, Tom Sawyer Island isn't really used much. But it's always hard when things change so much.

 

[jpeterson]

This is what I predicted sadly and when I said this on a Disney Facebook page, I was viciously attacked. I admittedly have never been on Tom Sawyer Island but I did enjoy the Rivers of America so this is very unfortunate.

In all my dozens of trips to WDW, I have been on Tom Sawyer Island exactly once. And I don't think I'm alone there. Which is why I think it makes sense to get rid of it. But hard to swallow from a nostalgic point of view.

 

[Smugpugmug]

In all my dozens of trips to WDW, I have been on Tom Sawyer Island exactly once. And I don't think I'm alone there. Which is why I think it makes sense to get rid of it. But hard to swallow from a nostalgic point of view.

I only know what it looks like from vloggers lol

I do enjoy the Riverboat so that will be sad to see go. At least I can still enjoy it in Disneyland (or is it a pirate ship? I remember on my last DL trip it was a pirate ship).

 

[BrianL]

It makes sense for Coco to be in DL over WDW. The Mexican population in California and in the Disneyland park is much higher than WDW. It is going to be huge there and fits right in.

Not saying it wouldn’t be appreciated in WDW but I feel it’s more significant at DL.

Coco is MEGA popular at Disneyland! It always gets cheers whenever shown in a show or parade. People absolutely love it, and rightly so - that movie is a masterpeice! It does connect with the Mexican roots there though.

 

[jpeterson]

I only know what it looks like from vloggers lol

I do enjoy the Riverboat so that will be sad to see go. At least I can still enjoy it in Disneyland (or is it a pirate ship? I remember on my last DL trip it was a pirate ship).

It's been on my list to go on that riverboat but I never have. If it's still open in November I should prioritize that...

 

[Salokin]

I always enjoy looking at the boat but can’t remember being on it or Tom Sawyer island so can’t really complain if it’s being replaced.

 

[HokieRaven5]

It’s time to leave Radiator Springs and head west into exciting new locations. To make way for this completely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers.

 

[Salokin]

And so it continues

And so it begins

I’m also getting before long re-theme of thunder mountain and possibly the whole of Frontierland vibes…..

 

[ellbell]

I always enjoy looking at the boat but can’t remember being on it or Tom Sawyer island so can’t really complain if it’s being replaced.

Same, I keep saying I'm going to go on the Liberty belle but never end up making it on there. I've never even considered going over to Tom Sawyers island. I've been dozens of times and neither have ever been a priority.

I think as much as both have a feeling of nostalgia and are beautiful, they are making the right call. The space is under utilized.

 

[BrianL]

I’m also getting before long re-theme of thunder mountain and possibly the whole of Frontierland vibes…..

Big Thunder is too popular. In fact, there is often talk of media projects involving it. I think they may do some work to really lean into the "haunted mine" aspects of the backstory, but the ride iteslf I think is very, very safe.

 

[OKW Lover]

At the risk of being a pedantic, long-time DISer and Disney super nerd*,

Hi, I'm Jeff and I'm a Disney Super Nerd.

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

View attachment 885303

It’s time to leave Radiator Springs and head west into exciting new locations. To make way for this completely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers.

https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/new-details-revealed-expansion-magic-kingdom/

So I am trying to figure out what I am looking at. Where is Tiana's in this photo, location wise? I see big thunder, but where is all this space?

Am I looking at what it will look like BEHIND the BTMR ride currently there

I wish that cars ride had more of a wild west type them. That looks more like wilderness lodge type pacific northwest theme

 

[Garyjames220]

Any guesses to what month dinosaur will close

 

[mdmost]

I think what bothers me about this is not Tom Sawyer Island going away but removing a nice, gentle option for people to relax for IP. I'm just glad Disneyland won't do this.

 

[Salokin]

Big Thunder is too popular. In fact, there is often talk of media projects involving it. I think they may do some work to really lean into the "haunted mine" aspects of the backstory, but the ride iteslf I think is very, very safe.

The ride is safe totally agree but given its popularity and everything else going on I just feel ip will be attached to it at some point. Maybe less so now though given these plans and all the ip that will be in the area. I initially thought Frontierland would change but not to this extent.

 

[HokieRaven5]

So I am trying to figure out what I am looking at. Where is Tiana's in this photo, location wise? I see big thunder, but where is all this space?

Am I looking at what it will look like BEHIND the BTMR ride currently there

The view is more like from Haunted Mansion to Frontierland.

Tiana’s is in the back on the left side.

 

[jpeterson]

So I am trying to figure out what I am looking at. Where is Tiana's in this photo, location wise? I see big thunder, but where is all this space?

Am I looking at what it will look like BEHIND the BTMR ride currently there

Tiana's is that green hill in the top left. Frontierland is along the left side. You can see Haunted mansion on the very bottom. This is all where the river is now.

 

[VroomVroomLightning]

Any mumblings on if they’ll still close Big Thunder for a refurbishment? Holding out hop for my youngest that it’s open through our trip in October!

 

[OKW Lover]

Looks like Tom Sawyer and the Rivers of America are on the chopping block for the Cars stuff, and Villains Land will be beyond Big Thunder.
Disney Parks Blog Post

Seriously disagree. There is room beyond BTMR for Cars Land. And room beyond HM for Villans Land. No need to make major disruptions to the River boat or TSI.

Pull up Google Maps and look at those areas. Don't restrict your thinking to areas within the berm.