Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2025 Edition

[HopperFan]

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So reading the original announcement they clearly stated there would be a secondary ride.

In this announcement it is a vague reference to HQ, Trails ... and the rally ride. No clear mention of the secondary (low height requirement) ride.

Is it possible that the gain of all that water was at the expense of a ride???

 

[HokieRaven5]

So reading the original announcement they clearly stated there would be a secondary ride.

In this announcement it is a vague reference to HQ, Trails ... and the rally ride. No clear mention of the secondary (low height requirement) ride.

Is it possible that the gain of all that water was at the expense of a ride???

Nope, it just hasn’t been fully shared yet. It is going to have its queue in the Ranger HQ Building

https://twitter.com/x/status/1929918264957690321

Just noting at least on Concept Art, The Barrel Bridge is present just above Ranger HG

 

[HokieRaven5]

But this gateway will hopefully be wide to accommodate all the people trying to get in and out of a highly anticipated land! The only other way in/out I guess will be by BTMRR, and I'm thinking it would be narrower over there?

Based on current planning the only access for Villains will be between BTMRR and HM as far as walkways. I’d hope part of their planning could include a 4th station for the rail road.

Whether they create a second point of pathway entry will remain to be seen

 

[BostonEd]

July 6 last day for Rivers of America

https://twitter.com/x/status/1929916011173548107

FYI, Scott is on Bluesky. Really bummed that I can't make it to say goodbye to TSI, but I did visit it last year with my kids, so at least they saw it.

https://bsky.app/profile/scottgustin.com%2Fpost%2F3lqpkwc3dlk2l

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

The original concept art looks nothing like the new one also. I would hope its because fans complained about the lack of water in the area, but its a welcome change and I look forward to it. Maybe its just me but I just never felt like that area of the river was SUPER big, to be able to fit what they are showing in their new photos. I would assume in person, the scale will seem much smaller. I still can't picture it all.

This animatronic is going to look pretty cool also I must say.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1929916831994663011

 

[OKW Lover]

Semi amused to hear that the railroad will be operating in "shuttle mode" between the Fantasy Land and Main Street stations for quite some time while the Frontier Land station is closed.

I say "semi-amused" because the railroad was simply closed for a long period of time while Tron was under construction. Why didn't it operate in shuttle mode then? Perhaps they got complaints from then and decided to try this?

 

[chiburple]

Semi amused to hear that the railroad will be operating in "shuttle mode" between the Fantasy Land and Main Street stations for quite some time while the Frontier Land station is closed.

I say "semi-amused" because the railroad was simply closed for a long period of time while Tron was under construction. Why didn't it operate in shuttle mode then? Perhaps they got complaints from then and decided to try this?

Or maybe when they rebuilt the track, they added something that would make this easier?

 

[OKW Lover]

Or maybe when they rebuilt the track, they added something that would make this easier?

Just rode this stretch yesterday. Didn't see anything that would affect that ability.

 

[SealedSeven]

Semi amused to hear that the railroad will be operating in "shuttle mode" between the Fantasy Land and Main Street stations for quite some time while the Frontier Land station is closed.

I say "semi-amused" because the railroad was simply closed for a long period of time while Tron was under construction. Why didn't it operate in shuttle mode then? Perhaps they got complaints from then and decided to try this?

With the construction happening really close to Fantasyland station, they likely didn't want to chance the train 'not stopping' in time before railway ended.

 

[Elijah Abrams]

July 6 last day for Rivers of America

https://twitter.com/x/status/1929916011173548107

Aw, going to miss it by a week! Glad we at least went on the island last year.

On the new art: I like that they will keep some water along the Frontierland walkway!

Edit to add: Looks like trees and such will provide barriers and sightline covers between old Frontierland and Piston Peak National Park:

"Welcome to Piston Peak National Park​

Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers. While fictional, Piston Peak is inspired by the Rocky Mountain area and the history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks.  

Inside Piston Peak, guests will be able to see and explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more all set within the Disney and Pixar “Cars” universe. To make sure these buildings fit naturally within the surrounding majestic landscapes, Imagineers are using a style of architecture called “Parkitecture,” which was developed by the National Park Service to create structures that harmonize with the natural environment.   

From the outside, trees will provide a natural barrier between the off-road rally and other parts of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Rugged mountains with dramatic peaks will be nestled along a calming waterway across from Grizzly Hall and soaring geysers from the famed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will stretch into the trails of our off-road rally."

I don't mind getting excited! I think it looks great!

They’re actually listening to us, regarding the water/river! This could work. Still, cars do not belong in Frontierland, so I hope the ride is rethemed to a Humphrey the Bear one after Iger leaves.

 

[Obi-J Kenobi]

I think I am in the minority here, but I am deeply saddened about this change and the concept art doesn't make it better for me. I want to like this idea, because Cars Land in DCA is so frickin' cool.

I just see this as a missed opportunity. The Rivers of America and specifically the Liberty Bell is part of Liberty Square. And, I would have loved if TWDC would have allowed WDI to tell a far more "original" story by adopting and adapting Sleepy Hollow and create a next generation dark ride. I just think that Sleepy Hollow themes would blend better with Liberty Square into Frontierland and also Villians Land. But, what do I know.

 

[Gary Stocker]

Can they soften the blow by announcing Test Track opening soon after? Please?

 

[BrianL]

I think I am in the minority here, but I am deeply saddened about this change and the concept art doesn't make it better for me. I want to like this idea, because Cars Land in DCA is so frickin' cool.

I just see this as a missed opportunity. The Rivers of America and specifically the Liberty Bell is part of Liberty Square. And, I would have loved if TWDC would have allowed WDI to tell a far more "original" story by adopting and adapting Sleepy Hollow and create a next generation dark ride. I just think that Sleepy Hollow themes would blend better with Liberty Square into Frontierland and also Villians Land. But, what do I know.

I often give the advice to judge something for what it IS, not what it ISN'T. Yeah, I've had some misgivings about this idea - it's certainly not what *I* would have done. But, you know, that's okay. I think this will turn out pretty nice, and I can either hold a grudge against it since it's not the perfect thing, or enjoy it for what it is.

All that said, I love your Sleepy Hollow dark ride idea. Maybe that could take over The Hall or Presidesnts! Referring to the slightly testy thread on TPAS. I don't know if that would increase foot traffic or note, but I'd be into it for sure!

 

[CJK]

I've been visiting WDW since I was 2yrs old, so Disney has been a part of my entire life. I have ridden the Liberty Belle countless times and explored Tom Sawyer Island from top to bottom. For more than 10yrs, I rarely do either anymore. I guess I'm in the minority, but I think it's time for a change. I'll reserve judgment on what Disney is planning until it's completed, but I do welcome something new. My family/friends sadly just don't care about these attractions anymore. I'm a die hard Disney fan who is sad about some changes (looking at you MuppetVision 3D), but in this regard, I'm cautiously optimistic...

 

[chiburple]

I've been visiting WDW since I was 2yrs old, so Disney has been a part of my entire life. I have ridden the Liberty Belle countless times and explored Tom Sawyer Island from top to bottom. For more than 10yrs, I rarely do either anymore. I guess I'm in the minority, but I think it's time for a change. I'll reserve judgment on what Disney is planning until it's completed, but I do welcome something new. My family/friends sadly just don't care about these attractions anymore. I'm a die hard Disney fan who is sad about some changes (looking at you MuppetVision 3D), but in this regard, I'm cautiously optimistic...

For what it’s worth, I’m the opposite of you: I have never been on the Liberty Bell or visited Tom Sawyer island. But we’ve landed in the same place: I also welcome something new. I think it’ll be great!

That said, of course, I understand the disappointment from those who are losing something they love. I’m still not over the great movie ride or Lights motor action.

 

[HokieRaven5]

I've been visiting WDW since I was 2yrs old, so Disney has been a part of my entire life. I have ridden the Liberty Belle countless times and explored Tom Sawyer Island from top to bottom. For more than 10yrs, I rarely do either anymore. I guess I'm in the minority, but I think it's time for a change. I'll reserve judgment on what Disney is planning until it's completed, but I do welcome something new. My family/friends sadly just don't care about these attractions anymore. I'm a die hard Disney fan who is sad about some changes (looking at you MuppetVision 3D), but in this regard, I'm cautiously optimistic...

I think it’s a minority opinion among fan forums because there’s nostalgia tied to the Liberty Belle/RoA/TSI. Those memories will never fade although it will not be experienced at the Magic Kingdom anymore.

General guests who aren’t the fanatics will view this more as a positive.

I view it as Magic Kingdom now will add something unique that further differentiates it from the other Castle Parks. Majority of the others will still have a riverboat and possible river/island to explore, while Magic Kingdom will have something different in its stead and become less of a clone of Disneyland as it was when it was built.

For me, that untouchable attraction in MK is the Carousel of Progress. It absolutely has seen better days and could use a lot of love, but it’s the only one in MK that Walt had a direct hand in and isn’t some copy of what was done at Disneyland before.

Whether the majority of guests will like what they put in, that’s the risk Disney is choosing is worth it to make.

 

[BrianL]

And, hey, There's always Disneyland. They've still got all of that.

 

[rstevens333]

I am not a fan of Cars, but the whole national parks vibe is pretty interesting. The fact that they're keeping that segment of Frontierland waterfront makes me much more open to this change. Maybe it'll be fun. Maybe the way to interpret "frontier" these days is through the lens of parks and conservation, not cowboys and indians.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

I am not a fan of Cars, but the whole national parks vibe is pretty interesting. The fact that they're keeping that segment of Frontierland waterfront makes me much more open to this change. Maybe it'll be fun. Maybe the way to interpret "frontier" these days is through the lens of parks and conservation, not cowboys and indians.

MK's Frontierland wasn't about cowboys and Indians anyway
I also think national parks is a neat idea. Could have done without the Cars IP in there but I understand that's the world we live in now in themed entertainment. At least the the Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore character looks cute.

 

[LKing]

For me, that untouchable attraction in MK is the Carousel of Progress. It absolutely has seen better days and could use a lot of love, but it’s the only one in MK that Walt had a direct hand in and isn’t some copy of what was done at Disneyland before.

It is almost exactly the same as what was once at Disneyland.