Expansion officially announced for Soarin and Toy Story Mania!

[MOM POPPINS]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...ory-mania-coming-to-walt-disney-world-resort/

 

[MOM POPPINS]

More Opportunities to Soar, Enjoy Toy Story Mania Coming to Walt Disney World Resort
posted on March 5th, 2015 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks

Here at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, we’re always making investments to exceed your expectations – whether it’s creating new attractions and entertainment or making existing experiences even better.

One of the things we’ve heard from our guests is that a visit to Walt Disney World Resort just isn’t complete without enjoying the spectacular views at Soarin’ in Epcot or a spin through Toy Story Mania! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Well, I’m excited to share that we are expanding both attractions by adding another theater at Soarin’ and more midway track at Toy Story Mania! We’ll also be updating the screens and projection system at Soarin,’ bringing a visually enhanced experience.


These expansions are expected to be complete by late 2016, offering even more opportunities for you to enjoy these beloved attractions during your Walt Disney World Resort vacation.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Looks great, Robin, thanks.

 

[FFMickey]

It's great news, but I hope they don't close the rides for the expansion. That would be a sad day.

 

[cakebaker]

Glad to hear it's official!

 

[lillygator]

yeah

 

[eliza61]

Whew, Finally. the Soarin screen really neededan update

 

[MandiC]

Good but I too hope they don't close I am hoping we get to go next February and that will likely be our last trip for quite some time. I'll be so sad if those two are closed. My daughter loves Soarin and my older son is looking forward to TSM

 

[Flamingeaux]

yippee!!!

 

[Mikie]

Good but I too hope they don't close I am hoping we get to go next February and that will likely be our last trip for quite some time. I'll be so sad if those two are closed. My daughter loves Soarin and my older son is looking forward to TSM

From the type of expansion (adding on beside existing rides) and the construction already spotted at TSMM, I'm optimistic about the rides not needing to close much - hopefully not at all- during the work.

 

[wdwrich]

I don't see how they could update the projection systems and screens in the existing theaters at Soarin without closing them down.

Soarin at DCA is currently closed for what is believed to be similar upgrades.

 

[Mikie]

I don't see how they could update the projection systems and screens in the existing theaters at Soarin without closing them down.

Soarin at DCA is currently closed for what is believed to be similar upgrades.

You're right. I assume they'll have to close for enhancements to existing screens. If we're lucky,they'll install the new theater first, then close the older ones for upgrade and minimize the closure somewhat.

 

[PSUGuy]

They can probably add a theater without closing the existing one, open the new one and close the first for refurb. If they're adding track to TSM I don't see how a closure can be avoided. If by 'adding track' they mean constructing a new TSM ride, not adding to the one there, they can open the new before closing the old one.

Bill From PA

 

[Tomh]

If they were sly about it, they could theoretically install the new theater, then close ONE of the existing ones. Update that one, while still having two theaters open, then when the first upgrade is done, open that theater, and close the remaining old one. I KNOW they won't do it that way, but . . . . one can always dream

 

[goofyintoronto]

Good! Toy Story needs it! Even if they close during the rehab, its well worth it.

 

[RJstanis]

I'm sure ( or assuming) with TSMM they could probably build a majority of the new track and just shut down the ride for a minimal time once the new part is done to join them.

 

[summerw]

Soarin' at DCA is apparently getting more than just an upgrade of the screens etc. The whole plaza around it is being worked on, so likely the impact in Epcot will be less.

Hopefully the usual network of spies will keep us updated as things move along. We're hoping for May 2016 and would love to see the new Soarin' film, especially since I've heard it will be different from ours here at DCA.

 

[JZCubed]

I could see one Toy Story building being for stand-by and another for FP+ only. They'd never need to close the original one by opening a new track in a separate building.

Soarin' - kinda' the same thing. Open the new screen and then refurbish the existing screens.

Either way, I'm suggesting that neither expansion will be lengthy closures.

 

[HopperFan]

They can probably add a theater without closing the existing one, open the new one and close the first for refurb. If they're adding track to TSM I don't see how a closure can be avoided. If by 'adding track' they mean constructing a new TSM ride, not adding to the one there, they can open the new before closing the old one.

Bill From PA

They are building the new track in Soundstage 1 which if you are looking at entrance to TSMM is the building on the left. They don't have to disrupt the other at all if this has it's own entrance and designated entry - say that will be FastPass+ only. Or they could do a quick restructure of the end of Standby to be able to go either way. A restructure of the line would not take that long once the new track is ready to go.

 

[HopperFan]

I could see one Toy Story building being for stand-by and another for FP+ only. They'd never need to close the original one by opening a new track in a separate building.

Soarin' - kinda' the same thing. Open the new screen and then refurbish the existing screens.

Either way, I'm suggesting that neither expansion will be lengthy closures.

Agreed. Soarin' CMs already told that theaters will be designated FP+ or SB. Imagine the same will hold for TSMM. This would be why they had those test days of FP+ only.