Official 2017 D23 Expo Thread

[MaC410]

So this is my first time really following the D23 Expo. I see the schedule posted in the original post and I'm just wondering if there's a certain time I should be looking out for new announcements regarding Disney World? Will all the stuff come during a certain time frame? Or do announcements just come over the course of the weekend?

 

[rteetz]

So this is my first time really following the D23 Expo. I see the schedule posted in the original post and I'm just wondering if there's a certain time I should be looking out for new announcements regarding Disney World? Will all the stuff come during a certain time frame? Or do announcements just come over the course of the weekend?

The parks panel tomorrow would have WDW announcements. We should hear anything major today about the parks.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

The parks panel tomorrow would have WDW announcements. We should hear anything major today about the parks.

although last D23 it was at the live action panel they first mentioned Start Wars Land at the parks right? So things could sort of come out whenever - but obviously the bulk will be during the big panels

 

[lockedoutlogic]

It looks bad for "breaking news" if they discuss Star Wars at the parks thing...it's gonna gobble up a load of time. They've got well over a billion in domestic (as in they have to foot the bill) capex dumped into that project.

 

[rteetz]

although last D23 it was at the live action panel they first mentioned Start Wars Land at the parks right? So things could sort of come out whenever - but obviously the bulk will be during the big panels

Yes which was a rare occurrence.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I still want predictions, people...

Step up and put your name to it

 

[rteetz]

It looks bad for "breaking news" if they discuss Star Wars at the parks thing...it's gonna gobble up a load of time. They've got well over a billion in domestic (as in they have to foot the bill) capex dumped into that project.

There is no doubt they will mention Star Wars at the parks panel.

 

[jknezek]

My prediction. A lot of TSL and SW talk. Some EPCOT spine talk. Mention of something going to UoE. That's it.

 

[DizFanFamily]

I still want predictions, people...

Step up and put your name to it

ok - I will play. I am typically just a silent cynic out here, but was just in the world last month so here are my predictions:
1) HS is all about SW - but they will announce the Mickey Ride and perhaps put a date on TSL
2) Epcot - yes, the rat, and something in England - i hope for classic Mary Poppins or Wart, but I don't expect we will get either. Something meaningful going into Innoventions, and the demise of Ellen - to be replaced by GoG. I do think they will also do some update to Mission Space - i know that is a long shot, but it doesn't draw like it needs to. I don't think we will hear anything on Mexico yet - partly b/c they want to wait and see how the movie does, and partly b/c they just added back the 3 caballeros not that long ago.
3) AK - unfortunately only possibly enhancements to planet watch - possible retheme of the train out there to Zootopia.
4) MK - replacement for stitch, and something for speedway - but i don't think Tron - i just don't feel it is a strong enough IP here in the US. Also think they will add the HM Restaurant - they really need more dining options - and that gets people to spend money - they like projects that people actually pay for.

ok - sure i can come up with more but have to run to a meeting - darn work.

 

[rteetz]

My prediction. A lot of TSL and SW talk. Some EPCOT spine talk. Mention of something going to UoE. That's it.

I think we get Ratatouille too otherwise I pretty much agree.

 

[jknezek]

I think we get Ratatouille too otherwise I pretty much agree.

I could see that. I just don't see them announcing things that aren't already moving. Rat obviously qualifies. But the stuff without permits, or just really prelim permits like the Mickey Ride, I just don't see the point in announcing now. I get that they have to give something to the D23 crowds to keep them buying tickets and feeling special, but they aren't going to give away projects that are still on the chalkboard when they can satisfy with things that are already moving dirt.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

There is no doubt they will mention Star Wars at the parks panel.

Mention no doubt...but 20 minutes of crowd motivation and a 13 minute "behind the scenes at wdi" featurette on it is a stall tactic.

Everybody wants to walk in the place...that crowd isn't there to hear about what they've thought/talked about for 2 years already.

 

[rteetz]

Mention no doubt...but 20 minutes of crowd motivation and a 13 minute "behind the scenes at wdi" featurette on it is a stall tactic.

Everybody wants to walk in the place...that crowd isn't there to hear about what they've thought/talked about for 2 years already.

I understand but really we don't have a lot of details on SWL yet. They could talk about the rides for 5 minutes and then move on. They have an hour and a half.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

My prediction. A lot of TSL and SW talk. Some EPCOT spine talk. Mention of something going to UoE. That's it.

I think we get Ratatouille too otherwise I pretty much agree.

so nothing for MK then? Seems like a lot of momentum towards something for Tomorrowland/Tron coaster

 

[sachilles]

I think they need a model of the gondola system. That's my prediction or maybe an animation of it. I also think Epcot announcements.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Saw this picture - for any Agent of SHIELD fans, cool to see Lola ... and quite the crowd too

 

[a4matte]

I think they need a model of the gondola system. That's my prediction or maybe an animation of it. I also think Epcot announcements.

Eh, more likely an animation with some ride through clips so you can see what the guests on it will see.

 

[jknezek]

so nothing for MK then? Seems like a lot of momentum towards something for Tomorrowland/Tron coaster

I doubt it. Why announce it now? It shows no sign of being ready to move on right now. Sometime this year maybe file those first prelim permits like the ones for Rat and UoE and maybe Mickey, but those permits are in and we still have no announcement. Same with gondolas. Those are being built and WDW has had no announcement. They don't announce chalkboard drawings in my experience. Maybe for SWE or Pandora, huge lands, but single rides? It just doesn't seem like they confirm rumors before the dirt is moving very often. And there is no dirt moving in MK. Not even prelim permits.

 

[Planogirl]

I think that they will discuss:
Star Wars
Toy Story
Mickey ride
Star Wars
Rat ride
Guardians in place of Ellen
Star Wars
Tron behind the speedway
New night parade (wishful thinking)
Star Wars

Did I mention Star Wars most likely with each item following less likely?

 

[adelaster]

This is for you @lockedoutlogic

My predictions:

-Something Marvel related comes to the parks
-Ratatouille comes to Epcot
-Great Movie Ride is changing
-Epcot attractions getting updated: one being Ellen’s Energy Adventure
-Updates on Spaceship Earth & Illuminations (Siemens partnership ending)
-Details on Coronado Springs updates and changes
-Details on Gondola system
-Possible new resort plans/change in resort categories
-Details on Disney Dining Plan changes- highlighting alcohol addition
-Highlights of Toy Story Land and hard opening date
-Star Wars Land tease, more detail, and confirmed year opening date (kind of already happening)
-Humble brag about Pandora
-Tomorrowland Speedway changing and/or closing
-Hollywood Studios name change
-Hype on new Disney Springs attractions- especially The Edison
-Announcement of new entertainment at Disney Springs
-Vague long term plans for Walt Disney World Parks- something idealistic and teasing
-New Meet and Greet Character event
-Touch on Minnie's Van service pilot
-Highlight on resort updates

Personal Wishlist:

More Muppets!
Moana!
More transportation options!