The tour formerly known as Backstage Magic

[teruterubouzu]

Have there been any details shared on how the tour formerly known as Backstage Magic will change now that we know almost all of Imagineering is moving to Florida? I see an Imagineering visit is still on the itinerary, but surely it will be different if the actual work is taking place elsewhere.

 

[Kit Jackson]

I think this is the tour you are asking about (https://www.adventuresbydisney.com/north-america/hollywood-disneyland-tour/daily-itinerary/)

These are guesses based on pure speculation and no insider knowledege/information:
Possibility 1) They alter the Studios/Archive tour so that you spend more time at Walt Disney Studios and Archives.
Possibility 2) They start the Studios/Archive tour later in the day so that the guests arrive at the resort the same time as before.
Possibility 3) They start the Studios/Archive tour at the same time, the length of the tour does not change, and guests arrive at Disneyland resort earlier in the day.

I am planning to do this tour next year so if I hear anything official, I will post here to let you know.

 

[teruterubouzu]

I think this is the tour you are asking about (https://www.adventuresbydisney.com/north-america/hollywood-disneyland-tour/daily-itinerary/)

These are guesses based on pure speculation and no insider knowledege/information:
Possibility 1) They alter the Studios/Archive tour so that you spend more time at Walt Disney Studios and Archives.
Possibility 2) They start the Studios/Archive tour later in the day so that the guests arrive at the resort the same time as before.
Possibility 3) They start the Studios/Archive tour at the same time, the length of the tour does not change, and guests arrive at Disneyland resort earlier in the day.

I am planning to do this tour next year so if I hear anything official, I will post here to let you know.

Thanks so much! I hope you have a great trip regardless of itinerary.

 

[OKW Lover]

Have there been any details shared on how the tour formerly known as Backstage Magic will change now that we know almost all of Imagineering is moving to Florida? I see an Imagineering visit is still on the itinerary, but surely it will be different if the actual work is taking place elsewhere.

Its hard to answer this question since that tour isn't running now. But I don't believe that "almost all of Imagineering is moving to Florida" is correct. Yes, Disney has announced a large corporate development in FL near Lake Nona. AFIK, they haven't said its for all Imagineering though. There are many corporate functions that could be moving there. At any rate, even if a large part of Imagineering does move to FL there will still be a similar function in CA and the approximately 3 hour stop there would still be viable.

 

[sayhello]

Its hard to answer this question since that tour isn't running now. But I don't believe that "almost all of Imagineering is moving to Florida" is correct. Yes, Disney has announced a large corporate development in FL near Lake Nona. AFIK, they haven't said its for all Imagineering though. There are many corporate functions that could be moving there. At any rate, even if a large part of Imagineering does move to FL there will still be a similar function in CA and the approximately 3 hour stop there would still be viable.

They have said that a large number of Imagineers will be relocating to Lake Nona, but I haven't seen any exact numbers or percentages on that.

Sayhello

 

[teruterubouzu]

Everything I am reading in articles and on social media says that the bulk of Imagineering is making the move. The Imagineers left in California will be the ones focused on Disneyland. They have an office in the Anaheim area for them.

https://www.ocregister.com/2021/10/...-balance-of-power-from-california-to-florida/
I'm going to hold off on booking anything until the impact on these tours is more clear, since that was an important element for me.

 

[sayhello]

Everything I am reading in articles and on social media says that the bulk of Imagineering is making the move. The Imagineers left in California will be the ones focused on Disneyland. They have an office in the Anaheim area for them.

https://www.ocregister.com/2021/10/...-balance-of-power-from-california-to-florida/
I'm going to hold off on booking anything until the impact on these tours is more clear, since that was an important element for me.

That article has a paywall. Can't read it unless you're subscribed. Thanks for the summary.

Sayhello

 

[teruterubouzu]

That article has a paywall. Can't read it unless you're subscribed. Thanks for the summary.

Sayhello

Here's an archived version so you can get around the paywall.

Here's a relevant quote.

Imagineering has not yet determined how many cast members will be moving to Florida, according to a Disney Parks spokesperson.​

​

Most Southern California-based Imagineering roles not dedicated to Disneyland or some international parks will be relocated to Florida. Imagineering is still determining which employees will be based in Lake Nona.​

As an aside, I do feel bad for the Imagineers who can't or won't be able to make the move. What a sad situation for them.