Updates and upgrade (3rd theater) coming to Soarin'

[Dan Murphy]

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...ms-soarin'-expansion-and-theater-upgrades.htm

But still have to wait until end of 2016.

 

[tinkerhon]

Yea, I thought the same--- I am THRILLED about this, and let me preface by saying that I dont know anything about how long these types of projects should take to complete, but isnt end of 2016 a long time to get this done?

 

[pooh2001]

so cool - we love Soar'n and EPCOT

 

[Tomh]

I SO hope the upgrades introduce digital projection, 3D, and multiple story segments like the new Star Tours. That would be AWESOME!!!

 

[dislaney]

Very excited to hear this news. About time!

 

[HopperFan]

Yea, I thought the same--- I am THRILLED about this, and let me preface by saying that I dont know anything about how long these types of projects should take to complete, but isnt end of 2016 a long time to get this done?

Permit finish date is actually Sept 2016. At this point it isn't anything more than scratched dirt where this will be so they have to construct the entire building inside and out by then and allow for passage from current building in to it. Given that all three theater's film process will get upgraded and new film it could mean the new building would open sooner then they close each other theater to do the necessary upgrades one at a time - all within this timetable. So at this point we are talking 18 mos. which I don't think seems that long given the size of the project.

 

[tinkerhon]

Permit finish date is actually Sept 2016. At this point it isn't anything more than scratched dirt where this will be so they have to construct the entire building inside and out by then and allow for passage from current building in to it. Given that all three theater's film process will get upgraded and new film it could mean the new building would open sooner then they close each other theater to do the necessary upgrades one at a time - all within this timetable. So at this point we are talking 18 mos. which I don't think seems that long given the size of the project.

Thanks hopper !!!

 

[kbmartin]

Will Soarin' be closed at all this year, then?

Toy Story Midway Mania is also getting an additional track. Will it be closed down at any time?

I would be really disappointed if either was closed during our trip in August.

 

[HopperFan]

Will Soarin' be closed at all this year, then?

Toy Story Midway Mania is also getting an additional track. Will it be closed down at any time?

I would be really disappointed if either was closed during our trip in August.

These are EXPANSIONS not renovations.
TSMM is getting a new track in the building next door and construction will not affect the ride until the very end when they are ready to connect the queue.
Soarin' is getting a third theater in a new building being built behind the existing one and will not affect the ride until they connect the queue. At that point I would expect the capacity to be two theaters until the two old ones have had their film processes upgraded. Minimal affect to current wait times.

 

[Dr.Mickey]

This is the first I've heard about Toy Story Mania expansion! Every time I walk by the empty building beside it, I tell my poor wife about how easy it would be to DOUBLE the ride capacity if they were smart enough to do it. They don't even have to create any new ideas - just copy a great one. So is the TSM expansion just an idea at this time, or an actual approved plan, or is it actually already started? Thanks

 

[HopperFan]

This is the first I've heard about Toy Story Mania expansion! Every time I walk by the empty building beside it, I tell my poor wife about how easy it would be to DOUBLE the ride capacity if they were smart enough to do it. They don't even have to create any new ideas - just copy a great one. So is the TSM expansion just an idea at this time, or an actual approved plan, or is it actually already started? Thanks

Approved and formally announced by Disney today. Was there last week sitting by the building and you could hear the demolition going on. Big equipment, back up beeps, lots of loud bangs inside.

 

[Dan Murphy]

These are EXPANSIONS not renovations......Soarin' is getting a third theater in a new building being built behind the existing one and will not affect the ride until they connect the queue. At that point I would expect the capacity to be two theaters until the two old ones have had their film processes upgraded. Minimal affect to current wait times.

Renovations also for Soarin'........

Besides the addition of a third theater details are scarce on the upgrades, but according to Disney, they will be "updating the screens and projection system at Soarin,’ bringing a visually enhanced experience."
A new film is expected to also debut at the same time

 

[HopperFan]

Renovations also for Soarin'........

Yes but not in a way that would cause a major shut down to the rides. They will be replacing the screens and the digital projection equipment. This can be done after the new theater is complete, closing one theater at a time - which still leaves two theaters open until both existing ones are done. My post was to respond to those who posted they thought the work that will be done was going to cause a long and complete closure of the existing attraction until late next year.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Yea, I thought the same--- I am THRILLED about this, and let me preface by saying that I dont know anything about how long these types of projects should take to complete, but isnt end of 2016 a long time to get this done?

Disney is not known for its speed in building new attractions or modifying existing ones. 18 months-ish is on the speedy side. Typically 2-3 years is more the norm. (And I want to say that is from ground breaking or boarding up and not from announcement.)

Nobody knows officially why this is.