What's new at WDW since April of 2002?

[MNborn]

We last visited WDW in April of 2002. What attractions and other things pertaining to touring the parks have changed since then?

Thanks!

 

[matt&jakesmom]

There have been a lot of changes and new rides/attractions. Your best bet is check on disneyworld.com and allearsnet.com.

Keep reading the boards because you will also find a lot of information here as well.

 

[RyMickey]

Some that I could think of:

Magic Kingdom
- Mickey's Philharmagic (3D/4D movie)
- Cinderellabration (stage show in front of castle)
- Stitch's Great Escape (replaced Alien Encounter)
- Aladdin's Magic Carpets (Dumbo-type ride in Adventureland)

Epcot
- Soarin' (at The Land) + Land refurbishment
- Refurb of The Living Seas with Finding Nemo theme (including Turtle Talk with Crush)
- Mission: Space (replaced Horizons)
- Various changes to Innoventions

Disney Studios
- Lights, Motors, Action Stunt Show
- Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (maybe it was there in 2002?)
- Refurb of Animation Building (all animators are gone )
- One Man's Dream (museum of Walt Disney - great!)

Animal Kingdom
- Lucky the Dinosaur (a walking audio animatronic dino)
- Kali River Rapids (might have been there, though)

Hope this helps and welcome to the DIS!

 

[Epcot82Guy]

Epcot also has Reflections of China which is an updated film that is supposed to be good.

Also, JII with Figment may be new. I honestly can't remember exactly when it opened, but it might have been after you were there.

You will also find lots of new shops and restaurants around property. There is a new Disney Pet Shop in the Marketplace as well as Once Upon a Toy and Basin. The MK Emporium has basically become one big shop. Also, restaurants like the Tomorrowland Terrace, Pinnochio's Village House, Sunshine Seasons, etc. have changed their fare considerably.

 

[MNborn]

Thanks, RyMickey-
You're right - most of those are new to us. The only two we have done are the Rock 'N Roller Coaster and the Kali River Rapids. I'll have to look into the detailed descriptions of the other attractions. Thanks for the info!

 

[MNborn]

Epcot82Guy-
So, is the JII attraction the same as the one they used to have years ago? I really missed that the last time we were at WDW. Glad to hear it is back!

 

[Rachel78]

The JII ride is different from the one in the 80's. It no longer has the red bearded man in the purple suit. Instead, Eric Idle (Monty Python) is the host and the President of the Imagination Institute. The ride is still fun and it still features Figment.