The internet is all abuzz recently about what new experiences might be coming to the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks. With the D23 Expo in Disneyland right around the corner, where most of these rumors will (or will not) be confirmed by Disney, we deiced to take a look closer at what we might be able to experience at Disney in the future!
It seems that the biggest changes will be coming to Epcot. Back at the Destination D event this past November, Chairman of Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts, Bob Chapek, announced that Epcot will be receiving a major overhaul to update and improve many features, while still remaining true to Walt’s original vision. No concrete details were announced and no specific time frame was given at that time.
With that being said, let’s start in Epcot to see what new rides might announced at next month’s event:
Epcot
Ratatouille Ride
As we reported a few days ago, permits have been filed for the open space between the France & Morocco Pavilion in Epcot. With this discovery, we can all but guarantee an announcement will be made at D23 for this new ride in the France Pavilion. There is a Ratatouille ride already in Disneyland Paris but thoughts are that this one will be a bit different.
Beauty and the Beast Ride
This was a very popular Epcot rumor for sometime. However, with the discovery of the recent permits which seem to lean more to the Ratatouille Ride, it’s unlikely we will see this one as the both would have to fit into France Pavilion. But, you never know!
Spaceship Earth
This iconic Epcot attraction has be due for an overhaul for sometime. Siemens was the corporate sponsor of the ride and has officially cut ties with Disney. Read more about it here.
Guardians of the Galaxy Land
An announcement on the possibility on of construction starting on this new “Land” is all but guaranteed to me made at this year’s D23 Expo. Rumors have already started to circulate that Universe of Energy and Wonders of Life Pavilion will be demolished to make room for this new small “Land.” Guests of Guardians of the Galaxy Land will be able to adventure into the galaxy with their favorite Guardians characters including Groot and Star-Lord. Several new attractions would be expected here as well.
Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios fans were concerned their favorite attraction would meet the same fate as the ride at California Adventure in Disneyland. With this news, it sounds like Tower of Terror is safe and will not be transformed into another Mission: BREAKOUT! ride.
Others are thinking that these areas will actually be home to a new Tron coaster. However, I personally think this new coaster will end up in the Magic Kingdom. (We’ll dive into this subject in just a bit.)
Gran Fiesta Tour
Coco is the star of the next Disney-Pixar movie (entitled Coco) to be released this fall. Coco may also be the star of the Gran Fiesta Tour attraction replacing the Three Caballeros. This attraction would be easy to overhaul since it is screen-based. It also seems like Disney is trying to bring more contemporary and relevant experiences to Epcot and what better way to than replacing a maybe dated attraction with that of a new film.
New Pavilions in the World Showcase
Rumors of new World Showcase Pavilions seem to be talked about weekly. Some have even been announced but never came to fruition. Disney seems to be in constant contact with countries about new pavilions coming to EPCOT. Some of the rumored pavilions are: Puerto Rico, Spain, and Brazil. On this list, Spain seems the most likely with the 2020 release of Disney’s animated movie, Gigantic, which takes place in Spain.
Mission: SPACE
This ride is currently closed for refurbishment (read our current refurbs here)so we definitely know something is going on. Word is we can expect to see to see a new on-ride film and some cosmetic updates when it opens in a few weeks.
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
This attraction might be updated to the Marine Life Institute from the Finding Dory movie. The Marine Life Institue in the movie was actually inspired by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The Searider is a Nemo/Dory-themed ride that opened at Tokyo DisneySea and would fit nicely into this area.
The Land
We should hear about an update to the boat ride for Living with the Land and a new film to replace the current Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable. With updates to Soarin’ completed last year, we shouldn’t expect to see any changes to it.
Journey Into Imagination
There’s been lots of conversation concerning Figment recently. Disney recently even conducted a survey to gauge his popularity. It seems Figment is still popular enough to not completely go away but it does look like he will be sharing the spotlight. Guests can expect to see the 5 emotions from Inside Out along with Figment in a new attraction to be announced for Epcot. Figment actually appears as an Easter Egg in Inside Out!
New attractions for the China, Germany, Japan, and UK Pavilions
Over in the China Pavilion, we may see a Mulan-themed update to the history of China film. Mushu from the popular Disney movie may be the narrator for this film.
There is currently empty space in the Germany and Japan Pavilions. Disney may take this space and create some new movie-based attractions. In Germany expect to see something Tangled related and something Big Hero 6 related for Japan.
With the upcoming release of the live-action sequel to Mary Poppins, expect to see a Mary Poppins-themed attraction. This attraction also could show up in Hollywood Studios with the rumors that the Great Movie Ride may be closing for good.
New Nighttime Show to Replace Illuminations
All good things must come to an end at sometime. Although Illuminations is the longest running fireworks show at any Disney Park worldwide, expect it to be replaced by a new show featuring popular Disney characters inspired by various cultures around the world.
As mentioned, lot and lots going on at Epcot. Let’s take a look at what may be in store at the other Walt Disney World Parks:
Magic Kingdom
Tron Coaster
We reported on rumors about this one a few months ago. Rumors were pointing to The Tomorrowland Speedway may being replaced with this new coaster. There is already a Tron Lightcycle Power Run coaster at Shanghai Disneyland and it is one of the most popular and talked about rides there.
Another reason to believe the Tron coaster might show up in Magic Kingdom is that Chevrolet is the current sponsor of The Tomorrowland Speedway and also the sponsor of the coaster in Shanghai.
Animal Kingdom
Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Conversation Station
Not many details here but expect to see a Zootopia overhaul coming to this Animal Kingdom attraction.
Hollywood Studios
As we all know, this park is already undergoing several renovations to make way for Toy Story and Star Wars Lands. We should expect to hear the official opening date of Toy Story Land and even some more details on the much-anticipated Star Wars Land at this year’s D23 Expo.
One thing is for sure, there is tons to look forward to at Walt Disney World. Especially at Epcot. Make sure to keep it right here for our complete and up-to-the minute coverage of everything announced by Disney at this year’s Expo!
What experiences are you most looking forward to?
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