News D23 Expo 2022

["El Gran Magnifico"]

I think the threat becomes the corridor.

PrePandemic there were things being tossed around North of Sand Lake. Including a Lionsgate Resort with a roller coaster and it’s own IP.

You got Andretti over on Universal Blvd. in an area Uni is going to be building 7 hotels.

If I-Drive does get built out on the Northside to compliment ICON to the south. You may get a type of “Strip”. All walkable.

If some money is behind it - then this could be the challenge. No they won’t open up casinos. But I could see them go toward shows, high quality dining, and more options.

If this were to become the case, Universal would be positioned very nicely.

 

[Dan Deesnee]

I generally agree but space is the limiting factor, if Main Street and the entrance can’t safely accommodate more people during the parades and at park close it doesn’t matter how many rides they add at the back of the park.

They’ve expanded the hub, added Main Street bypasses, added a second Ferry dock, added more bus stops… I think MK has simply reached safe capacity.

Epcot, AK, and HS are a different story, lots of capacity to expand still.

That's why we're talking about the MK expansion. That would in turn increase capacity.

 

[scottb411]

I think the threat becomes the corridor.

PrePandemic there were things being tossed around North of Sand Lake. Including a Lionsgate Resort with a roller coaster and it’s own IP.

You got Andretti over on Universal Blvd. in an area Uni is going to be building 7 hotels.

If I-Drive does get built out on the Northside to compliment ICON to the south. You may get a type of “Strip”. All walkable.

If some money is behind it - then this could be the challenge. No they won’t open up casinos. But I could see them go toward shows, high quality dining, and more options.

If this were to become the case, Universal would be positioned very nicely.

This is already happening and Disney is going to lose some of that convention business with everything across the street from the convention center:

Immersive Dining and Entertainment Coming to Pointe Orlando

We are proud to work with Brixmor Property Group to bring a world-class immersive dining and entertainment experience to Pointe Orlando.

pointeorlando.com

 

[el_super]

People keep saying EU is not a threat but when your biggest competitor is spending billions of dollars on new expansions with no sign of slowing down (actually more like doubling down) that is a threat.

What's the threat really? That they will start stealing demand from Walt Disney World? That the attendance at the Disney parks will start to shrink? That lines will actually be manageable? Food will be freely available without ADRs? That the place won't just feel packed-to-the-gills crowded every single day and the slower pace will return?

Don't threaten me with a good time.

 

[el_super]

There are things in life that are evident. Disney just puts value on profits and bonuses more.

The bottom line is the bottom line. It doesn't really matter of the convention show was a success or not, as long as people keep coming through the gates and the revenue keeps coming in. Yeah I realize that Disney is a business and most of what they do is for profit, but I disagree with the idea that this is somehow a new problem for the company... it's been that way for a long long time.

 

[bcoachable]

D22…
Always seems to leave us all wanting just a bit more…

 

[ChrisFL]

Based on this "Boundless Future," Fantasmic is returning this year. We get Tron finished after 6 years, World Celebration finished, and the Hatbox Ghost in 2023. And in 2024, we get Splash Mountain reskin. Doesn't feel very boundless to me...

View attachment 666076

Seeing how much fluff they added to this....so disappointing. Cotino? Hatbox Ghost?

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

Seeing how much fluff they added to this....so disappointing. Cotino? Hatbox Ghost?

Selfishly, I hope they muck this up and stick Figment in the Haunted Mansion and we get a Hat Box Ghost Meet and Greet at EPCOT

On the surface that sounds ridiculous. But when you start thinking about Box Truck space transports and IPhone holograms - I’d give it a tenth of a tenth of a percent chance. So maybe.

 

[wutisgood]

I drive is just much easier to get around without a car. It's also a lot better as a sometimes solo traveler. Getting to the Disney parks and other areas nearby incurs much more cost than universal. Its generally been just as cost effective for me to stay on I drive and uber to Disney these days than rent a car or get an on site hotel.

I would expect universal has plans for major attractions at IOA and Studios in the next few years to help balance out crowds. I wouldn't be surprised if Studios at least expanded the seasonal events and concerts. I could see HHN going to most every night by 2025 and then some package discounts for guests with multi night stays including HHN.

 

[GhostHost1000]

Anyone else excited they announced the stitch replacement, Tomorrowland speedway redo, figment redo, little mermaid show replacement, fixing the yeti, new AK night show, and the new MK nighttime parade? Can’t wait.

 

[scottb411]

I drive is just much easier to get around without a car. It's also a lot better as a sometimes solo traveler. Getting to the Disney parks and other areas nearby incurs much more cost than universal. Its generally been just as cost effective for me to stay on I drive and uber to Disney these days than rent a car or get an on site hotel.

I would expect universal has plans for major attractions at IOA and Studios in the next few years to help balance out crowds. I wouldn't be surprised if Studios at least expanded the seasonal events and concerts. I could see HHN going to most every night by 2025 and then some package discounts for guests with multi night stays including HHN.

One of the rumors around the classic monsters land at EU is that it will be a year-round haunted attraction similar to the scare zones at HHN with monsters roaming around the land to scare you.

 

[Jrb1979]

One of the rumors around the classic monsters land at EU is that it will be a year-round haunted attraction similar to the scare zones at HHN with monsters roaming around the land to scare you.

That would be awesome.

 

[Smiley/OCD]

I'm already seeing dozens and dozens of other sites misreporting that HEA is coming back, a Villains Land is coming to MK, and Zootopia is replacing Dinoland . . . All without any asterisk indicating what was actually said about these things.

Disney really bungled this presentation today. Even the announcements that are marginally true are being misreported, understandably, and blue sky projects that are nowhere near concrete are being reported as on the way.

They had to know this was gonna happen. Surely they didn't take this cagey approach for no reason?

I think the next D23 should be permanently changed to April 1st…because that’s what all of this sounded like.
To quote one of Judge Judy’s favorite sayings, “Don’t p**s on my leg and tell me it’s raining…”

 

[Magenta Panther]

Well, a lot of people in Vloggerland, including major Walt fan Adam the Woo, seem to be universally bashing this D23. They're pretty much echoing the same complaints made here. Looks like the big overhyped overpriced schmoozefest was a bust.

Speaking of disappointments, I wonder how the Imagineers who are working on replacing Splash with Tiana's Salt Mines...I wonder how they really feel about it. I wonder how they feel about all the lavish detail and great storytelling, all the charm and multitudes of appealing animatronics, being ripped out and discarded because of weak leadership, poor taste, and knee-jerk bad judgement. It can't feel good, destroying all that artistry created by past Imagineers, only to replace it with something inspired by virtue-signalling. I wonder if any of them feel even the tiniest bit of guilt or regret. I wonder if any of them really believe that there was something wrong enough with the ride to warrant its destruction. I just wonder.

P.S. I am not going to get into a debate over this with anybody. I will not respond to anyone's reply to this post. If the mods want to remove it, that's fine with me.

 

[Rteetz]

I don’t think anyone things Universal is going to overtake Disney or anything. However any impact to market share is a “threat” this is the first major significant park in Orlando in decades. This also is bringing more hotel rooms to the area. Universal also has long term plans of a fourth park and another entertainment district. All very significant. Disney may not be concerned now but that also happened with Potter. Potter impacted them. This will also impact them. There is no denying that. The degree it does is the question.

Even smaller parks are gearing up. Sea World is planning major additions over the next 5 years. They are banking on more people coming to the area.

 

[Captain Neo]

Wow, still thinking about this event. I feel like they were so very unprepared for this event (why?) and had nothing to comment on because they truly do not have a lot of active projects besides Tron, Splash (I guess), and Moana. Most other projects seem dead. A few random thoughts:

1. The lack of Splash details absolutely confirms they have no clue what they are doing. I wonder if they were thinking of including Dr. Facilier and the voodoo elements and then a focus group or some internal data told them it was a dangerous road to pursue, so in an effort to be squeaky clean and offend no one they are caught with no story to tell and no clue how to move forward. Missing ingredients. Big yawn. But they sang TWO songs and literally told us nothing. Weird...

2. Figment- This still hurts. They have to know that the current ride is poorly received, and yet they do nothing to fix it. They bring him out for merchandise, but that's it. Even the way the announcement yesterday was structured made it seem like they were announcing a ride reno and then they stuck us with a meet and greet character/experience. This is intentional. I feel so disrespected as a fan.

3. Moana and Zootopia in AK: This was weird. If this is coming, then just announce it. Make it a firm announcement. I don't see how Moana really fits in AK, but it is such a great IP, and maybe they can make it work. Love the idea of a a log flume/water ride coming to AK. Zootopia. This one is difficult. I understand how many say it doesn't fit, but, hear me out, for the AVERAGE Disney guest, it fits perfectly. Animal Kingdom- a movie about animals. It's that simple. (I understand they are stand-ins for humans and therefore it does not fit the true concept for AK, but many will ignore that). What's interesting to me is the panel talked for 5 minutes about how the rides must fit the themes of the park, and then announced Moana and Zootopia.

4. Beyond Big Thunder- This seems too early to announce. I don't believe any of this is coming soon, or it will change drastically before it does. The take away- glad they are looking at this plot of land.

5. Epic Impact- Are most of us upset that DIS is doing so little because of the looming prospect of Epic Universe? I mean, for other D23 events there is no way they announced something huge every year. Like what did they have to talk about at the D23 events in the 90s? Maybe 1 big project? Is Disney justified to rest after the last few years (Disney Springs Renovation, Star Wars Land, NFL, Toy Story Land, Gondola project, Mickey's Railway, The new EPCOT projects, Rat, Guardians, Tron, new night shows, etc). Have we just been spoiled the last few years in thinking they should ALWAYS be announcing something huge? Just playing devil's advocate...

Thanks for listening to my random thoughts. =)

Figment blows me away because the figment graphic novel sold gangbusters and then the figment popcorn bucket did HUGE business. I thought chapek was a merchandise guy? How can he not get a clue?

 

[uncle jimmy]

Speaking of Past D23 Expo's:
Is there a breakdown for each year with all the announcements made?
Has anybody done this? @danlb_2000 @MisterPenguin

 

[EeyoreFan#24]

One of the rumors around the classic monsters land at EU is that it will be a year-round haunted attraction similar to the scare zones at HHN with monsters roaming around the land to scare you.

I didn’t think about this until I read your post, but I wonder if the future of HHN is epic universe. If they are thinking about HHN design criteria and infrastructure during the creation of a new park, I would think the possibilities would be endless.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Speaking of Past D23 Expo's:
Is there a breakdown for each year with all the announcements made?
Has anybody done this? @danlb_2000 @MisterPenguin

For WDW parks: Basically nothing new except confirming the sunset of DE for an updated HEA and Harmonious for a 100 Anniversary show, most likely in April when the 50th ends. Also, a new Figment M&G. Timeframe for the EPCOT hub is late 2023. And TRON's opening will be held back until Spring 2023.

 

[uncle jimmy]

For WDW parks: Basically nothing new except confirming the sunset of DE for an updated HEA and Harmonious for a 100 Anniversary show, most likely in April when the 50th ends. Also, a new Figment M&G. Timeframe for the EPCOT hub is late 2023. And TRON's opening will be held back until Spring 2023.

What about the breakdown for previous years D23 Expo's? Have you ever created a master breakdown of all the announcements from each D23 Expo (like from 2019, 2017, 2015, 2013...)?

I'm just curious to see if there were years when announcements were lighter and when?
And if/when announcements there started getting bigger.