News Destination D23 2023

[UNCgolf]

According to what I was told, Disney is actually quite scared about Epic. I guess we'll see how scared over the next couple of years. Keep in mind that Disney has been targeting an older demographic as well with major attractions such as Tron, Cosmic Rewind and the Star Wars content.

I wonder how much of that is Disney trying to pivot (or at least dramatically expand) their core market rather than sticking with what made them so popular in the first place, as you somewhat alluded to.

If they're adamant about going after the Universal market (which is silly IMO, because they're far behind both Universal and numerous regional parks with no real avenue to catch up -- especially when considering the extravagant costs and extensive timeframe required for any new attraction these days), then of course they're very worried about Epic Universe.

Not that Disney is wrong to build attractions catering towards an older demographic -- they've almost always had a few and it makes sense to have them -- but it's never going to be their main target audience.

I think the biggest effect could be on the resort business, in that people that plan to visit both might choose to stay at Universal over Disney once it has 3 parks and a water park, especially considering Universal's resorts are a better overall value (especially if you stay at a deluxe and get the included Express Pass).

That said, I also think guests that visit both resorts on one trip are a relatively small minority of visitors.

 

[James Alucobond]

According to what I was told, Disney is actually quite scared about Epic. I guess we'll see how scared over the next couple of years. Keep in mind that Disney has been targeting an older demographic as well with major attractions such as Tron, Cosmic Rewind and the Star Wars content.

It still feels like a fundamentally different experience to me that doesn’t look to be a suitable replacement. Sure, TRON and Cosmic Rewind are looking to boost appeal for specific audiences, but isn’t there, like, a coaster in every single land at EU? Don’t the Nintendo rides still have inane height requirements for younger audiences?

 

[JustInTime]

Even with Epic Universe including two kid friendly lands -- although only How to Train Your Dragon is really kid targeted, because Mario/Donkey Kong has as much if not more appeal to people in their 30s and 40s as it does to kids -- I still don't think Universal really has the same market/target audience as Disney. There's obviously overlap, but I'm not sure Disney is wrong to think Epic Universe isn't a major threat to their theme park business for multiple reasons.

Agree.

 

[TTA94]

WDI are/were trying to get some major new additions to Magic Kingdom approved recently. I don't know if it's the Beyond Big Thunder stuff or not, but that would be my guess. I also doubt it would be remotely enough to counter Epic.

Is the night parade included in this? Though thinking about it more It does sound a bit ridiculous to think a night parade especially MSEP, if that’s still in consideration, would make people want to spend their evenings at MK instead of EU lol. I’m guessing EU will have a decent nighttime show when it opens.

 

[RSoxNo1]

Agree. The entire back half of the ride was never finished. They tacked sheets up and called it a day. It needs love bad.

If they do finish the descent of SSE can we take those sheets over to Everest for the backwards descent on that ride? They'd help with the light bleed.

 

[RSoxNo1]

Also worth noting they will have nothing new in 2025 as Tiana’s is the only new project that’s currently on the books and that opens in 2024.

Unless they move very fast, and that would be unlikely if we are using the past construction times as a barometer.

A re-theme of an existing attraction (DINOSAUR) could be open by 2025.

 

[Squishy]

Watch Universal also get a nighttime parade as a response to Disney

 

[RSoxNo1]

Could also do Shang Chi and have the jeeps take you to Ta Lo (like there are jeeps that go there in the movie) and see the fanciful creatures there, have some sort of conflict that Shang Chi saves us from, etc.

Gonna need Trevor Slattery involved.

 

[TTA94]

Watch Universal also get a nighttime parade as a response to Disney
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I’m surprised they haven’t yet TBO. Is EU going to have any type of parade route?

 

[RSoxNo1]

There is a counter plan, but I don't think it is anywhere near enough.

Next Gen+

 

[MerlinTheGoat]

Is the night parade included in this? Though thinking about it more It does sound a bit ridiculous to think a night parade especially MSEP, if that’s still in consideration, would make people want to spend their evenings at MK instead of EU lol. I’m guessing EU will have a decent nighttime show when it opens.

No idea either way about a new night parade for MK. If the artwork for EU is anything to go on, it seems like they intend to have a big fireworks spectacular at least.

Watch Universal also get a nighttime parade as a response to Disney

I’m surprised they haven’t yet TBO. Is EU going to have any type of parade route?

The Universal Studios park in Japan has one.

 

[MerlinTheGoat]

Next Gen+

Featuring AI

 

[Eric Graham]

Wonder if they'll have previews for Moana for D23 members.

 

[Coaster Lover]

There is a counter plan, but I don't think it is anywhere near enough.

 

[Eric Graham]

View attachment 741434

One of my friends worked on the set for a bit on one of his movies. She said he was very funny! And I do love cupcakes so very much!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Geez. Is that what we've come to now?

We're hoping for simply more info on minor stuff already announced, plus a reveal of upcoming meet n' greets and announcements of the color of the drapes in future timeshare rooms? That's kind of sad, don't you think?

if there is more than that it will be a major shift for Destination D23 - the big news is typically at the EXPO

Destination D23 is more behind the scenes stuff and history elements and stuff for fans to geek over, not news

NOW - maybe they feel the need to shake things up, especially after the "blue sky" stuff at the EPCOT last year was received so poorly, so it is possible we get more, but it would be a surprise and a change

So yeah, I am not expecting much, based on history of the event

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Very likely, yes, but hoping for something a little more than that.
I already have a Cast Preview booked with a friend to experience the Journey, so it would be nice if the D23 folks offered something else or in addition to.

Anyone attending the event who is a CM has probably already experienced the water themed walkthrough, and I would like to think something more would be offered to counter that.
We shall see.

As I have mentioned earlier in the thread, I am not expecting anything major to go down.
I am looking forward to the couple of the panels and the 60 years of Disney Animatronics display.


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my guess is attendees get to do the Figment M&G - it wouldn't be anything major but would be something many of the attendees would really appreciate and get excited for

 

[RSoxNo1]

Wonder if they'll have previews for Moana for D23 members.

That's a good call. I could see that being a surprise for everyone in attendance.

Where specifically is the event being held? I believe it's been in the Contemporary in the past?

 

[Eric Graham]

That's a good call. I could see that being a surprise for everyone in attendance.

Where specifically is the event being held? I believe it's been in the Contemporary in the past?

Yes, that's where they've had it in the past. I wish they would have it at the convention center of the Beach/Yacht club, but I'm pretty biased.

 

[HauntedPirate]

Why would D23 members get a preview? Cast, AP, DVC... D23? One of those is not like the others. At that point, just open the silly thing up. Cosmic Rewind, this ain't.