News Destination D23 2023

[LSLS]

So, 2 rethemes, a bar, the opening date for an animatronic that was announced last year, a theater show, and another blue sky concept? Is that essentially the recap? So potentially 3 more things shut down for a year plus for retheming and maybe something new if they don't have a change for that area next year?

 

[celluloid]

Universal has three months free still in all Annual Pass tiers and you could renew and add on EPIC when the resort expands in less than two years. After that research and see if you care to get a WDW AP again.

Visit the other three of the Top Ten thebe parks that Josh Mentioned by attendance ranking, but not nabe.

 

[Disney Analyst]

Now that I’ve slept more I can reflect better.

Given this is a Destination D23 event, there was certainly more shared than I guess we’ve had before.

They did confirm the AK dinoland redo, even if we don’t know that Encanto or Indy will happen (I feel they would). And that looks great. A huge improvement.

They also confirmed that Beyond Big Thunder is indeed still a thing, and I am hopeful this means they will go all in on the villains.

 

[esskay]

I saw somewhere else it was this one:
View attachment 741931
I'm guessing they didn't sell too well honestly.

I thought they were supposed to be giving away figment figures, not my little pony

 

[tanc]

Bruce Vaughn is definitely a divine intervention for the direction of Animal Kingdom. I could not imagine how much the previous plans were being pushed until he came back. I think central America has been a very wanted location for a long time, and it only makes way more sense to add it than any other land.

 

[DisneyDebRob]

So, 2 rethemes, a bar, the opening date for an animatronic that was announced last year, a theater show, and another blue sky concept? Is that essentially the recap? So potentially 3 more things shut down for a year plus for retheming and maybe something new if they don't have a change for that area next year?

That is correct. A lot of “imagine this” and What if’s”. Just enough to get people talking and thinking and in my opinion a year from now it all goes by the wayside. Except for the re themes maybe and the new show, or update for CBJ. Not much money to put out and it will keep the diehards interested in the “new” things.

 

[Figments Friend]

Some filming happening right now….

 

[Figments Friend]

Photo dump…

Sorry, I have been busy!

 

[Figments Friend]

I shed a tear seeing this….
One of the last remnants of the original ‘Universe of Energy’.
One of the large dragonfly figures from the prehistoric diorama.
( sniff…rest in peace, UoE..)

This was shown operational, one of only two moving displays in the Animatronics display.

Nice to see this up close.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

After a few hours to process everything - my biggest takeaway is that I still didn't get a sense of urgency from them - no timeframe on any of the Dinoland stuff, still nothing that we know of to come in 2025, taking 14 months to get an animatronic in the HM (totally missing Halloween, etc) ....

BUT I do like some of the stuff directionally. I like that it is now a geographic themed land that has IP in it for AK (vs random IP mini lands) I like that they aren't getting rid of the Country Bears, I like that they are updating TT, I like the name of the new show at Epcot, etc ...

... so guess I am feeling a little more hopeful but also more frustrated at the same time

 

[JusticeDisney]

All great news for WDW fans!!!

 

[Tha Realest]

After a few hours to process everything - my biggest takeaway is that I still didn't get a sense of urgency from them - no timeframe on any of the Dinoland stuff, still nothing that we know of to come in 2025, taking 14 months to get an animatronic in the HM (totally missing Halloween, etc) ....

BUT I do like some of the stuff directionally. I like that it is now a geographic themed land that has IP in it for AK (vs random IP mini lands) I like that they aren't getting rid of the Country Bears, I like that they are updating TT, I like the name of the new show at Epcot, etc ...

... so guess I am feeling a little more hopeful but also more frustrated at the same time

Pretty soon the Dusters are going to say, “It’s smart to let Universal have 2025. Let’s save our powder for 2026 and beyond…”

 

[wtyy21]

The new D23 logo looks more modern and different from the one currently used. Maybe, they'll expected the upcoming big Disney projects at much-larger venue in Anaheim next year.

 

[FutureCEO]

Test Track update not a retheme if that counts

Country Bears update

Country Bears political correct update. Though I havent been in decades...gut the show I say.

 

[J4546]

I thought this was a pretty good announcement imo if things go through. Indy and Encanto going to a rethemed South American land taking over Dinos is cool imo (though i love dinosaurs and would love them to stay) but adding a new continent and it seems their will also be animals as part of this is a win to me.

Saying they were taking MK to overdrive for beyond big thunder make it sound like they are gonna be doing something really big in MK soon and Im all for that.

Pirates tavern is cool even though I dont drink I like it. Hatbox ghost is cool, opening dates for things are nice to know....

Avengers E-ticket getting mentioned makes me happy, could be really cool imo if they go all out with it like Rise or something.

TestTrack came outta nowhere imo, but I like it. TT is a cool but very dated ride so a massive refresh is great

All in all Im pretty happy with the announcement I didnt expect much cause this isnt the big d23 but what we got Im happy with

 

[brb1006]

Photo dump…

Sorry, I have been busy!

View attachment 741936View attachment 741937View attachment 741938View attachment 741939View attachment 741940

Seeing the small Remy animatronic again brought back memories of this photo from the early 2010s taken inside "Les Chefs de France" where Marie from The Aristocats peeking against the window where the Remy AA was located in.

 

[DCBaker]

Reminder - the EPCOT: Always in a State of Becoming panel is scheduled to begin in 5 minutes.

 

[Figments Friend]

Animatronic oanel happening now….

Right up my alley!

Apologies if anyone has been asking me questions or comments about todays happenings.

I have not been able to read much due to running around here, but I hope everyone is enjoying my quick in the moment snapshots.

I have a lot from the Animattonics display….will share at some point in the future.

-

 

[Figments Friend]

Epcot panel time!!!

Ready for something…good.

Audience here is chomping at the bit.
Crowd in the back rows…the commentary…..



-

 

[disneylandtour]

Oh no, a bad sign. The EPCOT presentation is introduced by Disney World ambassadors. That typically means light presentation.