Disneyland's 75th Anniversary: Desires and Predictions

[WEDfan9798]

There are some things that could be positive but a lot of things that frankly won’t be over the next 10 years, without new leadership. It’s no surprise I don’t have faith in Chapek or his business model for hyper-monetizing the parks.

I also think we’ll see a decline in many non-IP and some of remaining macabre themed areas - I’m most worried about the future of Toad, Pinocchio, and Tiki Room.

On the “extreme” (but more unlikely) end of the spectrum I think it’s possible we’d see further neutering of Haunted Mansion and Small World possible new IP/character infusions and overlays for BTMRR, Main Street USA, Jungle Cruise, ROA, etc. all with an eye on selling more “consumer products”.

If I do have enthusiasm, I think perhaps Tomorrowland and ToonTown (with MMRR) could only likely improve. Maybe SWGE will get a new restaurant or attraction also.

I am afraid of the destruction of non-IP/macabre areas/attractions. That would be very, very sad and contemptible.

 

[WEDfan9798]

I can't say I'm looking forward to it. With the current direction of the company, I'm finding it hard to believe I'll still be interested in what is happening with the parks at more than a casual/passing interest level. I have some hope that, at least for a few more years, Disneyland will be spared the worst of it. But I wouldn't be shocked at this point to see the sub-lagoon disappear for Zootopia or - as others have already mentioned - Mickey Avenue replace Main Street by the 80th.

You and me both. Hopefully, someone steps in and ends this madness with the Mouse immediately and effectively.

 

[Stevek]

I'm absolutely looking forward to it and not worried about 75 right now. So much can happen, good or bad, between now and then. We'll likely have new leadership at many different levels. Let's see what things are like 4-5 years from now.

 

[DLR92]

I would like to see a new color scheme for Sleeping Beauty Castle. I would like to see some realistic stone work for the walls.
The castle need to look elegant and magnetic with that charm being a small castle.

 

[CaptinEO]

I would like to see a new color scheme for Sleeping Beauty Castle. I would like to see some realistic stone work for the walls.
The castle need to look elegant and magnetic with that charm being a small castle.

The original grey and blue color scheme is so much better than the doll house version we have now.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Welp, based on WDW's lackluster and underwhelming 50th anniversary, I can safely and confidently say that we're screwed over here in California if current management is still there in nine years.

 

[BuzzedPotatoHead89]

Welp, based on WDW's lackluster and underwhelming 50th anniversary, I can safely and confidently say that we're screwed over here in California if current management is still there in nine years.

I’m just thankful we got a pretty decent 50th for DL all things considered.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I’m just thankful we got a pretty decent 50th for DL all things considered.

I'd say our 50th was pretty spectacular, especially in comparison to what's happening now. Ours came at a good time, thankfully.

 

[Model3 McQueen]

Welp, based on WDW's lackluster and underwhelming 50th anniversary, I can safely and confidently say that we're screwed over here in California if current management is still there in nine years.

Was it stupid busy? Adam the woos thumbnail today implied it.

 

[BuzzedPotatoHead89]

I'd say our 50th was pretty spectacular, especially in comparison to what's happening now. Ours came at a good time, thankfully.

At this point if they do literally nothing at all in 9 years and somehow Pirates, Mansion, Small World, Matterhorn, Big Thunder, Space Mountain, Mr. Toad, Main Street USA, ROA and Tiki Room all remain even semi intact (I’m terms of being recognizable) I’d consider it a win.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Was it stupid busy? Adam the woos thumbnail today implied it.

I wasn't there, so I wouldn't know. I would assume it was very crowded today.

 

[drizgirl]

I’m just thankful we got a pretty decent 50th for DL all things considered.

I think they did great for the 60th as well.

 

[tcool123]

I wasn't there, so I wouldn't know. I would assume it was very crowded today.

It really wasnt that bad; it was just packed for merchandise and Enchantment. Most rides have 30 minute waits or less including the popular rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train; exception being Haunted Mansion which ranged from 45 to 60 minutes yesterday.

 

[Dear Prudence]

Please no kites

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

I was there for the 50th. Busy but felt festive, lines manageable, cast upbeat. All around great time to visit Disneyland!

 

[BuzzedPotatoHead89]

I’m actually kind of glad that Enchanted and Harmonious are getting lackluster reviews on social media.

TWDC needs to learn the hard way that in spite of what they think (or what their consultants and committees are telling them) that even among the “Influencer generation” they are so desperate to win over there are people of all ages that do actually want to go to an anniversary celebration to (shocker) celebrate the history of the park… and not just the same rotation of film scores from the last 15 years of Disney film.

 

[waltography]

I think they did great for the 60th as well.

I agree; 60th brought us Paint the Night (still in my Top 3 favorite parades) and Disneyland Forever (which, while flawed, was still an amazing technological leap forward).

 

[PiratesMansion]

I’m actually kind of glad that Enchanted and Harmonious are getting lackluster reviews on social media.

TWDC needs to learn the hard way that in spite of what they think (or what their consultants and committees are telling them) that even among the “Influencer generation” they are so desperate to win over there are people of all ages that do actually want to go to an anniversary celebration to (shocker) celebrate the history of the park… and not just the same rotation of film scores from the last 15 years of Disney film.

It's bitter irony indeed that there's no shortage of love for the Disney parks and their legacy, unless of course you look within the actual Walt Disney Company itself.

At the very least, anyone within the company who loves the parks is clearly kept away from any position of meaningful power or influence.

 

[SuddenStorm]

I'd say our 50th was pretty spectacular, especially in comparison to what's happening now. Ours came at a good time, thankfully.

Disneyland really did get lucky, didn't they?

Longtime CM's still speak fondly of Ouimet and his leadership. Now that's called leaving a legacy- Grier, Kalogridis, the lady from last year- all forgotten.

It's just too bad Disney lost Ouimet, and I wonder how the park would look if he had been around another 5-10 years.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Disneyland really did get lucky, didn't they?

Longtime CM's still speak fondly of Ouimet and his leadership. Now that's called leaving a legacy- Grier, Kalogridis, the lady from last year- all forgotten.

It's just too bad Disney lost Ouimet, and I wonder how the park would look if he had been around another 5-10 years.

Quite lucky. I remember 2005-2006, especially 2005, being a very pleasant and joyous time to be at Disneyland. No pun intended, but the DL 50th is arguably the golden standard when it comes to milestone park anniversaries. Wish I could go back. And as stated previously, the 60th was pretty well done.

Too bad the current team just doesn’t get it. The complaints from WDW fans on social media have been brutal and honest. Keeping my fingers crossed for 2030 (yikes), but I think it’s best to not have any expectations at all. As @BuzzedPotatoHead89 stated, it would be miraculous if the current classics are left mostly untouched by the time that years comes creeping upon us. If that happens, I’ll be happy enough.