DAK 'Encanto' and 'Indiana Jones'-themed experiences at Animal Kingdom

[TheMaxRebo]

Can someone explain how this is considered “an expansion” when there is no net-new attraction count? Are we bending the definition to suit the “$60 billion” statements?

I don't think it is an expansion (though the show building for Encanto likely will extend into what was backstage area so maybe on a technicality) - but should be a capacity increase as Encanto should handle more people per hour than TriceraTop Spin and Primeval Whirl plus increase demand should have more people in the queue for these attractions.

So should enable AK to better handle more people than the current/prior setup

 

[James Alucobond]

Can someone explain how this is considered “an expansion” when there is no net-new attraction count? Are we bending the definition to suit the “$60 billion” statements?

It’s not a tremendous boost, but Primeval Whirl has been out of commission long enough that I would consider it a gain in the same way I would a Stitch replacement. Also, Encanto is a desperately needed indoor attraction that won’t go down with the weather, and even the carousel is better sheltered than its predecessor.

 

[andre85]

Can someone explain how this is considered “an expansion” when there is no net-new attraction count? Are we bending the definition to suit the “$60 billion” statements?

I don't think it is an expansion (though the show building for Encanto likely will extend into what was backstage area so maybe on a technicality) - but should be a capacity increase as Encanto should handle more people per hour than TriceraTop Spin and Primeval Whirl plus increase demand should have more people in the queue for these attractions.

So should enable AK to better handle more people than the current/prior setup

Plus Dinoland USA's parking lot was a blight on an otherwise brilliantly themed park (even if I respect how Joe tried to make it work with the budget they had).

 

[DisneyDean97]

Once TA opens, Animal Kingdom we'll definitely get a boost in attendance (like when Pandora opened) but I can't see Disney going another decade before adding another new ride. AK desperately needs *real* expansion

 

[James Alucobond]

AK desperately needs *real* expansion

Which could be pretty easily achieved by adding a ride to Pandora and/or Africa or repurposing the Moana proposal into an Oceania section on an expansion pad.

 

[andre85]

Which could be pretty easily achieved by adding a ride to Pandora and/or Africa or repurposing the Moana proposal into an Oceania section on an expansion pad.

Ocean would be cool, but might be redundant with the Living Seas, unless they move everything there?

I would love if they added another continent though, such as Australia

 

[James Alucobond]

Ocean would be cool, but might be redundant with the Living Seas, unless they move everything there?

I would love if they added another continent though, such as Australia

Australia is part of Oceania.

Also, I would temper expectations on animal exhibits being a big part of any future update.

 

[andre85]

Australia is part of Oceania.

Also, I would temper expectations on animal exhibits being a big part of any future update.

I misread Oceania as just "Ocean;" yes I think that's a fine idea

 

[Gusey]

"You've still got time in 2025". Is that them saying it's closing in 2025 and there is still time left this year until we get a closing announcement or that you've still got time in 2025 before it closes in 2026?

 

[James Alucobond]

Cementosaurus cremains:

Cementosaurus Completely Demolished, Tree Clearing Underway in DinoLand USA

As part of the first phase of the Tropical Americas project, Walt Disney World has demolished the Cementosaurus in DinoLand USA

blogmickey.com

 

[Gusey]

"You've still got time in 2025". Is that them saying it's closing in 2025 and there is still time left this year until we get a closing announcement or that you've still got time in 2025 before it closes in 2026?

Everything is definitely staying open in 2025

 

[MisterPenguin]

Can someone explain how this is considered “an expansion” when there is no net-new attraction count? Are we bending the definition to suit the “$60 billion” statements?

1. The footprint of the park that is used for guest enjoyment will increase with some previous BoH area being taken over for the Encanto ride.

2. The Encanto ride and the carousel should be providing extra capacity compared to what they are taking over.

TWDC never promised that the $60B capex wouldn't be used for rethemes or rebuilds.

 

[Disstevefan1]

Can someone explain how this is considered “an expansion” when there is no net-new attraction count? Are we bending the definition to suit the “$60 billion” statements?

It’s an expansion of revenue from newly recognized LL $ale$

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

it is an expansion in quality though - the carnival was always a stretch. During the Eisner era there were juggling shows and Lucky the Dinosaur back there to bring the area to life but this is certainly an improvement.

Other replacements are much more debatable (movie ride, energy, rivers of America, fountain of nations, muppets….)

 

[Grantwil93]

it is an expansion in quality though - the carnival was always a stretch. During the Eisner era there were juggling shows and Lucky the Dinosaur back there to bring the area to life but this is certainly an improvement.

Other replacements are much more debatable (movie ride, energy, rivers of America, fountain of nations, muppets….)

If all this ends up being is central American Harambe with no new animals, it's still an improvement over what was if we are removing nostalgia. At least in my opinion.

If I let nostalgia drive, then I'm still mad that Dinosaur is going

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

If I let nostalgia drive, then I'm still mad that Dinosaur is going

I have good memories of the area as well. If it was up to me, I would have put in 1 or 2 elaborate “vintage” dark rides in place of primeval whirl and maybe a dinosaur carousel as well. Really fill the place up with even more nods to tourist traps and old school carnivals.

 

[danlb_2000]

Can someone explain how this is considered “an expansion” when there is no net-new attraction count? Are we bending the definition to suit the “$60 billion” statements?

Has Disney actually called it an expansion? I checked two of the Disney Parks Blog posts about it and neither uses the work expansion.

 

[joshwill]

they shouldve moved cementasaurus to studios so Gertie would have someone to talk to

 

[Disgruntled Walt]

There is no practical reason for them to replace Dinosaur. It really stinks. They could have fixed it up. But instead they're replacing it with more freaking IP, of diminishing relevance, too. Times are rough.

But at least I'll get to ride my long-time favorite attraction one last time.

 

[Jedi14]

There is no practical reason for them to replace Dinosaur. It really stinks. They could have fixed it up. But instead they're replacing it with more freaking IP, of diminishing relevance, too. Times are rough.

But at least I'll get to ride my long-time favorite attraction one last time.

Technically they’re replacing an IP with another IP.