Has there been any word/rumors about the Night Kingdom Project?

bhg469

Well-Known Member
I will put this in the, "Pandora will never happen because Cameron" file as that folder's contents went to the recycle bin.
Unless the parks are sold to another company I don't see it happening. The have plenty of attractions to close in the 4 existing parks and convert to meet and greets first.
 

71jason

Well-Known Member
why does everyone seem to think that the "night kingdom" idea involved animals? from my understanding it was more of like an adult park idea, since the adult aspects were what was destroyed when pleasure island closed.

Mostly a Jim Hill article (actually a couple of them, that were sort of contradictory). May have been some random rumors here or the other boards as well, it's been a while. But by all accounts it was primarily an after-hours private safari tour. Hill had a throw-away line about a rebuilt Adventurers Club being incorporated somehow, back when that wound was still fresh, but I never saw anything more than fanboi speculation on that.
 

DisneyGentleman

Well-Known Member
If Eisner had added an 5th and 6th gate at WDW you can be assured they would have been little more than lightly themed shopping and dining experiences.
These comments got me wondering - how many rethemed Disney rides have actually ever been an improvement? Eisner sacrificed Imagination for an upside-down flushing toilet, which he felt was funny.
 

RandySavage

Well-Known Member
What follows is a post (can't remember by whom or on which site - maybe this one) I saved from years ago. If it's legit, it is the most telling piece I've seen on Night Kingdom/Shanghri La/Jungle Trek boutique park (surprised no artwork or plans have ever surfaced in the intervening years):

***
"I've been coming to this site for many years now, but have never registered (and therefore never posted before). But I received something via email today that I've just got to share. Because this is my first post, I am well aware that there are those who will immediately dismiss the following as nonsense (I've been lurking around here long enough to have seen this happen before). But to the rest of you - this happened this morning...

I received an email (from a reputable source) asking me to take part in a survey. Aimed at UK residents, they were looking for people that have visited WDW in the last 5 years. I qualified.

I was then asked to watch a video presentation for a new Orlando based attraction. The survey stated that this was one of a number of concepts. The attraction was "The Jungle Trek" at WDW. The video lasted about 5 minutes and consisted of location footage from various ancient monuments around the world, specially shot 'visitor' footage and artists impressions. The attraction was clearly aiming at the same market as Discovery Cove. After the video finished, a summary screen appeared, and although copy, paste and screen print functions had been disabled. I typed down the contents of the summary... and here it is:

<<<<<<---------------------------------
Overview of The Jungle Trek

Get ready for The Jungle Trek, the newest premium vacation experience by Disney. Set off on a guided expedition through the wilds of the world, discovering natural beauty and the magic of faraway places. Explore these exotic locations and have the exciting hands-on adventures you have always wanted to have. And do it all in one place, all in one day … all by taking The Jungle Trek!

Your five (5) hour experience will be an eye-opening adventure from the moment it begins:
Set off on The Jungle Trek, a one-of-a-kind two (2) hour adventure experience. From crossing rickety bridges or navigating narrow paths, to encountering rare animals upclose and discovering the hidden secrets of ancient ruins, there are unbelievable experiences at each stage of your journey. Work together wit your small expedition party to do things that few ever get to do… and that you will never forget.
Arrive in the Global Village, where you can spend the next three (3) hours resting, relaxing and exploring further. From animals to architecture, from entertainment to more ziplining thrills - you choose how best to enjoy all that this intimate Village offers.
And don't forget to stop by the Marketplace for a casual, festive dining atmosphere filled with the flavours and foods from each of the regions. Pick what you like and then find a comfortable spot in the Village to enjoy. And you are welcome to return for more whenever you like.

The Jungle Trek is a real adventure made accessible by Disney magic:
Throughout the jungle expedition, you choose whether to tackle each hands-on challenge or take a less intense but equally spectacular path. So, your family can enjoy the journey together while each person has exactly the experience he or she wants to have.
And no matter what path you choose, you can rest assured that Disney is focused on your safety and comfort. Your safety harness and your personal guide can make sure that you have an amazing adventure.
Children as young as 7 years old can participate in The Jungle Trek.
Guests with disabilities who are able to maneuver themselves with limited assistance can also participate.

The Jungle Trek is a premium, exclusive experience:
Your very own personal adventure guide leads your expedition party of around 8 people through the wild. Learn about adventure and the natural world from this experienced explorer.
Since only a limited number of guests will take the Trek each day, enjoy it all with no lines, no crowds, and no waits.
A single admission price that includes all the elements of this exclusive experience - the Jungle Trek, the Global Village, the live shows, soft drinks, and the global cuisine!

Preparing for the Jungle Trek is easy:
Reservations are required for this premium, limited-capacity experience. Either go online, call Disney's reservation agents, or contact your travel agent to schedule your visit.
You can select the date and time of your departure on The Jungle Trek, There are Treks departing throughout the day and into the night.

There's never been an experience like The Jungle Trek - where you can write your own story, achieving things you never imagined, going on adventures few people ever get to go on … and doing it all in one day, all in one place. So, are you ready to begin your journey?

----------------------->>>>>>>>

The survey then went on to explain that expeditions would leave every 15 minutes from 9am to 9pm. I was then asked to consider 8 price plans where prices (given in British Pounds, but I've converted to Dollars below) varied dependent on whether you went in the Morning / Early Afternoon / Late Afternoon / Evening.
Here were the price plans for Adults (I didn't make a note of prices for children):
Scenario 1: $300 / $300 / $250 / $325
Scenario 2: $300 / $300 / $250 / $250
Scenario 3: $275 / $325 / $250 / $300
Scenario 4: $250 / $250 / $250 / $250
Scenario 5: $275 / $350 / $325 / $300
Scenario 6: $350 / $325 / $350 / $300
Scenario 7: $325 / $325 / $325 / $325
Scenario 8: $250 / $300 / $250 / $250

For each price plan I was asked to decide what time of the day I would go, and, if the park was open now, how certain I would be of visiting in the next 12 months.

Highlights of the Day:
-Exploring Cambodian ruins
-Zipline into Tropical Americas
-Observing and feeding river hippos
-Observing and feeding bats
-Passing through the Lions Canyon
-Trek through the Tropical Americas rainforest
-Riding a boat into Tropical Americas
-Riding a boat out of Africa
-Encountering awakening spirits in the Spirit House
-Enjoying authentic, live entertainment throughout the Global Village
-Taking a break at the Lodge rest area
-Passing through the Throne Room over teetering stone columns
-Enjoying a range of global cuisine in the Marketplace
-Enjoying Mayan temple ruins
-Getting up close and personal with penguins and tortoises on the beach
-Crossing the tightrope bridge over tigers
-Crossing the suspended bridge over crocodiles
-Walking with kangaroos through the Australian outback
-Walking through the head-high grass in the African Savannah

The rest of the survey the pretty much concentrated on Vacations in general. Although there was one statement that I was asked to agree/disagree with made me think - and you can read it in the context of The Jungle Trek, or perhaps something more sinister:
"I would be willing to pay more to avoid crowds and long lines".

Anyway, there it is.
Sounds exciting!"
 

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