News New Theater to be built at the Magic Kingdom - now cancelled?

[ToTBellHop]

Will it have a lobby inside as well?

Quick aside: To be fair they should of been fixing that issue between Aladdin and Frozen.

Yes.

 

[jaxonp]

Frozen coming to main street. Aladdin or anything else would be better!

 

[jaxonp]

This is going to give Disney a huge theater to do live performances, concerts and special tv programing that they haven't been able to do in the past. This will be big.

 

[jt04]

This is going to give Disney a huge theater to do live performances, concerts and special tv programing that they haven't been able to do in the past. This will be big.

Yes, much needed for a variety of reasons. Big bonus that they chose MSUSA over Frontierland also.

 

[matt9112]

In that picture it was being used as a staging are for the work on the Main Street bypass. Now it is just cast member parking.

Here is a picture from March 2016.

View attachment 215843

so will the bypass area (that portion at least) become permanent on stage? as in a new "area" in front of theater or?

 

[Daveeeeed]

Yes, much needed for a variety of reasons. Big bonus that they chose MSUSA over Frontierland also.

Definitely agree with this. MSUSA would also lend itself to productions better, and not have to commit to the Main Street theme. While any show in Frontierland would have to be themed to some form of a western like Woody's Roundup. Just like the original theater, there can be any IP used and it will fit thematically as long as the actual theater is themed to the 1920's.

It also won't bring in huge crowds, help solve capacity problems, get the bypass permanently, and finally get a huge production Disney's flagship park deserves. A huge win, and to be honest, what I am personally most excited for. However, I still cannot wait to see how Tomorrowland turns out with TRON, so I expect that will still be the best thing. MK is getting so much love!!!

 

[jt04]

Definitely agree with this. MSUSA would also lend itself to productions better, and not have to commit to the Main Street theme. While any show in Frontierland would have to be themed to some form of a western like Woody's Roundup. Just like the original theater, there can be any IP used and it will fit thematically as long as the actual theater is themed to the 1920's.

It also won't bring in huge crowds, help solve capacity problems, get the bypass permanently, and finally get a huge production Disney's flagship park deserves. A huge win, and to be honest, what I am personally most excited for. However, I still cannot wait to see how Tomorrowland turns out with TRON, so I expect that will still be the best thing. MK is getting so much love!!!

Agreed. My concern with Frontierland was also that it might create a dead-end. I am convinced they will someday need a path that extends to Fantasyland behind the Mansion.

 

[Daveeeeed]

Agreed. My concern with Frontierland was also that it might create a dead-end. I am convinced they will someday need a path that extends to Fantasyland behind the Mansion.

I don't want to put words in his mouth, so correct me if I am wrong, but I believe @marni1971 said that they have looked into shortening the river very long-term with the success of Disneyland's. I'm on the same page, WDW's Frontierland would not lend itself with its layout to be the best place for it.

 

[jt04]

I don't want to put words in his mouth, so correct me if I am wrong, but I believe @marni1971 said that they have looked into shortening the river very long-term with the success of Disneyland's. I'm on the same page, WDW's Frontierland would not lend itself with its layout to be the best place for it.

I think that is right. Wouldn't mind if they literally moved Frontierland back there. Possibly with a western styled opera house if they ever need another theater. But that is armchair Imagineering circa 2040.

 

[Rodan75]

Who builds these shows? Is it the group in Vancouver that does the cruise shows or is it a different team?

 

[Pi on my Cake]

Currently working on Main Street. Haven't been told anything yet (college programer, not expecting to be told anything). Very curious to see what happens if that is built on the bypass. A lot of things use that area.

 

[rnese]

Live productions of NATIONAL TREASURE THE MUSICAL coming to MK! Finally!!!!!!!!!!!

(Gotta steal the Declaration, Gotta steal the Declaration, Gotta steal It! Gotta steal it!)

 

[gdrj]

I think it's great news but can't help think that these 'broadway' style shows would be better suited to Hollywood Studios no?

Hollywood Studios(?) Don't you mean Star Wars Studios? It does seems to fit a need at MK, plus being a large capacity venue is a good thing for MK.

 

[Gatorboy]

so will the bypass area (that portion at least) become permanent on stage? as in a new "area" in front of theater or?

Hope so

 

[gdrj]

I think making the by-pass permanent is just something they need to do regardless of this theater, especially if they're going to be adding new attractions like the Tron Coaster. I was at MK this January and walking down Main Street was a challenge, and that was during what is considered a slow time of year for the park.

Very True. The Walk down Main Street I think is important and really sets the tone. We were there in May and it was a nice surprise to see the old fire truck out in the AM. The by-pass may not have a major impact but we can hope

Looking at this on Google Maps, all the empty facade buildings at the end of Center Street would most likely get leveled to open that up, but I think the really interesting opportunity here is that they could then add some small boutique shops to the backs of the existing Main Street Shops, something along the lines of the old Magic Shop that used to be on Main Street, things that gave Main Street some character. Liberty Square still has small shops like that, as do some of the Epcot World Showcase pavilions and Hollywood Studios.

Possibly small shops as you suggest or kiosks or even a new back entrance to the Main St shops. Last thing it would seem to be logical that the side street between Uptown Jewelers and Crystal Arts would open up allowing direct passage to the by-pass area

 

[deWild]

And if it adds to the Main Street area rather than replace Town Hall this is all fantastic news.
(Maybe they can re-open West Center Street while they are at it...)

First off I have to say my grandmother still talks about the Empress Lily as the highlight of Downtown Disney. Secondly, I never realized there was a West end of Center Street, and that the Emporium took it over at the beginning of the new millennium. I was a little too young to realize it was gone. I truly have to wonder what would have been possible if the West end was still open... Was there enough room back there to have a second entrance from Main Street into Adventureland?

 

[BrianLo]

This may not be the sexiest announcement at D23, but it is by far the smartest decision they've made.

Added capacity to MK, new build, opening up a proper bypass with an actual centrepiece. It doesn't break theme, they are not seemingly cheapening out on any of it (indoors, lobby, A/C, proper DCA-esque broadway show) and it adds something to the MK that isn't a redundant offering with their current menu.

Perhaps we can finally have a sane, non-divisive decision!

 

[Thebolt]

If the bypass became permanently open, could the main street outlets be replenished out of view of guests?
Maybe not a major issue for souvenier stores; but the food outlets presumably get restocked with food throughout the day?

 

[Belpois2712]

That would be okay, but he phrased it as if it was fact. Also you can see Tony's in the concept art.

I have recalled my statement. I jumped the gun to early on this.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

First off I have to say my grandmother still talks about the Empress Lily as the highlight of Downtown Disney. Secondly, I never realized there was a West end of Center Street, and that the Emporium took it over at the beginning of the new millennium. I was a little too young to realize it was gone. I truly have to wonder what would have been possible if the West end was still open... Was there enough room back there to have a second entrance from Main Street into Adventureland?

Ahh...your grandmother was a woman of taste and class! ^_^

West Center Street would open onto a parking lot, surrounded by utility buildings of the not so glamorous backstage Main Street. There is open space, but not as large as the immense parking lot behind East Main Street - which gives direct access to the former theater/stage in between Buzz and the Carousel of Progress.

West Street does end in Adventureland, in the Jungle Cruise. You could go around the back of the Crystal Palace but eventually you would need to cross that water.