Rumor confirmations

[Taylor]

Thanks for the confirmation, Raven. I know they're all true (at least as of now) but it's hard for anyone to believe a post around here unless it comes from you or Lee. Hopefully when all of these pan out, I'll start to have a decent track record. I don't have the opportunity to post a ton but when I do it'll be legitimate.

@ttroyer210, not Lucasland, sorry. There are TALKS (no green lights) of removing the hat, adding at the backlot, and expanding Pixar ;-).

Fort Wilderness was not delayed due to environmental issues. Fort Wilderness DVC and Grand Floridian DVC were both "in line" and Grand Floridian jumped the line. It's unclear if Fort Wilderness is done completely or if it's just been put behind the Grand.

so are these just blue sky ideas or are close to being green lit?

 

[threeyoda]

Pssst... Quotes automatically switch to italics...

Bold or a different colour works better.

Ohhhh... thanks for the heads up!

 

[menamechris]

I hope DHS jumps to the head of the line on this list. It's definetly time for that park to get some attention and additions. I would love to see the hat moved - and I hope that adding to the Backlot Tour means taking it out completely and putting something actualy amazing and worthy into that entire area. Anyways - a great and hopeful list of rumors...

 

[Ignohippo]

If these things come to fruition, it would be a dream come true.

It seems like everything people have been complaining about have been addressed on this list. I think these things would finally bring WDW up to is potential. The only thing missing would be EPCOT.

 

[Ignohippo]

Could someone "in the know" please she'd some light on what exactly the holdup is for a complete Lucasland at DHS?

We know the problem with them getting Potter was that they didn't want to give Rowling so much control, but what's the holdup with Lucas?

 

[RSoxNo1]

I won't say anything regarding Avatar until Disney is capable of showing one simple piece of artwork or giving a definitive date on when something will be opening.

I have heard (but not confirmed, hence, no posting) that there are some 'substantial' issues involving the infrastructure and environment as far as the DVC at FW and that has at least delayed the project. But again, I put that as simple rumor at this point (although the source does work in a position to ostensibly know).

No idea on things like SotMK and very little interest as well.

I haven't heard one thing about anything at the Studios of substance (you holding out, No.2?) coming and don't see it happening. It has all the 'newest' attractions anyway. My guess is someone wants their project pushed forward and is generating the chatter.

And as for DD there are constant plans that seem to change by the week, but nothing of substance ever gets done in the end. See no reason why this would suddenly change.

I've definitely been hearing rumblings (beyond those on this board) about Fantasmic. There were other rumors about Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast being changed out at DHS as well as hope for American Idol being removed. I don't know how much of these last 3 shows was more fanboy speculation than actual rumor however.

Unrelated to the list presented by the Original poster, but related to rumors. It sounds like there is a significant refurbishment coming to the Polynesian as well.

 

[rsoxguy]

Many thanks to the OP for a concise summary of viable rumors. Digging through so many threads can be a chore, and this thread makes it easier.

 

[Mike K]

In regard to the removal of the hat, is it structurally possible for it to be removed so it is elevated and behind the Great Movie Ride? Therefore, it still could potentially remain the icon of DHS and not take away the beautiful image of the Chinese Theater? In my head, I see it being similar to the Tree of Life and how "It's Tough to be a Bug!" resides in the base of the tree. Thanks in advance!

 

[Magenta Panther]

I'd love to see that giant dorky hat go so that it'd quit messing up my view of the Chinese Theater.

As for new attractions/rides, well, since we've established that DHS is an amalgam of elements from many movie studios, and not just Disney's, I'd love a full-fledged Wizard of Oz ride. Since "Oz the Great and Powerful" is coming up, maybe the time is finally right for Disney to buy the rights from MGM to build a really great Oz ride - one based on the Judy Garland film - in DHS. The advantage is that the Oz film - and Oz in general - have certainly stood the test of time, unlike *coughcough* Avatar, and also unlike *coughbluekitties*, it has wide multi-generational appeal. Plus the storyline could inspire great elements to such a ride - the twister, the yellow brick road, the great music, the scary witch's castle - a ride done well could be stunning. Now, I realize such a ride is unlikely, but it's fun to think about...

 

[Cosmic Commando]

I'd love to see that giant dorky hat go so that it'd quit messing up my view of the Chinese Theater.

As for new attractions/rides, well, since we've established that DHS is an amalgam of elements from many movie studios, and not just Disney's, I'd love a full-fledged Wizard of Oz ride. Since "Oz the Great and Powerful" is coming up, maybe the time is finally right for Disney to buy the rights from MGM to build a really great Oz ride - one based on the Judy Garland film - in DHS. The advantage is that the Oz film - and Oz in general - have certainly stood the test of time, unlike *coughcough* Avatar, and also unlike *coughbluekitties*, it has wide multi-generational appeal. Plus the storyline could inspire great elements to such a ride - the twister, the yellow brick road, the great music, the scary witch's castle - a ride done well could be stunning. Now, I realize such a ride is unlikely, but it's fun to think about...

Actually, I'm fairly certain that they wouldn't need to wrangle for theme park rights, per se. All of the books themselves are in the public domain right now. So I believe that means that Disney did not have to pay anyone for the rights to make Oz the Great and Powerful. Disney could do a ride based directly off of the books or off their own movie without hassle (I think I think). The legal wrangling for GMR was because they were using the MGM movie version.

 

[invader]

Here's what I see for DHS:

Removal of the hat. Pixar Place expansion that would include Doors Coaster, Rat dark ride clone, and HISTK playground turned into Bugs Life playground. I then see potentially should TDO think they need to front the money a mini-lucasland expansion that would include the inside jedi training academy and Mos Eisley Cantina.

@ttroyer210, not Lucasland, sorry. There are TALKS (no green lights) of removing the hat, adding at the backlot, and expanding Pixar ;-).

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/whats-next-for-dhs-and-ak.791463/page-7#post-4724824
LOL. I win.

 

[TinkerBelle8878]

Forgive me, but I'm not "up on it" when it comes to tracking every little rumor so forgive me if these have already been settled in the "community."

1. When the Grand Floridan Spa reopens, the spa at Saratoga Springs will be closing for a similar refurb.

2. The "glow ears" from World of Color will be incorporated into MK's nighttime entertainment.

3. Avatar Land WILL make DAK a full-day park and feature a nighttime spectacular.

4. Avatar Land will feature a "flex" restaurant similar to "Be Our Guest" that is quick-service by day, table service by night.

5. Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom will be "locked" on easy mode until September at the earliest. This is due to overcrowding of the portals, not technical issues.

6. The next "articulated character" to be developed is Beast. The "core" characters have articulated heads at Dream Along With Mickey and other stage shows. Baloo and King Louie also have articulated heads on the cruise ships.

7. River Country/Ft. Wilderness DVC has been cancelled.

8. Major changes coming to DHS sooner rather than later. Details are fuzzy but some old blueprints have risen from the ash heap of WDI.

9. Decisions HAVE been made regarding Downtown Disney. I don't know what those decisions are, but I'm told an announcement won't be far off.

#7- I'm pretty surprised about this as all construction now seems to be DVC, DVC, DVC. - I wonder if it has to do with the extensive water pollution issues at what was River County and how much it will cost to clean that up to do anything there.

8- I would love if it was all the Muppetland stuff that was proposed. That would be such a great area for all ages.

4- I suppose this all hinges on how well Be Our Guest works. If its a disaster, I doubt that this new place will also run on the same 'flex' idea.

 

[jumblue]

8- I would love if it was all the Muppetland stuff that was proposed. That would be such a great area for all ages.

Perhaps this is why the details are "fuzzy?"

 

[Tim_4]

so are these just blue sky ideas or are close to being green lit?

Did we lose multi-quote functionality with the new forum format? Oh well...

@ttroyer210, There's a lot of gray area in between "blue sky" and "green lit". In most of the cases there are PLANS in place but the plans are always subject to change. DHS seems to be the big topic within the executive community right now and a proposal is being thrown together. This kind of came out of nowhere.

@jumblue, I wasn't being cute with "details are fuzzy." No Muppet plans. Everything I know of has been Pixar. It's still VERY speculative but the Door Coaster is NOT a fanboy myth and the blueprints have risen from the ashes. The reason it was cancelled the first time is because WDI way overspent on their design and feasibility studies.

@Mike K, I haven't heard anything about the hat being moved. If and when it goes down, it's going down down.

 

[Monty]

Did we lose multi-quote functionality with the new forum format? Oh well...

Click reply, then go to the next post you want to quote [on the same page] and click reply. Repeat through the page until you reach the bottom. If you want to multiquote across pages, you need to copy the quotes from one page and paste them into the reply box on the subsequent page. Repeat until you've captured them all and then craft your replies and submit.

 

[marni1971]

Regarding DHS, be careful what you wish for. I've heard some proposals may not be exactly stellar.

But I've also heard the hat, RSR and Monsters over the past few years so it's not all bad.

 

[Master Yoda]

I won't say anything regarding Avatar until Disney is capable of showing one simple piece of artwork or giving a definitive date on when something will be opening.

I have heard (but not confirmed, hence, no posting) that there are some 'substantial' issues involving the infrastructure and environment as far as the DVC at FW and that has at least delayed the project. But again, I put that as simple rumor at this point (although the source does work in a position to ostensibly know).

No idea on things like SotMK and very little interest as well.

I haven't heard one thing about anything at the Studios of substance (you holding out, No.2?) coming and don't see it happening. It has all the 'newest' attractions anyway. My guess is someone wants their project pushed forward and is generating the chatter.

And as for DD there are constant plans that seem to change by the week, but nothing of substance ever gets done in the end. See no reason why this would suddenly change.

Are we looking at environmental issues such as the ones at the Tree House Villas or structural issues like at the Venetian plot on 7 seas lagoon?

 

[jt04]

Regarding DHS, be careful what you wish for. I've heard some proposals may not be exactly stellar.

But I've also heard the hat, RSR and Monsters over the past few years so it's not all bad.

DHS needs WoC or WoC with a Fantasmic storyline.

Next it needs to expand Pixar street with Monsters or any other viable Pixar franchise.

Then a full bore E Ticket to replace the BLT. Not RSR though. Perhaps Marvel content not featured at IoA.

Remove the BAH.

That'd be a good start.

 

[PhilharMagician]

#7- I'm pretty surprised about this as all construction now seems to be DVC, DVC, DVC. - I wonder if it has to do with the extensive water pollution issues at what was River County and how much it will cost to clean that up to do anything there.

What extensive water polution issues at River Country?

 

[djkidkaz]

Thanks for the confirmation, Raven. I know they're all true (at least as of now) but it's hard for anyone to believe a post around here unless it comes from you or Lee. Hopefully when all of these pan out, I'll start to have a decent track record. I don't have the opportunity to post a ton but when I do it'll be legitimate.

@ttroyer210, not Lucasland, sorry. There are TALKS (no green lights) of removing the hat, adding at the backlot, and expanding Pixar ;-).

Fort Wilderness was not delayed due to environmental issues. Fort Wilderness DVC and Grand Floridian DVC were both "in line" and Grand Floridian jumped the line. It's unclear if Fort Wilderness is done completely or if it's just been put behind the Grand.

Keeping the backlot tour and adding stuff to it or removing and replacing with something else?