Rumor WDW Rumor and Timeline Tracker v.2

[MisterPenguin]

Hollywood Studios

Sunset Blvd

• no current plans disrupt the theming of Sunset Blvd [here] {added}

Mickey's and Minnie's Runaway Railway

• Timeframe:
  • may have soft opening in August 2019 [here]
    • or even possibly July 2019 [here] {added}

Epcot

Entrance / Central Spine

• Spine plans still up in the air. One plan keeps all of Communicore/Innoventions (regut), another plan razes half of it [here]
  • the plan that razes half of it (the West side) seems to be the winner [here] {added}
  • the M&Gs will find several new homes [here] {added}

Spaceship Earth

• SSE may go down for a 2 year complete refurb, keeping the journey through communications concept but with new tracks and updated modern scenes (the internet is a thing!) [here]
  • but, that's not 'project Gamma' (which could be one of the proposed spine revamps). [here] and [here]
• the major 2-3 year refurb is happening by the end of 2019 [here] {added}
• expect scenes to be overhauled and a new descent, also major updates to queue, pre-show, post-show [here]; definitely not the coaster, "Time Racers" [here] {added}

Wonders of Life

• And things change: The WoL received refurbed roofing and wasn't used as a Festival Center for F&G18. Additionally, Chapek and parks execs were seen casing it and Imagination pavilions. So, normal maintenance or, now, something more?
  • Good chance for an attraction based on a IP. [here] [here] [here] [here]
    • and more [here] and a possibility of a green light [here]
    • and the plan for whatever is going there to open with Guardians in 2021 [here]
    • likely to be multiple IPs for the younger crowd, no any 'real' attractions; will be done within 2-3 years; may start working on it in 2019 [here] (post #2,588) {added}

Land Pavilion

• Circle of Life replaced [likely], still in the works [here]
  • new movie has been approved [here] (post #2,588) {added}

France:

• Beauty and the Beast Sing-along
  • Sharing IdF's theater (not replacing it... maybe alternating times?) [official] [official]
  • will require minimal to virtual no changes to the theater itself [here] {added}

Japan

• new restaurant currently being built (started in Sep 2018), little details, no official announcements [here] {added}

Brazil: a possible new national pavilion, [here]

• Brazil pavilion will cost $450 million with Brazil (i.e. Brazilian interests) picking up $250 million of it [here] [here]
  • possible attached attraction/ride [chance of an attached attraction down to more than likely not than likely]
  • This cost is way too high for just a pavilion, and so, it's likely going to include an E-Ticket [here]
    • or not [here] and [here] {added}

In General / Park Wide

• Gondola Lift!
  • gondola stations will not be inside the security bubble [here] {added}

 

[MisterPenguin]

Epcot

Entrance / Central Spine

• Epcot Update: Epcot is getting a major update that will have several phases that will run from 2017 to 2021+ [official]
  • more like running until 2023-2024
  • spine re-do expected to start in 2019 with construction walls in the spine [here] {added}
    
• concept art
  • First Concept: is blue sky and shouldn't be taken for definite plans, but, it's not drastically different than what's planned. [here] [artist's concept]
  • Second Concept: Is more literal and focused on the new entrance between monorail and Spaceship Earth and the new play area in the Wonders of Life Pavilion. [official] and [here] {added}
• Spine plans still up in the air. One plan keeps all of Communicore/Innoventions (regut), another plan razes half of it [here]
  • the plan that razes half of it (the West side) seems to be the winner [here]
  • there will be new buildings replacing the razed West Communicore/Innoventions [here] {added}
  • the Leave a Legacy monoliths will go away, but the plaques will find a new display outside the entrance area [here] {added}

Future World pavilions:

• Energy - A replacement for Ellen's Energy Adventure will be a Guardian of the Galaxy coaster. [confirmed at D23 2017]
  • Timeline: Opens Spring 2021 [here], before May [here] {added}

Wonders of Life - the fate of the Wonders Pavilion is up in the air: either more Guardians, or something else, or demolished [likely]

• if Guardians, there's a potential Knowhere based proposal [here] [dead]
• Nothing to be done there until 2021 [here] or much longer [here] [dead]
• And things change: The WoL received refurbed roofing and wasn't used as a Festival Center for F&G18. Additionally, Chapek and parks execs were seen casing it and Imagination pavilions. So, normal maintenance or, now, something more?
  • Doctor Strange rumor [here] [dead]
  • No longer talk of being demolished. Not likely to be repurposed in 2018. [here] and [here] [accomplished]
  • Good chance for an attraction based on a IP. [here] [here] [here] [here]
    • and more [here] and a possibility of a green light [here]
    • and the plan for whatever is going there to open with Guardians in 2021 [here]
    • likely to be multiple IPs for the younger crowd, no any 'real' attractions; will be done within 2-3 years; may start working on it in 2019 [here] (post #2,588)
• Official Plan Announced
  • Timeline: starts Fall of 2019, completed in early 2021 to open with GotG Coaster [here] and [here] {added}
  • Found here: [official] A play area (currently unnamed) with multiple interactive activities based on several IPs with M&Gs, including Food & Beverage and digital interaction [here] {added}
  • no E-Ticket attractions (and some attractions are still in flux); a bunch of entertainment. The M&G displaced from razing Communicore/Innoventions West will temporarily go to Imagination Pavilion, and then come here. [here] {added}
  • a breakdown of the concept art [here] {added}

Spaceship Earth -

• Big v. Little Refurb
  • Spaceship Earth's scheduled refurb in 2019 is just a regular refurb. [here] (now changed...)
  • SSE may go down for a 2 year complete refurb, keeping the journey through communications concept but with new tracks and updated modern scenes (the internet is a thing!) [here]
    • the major 2-3 year refurb is happening by the end of 2019 or maybe in 2020 [here] and [here] {added}

The UK: Unknown Ride

• a simple ride coming to UK
• The IP...
  • still Poppins, maybe some hiccups, but should open the beginning of 2021 [here]
  • OR... just a simple ride (whatever type of IP it may be) was recently approved and all previous assumptions are in doubt [here] {added}

DHS

Mickey's and Minnie's Runaway Railway replacing (not overlaying) the Great Movie Ride. Uses Mickey Shorts animation and 2 1/2D effects on an LPS vehicle. [confirmed at D23 2017]

• Timeframe:
  • maybe earlier than "early Fall" but "late Summer" in 2019 [here] {added}

Toy Story Land

• still are plans to 'fine tune' the land (i.e., deal with peeling paint, corroding plastic, lack of shade and seating, etc...) [here] {added}

General

Transportation

• Gondola Lift!
  • Timeline:
    • To open March to October 2019 [here], or, closer to spring 2019 [here]
    • Operational early May 2019. Guests on it within 2-3 months of that timeframe. [here]
    • OR... it really will open on the later Disney timeline of "Fall" rather than the presumed time of completion. [here] {added}

Timeline: multiple updates

 

[Disney Maddux]

Epcot

Entrance / Central Spine

• Epcot Update: Epcot is getting a major update that will have several phases that will run from 2017 to 2021+ [official]
  • more like running until 2023-2024
  • spine re-do expected to start in 2019 with construction walls in the spine [here] {added}
• concept art
  • First Concept: is blue sky and shouldn't be taken for definite plans, but, it's not drastically different than what's planned. [here] [artist's concept]
  • Second Concept: Is more literal and focused on the new entrance between monorail and Spaceship Earth and the new play area in the Wonders of Life Pavilion. [official] and [here] {added}
• Spine plans still up in the air. One plan keeps all of Communicore/Innoventions (regut), another plan razes half of it [here]
  • the plan that razes half of it (the West side) seems to be the winner [here]
  • there will be new buildings replacing the razed West Communicore/Innoventions [here] {added}
  • the Leave a Legacy monoliths will go away, but the plaques will find a new display outside the entrance area [here] {added}

Future World pavilions:

• Energy - A replacement for Ellen's Energy Adventure will be a Guardian of the Galaxy coaster. [confirmed at D23 2017]
  • Timeline: Opens Spring 2021 [here], before May [here] {added}

Wonders of Life - the fate of the Wonders Pavilion is up in the air: either more Guardians, or something else, or demolished [likely]

• if Guardians, there's a potential Knowhere based proposal [here] [dead]
• Nothing to be done there until 2021 [here] or much longer [here] [dead]
• And things change: The WoL received refurbed roofing and wasn't used as a Festival Center for F&G18. Additionally, Chapek and parks execs were seen casing it and Imagination pavilions. So, normal maintenance or, now, something more?
  • Doctor Strange rumor [here] [dead]
  • No longer talk of being demolished. Not likely to be repurposed in 2018. [here] and [here] [accomplished]
  • Good chance for an attraction based on a IP. [here] [here] [here] [here]
    • and more [here] and a possibility of a green light [here]
    • and the plan for whatever is going there to open with Guardians in 2021 [here]
    • likely to be multiple IPs for the younger crowd, no any 'real' attractions; will be done within 2-3 years; may start working on it in 2019 [here] (post #2,588)
• Official Plan Announced
  • Timeline: starts Fall of 2019, completed in early 2021 to open with GotG Coaster [here] and [here] {added}
  • Found here: [official] A play area (currently unnamed) with multiple interactive activities based on several IPs with M&Gs, including Food & Beverage and digital interaction [here] {added}
  • no E-Ticket attractions (and some attractions are still in flux); a bunch of entertainment. The M&G displaced from razing Communicore/Innoventions West will temporarily go to Imagination Pavilion, and then come here. [here] {added}
  • a breakdown of the concept art [here] {added}

Spaceship Earth -

• Big v. Little Refurb
  • Spaceship Earth's scheduled refurb in 2019 is just a regular refurb. [here] (now changed...)
  • SSE may go down for a 2 year complete refurb, keeping the journey through communications concept but with new tracks and updated modern scenes (the internet is a thing!) [here]
    • the major 2-3 year refurb is happening by the end of 2019 or maybe in 2020 [here] and [here] {added}

The UK: Unknown Ride

• a simple ride coming to UK
• The IP...
  • still Poppins, maybe some hiccups, but should open the beginning of 2021 [here]
  • OR... just a simple ride (whatever type of IP it may be) was recently approved and all previous assumptions are in doubt [here] {added}

DHS

Mickey's and Minnie's Runaway Railway replacing (not overlaying) the Great Movie Ride. Uses Mickey Shorts animation and 2 1/2D effects on an LPS vehicle. [confirmed at D23 2017]

• Timeframe:
  • maybe earlier than "early Fall" but "late Summer" in 2019 [here] {added}

Toy Story Land

• still are plans to 'fine tune' the land (i.e., deal with peeling paint, corroding plastic, lack of shade and seating, etc...) [here] {added}

General

Transportation

• Gondola Lift!
  • Timeline:
    • To open March to October 2019 [here], or, closer to spring 2019 [here]
    • Operational early May 2019. Guests on it within 2-3 months of that timeframe. [here]
    • OR... it really will open on the later Disney timeline of "Fall" rather than the presumed time of completion. [here] {added}

Timeline: multiple updates

M&MRR has a good chance of possibly being open by the end of July, correct?

 

[MisterPenguin]

M&MRR has a good chance of possibly being open by the end of July, correct?

I don't have an insider saying that. If you have that link, I'd be happy for it.

 

[Disney Maddux]

I don't have an insider saying that. If you have that link, I'd be happy for it.

I'll do some digging. Cause I'm pretty sure not so long ago it was said a opening at end of July was possible.

 

[seascape]

Themepark Insider believes SW:GE in WDW will open October 1 with possible soft openings in September. Is there any idea here if that will happen?

 

[MisterPenguin]

Themepark Insider believes SW:GE in WDW will open October 1 with possible soft openings in September. Is there any idea here if that will happen?

Our insider has said by mid-November, but TPI is the only 'source' that is nailing a date, especially one that early, AFAIK. You can always inquire over at the SWGE thread and see if an insider will comment on the call.

 

[Johnnydollaz18]

Themepark Insider believes SW:GE in WDW will open October 1 with possible soft openings in September. Is there any idea here if that will happen?

I hope so!

 

[nickys]

I hope so!

The opening date has been announced now! 29th August, albeit with only one ride. Or did you mean for Rise of the Resistance?

 

[MisterPenguin]

Magic Kingdom

The Hub

• The shortcut walkway from the hub to Fantasyland is expanding (toward the moat) [here] and [here] {added}
  • Will take about a month. [here] {added}
  • Will not be adding fountains at this time. [see above and here] {added}

Epcot

Living Seas Pavilion refurb around 2021 [here]

• A recent survey may point to something new at the Seas (that isn't aquarium related) [here]
• Any Seas updates are now backburnered [here] {added}

Disney Hollywood Studios

• Star Wars Lands
  • Timeline:
    • it was officially announced on Feb 7, 2017 that both SWLs will open in 2019
    • Anaheim's SWL is likely to open early 2019 and Orlando's mid to end of the year. [likely]
      • Anaheim's will open first. [confirmed at D23 2017]
        • Anaheim's will open in "the summer"
        • Iger mentioned June. Press previews and blackout dates suggest late June.
      • Orlando's in "late fall." [official]
        • Disney has stopped announcing "Late Fall" is now announcing "Fall 2019"
        • Looking for an October-November window for Orlando. [here]
    • Officially announced that DL's SWL will open May 31, and DHS's SWL will open Aug 29. [official] {added}
      • Everything will be open except... [here] {added}
        • Rise of the Resistance will open at a later time
          • RotR may open at the time originally planned, i.e., Summer/Late Fall, or maybe later. Reports of major problems with RotR is disputed [here] {added}
        • and the TSR (table service restaurant), which is not even being constructed at this time [here] {added}
  • Access
    • DL's SWL is restricting access to only those who have a free reservation (mainly for those staying in a Disney resort hotel) from May 31 to June 23. Starting June 24, there will be a virtual queue to get into the land. Details of getting the reservation or virtual queue spot still to be released. [here] {added}
    • For DHS, it, too, will have a virtual queue (details undetermined). [here] {added}
    • Possibility for a special combo upcharge ticket for the rides, a meal, and the build-your-owns [here] {added}

• Muppet Courtyard
  • Mama Melrose: Status unknown. Stay as is or get a Muppet theme?
  • Muppet Theater exterior and Muppet Square get a refresh [very strong] [accomplished]
  • Muppet Theater might be used in the future as a preview theater [here]
  • Muppet fountain to be restored as a fountain once off stage infrastructure is done. [likely][accomplished]
  • Muppets are staying for a while [here], though, its exterior is more and more being themed to Grand Ave. [here] {added}

Cars at Sunset Theater​

• Lightning McQueen show to take over Sunset Theater flex space, likely to be 'semi-permanent' (in other words, it won't go away in Sept of 2019 with the other 30th anniversary events) [here] {added}
• Includes cars M&G and dance party {added}

General

Transportation

• Gondola Lift!
  • Timeline:
    • To open March to October 2019 [here], or, closer to spring 2019 [here]
    • Operational early May 2019. Guests on it within 2-3 months of that timeframe. [here]
    • OR... it really will open on the later Disney timeline of "Fall" rather than the presumed time of completion. [here]
    • OR... with SWL opening in Aug 27, 2019, it's planned to open before that [here] {added}
• Monorail
  • still going with Bombadier, still in the works [here]
  • How about a Bombadier Innovia 200? [here] {added}

A version of MaxPass (paid FP) coming to WDW? {added}

• In addition to keeping the free FP+ as it is, the more popular/new rides may have some or all of its FP slot allocated to a pay-for system [here] {added}
• timeline: maybe 2019 [here] {added}
• this is not connected with Star Wars Land (for now). SWL's lack of FP at its opening is for efficiency. [here] {added}

 

[MisterPenguin]

DHS

Star Wars Lands

• Timeline:
  • Officially announced that DL's SWL will open May 31, and DHS's SWL will open Aug 29. [official]
    • Everything will be open except... [here]
      • Rise of the Resistance will open at a later time
        • RotR may open at the time originally planned, i.e., Summer/Late Fall, or maybe later. Reports of major problems with RotR is disputed [here]
        • And now, the RotR in both parks may miss their original seasonal announced date, so, DL's Summer may be Fall and DHS's Fall may be Winter. [here] [here] [here] {added}

Mickey's and Minnie's Runaway Railway

• Timeframe:
  • Construction starting August 13, 2017 [construction to start immediately]
    • The contract with TCM was ended early by TWDC [strong]
  • opens 2019, Apr - Sep [here] and [here]
  • just before DHS's Star Wars Land [here]
  • may have soft opening in August 2019 [here]
    • or even possibly July 2019 [here]
  • will open in fall of 2019 [official]
  • Why sooner than later? So it could open with SWL in 2019. [more specifically, fall 2019] [and again]
  • maybe earlier than "early Fall" but "late Summer" in 2019 [here]
  • AND NOW... delayed. Not only will it probably not open before Star Wars Land (the original hope to deal with the crowds) but may miss opening in "the Fall", or not even for 2019, and instead, maybe Jan 2020. [here] [here] [here] [here] {added}

Added a current year calendar. The top post has a link to it. Schedule of Events for 2019 It currently looks like this...

Spring - Winter schedule 2019

Festivals

• Mar 6 - Jun 3 - Flower & Garden (Garden Rocks)
• Aug 29 - Nov 23 - Epcot Food & Wine
  • Eat to the Beat ends Nov 19 in prep for Processional
  • Candlelight Processional begins Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov 28
• Nov 29 - Dec 30 - Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (Holiday Kitchens, Processional, Gospel choir, Chip & Dale hunt, storytellers)
• Epcot Festival of the Arts in early 2020 (everything seems to be returning according to Disney website for 2020, just no dates yet) (Broadway Stars)

In the Parks

• Epcot
  • Mar 6: Coco celebration at the Mexico Pavilion featuring Mariachi Cobre
  • Mar 8: Wonders of Life started renovation for an unnamed play center, to open before May 2021
  • July 9: Coronado Springs new tower, Gran Destino and mid-lake bar opens (545 new rooms)
  • Sep 30 (Mon): Last Day of Illuminations (according to Disney's online calendar)
  • Oct 1: Illuminations: Reflections of Earth replaced with a one-year interim show, Epcot Forever
  • Dec 16: Riviera DVC opens (300 rooms)
  • Odyssey becomes "Experience Center" featuring a model/expo of all the Epcot updates
  • The Land's theater gets a new film: Awesome Planet
  • The new Ratatouille plaza behind France may open by the end of the year for the opening of the Creperie.
  • Space Restaurant opens
  • Japan Restaurant opens
  • Spaceship Earth refurb begins
• Disney Hollywood Studios:
  • Mickey's 90th / DHS's 30th brings in new attractions, some temporary
  • Jan 19 to September 30: Pixar Place transforms to interactive Municiberg [accomplished]
  • Jan 19 to September: M&G with: Mike & Sully (May 25 is the last day with a time according to calendar)
  • Mar 31: Cars Attraction in Sunset Theater
    • M&G with Cruze
    • Lightning McQueen Attraction in Sunset Theater
    • DJ's Ready! Set! Party Time! dance party
  • May 1: New projection show in the hub: Wonderful World of Animation (replacing Disney Movie Magic)
  • May 1: Fancy Nancy joins Disney Jr. crew
  • Mickey's and Minnie's Runaway Railroad opens
  • August 28: SW:GE opens
  • December: Star Tours gets new scene from Ep. 9
  • Mickey's and Minnie's Runaway Railroad opens (was supposed to be before SWL, but there are delays, maybe even to 2020)
  • Late Fall: Rise of the Resistance opens
  • one of these likely to be replaced: Beauty and the Beast Stage Show, or, Indiana Jones Stunt Show [looking unlikely now...]
• Animal Kingdom
  • AK: Mickey's 90th / Lion King's 25th
    • Hakuna Matata Time Dance party until Sept 30
    • Lion King scenery photo ops
    • Lion King projection added to Tree of Life, Late May to Sept 30
    • Lion King tie-ins at the reopened Rafiki's Planet Watch
  • Mar 3: New dance show: Bollywood Beats. Aug 31 (Fri) - Last Day of Bollywood Beats (not announced, but according to Disney's online calendar, which can be out of date)
  • Club 33 to be built somewhere between Pandora, Tiffins, FotLK (or maybe 2020)
  • Planet Watch to reopen refurbished in the Summer with Lion King tie-ins
• WDW: Early May to the Fall... Skyliner (gondola lift) opens
• Disney Springs:
  • March 17: Jaleo and Pepe open
  • Aug 12: NBA Experience to open
    • with City Works Eatery & Pour House as part of it (at some other time)
  • 3rd Parking Garage, Grapefruit

After Hours

• MK
  • Mar 28 - May 30: Thursdays, Regular Version
  • Jun 6 - Aug 8: Thursdays, Villains Version (except July 4 moved to Monday, July 1)
• DHS
  • Mar 30 - Apr 13: Saturdays
  • May 1: DHS 30th Anniversary Party (ticketed), Wednesday
  • May 4: Star Wars Party (ticketed), Saturday
  • May 10 - Jun 28: Fridays (except Jun 7)
• DAK
  • May 6: Monday
  • May 14 - Jun 18: Tuesdays (except May 28)
  • Apr 3: Wednesday

 

[MisterPenguin]

MK

The Hub

• Both the Halloween party fireworks (Hallowishes) and the Christmas fireworks (Holiday Wishes) will be updated in 2019 to HEA level (i.e., projection-mapped images, longer fireworks, new audio). [here] [here] {added}

Epcot

Spine plans still up in the air. One plan keeps all of Communicore/Innoventions (regut), another plan razes half of it [here]

• the plan that razes half of it (the West side) seems to be the winner [here]
• there will be new buildings replacing the razed West Communicore/Innoventions [here]
• the M&Gs will find several new homes [here]
• the Leave a Legacy monoliths will go away, but the plaques will find a new display outside the entrance area [here]
• work to begin early Fall [here]
• on another site, a map was produced showing the placement of venues in the central WS plaza that is re-created [here]. It was deemed mostly correct by this site's insiders. [here] [here] And greenlit. [here] {added}
  • the Electric Umbrella will be no more (replaced by some other Quick Serve) [here] [here] {added}
  • the water trail/feature going toward Nemo's Sea may include Moana [here] {added}

The UK: Unknown Ride

• a simple ride coming to UK
• Timeline:
  • the ride has been greenlit... whatever it is [here]
  • make that possibly opening closer with Ratatouille (fall of 2020) [here]
  • now a beefed up UK ride (probably at the expense of Coco) [here]
  • work should begin in 2019 [here] {added}

• Interim show is back on (code name: Spark) and called Epcot Forever, fall 2019
  • a tribute to Epcot features Epcot tunes, a 'spark of imagination' that grows into fireworks, lights, lasers, & choreographed SFX and kites [official]
  • will include a Holiday Tag during International Festival of the Holidays [here]
  • will debut Oct 1, 2019 [official] {added}
• Permanent replacement in Fall 2020
  • featuring Disney music (IPs) inspiring the whole world, massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed fountains, light, pyro, and lasers.
  • will have last show Sep 30, 2019 [official] {added}

 

[MickeyMouse10]

I gotta give big props to Mister Penguin. You really put in the work for this thread. Mad respect homie.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Magic Kingdom

• Night Time Parade status
  • Still the plan, but not 'greenlit' yet [here] {added}
    • However, 'outside sources' say both "definitely yes" and "definitely no" [here] {added}

The Hub

• Both the Halloween party fireworks (Hallowishes) and the Christmas fireworks (Holiday Wishes) will be updated in 2019 to HEA level (i.e., projection-mapped images, longer fireworks, new audio). [here] [here]
  • It's official, both the Halloween and Christmas fireworks will be updated HEA-style [here] and [here] {added}

Magic Kingdom 50th Anniversary (Oct 1, 2021)

• Castle will get extensive refurbishments [here] and [here] {added}

Epcot

Entrance / Central Spine

• Timeline: was once a 'Phase I' project to start in 2017, but now the Spine update is pushed back in timeline.[Done by Oct 2021] and pushed back even further to 2022-23. [here]
  • 2023 is the new expected completion year [here] {added}

Wonders of Life

• Official Plan Announced
  • a breakdown of the concept art [here]
  • a breakdown of the contents vaguely verified as not inaccurate is listed... here {added}

Odessey

• Will become a new "Experience Center" which will put on display all the changes coming to Epcot [official] {added}

China's 360 Degree Theater will go digital and seamless [confirmed at D23 Expo 2017]. The new film will be live action and projected from a new central ring in the ceiling. [here]

• timeline:
  • and footage is in production. On track for 2020 [here]
  • perhaps to debut during 2020's Festival of the Arts [here] {added}

Canada

• an addition to Canada that was considered is now most likely off the table [likely] [and again]
• O Canada! will get an update (film or projectors or both?) [official]
• perhaps to debut during 2020's Festival of the Arts [here] {added}

France:

• the Ratatouille Ride
  • Timeline: Opens in 2020, 1-2Q. Opens in 2020, Apr - Jun [here]
    • April 2020 is the likely opening [here] {added}

Beauty and the Beast Sing-along​

• perhaps to debut during 2020's Festival of the Arts [here] {added}

Japan

• new restaurant currently being built (started in Sep 2018), little details, no official announcements [here]
• signature restaurant will be called "Takumi-Tei" and will open the Summer of 2019 [here] {added}

Land Pavilion

• Circle of Life replaced [likely], still in the works [here]
  • new movie has been approved [here] (post #2,588)
  • Official: New movie will be called "Awesome Planet" [official] {added}
  • perhaps to debut during 2020's Festival of the Arts [here] {added}

Disney Hollywood Studios

• Star Wars Lands
  • Rise of the Resistance will open at a later time
    • RotR may open at the time originally planned, i.e., Summer/Late Fall, or maybe later. Reports of major problems with RotR is disputed [here]
    • And now, the RotR in both parks may miss their original seasonal announced date, so, DL's Summer may be Fall and DHS's Fall may be Winter. [here] [here] [here]
    • Another source says: Sept for DL, and Dec for WDW [here] {added}
  • a hint that there may be drones or some other type of flying things about [here] {added}

Sunset Blvd

• no current plans disrupt the theming of Sunset Blvd [here]
• but a hint that whatever RnRC remains or become may not wind up on Sunset in a further expansion of the park [here] {added}

Mickey's and Minnie's Runaway Railway

• Timeframe:
  • AND NOW... delayed. Not only will it probably not open before Star Wars Land (the original hope to deal with the crowds) but may miss opening in "the Fall", or not even for 2019, and instead, maybe Jan 2020. [here] [here] [here] [here]
  • OFFICIALLY NOW... Spring of 2020 (oh, BTW, DL is getting one, too, in 2022) [official] {added}
    • more specifically, April [here] {added}

Resorts

Epcot Main Entrance:

• And now, no new hotels in the area of Epcot's entrance [here]
• But, still the desire for one, just not as an "entrance hotel" [here] {may have to scroll down to see the post} {added}

Removals

For everything below, the struck-out text has been removed due to being old data, and, I'm hitting the 4K character limit for a single post!

Illuminations: a major update, or complete replacement of Illuminations [strong]

• timeline:
  • early summer 2019, in 2020 [here],
  • mid 2019 (for now) [here]
  • or even in 2021 because of HEA v.2 [here]
  • expect early 2020 [here]
  • we're back to 2019 or 2020 [here] and [here]
  • originally delayed because Happily Ever After got priority.
  • Hardware is currently being fabricated for the new show. (3/14/18) [here]
  • definitely not in 2018 [here]
  • and back to summer of 2019 [here]
  • and now... pushed back to 2020 [here]
  • and now... the possibility of an interim show
    • until the new 'permanent' Illuminations, there is an 'interim show' to come sooner than later [here] [here] [here] [here]
    • maybe in 2018, or, 2019 [here]
  • Interim show is cancelled. [here] New permanent show is now scheduled to start Oct 1, 2019. I:RoE will have last show the day before [here] and [here]
  • Interim show is back on (code name: Spark) and called Epcot Forever, fall 2019
    • a tribute to Epcot features Epcot tunes, a 'spark of imagination' that grows into fireworks, lights, lasers, & choreographed SFX and kites [official]
    • will include a Holiday Tag during International Festival of the Holidays [here]
    • will debut Oct 1, 2019 [official]
  • Permanent replacement in Fall 2020
    • featuring Disney music (IPs) inspiring the whole world, massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed fountains, light, pyro, and lasers.
    • will have last show Sep 30, 2019 [official]
• It will be like Rivers of Life and Reflections of Earth joined with a secret something else. [is it drones?, probably drones]
  • Well, whadya know? It's drones! [here]
    • drones! [here]
  • and some Tokyo DisneySea harbor show, may or may not have IP [here]
  • Maybe to include movie/Disney IP [here]
    • likely to include movie/Disney IP [here]
  • which is down to two competing concepts [here]
  • Expect this to be a tad more lighthearted. Still breathtaking, but different. [here]

American Adventure

• film to go digital with the unfortunate ending [Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods] being updated [likely]
  • digital update likely in Jan-Feb 2018 refurb [here] [completed]

 

[MisterPenguin]

Magic Kindgom

Adventureland

• Tiki Room: a possible contender of multiple plans is to replace Tiki Room with something else. Multiple sources say such a plan, along with others, exists [strong]
  • no new builds expected [weak], the Tiki Exterior will remain even if the interior changes [weak], it won't be Club 33
  • Moana is front runner to join the birds, possibly [here]
  • @Ronnie Sanford in a post now gone, posted to 'see the Tikis while you can' on June 20, 2019 {added}

Liberty to Frontier

• Country Bears: Maybe new songs [here]
  • Maybe a show update [here] {added}
  • Or maybe going away [here] [here] {added}
    • replaced by a Toy Story (presumably a Woody's Roundup) attraction [here] {added}

Epcot

Future World pavilions:

• Will be called "Infinite Universe" [here] and [here] {added}

Norway(ish)

• Anna and Elsa may be in ravamped outfits this Fall. [here] {added}

New National Pavilions

• Brazil: a possible new national pavilion, [here]
  • Timeline: (2021?) (2022?) in 2022 [here]
    • Ground breaking before Winter 2019 [here] {added}

Hollywood Studios

Sunset Blvd

• no current plans disrupt the theming of Sunset Blvd [here]
• but a hint that whatever RnRC remains or become may not wind up on Sunset in a further expansion of the park [here]
  • RnRC may be rethemed, or just reoriented from Sunset Blvd to be part of a new land(s) that will be behind it taking over currently back stage areas (and maybe Animation Courtyard buildings?) [here] {added}

Toy Story Land

• The M&G Toy Story Characters may have a revamped look [here] [here] [here] {added}

In General

Transportation

• Gondola Lift!
  • Timeline:
    • To open March to October 2019 [here], or, closer to spring 2019 [here]
    • Operational early May 2019. Guests on it within 2-3 months of that timeframe. [here]
    • OR... it really will open on the later Disney timeline of "Fall" rather than the presumed time of completion. [here]
    • OR... with SWL opening in Aug 29. 2019, it's planned to open before that [here]
    • Even though WDW is till saying "Fall 2019", the DCP collegians got notices for Skyliners positions to start in August [here] {added}

 

[cosmicgirl]

Magic Kindgom

Adventureland

• Tiki Room: a possible contender of multiple plans is to replace Tiki Room with something else. Multiple sources say such a plan, along with others, exists [strong]
  • no new builds expected [weak], the Tiki Exterior will remain even if the interior changes [weak], it won't be Club 33
  • Moana is front runner to join the birds, possibly [here]
  • @Ronnie Sanford in a post now gone, posted to 'see the Tikis while you can' on June 20, 2019 {added}

Liberty to Frontier

• Country Bears: Maybe new songs [here]
  • Maybe a show update [here] {added}
  • Or maybe going away [here] [here] {added}
    • replaced by a Toy Story (presumably a Woody's Roundup) attraction [here] {added}

Epcot

Future World pavilions:

• Will be called "Infinite Universe" [here] and [here] {added}

Norway(ish)

• Anna and Elsa may be in ravamped outfits this Fall. [here] {added}

New National Pavilions

• Brazil: a possible new national pavilion, [here]
  • Timeline: (2021?) (2022?) in 2022 [here]
    • Ground breaking before Winter 2019 [here] {added}

Hollywood Studios

Sunset Blvd

• no current plans disrupt the theming of Sunset Blvd [here]
• but a hint that whatever RnRC remains or become may not wind up on Sunset in a further expansion of the park [here]
  • RnRC may be rethemed, or just reoriented from Sunset Blvd to be part of a new land(s) that will be behind it taking over currently back stage areas (and maybe Animation Courtyard buildings?) [here] {added}

Toy Story Land

• The M&G Toy Story Characters may have a revamped look [here] [here] [here] {added}

In General

Transportation

• Gondola Lift!
  • Timeline:
    • To open March to October 2019 [here], or, closer to spring 2019 [here]
    • Operational early May 2019. Guests on it within 2-3 months of that timeframe. [here]
    • OR... it really will open on the later Disney timeline of "Fall" rather than the presumed time of completion. [here]
    • OR... with SWL opening in Aug 27, 2019, it's planned to open before that [here]
    • Even though WDW is till saying "Fall 2019", the DCP collegians got notices for Skyliners positions to start in August [here] {added}

Small typo: SWL opens Aug 29.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Small typo: SWL opens Aug 29.

Fixt. Thanks!

 

[Tank Man]

@MisterPenguin
Do you have any knowledge or some info on the Epcot overhaul that will start shortly and fully finish after the WDW 50th?

 

[nickys]

@MisterPenguin
Do you have any knowledge or some info on the Epcot overhaul that will start shortly and fully finish after the WDW 50th?

If you click on some of the links in the first post of this thread it will take you to details about specific info.

But also, there is a sub-forum devoted to the Epcot development.

Here’s one thread, specifically about the up-coming closures:

News - Character Spot, Innoventions and more to close in September

https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/character-spot/news/02jul2019-character-spot-at-epcot-set-to-close-in-september.htm

forums.wdwmagic.com

Or there’s this about the park entrance:

News - New Park Entrance coming to Epcot

https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/epcot/news/21feb2019-photo---new-design-for-epcots-main-entrance-revealed.htm

forums.wdwmagic.com

But as I say, there is a whole sub-forum to explore. If you come out of this thread, look to the top and you’ll see “Evolving Epcot”. Happy reading!

 

[MisterPenguin]

@MisterPenguin
Do you have any knowledge or some info on the Epcot overhaul that will start shortly and fully finish after the WDW 50th?

There are some updates that haven't been catalogued yet, but the overhaul has already started with the removal of the Leave a Legacy monoliths at the entrance and the gutting of Wonders of Life for the new play area. Insiders everywhere have been pointing to this September as the major launch for the central plaza, backed up by Disney's own announcement of the venues facing the plaza and everything housed in Innoventions West being closed or relocated happening this August and September.

It will take at the least two full years to complete, maybe a year longer.