Rumor WDW Rumor and Timeline Tracker v.2

[MisterPenguin]

This thread is a summary of rumors from our insiders (a from a few outside insiders). Please do not start discussing the content of the rumor (e.g., whether you like it or not). However questions or discussion about the status of the rumors (e.g., is that source reliable?) are fine. For discussions about the rumor, just follow the links to the source and discuss there. Thanks! This thread is an update of the previous rumor tracking thread found here. It was moved here to break up the info into separate posts since the forum software was choking on the one, big post.

Jump to...

Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Disney Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom

In General / Park Wide
Disney Springs
Resorts

Timeline of Rumored and Major Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Schedule of Events for 2019
Video of Google Earth Pro with rumored and expected changes

 

[MisterPenguin]

Magic Kingdom

• Night Time Paradestatus
  • Get a new night time parade back eventually... a slim possibility of a borrowed parade, or, the one meant for the 50th rushed into production for 2017 or 2018
  • Festival of Fantasy didn't turn out to work well at night, so, not used. Though, an iteration of Move It Shake It was moved to early evening.
  • But there will definitely be a new night time parade for the 50th in 2021. [likely] [and now even more likely none until the 50th]
  • Definitely planned for the 50th. Big budget. Some Paint the Night tech and some new tech. [here]
  • The song "Trip a Little Light Fantastic" may make an appearance [here]
  • Still the plan, but not 'greenlit' yet [here]
    • However, 'outside sources' say both "definitely yes" and "definitely no" [here]
• Magic Kingdom 50th Anniversary (Oct 1, 2021)
  • Timeline: May 2021 to the end of 2022. [here]
  • there will be an eventual replacement for "Happily Ever After" (which replaced "Wishes")
    • although... there may be rumblings that since HEA was so well received, they might just update and upgrade it instead of a brand new show. [here]
  • Have something new in each park by the 50th other than the stuff already publicly announced
    • to include all the announced projects (minus Main Street Theater) as of March 2018, plus one more at Epcot (UK ride?), impressive entertainment package at all 4 parks, and a lot of ride refurbs. [here]
  • "50 Things" marketing campaign will take place to list 50 new things added to the parks in celebration of the 50th
    • though, it will mostly be a marketing gimmick [here]
  • Castle will get extensive refurbishments [here] and [here]
  • Festival of Fantasy Parade will likely not be replaced by brand new 50th parade, but only get a float or two for the anniversary [here]
• 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]
    • timeframe: by the end of 2021 [here]
    • @Ronnie Sanford in a post now gone, posted 'to see the Tikis while you can' on June 20, 2019
    • 'Some Other Site' reported confusingly in the same blog post that the Tiki Birds were going away (implying completely gone) and being overlaid. Disney Parks Blog has been publicly disputing This Site's recent rumors by saying that the birds and Tiki room are staying... but also possibly hinting at changes (e.g., adding in Moana as some of our insiders have been saying). [here]
    • but some sort of change is still expected [here]
  • wdwthemeparks on Moana coming to Adventureland
  • Jungle Cruise: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson will star in a Jungle Cruise movie. He posted on instagram that "we'll partner with Disney's brilliant Imagineers to help re-engineer and re-design the #JungleCruise ride in all the Disney theme parks around the world." Orlando Sentinel says Disney says there is no plan to revamp the ride.
  • Treehouse: Maybe even the Swiss Family Treehouse will get some sort of change. [here]
  • Fire Mountain (false) Rumor: A volcano for Adventureland was once on the drawing board a long time ago, the rumor it's back on the table as a possibility has recently been revived.
    • For: Jim Hill (other online sources are quoting Jim Hill)
    • Against: MansionButler84, marni1971, WDW1974
    • So... not likely at all.
• Liberty to Frontier
  • Frontier Land Update: cancelled - was supposed to get an update for the 50th, but Tomorrowland edged it out. [here]
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was hoped to get the special effects ('splosions!) that the DL version had sooner than later, but, now probably later.. in 2020. [here]
  • Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island are potentially on the chopping block [here]
  • Country Bears: Maybe new songs [here]
    • Maybe a show update [here]
    • Or maybe going away [here] [here]
      • replaced by a Toy Story (presumably a Woody's Roundup) attraction [here]
    • Rumors from A Certain Site said CBR was going away completely. Disney Park Blogs publicly dissed that rumor and unequivocally stated the bears are staying [here] (tho, that doesn't preclude overlays like a Christmas show [here]).
• Main Street
  • Trolley Show: From now on three musical sets: 1. The standard set that will go from January to August; 2. Fall set; and, 3. Holiday set. However, costuming and times of transitions will follow Mickey's Royal Faire seasonal endings. [strong]
• Fantasyland
  • Mickey's PhilharMagic to get a content update [here]
  • Still on track, in 2019 or 2020. [here] and [here]
  • Nothing major is coming to FL [here]
• Haunted Mansion restaurant. [one source, likely?]
• Tomorrowland
  • land refresh: while the full plan hasn't been announced, this is definitely happening since it has already started with paint jobs and the seasonal closure of Stitch. However, the plans have not been finalized and there are several contenders, and so, competing ideas keep getting leaked...
    • We've already seen the boulders and Carousel of Progress get a new paint job... so they're staying. And the paint job is a hint of what's to come, as well as the new Joffrey's. And rocks will be getting new lighting, like Space Mountain recently received.
    • Laugh Floor, Buzz, Space Mountain, Astro Orbiter aren't part of the refresh. It'll be the look of the land with just a few attractions touched and TRON added. [here]
    • final theme should be clean lines with blue, white, and purple colors [here]
    • the general look will revert to the 1975 aesthetic [here]
  • Stitch's Great Escape had gone into seasonal mode. It was going to be a Wreck It Ralph ride (like Minions/Simpson in Universal), but that is nixed. Some other IP is going there by mid 2020. [here]
    • Now, it will be a Stitch M&G. But will Stitch 'the ride' still come back seasonally? Unknown. [here]
    • There may be a semi-permanent attraction other than the M&G in there in time for the 50th. [here]
    • An unknown replacement is due to open with the next three years (from 2017) [here]
  • TRON Coasterhas been announced at D23 Expo 2017
    • Expected to be completed Spring 2021 [here]
    • Expected to be completed Early Summer 2021 [here]
    • Tron is going behind the Speedway and not replacing it. [Here.] [Map.]
    • Artist rendering show Speedway staying and train going through TRON, however, that shouldn't be taken as exact. Speedway gets a new theme and train's path will be accounted for. [here] [artist rendering here]
    • Tron will get a small exit shop. [here]
    • internet rumors that TRON will lose it's covering thanks to accountant bean-counting probably aren't true. [here and here and here]
    • Most importantly, it seems the TL to Circus path will remain and be widened! [here]
  • Speedway is getting an overhaul. [Here.]
    • Electric cars? [Possible.]
      • Still a plan. [here]
    • Not likely to be Sugar Rush from Wreck-it Ralph. [Here.]
    • Maybe a Tron theme for Speedway by 2021? [Here] and [Here] and [Here]
    • in the artwork for Tron, the Speedway still exists -- this is a sign it isn't being removed as some sites have rumored [but the artist's rendering of Tron doesn't show what the overhauled Speedway will look like, there's separate unreleased art for that.]
    • still a plan to overlay the Speedway (with, most likely TRON) [here]
  • Space Mountain
    • As part of the TRON Coaster and Speedway work, Tomorrowland Power and Light (SM Gift Shop) will get a minor overhaul [here]
  • Carousel of Progress is getting a refurb, most likely updating final scene and reskinning the AAs [likely]
  • TTA: Peoplemover: scattered IP should be showing up [here]
  • Miscellaneous:
    • Insiders hint that there are several other significant changes coming, but won't say what so as to protect their sources.
    • There will be 2-3 new rides [likely]
  • Christmas
    • Added in 2019: New fireworks show with updated projection mapping hosted by Minnie Mouse; new show at Monsters, Inc; trippy lights added to Space Mountain, Christmas lights added to Speedway, Christmas lights and songs added to Teacups [here]
  • A name change for Tomorrowland? Discovery Land?
    • Not likely.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Epcot

• 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]
  • scope is more than $2 billion over more than 3 years [here]
  • There is a push to include more IPs (Intellectual Properties) into Epcot [very strong]
  • Epcot is likely to get a 'new name'... but not much different... probably going with all caps and maybe some sort of prefix or suffix, e.g., Disney EPCOT, or EPCOT Center
• 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]
  • 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]
  • Spine plans
    • 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]
      • the Electric Umbrella will be no more (replaced by some other Quick Serve) [here] [here]
      • the water trail/feature going toward Nemo's Sea may include Moana [here]
• 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]
    • Story based on Peter Quill having visited Epcot when he was a child
    • The current main building will be a fully themed queue. A ride building will be built behind it with a connecting corridor, pre-preparation (water management) back stage is starting soon.
    • the UoE building will be converted into multiple pre-shows, queues, and the load/unload [here] [and here]
    • closure of Ellen's confirmed to be August 13, 2017
    • it will be a launched coaster [here]
      • Vekoma train, good amount of rows, launches, no inversions [here]
      • like TRON / Crush's Coaster with a launch [here]
      • maybe like this [here]
    • Permit filings label construction as "Project S". [here]
      • Revealed as Sausalito [here]
    • Food & Beverage associated with GotG is a possibility [here]
    • Will be called "Infinite Universe" [here] and [here]
      • Actually, will be called Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind [here]
  • Imagination- something with Imagination... maybe...
    • Timeline:
      • if so, it's 5-6 years away (2022-3). [and again]
      • And further... 2025 (if at all) [here] and [here]
    • It's long range budget is less than Energy's [here]
    • Also as an option is no more Figment [far off possibility]
    • And another confirmation Figment might come back as a possibility [here], but might not... still several options on the table [here]
  • New Space Restaurant (restaurant in Earth orbit) between Space and Test Track pavilions [map] [will be attached to Space building, but separate entrance]
    • Timeline: Space Restaurant to open in 2019 [here]
      • delayed to "this Winter" (anywhere from Dec 2019 - Mar 2020) [here]
    • help-wanted ad [here] confirms:
      • space elevator simulator entrance
      • Name: Space 220 (220 miles is height of the International Space Station)
      • 300 seats
    • Cryptic: Entrance to Space Restaurant will be... fabulous. [here]
      • likely a space elevator simulator [here]...
    • Large table service for close to 300 guests, a show, and other surprises [here]
    • A 250 ft curved projection window along the south and southwestern interior wall [here]
    • 16-seater bar, 188 seats upper tier (104 west / 84 east) and 188 seats lower tier [here]
    • could have some good ol' Disney IP showing up somehow [here]
  • Land Pavilion
    • Living with the Land refurb [likely]
      • now, not so likely [here]
      • but still planned [here]
    • dining: additionally, a dining refresh [here]
    • Awesome Planet movie debuting Jan 17, 2020 [here]
  • 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]
  • Spaceship Earth-
    • Siemens Sponsorship
      • Siemens is ending sponsorship of Spaceship Earth and Illuminations. Confirmed by a Seimens' press release. Discussion of what that may mean here. [accomplished]
      • FALSE RUMOR: "Siemens lost their sponsorship of Spaceship Earth when they offered to provide a new fleet of monorails as long as the monorails had 'sponsored by Siemens' on them." Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope.
      • Siemens didn't have strong reasons to sponsor, and sponsorship of the fireworks show being removed from them helped push them away. [here]
    • 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]
        • Spaceship Earth could see a new ride system, but way in the future [here], including a coaster though the less likely option [and here]
        • 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]
      • but, that's not 'project Gamma' (which could be one of the proposed spine revamps). [here] and [here]
  • Coke's Club Cool gets a makeover [here]
  • Wonders of Life
    • 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]
    • Official Plan Announced
      • Timeline: starts Fall of 2019, completed in early 2021 to open with GotG Coaster [here] and [here]
      • 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]
      • 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]
      • a breakdown of the concept art [here]
      • a breakdown of the contents vaguely verified as not inaccurate is listed... here
• World Showcase
  • Agent P game might be replaced by a Ducktales version [here] ... and still in the works [here]
    • Disney announced that DuckTales will indeed replace Agent P, no timeline [here]
  • France:
    • the Ratatouille Rideas it exists in Paris has beat out the Beauty and the Beast ride as the new attraction for the French Pavilion. This is Greenlit. Its installation has been pushed sooner because GotG was pushed later. [confirmed at D23 2017]
      • Timeline: Opens in 2020, 1-2Q. Opens in 2020, Apr - Jun [here]
        • April 2020 is the likely opening [here]
        • Sign outside construction says "Summer 2020"
        • or, May-ish [here]
      • Some info on the original ride that might affect the new clone.
      • ground clearing began 9/20/17
      • will be called "Remy's Ratatouille Adventure" [official]
    • Impressions de France: the placement of the Rat ride would not necessitate any changes to IdF or any of France's restaurants or shops, however, that doesn't mean a separate decision could affect them, e.g, updated the IdF [here]
      • in fact, a "new" film is penciled in for 2020 [here]... now, 2022 [here]
        • IdF's projection system was just updated Spring of 2018 (no new film yet)
        • will be seamless [here]
      • there is no demolition or connection through any of the existing France pavilion buildings... access is around the pavilion, not through it [here]
    • 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]
      • perhaps to debut during 2020's Festival of the Arts [here]
        • will indeed debut during Arts on Jan 17, 2020 [here]
  • New National Pavilions
    • Brazil: a possible new national pavilion, [here]
      • Timeline: (2021?) (2022?) in 2022 [here]
        • Ground breaking before Winter 2019 [here]
      • Brazil's paperwork is being finalized [here]
      • original artist's concept of Brazil when first floated long ago... new renderings in the works. [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]
    • after Brazil, Spain is the next contender (a long shot) for a pavilion. [weak]
      • and Spain's off the table it seems [here]
    • or maybe three new pavilions by 2025 [long term plans always iffy]
      • and maybe India is one of them [here]
  • The UK: Unknown Ride
    • now known to be a Mary Poppins "attraction", but not whether it's a ride. [here]
    • Timeline: unknown
  • The U.K., Other: a Pooh M&G is coming to Christopher Robin's room [here]
  • Mexico: maybe Coco (the new movie) will be overlaid unto the Gran Fiesta ride in Mexico [strong, mid 2020] [Gran Fiesta closing around late 2019] [overlaid like Gran Fiesta was overlaid] [cryptic: and maybe a Coco overlay to the interior of the pavilion?
    
    • timeline:
      • expect Coco overlay to happen regardless of how the movie's box office goes [here]
      • now up in the air due to the overlay becoming less definite and more iffy [here] [and here]
      • project not dead, but drive to make it happen is diminished [here]
      • And Coco overlay is off the table again [here]
        • still off the table, but, maybe a nod [here]
    • budget of $75 million [here]
    • another confirmation of the $75 million budget [here] but, might be old info and the overlay is still not happening [here]
    • Coco has been designed for Mexico (and a copy for DL), but got cut of the current EPCOT refurb. May still happen, but years away. [here]
    • to promote Coco, an El Día de los Mariachi band will be in the Mexico pavilion area singing songs and telling stories [here] [accomplished]
  • 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:
      • end of 2019, beginning of 2020 [here]
      • if this isn't cut, expected in 2020. New camera rig should be built. Now, they have to shoot footage. [here]
      • and footage is in production. On track for 2020 [here]
      • perhaps to debut during 2020's Festival of the Arts [here]
        • but it seems it won't since it wasn't announced with other new Epcot films [here]
    • to go digital [weak], still undecided [here] [official confirmed to happen]
    • could have some Disney IP showing up here, esp, in new 360 movie [here]
  • 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]
    • will be seamless [here]
    • perhaps to debut during 2020's Festival of the Arts [here]
      • confirmed for Jan 17, 2020 [here]
    • O Canada! pavilion to close Aug 1 for upgrades. Will be used for Food & Wine until it reopens with new film. [here]
  • American Adventure
    • Maybe an overhaul of Liberty Inn [here]
      • Will indeed be turned into BBQ casual TSR and QS, called Regal Eagle Smokehouse [here]
  • Norway(ish)
    • Anna and Elsa may be in ravamped outfits this Fall. [here]
      • indeed, they are in their Frozen 2 outfits [here]
  • Festivals:
    • There is an idea for a summer event... [here]
    • in 2018, Arts Festival went daily. In 2019 musical shows (Broadway for Arts, Garden Rocks for Garden) will also run daily. [here]
  • Illuminations:a major update, or complete replacement of Illuminations [strong]
    • timeline:
      • 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]
        • rumored by Another Site to only go to May 2020. [here]
      • Permanent replacementin 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]
    • Cleared land next to Germany pavilion and fireworks canal toward 'Africa' is for prepping for the new fireworks shows and not for a new national pavilion [here]
    • Name:
      • The new show will be called IllumiNations [plus something else] [here]
      • To be called "Windows on the World" [here]
      • Illuminations: Windows on the World sponsored by Intel [here]
        • To be called: HarmoniUS, in 2020, but no date yet [here]

 

[MisterPenguin]

Disney Hollywood Studios

• Tower of Terror will not get the Guardians of the Galaxyoverlay that the one in Anaheim is getting [confirmed by Bob Chapek]
  • Reaffirmed: ToT will remain untouched by GotG [here]
• Mickey's and Minnie's Runaway Railwayreplacing (not overlaying) the Great Movie Ride. Uses Mickey Shorts animation and 2 1/2D effects on an LPS vehicle. [confirmed at D23 2017]
  • 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]
    • OFFICIALLY NOW... Spring of 2020 (oh, BTW, DL is getting one, too, in 2022) [official]
      • more specifically, April [here]
    • DATE ANNOUNCED: March 4, 2020 [here]
  • Projections will be on physical sets, not all flat screens [here]
  • About 85% physical sets; no multiple tracks, but, not exactly on the same route. [here]
  • There may even be animatronics [here] and [here]
    • But not the high-end AAs [here]
  • Will be rectangular LPS vehicles, four for guests and a fifth for something else {likely a train engine} [here]
  • Will be about 7-8 minutes long [here]
    • Maybe more like 5-6 minutes long [here] and [here]
  • There will be separate preshow rooms inside of what used to be the preshow theatre. [here]
  • wdwthemparks on the Mickey Ride
  • a hint that there may be drones or some other type of flying things about [here]
• Star Tours
  • Star Tours will get a scene from Ep. 8, planet of Crait [official] [accomplished]
  • Star Tours will get a scene from Ep. 9 in 2019 and still be around for a year or two after that [strong]
    • Still going to get updated scenes [here]
  • Star Tours eventually reconfigured for some other IP after SWL opens [here]
  • Being considered: having ST exit into SWGEB with a long corridor. Current show has the 'tour' ending in Batuu. Sometime in the future, split ST so that half ends in Batuu and half show the old scenes. [here] [here] [here]
    • And now, not likely to happen [here] [confirmed, isn't happening]
• Echo Lake area is safe for now. [likely]
• Drive-in and Commissary safe for now [likely]
• 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]
• Shows:
  • Fantasmic!
    • An update is constantly talked about internally, but is just at the 'possible' stage.
    • A potential replacement for Fantasmic has been killed, but that doesn't mean some other thing couldn't replace it [here]
    • A "daytime Fantasmic" idea was being kicked around, but not so much anymore
    • Fantasmic is due for some change [here] or not [here]
  • Night-time spectaculars should have major changes within three years from now [here], especially SWAGs [here]
  • Indy is safe for now. [likely]
  • Mermaid, Beauty... are all long running shows and plans were made for replacements but then delayed. Will they ever be updated with, e.g., the Aladdin show that was in Anaheim or the Tangled show that's on the cruise ships?
    • Both are due for some change [here] and [here]
    • But changing them, which was definitely on the table and one supposed to happen this year, but unknown why there doesn't seem to be any movement on this [here]
  • The Theater of the Stars where Beauty and the Best plays is also talked about as being changed: demo'd for something new or possibly enclosed [and here] and probably enclosed again [here]
  • Little Mermaid could be replaced when TSL opens in 2018. Launch Bay changed in 2019 or even sooner. Disney Jr. is safe. [likely]
  • Of these four: Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast Stage Show, Fantasmic, and Indiana Jones Stunt Show; expect 1 to be changed in 2018, another by 2019, and the other 2 refreshed by 2021. Also expect a new show in a new-ish location. [here]
  • 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]
    • Includes cars M&G and dance party
• The rumored "Phase 3"is not going to be another land, but instead, updates like the Mickey ride; however, there once was talk of "2 new areas" in the planning stages which are now off the table
  • No other big stuff for five or six years [here]
  • Is Monstropolis / Pixar Land Coming to DHS? [not very likely] [and still no]
  • Animation Courtyard is next after SWL for a re-do. [here] and [here]
  • Still some undetermined plans for DHS after SWL opens [here]
• New Name: Hollywood Studios is still getting an unknown name change, but that seems to be held off until the new Lands are completed. What an adventure!
  • Name change may coincide with SWL and MMRR openings. [here]
  • Name change not happening -- official [here]
• wdwthemeparks on DHS

 

[MisterPenguin]

Animal Kingdom

• Pandora:
  • An extra attraction and a full sit-down restaurant a possible addition [here] [updated].
    • It does exist, but unlikely to be enacted [here]
    • Or, it's still in the cards [here]
  • a good portion of the interactive at-night lighting effects did not turn out as planned. [here]
• Northern Project: Some long term proposal to make use of the land north of Kali and south of Conservation Station. [here]
  • Something within a decade [here]
  • a 'northern project' sometime mid next decade [here]
  • long-term goal to get to the Conservation Station on foot [here]
• Dinoland USA Changes
  • See next post under "Great Park Fight" for the latest on where Indy might go (not DAK) or the Shanghai PotC tech (nowhere for now). What's there supersedes this section.
  • This is all blue-sky at the moment [here]
  • Keeping Dinosaur Theme
    • whatever will replace Dinorama has a theme that befits Dinoland [here]
    • only thing planned is replacing Dinorama with a coaster [here]
  • Adding Indiana Jones and Getting Rid of Dinosaurs
    • Indiana Jones may be coming to AK, especially Dinoland, which would replace Dinosaur them [here]
      • a plan that is still very much on the table [here]
    • The Indy proposal wouldn't happen until after 2023, if at all, an Indy may yet go to some other place/park [here]
    • Or... it could be done by 2021 [here]
    • a full re-do of the land [here] and
      • Dinosaur rethemed to Indiana Jones, but not 100% same as the one in Disneyland
        • Indiana Jones ride in DL and Tokyo are the same ride with different settings, so, a new one for AK could be tweaked to fit in [here]
        • new(er) SFX for an Indy conversion [here]
      • Primeval Whirl and Triceratops Spin replaced by an E Ticket, potentially water ride
      • light retheming of dig site
      • potential 3rd attraction
        • maybe a coaster? [here]
        • is it the abandoned proposal "Excavator Coaster"? [thread here]
          • could be, but not necessarily [here]
          • but sounds like it [here] [here]
        • maybe this mini-Indy Land is meant for DHS? [here]
  • Getting Rid of Dinosaur Theme
    • Dinoland will be a thing of the past [here] [here]
  • Primeval Whirl may be gone in a year or two [here]
• A new non-Gondola and non-bus way to link AKL with AK in in the works (years away)
  • Could also link in Disney Springs and elsewhere [here] [here]
• Some unspecified AK changes expected before 2021 [here]
• Flights of Wonder: Might be having its last show Dec 31, 2017 according to cast members [here] and cryptically confirmed by an insider [here]
  • Confirmed that it will go into refurb to become a new bird show featuring Up characters. [here]
  • New show opened in April 2018 - - UP! A Great Bird Adventure
    • Show was revised due to poor reception
    • Show will be revised again on Nov 8 2018 for Diwali celebration [here]
    • Show will be revised again because of poor reviews [here] and [here]
• Rivers of Light
  • An update to Rivers of Light seems probable. [likely]
  • It's doing... OK... not likely to be scrapped soon.
    • Still doing OK enough to likely be kept for awhile [here]
  • No major changes expected until after 2021 [here]
  • Minor fiddling with RoL turning it into RoL: We Are One which added IP sections [here]
    • Expect another reworking in the near-ish future. [here]
  • Shaman performers cut from RoL as a budget savings measure (among several others) [here]
• Is Zootopiacoming to DAK?
  • No. [here]

 

[MisterPenguin]

In General / Park Wide

• A Fifth Gate?
  • No. Not one trusted insider has indicated this is anywhere in the works. No.
• The Great Capex Recession
  • It seems that some of the projects announced and unannounced are being cut or scaled back due to reduction in allotted capex (capital expenditure budget). [here]
    • The D23-announced Main Street Theater looks to be definitely cut (or put off to some indefinite future
• The Great Park Fight: Indy/Dinosaurs/Shanghai PotC tech/DAK/DHS/Epcot
  • parks are vying (with the exception of MK) for ride systems (e.g., Shanghai Pirates or FoP Theater) and maybe over an IP (e.g., Indy) [here]
  • Indy for a big DAK version [Dino to Indy; Restarauntosaurus to Adventurer theme, wooden coaster in place of Dinoland, and a non-Indy boat ride replaces Nemo theater all in a Central/South America section of the park] or a cheaper DHS version (which isn't a coaster, but is an E-Ticket [boat ride, likely with Shanghai PotC mechanics] with store & restaurant) [here] and [here] and [here] and [here] and [here] and [here]
    • the boat ride IP replacing Nemo is one that isn't used in the parks yet [here]
    • contrary: there is no battle over a single IP (such as Indy), it's over mechanical systems [here] or, indeed there is 2 parks vying for one IP and 3 parks vying for a ride system [here]
  • the E-Ticket that may come to DHS wouldn't be in time for SWL's opening [here] and is likely, if it is greenlighted, to be the boat ride [here] and [here] and [here]
    • contrary: more Indy isn't greenlit for DHS (but may be later??) [here]
  • The Flight of Passage mechanics is in the mix for cloning at some time in the future [here] and [here]
    • but seemingly later rather than sooner [here]
    • And now... only a slight chance for Anaheim and no clones in WDW [here]
  • And now... the whole project may be scaled back (the The Great Capex Recession above). [here] and [here]
  • And now... the latest proposal is for Indy and Dinosaurs to co-exist! Indy with a Dino theme (e.g., Lost Word type of thing) would take over DINOSAUR and DinoRama would be an updated Excavator coasters. This means no South America Land for this area. [here] and [here]
    • A reskinned Shanghai PotC type of attraction is still up in the air, between DHS and Epcot for some IP other than Indy. [here] and [here] and [here]
    • Not likely to happen until after 2019 [here]
    • more like in 2021 [here]
    • the Shanghai PotC clone can wind up in Epcot or DHS or DAK and can have one of three possible IP overlays [here] and [here]
    • any "Excavator" coaster will not be the one planned in the mid-90s, just in name only [here]
  • And now... Dinoland gets updates without Indy added in. Indy possibly going to DHS [here] and [here]
    • Indy now definitely not coming to DAK [here]
  • Signs keep pointing more and more to Indy coming to DHS, maybe even as a mini-land which includes replacing the stunt show [here]
  • And Shanghai's PotC ride system is off the table for Orlando [here]
• Club 33 coming to WDW parks
  • Club 33 in DAK won't be taking over an existing space, but will be a new build. [here]
  • Called Harambe House, will be in Harambe section of DAK, somewhere between Sat'uli Canteen and Festival of the Lion King [here] and [here] and [here]
• More S.E.A. (Society for Explorers and Adventurers) backstory to be added to new attractions. New rides/venues should be coming that incorporate the S.E.A. story more
  • a recent example: Miss Adventure Falls family raft flume that opened in spring of 2017
• A version of MaxPass (paid FP) coming to WDW?
  • 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]
  • timeline: maybe 2019 [here]
  • this is not connected with Star Wars Land (for now). SWL's lack of FP at its opening is for efficiency. [here]
• Transportation
  • Some Type of Transportation Other Than Gondolas!
    • hints of new mass transit that is not bus, not gondola lift, not monorail, not rail; but whatever it is, it's years away [likely]
    • maybe dedicated roadways (no cars, flyways over hiways), maybe with rail or some type of tracked system (maybe AI controlled?) [here]
  • AI driven buses, vans, cars?.... <silence>
    • And driverless it most likely is.
      • And driverless transports pushed back a bit waiting for better tech [here]
    • "Disney Uber" is coming. Called Minnie Vans. [confirmed at D23 2017] Now in operation.
  • Monorail
    • Now that the automation has been completed, expect upgrades to the vehicles [strong] which includes being flush to the loading platform for easier load of vehicles [strong]
    • Bob Gurr and Bombardier
      • Legendary and retired Imagineer, Bob Gurr, let loose that WDW was in the process of contracting with Bombardier for new monorail trains (thanks, in part, to several recent non-lethal but-could-have-been mishaps). Not a done deal... yet.
      • Option: Extending the stations to accommodate longer trains. [here]
    • still going with Bombadier, still in the works [here]
    • How about a Bombadier Innovia 200? [here]
    • if still happening, still a few years away and will be incremental changes [here]
    • Silver monorail was just refurbished, which is a sign that WDW isn't getting new monorails soon and in time for the 50th. So, they're getting refurbed in the meantime. [here] [here] [here]
• Disney live entertainment restructured for more local control.
• Cryptic clue: Maybe there will be something built immediately behind World Showcase (American, Japan, France), or, the gondola system is set up for expansion, or, something... [here]
• Almost everything that will open in time for MK's 50th (Oct 2021) has been officially announced. [here]
• How WDW determines how late they'll be open to [here]
• What does a SVP-Commercial Strategy and Chief Revenue Officer do? [here]
• Joe Rohde and the mystery of Bali [here]
• Other than minor things at DHS (e.g., incorporating songs from the Frozen short into the sing-along), no more Frozen additions expected in WDW. [here]
• While "more Disney" is a company goal leading to incorporating established Disney IPs from movies into the parks, there still is the possibility of "non-IP" attractions being added. [here]
• GotG coming to the Energy pavilion will be the only Marvel integration in WDW... that's the plan... for now. [here]

 

[MisterPenguin]

Disney Springs

• DisneyQuest is finally closing down on July 3, 2017 to be replaced with the NBA Experience. This will entail a complete demolition of DQ. [official] Done
  • NBA Experience opened Aug 12, 2019 [here]
  • City Works Eatery & Pour House: A section of the NBA Experience will be taken over by this venue. To open Summer of 2019. [here]
    • Pour House delayed, probably open in Feb 2020 [here]
• Cirque
  • La Nouba the Cirque show at the Cirque 'tent' is ending at the end of 2017. A new Cirque show will take its place requiring the theater to go dark during its refurbishment and renovation. [official]
    • During this time, a big top tent may go up behind the Cirque theater for a temporary Cirque show. [here] [Didn't happen]
    • Then when done, a 4th garage go up in that site. [weak]
    • Cirque has just bought Blue Man Group and may be looking to open another Cirque show in Orlando, maybe in Universal, maybe a Cirque-themed resort. A Universal show may feature Universal/DreamWorks IPs like the Disney Springs one may feature Disney IPs. [here]
  • The new Cirque show will open in March 2020 [here]
  • will be called "Drawn to Life" and will be based on Disney animation, opening Apr 17, 2020 [here]
• Marketplace Makeover: Beginning fall 2017 or early 2018, Marketplace shops will be refurbed to bring them up to DS level (like Planet Hollywood and Fulton Crab House had to upgrade). [weak]
  • Or maybe not so weak. [here] In approval stages [here]

 

[MisterPenguin]

Resorts

• Designation of Value, Moderate, and Deluxe being done away with. Rooms priced as the market will bear. Multiple criteria will be considered in pricing: closeness to a park, size of room, theming, amenities, etc.... Computer searching for price range replaces cost tiers.
• In progress:
  • A Star Wars theme hotel with a two-night interactive component [strong, corroborated by official survey about such a resort] [confirmed at D23 2017]
    • Timeline:
      • Why sooner than later? So it could open with SWL in 2019. [more specifically, fall 2019] [and again]
      • it may even open at the same time with the Land! [here]
        • and probably won't be able to in time [here]
      • Announced to open in 2021 [here]
    • live, interactive, in-character CMs will likely be new characters and not known (e.g., no Han Solo). [here]
    • early and rough guesses at cost: here.
    • will likely have a direct external entrance into SWL [here]
    • will have a themed shuttle from resort to back stage entrance to SWL through a covered bus terminal [here]
    • will have all the features of a first-class hotel: dining ("high-end dining"! [official]), recreation, accommodations, all authentic to the Star Wars universe (though, permits showed no pool) [official] [here]
    • Likely Site is Project H in this permit [here]
      • Project H***** is the SW Resort [here]
      • And it stands for "Hubble" [here] and [here]
• Area south of the CBR gondola station is a prime location for a new resort [here]
• Epcot Main Entrance: Brand new resort complexes in the area of Epcot entrance (not Crescent Lake), four in the running [at least two somewhat likely]
  • Exploratory borings for a new Epcot retention pond seems likely to indicate new building in the area [here]
  • Perhaps even a park entrance resort like MiraCosta at DisneySea [here]
  • Expect one resort by 2021 or two resorts to be done by 2023 [here]
  • Narrowed down to three locations [here]
    • the inside the park option has been dropped; the three remaining are: Park Entrance; on the current bus site; west of the bus site. [here]
    • and the central one is the less likely one [here]
  • Any new resort in this area has become unlikely [here]
  • 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}
• Swolphin tower on Fantasia Gardens tennis court with cabanas turned into more parking (but the miniature golf being more or less left alone) [see here and following]
  • it will be some brand of Marriott, a rumor of a Kessler Collection Tower is being denied by a Kessler spokesperson [here]
  • project moving forward, info [here]
  • To be called "The Cove" and to open in 2020 [here]
• Maybe 6 new boutique hotels 2018-2031 [here]
• Maybe a super-deluxe [here]
• Another tower for Contemporary [weak]
• Maybe the empty resort pad on Seven Seas Lagoon that was once going to be the Venetian will be developed after all [here]
• Wilderness Area
  • a land use permit shows a "Project 89" (1889?) on Bay Lake over the old water park in between Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness. [here]
  • now named "Reflections - A Disney Lakeside Lodge", [official] with 900 rooms and DVC villas [official] in 2022
    • good chance to be DVC
    • Mickey's BBQ will end Dec 31, 2018 [confirmed] [here]
    • rumor that Hoop Dee Doo is also closing was reported by mistake and then retracted, BUT.... it may be in danger [here]
• Polynesian may be getting a major update [here]

 

[MisterPenguin]

Timeline

2017

• EP: August: Mission Space update [accomplished]
• EP: August: Universe of Energy closes for GotG ride [accomplished]
• EP: Sum of All Thrills Reopens (?) Nope, and it won't. [accomplished]
• EP: Coco appearance in Mexico's pyramid (not the ride yet), perhaps Los Muertos mariachis [accomplished]
• HS: August: TGMR closes for Mickey's and Minnie's Runaway Railroad [accomplished]
• HS: December: Star Tours gets new scene from Ep. 8 [accomplished]
• MK: will Hall of Presidents ever reopen? [accomplished]
• MK: Aug 28 - Nov 16: Splash Mountain refurb (back of stage infrastructure stuff) [accomplished]
• DS: December: La Nouba closes / Edison opens? [accomplished]

2018

• MK: Dec 1 - Move It Shake It dance/parade ends (new Mickey dance/parade starts following Jan) [accomplished]
• MK: Added to Halloween nights: Live actors in PotC for Gunpowder Pete plot; lights overlay for Teacups; Space Mountain overlay (turning off the lights) [accomplished]
• MK: Stitch's Great Escape stopped going into seasonal mode, is fully dismantled, and houses as Stitch M&G. [accomplished]
• MK: Artist's Point converted to character dining, Storybook Dining [accomplished]
• MK: Pirate Tutorial streetmosphere replaced by a Captain Jack M&G [accomplished]
• EP: January: American Adventure film to go digital [accomplished]
• EP: Arts Festival goes daily [accomplished]
• EP: Mexico: Display (not the ride) changed to an interactive Coco Día de los Muertos display [accomplished]
• EP: American Adventure got updated film and digital projector [accomplished]
• EP: Norway: Stave Church display changed to Norse gods display [accomplished]
• HS: June 30: Toy Story Land opens [accomplished]
• HS: Little Mermaid show replaced... maybe [nope]
• HS: TSL gets Holiday overlay: Dash jingle and lights; Saucers songs; decorations [accomplished]
• HS: Lasers added to Sunset Holidays [accomplished]
• HS: New Disney Jr. show (Dec 22)
• EP: Impressions de France projector updated [accomplished]
• EP: Holidays begin earlier, Candlelight procession starts before Thanksgiving [accomplished]
• AK: UP! A Great Bird Adventure [accomplished]
  • show revised due to guest dissatisfaction [accomplished]
  • Diwali element added to the holidays [accomplished]
• AK: Pandora Utility Suit walker streetmosphere added [accomplished]
• DS: Openings: The Edison; Maria & Enzo's; Enzo's Hideaway; Wine Bar George; Pizze Ponte; Terralina Crafted Italian; Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill [accomplished]
• DS: Christmas Tree Trail expanded, a few extra holiday touches [accomplished]
• DS: World of Disney store refurbished [accomplished]
• ESPN: New multi-use complex opens [accomplished]
• MISC: Club 33 opens in DHS, Epcot, and MK. [accomplished]
• MISC: Play Disney Park debuted [accomplished]

??

• DHS: the new Star Wars Resort / Experience
• DHS: the table service restaurant
• MK: New monorail

2019

• Magic Kingdom:
  • Jan 18 - Sep 30... Mickey's 90th celebration (Mickey & Minnie's Surprise Celebration) with temporary pop up entertainment events [accomplished]
  • Jan 18... Mickey's new dance/parade Mouskedance It (no end date) [accomplished]
  • new content for PhilharMagic (or, in 2020)
  • Stitch continues to be empty awaiting for a decision for a replacement
  • Pathway shortcut from hub to Fantasyland is widened [accomplished]
  • Both the Halloween and Christmas fireworks shows get updates a la HEA [accomplished]
• Epcot
  • Spine refresh: construction and construction walls to begin this year
  • Space Restaurant opens, late 2019 or early 2020
  • Spaceship Earth gets major 2-3 year refurb, begins late 2019 or early 2020
  • the concerts (Broadway & Rock) for both the Arts and Garden Festivals will run several times daily, and not just on weekends [accomplished]
  • late in year: Gran Fiesta closes for a Coco overhaul [cancelled]
  • Mar 6: Coco celebration at the Mexico Pavilion featuring Mariachi Cobre [accomplished]
  • July 9: Coronado Springs new tower, Gran Destino and mid-lake bar opens (545 new rooms) [accomplished]
  • Oct 1: Illuminations: Reflections of Earth replaced with a one-year interim show, Epcot Forever
  • Dec 16: Riviera DVC opens (300 rooms)
  • Wonders of Life started renovation on Mar 8 for an unnamed play center, to open before May 2021 [accomplished]
  • Odyssey becomes "Experience Center" featuring a model/expo of all the Epcot updates
  • The new Ratatouille plaza behind France may open by the end of the year for the opening of the Creperie.
• Disney Hollywood Studios:
  • Mickey's 90th / DHS's 30th brings in new attractions, some temporary [accomplished]
  • Jan 19 to September: Pixar Place transforms to interactive Municiberg [accomplished, No Jack Jack game, just his presence 'felt']
  • Jan 19 to September: M&G with: Incredibles, Edna, Mike & Sully [accomplished]
  • Mar 31: Cars Attraction in Sunset Theater [accomplished]
    • M&G with Cruze [accomplished]
    • Lightning McQueen Attraction in Sunset Theater [accomplished]
    • DJ's Ready! Set! Party Time! dance party [accomplished]
  • May 1: New projection show in the hub: Wonderful World of Animation (replacing Disney Movie Magic) [accomplished]
  • May 1: Fancy Nancy joins Disney Jr. crew [accomplished]
  • August (before SWL opens): Mickey's and Minnie's Runaway Railroad opens [moved to April, 2020]
  • August 28: SW:GE opens [accomplished]
  • December: Star Tours gets new scene from Ep. 9
  • December 5: 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 [accomplished]
    • Lion King scenery photo ops [accomplished]
    • Lion King projection added to Tree of Life, Late May to Sept 30 [accomplished]
    • Jul 11: Lion King tie-ins at the reopened Rafiki's Planet Watch including an Animation Academy [accomplished]
  • Club 33 to be built somewhere between Pandora, Tiffins, FotLK [accomplished (construction started)]
  • Mar 3: New dance show: Bollywood Beats [accomplished]
• WDW: Early Fall... Skyliner (gondola lift) opens [accomplished]
• Disney Springs:
  • March... Jaleo and Pepe to open Mar 17 [accomplished]
  • Aug 12: NBA Experience to open [accomplished]
    • with City Works Eatery & Pour House as part of it (at some other time)
  • 3rd Parking Garage, Grapefruit open April 19 [accomplished]

2020

• Epcot:
  • to open during Art Festival
    • O Canada film update
    • new China 360 film and seamless tech
    • Beauty and the Beast sing-along
    • Awesome Planet movie in the Land
  • Apr: Remy's Ratatouille Adventure opens
  • Fall... some sort of UK Ride, likely Poppins carousel [moved from 2021]
  • Oct 1... the one-year interim show, Epcot Forever replaced with a permanent show featuring Disney music, the world, and IPs
  • New Swolphin Tower opens
• Magic Kingdom:
  • Big Thunder Mountain finally gets the SFX that the DL version has
  • Stitch's Great Escape replacement (or 2021)
  • new theater behind Main Street opens [likely cancelled]
• DHS
  • Apr: Mickey & Minnie Runaway Railroad opens
  • Roundup Rodeo BBQ, a Toy Story Land restaurant
• Disney Springs: April (March preview) -- New Cirque show

2021

• Epcot:
  • Spring: Guardians of the Galaxy: Infinite Universe coaster opens
  • An update to the Land and Seas pavilions
  • May: Wonders of Life reopens as new PLAY center
  • a new resort by (or on) front gate (now dead)
• Hollywood Studios: two of these likely to be refreshed: Beauty and the Beast Stage Show, Indiana Jones Stunt Show
• Magic Kingdom:
  • 50th Anniversary... May 2021 to end of 2022
  • New Night Time Parade
  • spring: Early Summer: new TRON Cycle coaster
  • Speedway overhaul done (likely a TRON theme)
  • For the 50th, Tomorrowland gets refurbed to the 1975 aesthetic
  • New fireworks and/or day-parade for the 50th, or, tweaks to FoF and HEA

2022

• Magic Kingdom:
  • New Resort/DVC between Ft. Wilderness Campgrounds and Wilderness Lodge (900 rooms/villas) - Reflections Lakeside Wilderness Lodge
  • 50th celebration continues until the end of the year
• Epcot:
  • 40th Anniversary
  • Brazil pavilion opens
  • New film for Impressions de France [moved from 2020]
  • Maybe an Imagination renovation, or 2023

2023

• EP: a second (or the first) new resort by (or on) the front gate {cancelled]

2025

• Epcot: thee new national pavilions by then... maybe

2031

• WDW: maybe 6 new boutique resorts 2018-2031

 

[MisterPenguin]

Google Earth Pro tour of WDW with some rumored and expected projects added.



If it moves too slow or fast for you, hit the gear icon and change the speed.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Spring - Winter schedule 2019

Festivals

• Epcot
  • Flower & Garden
    • Mar 6 - Jun 3
    • Theater: Garden Rocks
  • Food & Wine
    • Aug 29 - Nov 23
    • Theater: Eat to the Beat ends Nov 19 in prep for Processional
  • International Festival of the Holidays (Holiday Kitchens, Processional, Gospel choir, Chip & Dale hunt, storytellers)
    • Nov 29 - Dec 30
    • Theater: Candlelight Processional begins Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov 28
  • Festival of the Arts
    • in early 2020 (everything seems to be returning according to Disney website for 2020, just no dates yet)
    • Theater: Disney Broadway
• MK
  • Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party ($Ticket)
    • August – 16, 20, 23, 27 and 30
    • September – 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27 and 29
    • October – 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29 and 31
    • November 1
  • Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party ($Ticket)
    • November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24 (Thanksgiving week skipped)
    • December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22
• DHS
  • Christmas Season
    • time TBA
• DAK
  • Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night ($Ticket)
    • July 24 - Oct 23 (Wednesdays)

In the Parks

• MK
  • Both the Halloween and Christmas fireworks show will be updated a la HEA
• 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
  • 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 (replacing Sophia)
  • Mickey's and Minnie's Runaway Railroad opens
  • August 28: SW:GE opens
  • December: Star Tours gets new scene from Ep. 9
  • Christmas in DHS will be Nov 8 2019 to Jan 5 2020
  • Mickey's and Minnie's Runaway Railroad opening moved to 2020
  • Dec 5 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
    • Aug 11: Lion King tie-ins at the reopened Rafiki's Planet Watch including an Animation Academy
  • 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
  • Apr 19: 3rd Parking Garage, Grapefruit, open
  • Aug 12: NBA Experience to open
    • with City Works Eatery & Pour House as part of it (at some other time)

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)
  • Aug 22 - Sep 26: Thursdays
• DHS
  • Mar 30 - Apr 13: Saturdays
  • May 1: DHS 30th Anniversary Party (ticketed), Wednesday
  • May 4: Star Wars Party (ticketed), Saturday
  • May 10 - Jul 26: Fridays (except Jun 7)
• DAK
  • May 6: Monday
  • May 14 - Jun 18: Tuesdays (except May 28)
  • Jul 2: Tuesday
  • Jul 8 - Aug 26: Mondays
  • Sep 3: Tuesday
  • Sep 9 - 23: Mondays

 

[MisterPenguin]

placeholder 2

 

[MisterPenguin]

Latest updates:



EPCOT

New Space Restaurant

• Large table service for close to 300 guests, a show, and other surprises [here] {added}

• The UK: a simple ride coming to UK

• A ride based on Brave seems to be the strongly hinted finalist, or the interpretation of such hint could be completely off [here] {added}

Removed since completed: Space - Mission:Space will get updated screens by ILM for the orange mission and a new mission more child friendly for the green side (a space tour of earth). It is going into refurb this summer for two months and the update will take place then

• This project's announced refurb dates may be a month ahead of reality and not be done until the end of August [here]
• Or... it will be done by August 1st [citation needed]

DHS

Grand Avenue

• Maybe a streetmosphere show where the Muppets heckle the crowds waiting to get into Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge [Jim Hill rumor] [and here and here] {updated}

Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studio, currently being built

• Opens "summer 2018" [confirmed at D23 2017]
  • Rumor is May 2018 opening [strong] and [strong] and [Memorial Day pretty definite] {updated}

• Slinky Dog Dash ride has two launches, with no wait at the first one and a short hold on the second. Without lifts, ride is short at about 50 seconds [here] {added}

DAK

• Pandora:

• a good portion of the interactive at-night lighting effects did not turn out as planned. [here] {added}

 

[Frankiepopsicles]

Under Disney Hollywood Studios you have a “Possible new boat ride” u got any more info on that?

 

[MisterPenguin]

Under Disney Hollywood Studios you have a “Possible new boat ride” u got any more info on that?

Sorry, that's all. It was said by one of our insiders, but I haven't had time to go back through all their posts to find it to link to it. That's all they said, "possible boat ride" with no other details on IP, timing, or placement.

 

[BasiltheBatLord]

This thread deserves a sticky, it is essentially the heart of these forums. Thanks for all the work you do putting this together and keeping it updated.

 

[The Mom]

Again, this is not a thread to discuss what should or shouldn't be done, but rather to list what is, or is rumored, to be done. Thank you.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Again, this is not a thread to discuss what should or shouldn't be done, but rather to list what is, or is rumored, to be done. Thank you.

Thanks for the pin!

 

[rd805]

Huge thank you for a clean and precise list.
There is so much going on, and potentially going on.... and it REALLY excites me.

This is definitely a bit of a rebirth for the parks!

 

[WDWResort]

Can't wait for that space themed restaurant. Thanks for the list!