In the recent weeks, many of the other Orlando area theme parks have announced new upcoming attractions and experiences. Universal Studios Florida has announced ‘Skull Island: The Reign of Kong’ and a brand new water theme park named ‘Volcano Bay’. The Kong attraction will open in 2016, and Volcano Bay the following year. Sea World Orlando announced the tallest, longest and fastest rollercoaster in Orlando. The coaster, called Mako, will have nearly a mile of steel track! ‘Mako’ will open in summer 2016. Busch Gardens Tampa has also announced a ride called ‘Cobras Curse’ which is a family spin coaster opening next year. These announcements from the other large Orlando theme parks may appear threatening to Walt Disney World, who haven’t announced too much in the past few months – but what could the announce to the public officially?
Animal Kingdom
Disney is already undertaking a large amount of construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom already. Construction to make the park suitable for night time entertainment and viewing has been ongoing for the past year – with a lot of work being done installing the infrastructure for the ‘Rivers of Light’ night show that is coming to Animal Kingdom in 2016. Disney could have announced more information about what this new spectacular will entail, as they have not previously released a lot about the show at all; only that it will not have fireworks for the safety and welfare of the animals. There is speculation into what the show will include; although there is no official announcements or infrastructure installation that proves these rumors are correct. It is expected that the new night-time spectacular will be a mix between ‘Fantasmic’ at Hollywood Studios, and ‘World of Color’ in Disney’s California Adventure on the west coast. This would therefore include; water projections, fountains, fire effects, lighting effects, projections, along with lots of other exciting high tech effects and show elements.
Disney is also in full-swing of the construction of ‘Pandora: The Land of Avatar’, also at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The ‘Festival of the Lion King’ show moved to the new Harambe area of the park last year to make room for the closure of Camp Minnie Mickey, and the construction of the Avatar project. Disney has not announced officially exactly what the rides and attractions in the new land will be – but we do know there will be an attraction where guests will have the opportunity to ride Banshees, and also a boat ride. Disney has not announced exactly what type of ride the Banshee ride will be, although we expect it to be a screen based ride similar to that of ‘Soarin’ at Epcot. Disney could announce a few more details about the area, including; more information about the rides, and also the dining and shopping opportunities available.
Epcot
Epcot is currently undergoing a significant amount of construction in order to make way for new guest experiences opening very soon! Firstly, Disney announced a few months ago that a third theater for the ‘Soarin’ attraction, but rumors are that the attraction will be getting a revamp and will receive the addition of a brand new film, in-theater effects, and the current theaters also upgrade to have digital projections and thus a clearer screen. Disney could be releasing information about when these changes and additions will be made to the popular attraction.
There are also rumors for a mystery project coming to Epcot in the next year. This project is posted on Jerry Rees’ website, although no details have been announced. Disney could announce what this new project is, whether it be a new night time show to replace IllumiNations Reflections of Earth, or maybe a new ride or revamp? What would you like to see announced by Disney about this project?
Hollywood Studios
We know something is going on at Hollywood Studios with the attraction closures over the past year, including the large site which once played host to the Studio Backlot Tour, and still remains unchanged. It is expected that Disney will be dramatically expanding the park to include some of their other properties such as Pixar, Star Wars, and maybe soon Marvel. It has been confirmed that a larger Star Wars presence will be coming to the theme parks, but it is unknown how, when or where this will happen. Pixar Place is also set to be extended into a bigger land, with new attractions – not just the expansion of Toy Story Midway Mania.
DHS is also rumored to be changing names once again! The park was originally called MGM Studios, until it was renamed Hollywood Studios in 2008. Iger accidently confirmed to a 6 year old that the name of the park would be changing, although nothing has been confirmed or mentioned since!
It is expected that the DHS projects will be announced at the D23 Expo in California this August. Be sure to follow Disney Magic for the latest!
Magic Kingdom
There is not much construction going on at Magic Kingdom at the moment, so Disney doesn’t really have too much to announce at the park. It seems as though now Disney has completed the New Fantasyland areas of the Magic Kingdom, attention has now been focused into the other three theme parks.