re: WDW Rumors...

Cheshire Cat · Post by **Cheshire Cat** » Mar Thu 16, 2006 5:56 pm

I actually don't mind the wand, I just don't think its needed. I really don't like the hat in mgm..looks like an afterthought!

And the fact that you look down a very well-themed Hollywood Blvd. only to see a giant hat! What was Disney thinking!?

They're supposed to be one of the best parks for theming! PLUS they destroyed the world's largest hidden mickey!

I want to walk down Hollywood Blvd. and see the Chinese theater at the end!

(Ok, breathe CC)

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » Mar Thu 16, 2006 8:13 pm

I thought it was because the Chinese theature in LA was upset that the one in MGM was getting better/more pics.

Post by **rdeacon** » Mar Fri 17, 2006 12:20 pm

Here is an update from taken from http://www.jimhillmedia.com

Here jim gives his spin on all the rumors floating around.

jimhillmedia.com wrote:Next up, Jason M. wants to know about:

Jim,

There is much anticipation and many rumors flying around just about every Disney site that I visit that says the Imagineers are collectively dusting off plans for Beastly Kingdom and re-visiting this exciting concept for DAK. As it stands, this is probably the most beautiful park in the world. But I've always felt that it lacked the fantasy aspect that makes Disney... Well, Disney. Can you please give us an update?

Dear Jason

To be honest, it's kind of premature to be talking about any future expansion plans for Disney's Animal Kingdom. Given that it has yet to be proven that "Expedition Everest" will actually be a hit with Disney World's paying customers.

I mean, sure. Right now, this runaway train ride appears to be a success. But Disney being Disney and all ... I would imagine that the Mouse will want to see at least a full year's worth of attendance figures for DAK (As well as some accompanying spreadsheets that show EE's direct impact on in-park merchandise purchases in addition to food & beverage sales) before they're officially ready to declare "Expedition Everest" a success.

More to the point, let's remember that Disney World has three other theme parks that are also in desperate need of new rides, shows and attractions (FYI: Keep an eye on Epcot over the next 18 months or so. Given that the celebration of that theme park's 25th anniversary is expected to be the hook for WDW's 2007 / 2008 promotional campaigns, you're probably going to see an awful lot of money being thrown at Epcot over the next year or so).

Once the Magic Kingdom, Disney/MGM Studios theme park and Epcot all receive some TLC ... Then the Imagineers will most likely turn their attention back to Disney's Animal Kingdom and (perhaps) revisit the idea of adding a new fantasy-based land to that theme park.

Though, based on what I've been hearing come out of Burbank lately, I'm think that it's fairly safe to say that Beastlie Kingdomme is now DOA. Though ... In its place, we may see a few "Narnia" -based rides and attractions rising up out of the woods in that corner of the property. Or even (Provided that J.K. Rowling finally signs off on the idea) some "Harry Potter" -themed shows. Where perhaps everyone's favorite half-giant, Hagrid, will lead us through a "Care of Magical Creatures" class.

But -- to be honest -- we shouldn't even expect to see construction of something like that get underway 'til 2008 or 2009. In the mean-time, there are much more pressing matters to deal with at DAK. Like what to do with all the guest flow-through issues in the "Rafiki's Planet Watch" section of that theme park. Or whether the new enclosed version of the "Theater in the Wild" meets with WDW visitors' approval. Or whether that new "Asia" restaurant actually proves to be popular with DAK guests (Or whether this means that that theme park now gets stuck with yet another restaurant that under-performs).

All this ... Plus how Disney Animal Kingdom should go about properly go about staffing that theme park during its new extended operating hours. Plus whether it's wise to greenlight production of that after-dark entertainment that Steve Davison wants to stage inside DAK? Not to mention Disney's desire to borrow a few pandas from China and use those rarer-than-rare creatures to temporarily bump up attendance levels at Animal Kingdom.

So as you can see, Jeff ... When trying to forecast DAK's future, there's a lot more factors to take into consideration here than "Will the Imagineers finally revive their plans to build Beastlie Kingdomme?" So this might be a moment when you want to take a step back and try to see the forest for the Tree of Life.

Here is a link to the why for article.

http://www.jimhillmedia.com/article.php?id=1891

Rich

G2-4T · Post by **G2-4T** » Mar Sun 19, 2006 10:56 pm

Interesting stuff, would not mind seeing the hat gone to another corner of MGM, it is an ambiance wrecker - they are so good at theming and such then they pull something like that... SSE - sounds like rehab not major changes [and it needs track rehab, a big job]. Hopefully they won't change the ride experiance...

Anyways, ambitious plans, will be interesting to watch and see what actually happens.

mickster68 · Post by **mickster68** » Mar Fri 24, 2006 2:35 pm

Well, I have to admit, I like the castle the way it looks now. I guess it would be better with that big sign gone, but I think the rest looks pretty neat. Don't really mind the Epcot wand, either. I guess I'm in the minority!
Wow, keep those rumours coming! One can only hope they will become a reality--it sounds awesome!

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » Mar Fri 24, 2006 2:37 pm

I have nothing against the rest of the castle, I just don't like the sign. It is too big. If it were smaller, maybe 1/4 to 1/2 the size it is now I wouldn't dislike it as much.

Cheshire Cat · Post by **Cheshire Cat** » Mar Fri 24, 2006 2:46 pm

I like the decorations too - except the sign. It seems like it should have gone somewhere else instead of on the castle. Maybe on the train station or something...
I like the rest of the decorations though

bribren · Post by **bribren** » Mar Sat 25, 2006 11:14 am

I won't believe in Beastly Kingdom 'till im there. WDW won't make a call on EE until attendance levels off after a year or so. Test Track improved Epcot's numbers thus MS and Soarin'. I personally think AK needs more things to keep people in the park all day.

Post by **rdeacon** » Mar Sat 25, 2006 11:25 am

bribren wrote:I won't believe in Beastly Kingdom 'till im there. WDW won't make a call on EE until attendance levels off after a year or so. Test Track improved Epcot's numbers thus MS and Soarin'. I personally think AK needs more things to keep people in the park all day.

Yeah I agree. Looks like they are starting to gear up to make AK more then just a day park. To do that they will have to add some attractions including e-ticket types. This could lead to the other land we've heard so many rumors about. I guess we will just have to see how long it takes, and with anniversaries coming up, focus may be on Epcot and MK...

Rich

Esmeralda · Post by **Esmeralda** » Mar Sat 25, 2006 2:11 pm

Ooh, a Narnia ride. Now that I would love to see. I know it's all just a rumor, but what a fabulous idea for the fantasy animal world!

disneyinfopage · Post by **disneyinfopage** » Apr Sun 02, 2006 7:54 pm

I really don't like the hat in mgm..looks like an afterthought!

YES!!! I cannot stand that hat right in the blooming middle of MGM!! I really miss the view of the Chinese Theatre. And as for Indy in MGM... for me, its demise is L-O-N-G overdue... I mean, they never even changed the story line since 1989!

I agree with others that the castle changes are kind of nice, except for the big stained-glass window. Hopefully that will come down.

Thanks for the rumors! These sound exciting!

Judy

Post by **addlema** » Apr Mon 03, 2006 6:28 am

Actually ,Indy has changed.. The last two times I watched it they didnt include the last scene with the airplane.

Beaker · Post by **Beaker** » Apr Mon 03, 2006 2:57 pm

addlema wrote:Actually ,Indy has changed.. The last two times I watched it they didnt include the last scene with the airplane.

When was the last time you were there? I was there in January and saw the airplane. I suppose they might not bring it out if it's really windy or something. I am intrigued though! How did they do the scene without it?

Post by **addlema** » Apr Tue 04, 2006 6:43 am

They didnt do the scene at all. They just ended the entire show early. No big explosions at the end or anything.

I was there in 2003 and 2005 both with the same results. I do remember seeing the airplane in 2001 though on my honeymoon.

Post by **rdeacon** » Apr Wed 05, 2006 3:39 pm

werid.. i didn't go to the show the last time I was there...wonder why they would take the plane out... guessing mechanical issues?

I'll have to go see the show when I go the end of April.

Rich