Future of Disney Parks and Resorts featuring Star Tours II and Fantasyland

[WDW News Today]

WDWNT Reporter Matt Paul was able to record video of both the "Imagineering the Future of the Disney Parks" presentation and the follow-up press conference at the D23 Expo, and now has both videos available for your enjoyment. Both videos are embedded below courtesy of the WDWNTube (http://www.wdwntube.com):
















Hopefully these videos have answered some lingering questions about the exciting upcoming Walt Disney World projects. We still have many questions to ask as well and will try to get them answered as soon as possible, so stay tuned.

[Imagineer2017]

I want a magic sandbox like that. That is just too cool.
I think Mystic Manor will be very cool, the storyline is very-un Haunted Mansion like, but still very cool. The Manor looks allot like that cathedral in Russia IMO.
I would love to ride Big Grizzly Mountain, when it opens. It looks so much cooler than BTMRR, and a little more focused on story than attraction. That is always a very good thing.

[Desert Disney Dude]

That sandbox was nuts.. Also the anonimatronic?.. whatever Otto and that bird were very impressing. When he didnt get a smile form the crowd he looked like Ellen AA from universe of energy

[Imagineer2017]

That sandbox was nuts.. Also the anonimatronic?.. whatever Otto and that bird were very impressing.

Love that sandbox.
What is an anonimatronic? How does it realty differ from an AA? Is it because it is interactive? If so, would that make Lucky an anonimatronic?


When he didnt get a smile form the crowd he looked like Ellen AA from universe of energy

ew...

[dlnewstoday]

Love that sandbox.
What is an anonimatronic? How does it realty differ from an AA? Is it because it is interactive? If so, would that make Lucky an anonimatronic?

It's autonomatronic. Lucky is an animatronic, not an autonomatronic

[Imagineer2017]

It's autonomatronic. Lucky is an animatronic, not an autonomatronic

So what is the definition of an autonomatronic?

[Desert Disney Dude]

It's a AA that can sense emotion and sounds and have a two-way conversation with a guest but nothing like turtle talk which uses a voice actor. Watch a video on it because it is quite unexplainable.

[Imagineer2017]

It's a AA that can sense emotion and sounds and have a two-way conversation with a guest but nothing like turtle talk which uses a voice actor. Watch a video on it because it is quite unexplainable.

Okay, that is what I thought. Add the words together and it makes sense, I figured Lucky was one because of his interactivity.

[dlnewstoday]

I figured Lucky was one because of his interactivity.

No. Lucky was from 2005, and they just invented autonomatronics for the figures in Cars Land.

[Imagineer2017]

No. Lucky was from 2005, and they just invented autonomatronics for the figures in Cars Land.

So how is Otto going to fit into CarsLand?

[dlnewstoday]

So how is Otto going to fit into CarsLand?

Um... Otto won't be in Cars Land.

[Imagineer2017]

Um... Otto won't be in Cars Land.

So some of them were created for CarsLand.

[dlnewstoday]

So some of them were created for CarsLand.

None of the animatronics/autonomatronics at the Parks and Resorts pavilion will actually be used in Cars Land. Lightning McQueen was just a test, and Otto was created just for the Expo.

[Imagineer2017]

Um.... contradicting yourself much?-


... they just invented autonomatronics for the figures in Cars Land.

[dlnewstoday]

Um.... contradicting yourself much?-

I said none of the autonomatronics that were in the Parks and Resorts pavilion will be used in Cars Land. That doesn't mean autonomatronics wont be used.

[Imagineer2017]

I said none of the autonomatronics that were in the Parks and Resorts pavilion will be used in Cars Land. That doesn't mean autonomatronics wont be used.

Okay. And yea, I suppose AAs cannot be used for a car.

[Desert Disney Dude]

So how is Otto going to fit into CarsLand?

Someway hopefully. Looks like a impressive technology.

[dbanderson3]

This is very interesting. It started with WDW enhancements with the new and improved Fantasyland and the upcoming Star Tours. It moved off into a Cars Land discussion. So which enhancement is bigger - WDW's expanded Fantasyland (which doubles the current size) or Disney's California Adventure's 12 acre Cars Land. I listened to the video of Jay Rasulo's description of the new WDW Fantasyland with emphasis on Princesses and could hear the groans (was that the WDWNT team?). Nobody is groaning over Cars Land. Yes, Radiator Springs Racers is based on the next generation of Test Track cars but its in a setting that is completely unique. Come 2012, where would you want to be - WDW Fantasyland or DCA's Cars Land? Unless your a 7 year old girl, the answer is obvious (no offense to 7 year old girls because in 2012 my niece will be 7 years old and loves Disney princesses).

[dlnewstoday]

This is very interesting. It started with WDW enhancements with the new and improved Fantasyland and the upcoming Star Tours. It moved off into a Cars Land discussion. So which enhancement is bigger - WDW's expanded or Fantasyland (which doubles the current size) or Disney's California Adventure's 12 acre Cars Land. I listened to the video of Jay Rasulo's description of the new WDW Fantasyland with emphasis on Princesses and could hear the groans (was that the WDWNT team?). Nobody is groaning over Cars Land. Yes, Radiator Springs Racers is based on the next generation of Test Track cars but its in a setting that completely unique. Come 2012, where would you want to be - WDW Fantasyland or DCA's Cars Land? Unless your a 7 year old girl, the answer is obvious (no offense to 7 year old girls because in 2012 my niece will be 7 years old and loves Disney princesses).

While the Fantasyland expansion looks incredibly detailed and nice, I still think Disneyland has the better end of the deal (as always). We're getting the huge new Cars Land with 1 amazing, thrilling E-Ticket, along with 2 other rides that look to be just as fun, but on a smaller scale, and some nicely themed shops and restaurants. Beyond that we're getting the same ride as Florida; Ariel's Adventure, the same re-do as Florida; Star Tours 2, World of Color, and a completely re-themed Paradise Pier and entrance. All Florida is getting different from us is the Princess meet 'n greets, which, even though I love the Princesses :okkiale: , I would take World of Color over that any day. :)

[dbanderson3]

While the Fantasyland expansion looks incredibly detailed and nice, I still think Disneyland has the better end of the deal (as always). . :)

If Anaheim ever gets a 3rd gate, the itch to go east would greatly dissipate. In fact, the move to see Disney from the west coast perspective would become the preference. Come 2012, other than EPCOT and some animals wandering around, the Disneyland Resort will be THE domestic Disney place to go...... (personal opinion)

[WDW News Today]

As great as Carsland will be, more people will see and care about the Magic Kingdom expansion. It's the world's most visited theme park expanding upon characters that are well established around the world, it will get more press and is a much bigger deal just based on where it is being built. I also wouldn't be so sure that a version of Radiator Springs Racers won't be in WDW someday...

It's fixing a disaster park vs. bolstering the world's greatest park, the bigger deal isn't hard to pick out

[dbanderson3]

It's fixing a disaster park vs. bolstering the world's greatest park, the bigger deal isn't hard to pick out

Ugh...nothing like having a 4 paragraph response to the unending debate lost because the host web server crashed while submitting. :-(

Maybe I'll just stick with the last point I was making......I would have some fear about hitching my bandwagon to a parade of princess meet & greets as thematic as they may be. Yes they are beloved characters around the world and extremely popular but these are times of changing demographics hence, Disney buys Marvel. It will be interesting to see how Princess & the Frog stacks up against the latest Pixar released as far as gross dollars earned. I believe it will come up short. Besides, I know I heard some of you guys groan on the video as Jay Rasulo made his MK announcement at D23.

Another point I was making and I've made it before, DCA was disaster when it opened, Disney has not made any mistakes with DCA over the last 5 years or so (Monsters Inc is a little weak but its about all they could do without leveling the building). By 2012 it could be a multi-day wonder by itself (unlike AK or DHS). As far the original park across the way, the one thing it will always have is the fact its the only Disney park Walt ever set foot in and his presence is always felt. The light is always on.

[Imagineer2017]

By 2012 it could be a multi-day wonder by itself (unlike AK or DHS).
But that is because those two parks are themed, unlike DCA. And give DHS some credit, most of it was a studio when it opened.

So which enhancement is bigger - WDW's expanded or Fantasyland (which doubles the current size) or Disney's California Adventure's 12 acre Cars Land. I listened to the video of Jay Rasulo's description of the new WDW Fantasyland with emphasis on Princesses and could hear the groans (was that the WDWNT team?)
I am not groaning over the FL expansion. Sure I'm not happy it is nothing but princess and pixie hollow stuff, but it isn't all that bad.

Nobody is groaning over Cars Land. Yes, Radiator Springs Racers is based on the next generation of Test Track cars but its in a setting that completely unique.
3rd Generation to be exact.
I am not 100% happy with Cars Land. The idea is great, and the attraction(s) it will host are looking cool. It just seems lacking. I think that may have to do with it being set in a desert, but it seems dull. Plus, isnt there already a land themed after a Pixar Movie? Bugs Land, the other Pixar area. I would rather a land dedicated to something like Fantasia. A Walt movie inspired area! But would it fit into the theme of California? Not Really. But why even tie it into a movie? Lets just make this the new Route 66 area of the park, featuring Radiator Springs Racers as a main draw. Add different characters, write a new storyline. What happens when we forget about Lightning McQueen? It faces the same demise the subs did or why we hate HISTA, movie tie-in age. Now, I'm not insinuating we will forget Cars, but you can see my point.

[dbanderson3]

I am not 100% happy with Cars Land. The idea is great, and the attraction(s) it will host are looking cool. It just seems lacking. I think that may have to do with it being set in a desert, but it seems dull. Plus, isnt there already a land themed after a Pixar Movie? Bugs Land, the other Pixar area.

Yes, there is a It's a Bug's Land but it never was a fully thought out concept. Most of it was added quickly after DCA was opened up and one of the biggest initial complaints was "There's nothing for kids to do". Most of the attractions are cheap carnival style children's rides overlayed by some theming from It's A Bugs Life. It's kind of cute, kids enjoy it, but there's not much there. The major attraction is "It's Tough to be a Bug" which has been there from the beginning.

Cars Land gives Disney / Pixar an opportunity to create a new fully conceptualized Pixar themed Land of their own. And as long as there are young boys who like to play with toys, Lightning McQueen will have a pretty long life cycle....

[dlnewstoday]

As great as Carsland will be, more people will see and care about the Magic Kingdom expansion. It's the world's most visited theme park expanding upon characters that are well established around the world, it will get more press and is a much bigger deal just based on where it is being built. I also wouldn't be so sure that a version of Radiator Springs Racers won't be in WDW someday...

It's fixing a disaster park vs. bolstering the world's greatest park, the bigger deal isn't hard to pick out

I think with the whole level of this Cars Land expansion, and the fact that it will be a land unique to California (at least for now), it will draw people over to see it over the Fantasyland expansion, especially when you consider we'll also have the main attraction of the Fantasyland expansion. But on getting more press, I think both will be pretty darn heavily publicized.

[Imagineer2017]

Yes, there is a It's a Bug's Land but it never was a fully thought out concept. Most of it was added quickly after DCA was opened up and one of the biggest initial complaints was "There's nothing for kids to do". Most of the attractions are cheap carnival style children's rides overlayed by some theming from It's A Bugs Life. It's kind of cute, kids enjoy it, but there's not much there. The major attraction is "It's Tough to be a Bug" which has been there from the beginning.
This is true. But is A Bugs Life really all that relevant nowadays? It premiered in 1998, DCA opened 3 years later. It, IMO, was one of the not-as-good Pixar movies. Is it even relevant now?I haven't seen it in forever. I think if they started work now, they could make it an immensely popular Fab 5 land, similar to a Toontown, only with a more Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme.

Cars Land gives Disney / Pixar an opportunity to create a new fully conceptualized Pixar themed Land of their own. And as long as there are young boys who like to play with toys, Lightning McQueen will have a pretty long life cycle....
This goes with the subs example again.-
Lets pretend it is 1954. 20K just premiered. 20K is popular. Little boys love their toy Nautilus. DL has a failing boat ride.
"Lets put a ride themed to 20K were the failing boat ride is"! remarks an imagineer.
In 1959, The subs open. In 1971, they open in WDW. Kids still love playing with their diver action figures.
1999. The subs are dead. :triste: People have no clue who Captain Nemo is. They are busy playing with their new overpriced Pooh plush from the Winnie the Pooh ride.
(woosh! we zoom back to 2009)
As you can see, a seemingly popular franchise can die, hence HISTA and the subs.

[dlnewstoday]

This is true. But is A Bugs Life really all that relevant nowadays? It premiered in 1998, DCA opened 3 years later. It, IMO, was one of the not-as-good Pixar movies. Is it even relevant now?I haven't seen it in forever. I think if they started work now, they could make it an immensely popular Fab 5 land, similar to a Toontown, only with a more Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme.

I for one love A Bug's Life, I think it's one of Pixar's best. I definitely think people still remember it. Even if kids don't, they'll love the rides there. And anything Mickey and Friends themed would be way too similar to Toontown.


This goes with the subs example again.-
Lets pretend it is 1954. 20K just premiered. 20K is popular. Little boys love their toy Nautilus. DL has a failing boat ride.
"Lets put a ride themed to 20K were the failing boat ride is"! remarks an imagineer.
In 1959, The subs open. In 1971, they open in WDW. Kids still love playing with their diver action figures.
1999. The subs are dead. :triste: People have no clue who Captain Nemo is. They are busy playing with their new overpriced Pooh plush from the Winnie the Pooh ride.
(woosh! we zoom back to 2009)
As you can see, a seemingly popular franchise can die, hence HISTA and the subs.

The Subs at Disneyland were never themed to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

[dbanderson3]

This is true. But is A Bugs Life really all that relevant nowadays? It premiered in 1998, DCA opened 3 years later. It, IMO, was one of the not-as-good Pixar movies. Is it even relevant now?I haven't seen it in forever. I think if they started work now, they could make it an immensely popular Fab 5 land, similar to a Toontown, only with a more Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme.

This goes with the subs example again.-
Lets pretend it is 1954. 20K just premiered. 20K is popular. Little boys love their toy Nautilus. DL has a failing boat ride.
"Lets put a ride themed to 20K were the failing boat ride is"! remarks an imagineer.
In 1959, The subs open. In 1971, they open in WDW. Kids still love playing with their diver action figures.
1999. The subs are dead. :triste: People have no clue who Captain Nemo is. They are busy playing with their new overpriced Pooh plush from the Winnie the Pooh ride.
(woosh! we zoom back to 2009)
As you can see, a seemingly popular franchise can die, hence HISTA and the subs.

A Bug's Life is no longer relevant. It has spent its life cycle. But It's Tough to be a Bug and the rides in It's a Big Land are cute will continue but with no further growth. However, it hard to push a Bug toy along a carpet or floor but quite easy to push a car or tow truck so the life cycle of Cars will be considerably longer.....

As for the subs, eventually they did re-invent themselves based on Nemo and will continue on for quite awhile.

[Imagineer2017]

I for one love A Bug's Life, I think it's one of Pixar's best. I definitely think people still remember it. Even if kids don't, they'll love the rides there. And anything Mickey and Friends themed would be way too similar to Toontown..
Hence I said MM Clubhouse, but it is true.
I think Toy Story is Pixar's best.

The Subs at Disneyland were never themed to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
okay....I was pretty sure it was.......
In that case use WDW's as an example.

[dlnewstoday]

Hence I said MM Clubhouse, but it is true.

I know you said Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. It would still be too similar.


I think Toy Story is Pixar's best.

I love Toy Story too, but Wall-E has gotta be my favorite.


okay....I was pretty sure it was.......

Nope, never themed to the movie. Ours was more of a modern day nautical expedition.

[Imagineer2017]

A Bug's Life is no longer relevant. It has spent its life cycle. But It's Tough to be a Bug and the rides in It's a Big Land are cute will continue but with no further growth. However, it hard to push a Bug toy along a carpet or floor but quite easy to push a car or tow truck so the life cycle of Cars will be considerably longer.....
A Heimlich Chew Chew Train has wheels.....
And we sadly still have HISTA....


As for the subs, eventually they did re-invent themselves based on Nemo and will continue on for quite awhile.
Okay, but can they do that with Bugs?

Nope, never themed to the movie. Ours was more of a modern day nautical expedition.
"Great Scotts, Your Right!"(-captain on the sub voyage)
Again, WDW= superior! But our Subs were trashed.......so....I call it even

[dbanderson3]

A Heimlich Chew Chew Train has wheels.....


Yes but like the ride after 30 seconds it's over and you're bored and looking for a piece of watermelon.....

[Jwilson20]

i gotta say i love wdw and am hard core for the east coast and have never been to dl but cars land sounds like a lot of fun and id definetly like to see it, being a 18 year old guy the whole princess thing doesnt really do it for me

that being said id really like to see toy story land and the other two lands in hong kong too

[WDW News Today]

i gotta say i love wdw and am hard core for the east coast and have never been to dl but cars land sounds like a lot of fun and id definetly like to see it, being a 18 year old guy the whole princess thing doesnt really do it for me

that being said id really like to see toy story land and the other two lands in hong kong too

The only problem is that we already have Haunted Mansion to replace Mystic Manor, CBJ and Everest to replace the Grizzly Coaster, and Toy Story Mania to replace the smaller Toy Story attractions.

[Imagineer2017]

i gotta say i love wdw and am hard core for the east coast and have never been to dl but cars land sounds like a lot of fun and id definetly like to see it, being a 18 year old guy the whole princess thing doesnt really do it for me
I am also hardcore east coast, go to WDW every month, and have never been to any other Disney park/resort.
Cars Land does sound like much more fun than making a card for Sleeping Beauty. If I was a 7 year old girl, I would think differently no doubt, but alas, I am a 15 year old boy. I am happy about the FL expansion, and cant wait to ride Little Mermaid and eat in the Be Our Guest Restaurant, but everything else ((except Dumbo) is no good. I like the idea of the FL woods, with the princess story atmosphere, and I like how the sub's space will not go to total waste.

The only problem is that we already have Haunted Mansion to replace Mystic Manor, CBJ and Everest to replace the Grizzly Coaster, and Toy Story Mania to replace the smaller Toy Story attractions.
But do the Country Bears try eating us while we are taking a trip on a mine train? I think that the Grizly Coaster is much better than BTMRR.
And I would like to see a Toy Story Land alongside TSMM in DHS, but that would shrink the Backlot tour even more....

[dlnewstoday]

And I would like to see a Toy Story Land alongside TSMM in DHS, but that would shrink the Backlot tour even more....

Why not just get rid of the Backlot Tour once and for all? I like it, but after 2005, it was really ruined.

[Imagineer2017]

Why not just get rid of the Backlot Tour once and for all? I like it, but after 2005, it was really ruined.

True, it was ruined after 2005. I rode it last weekend for the first time with the new spiel. Even worse.It obviously became the worst of all this year.
But I enjoy still Catastrophe Canyon.

[Jwilson20]

well i liked it like the first time i saw it when i was little but your right its a little too idk how to describe it except its too much like a museum

[Imagineer2017]

well i liked it like the first time i saw it when i was little but your right its a little too idk how to describe it except its too much like a museum

The Backlot tour? No, museums point stuff out, the spiel doesn't even mention the stuff in the bone yard. I can understand why for some things, but it think mentioning some of the more permanent things is important..

[briandancer]

Does anyone have a link to the high res image of the new Fantasyland that Tom talked about having as his wallpaper on his computer?

[dlnewstoday]

Does anyone have a link to the high res image of the new Fantasyland that Tom talked about having as his wallpaper on his computer?

Is this the image you're talking about?

http://disneylandnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/fantasyland_9938.jpg

[Imagineer2017]

Is this the image you're talking about?

http://disneylandnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/fantasyland_9938.jpg

Speaking of this photo, I find it quite funny that the showbuiding for TLM is the same one 20K was in. If you look at google earth, you will see that enormous plot of land,turn back the clock to the early 90's and you will see that was the show building. What's even funnier is that an under sea attraction is being replaced by an undersea attraction.

[dlnewstoday]

Speaking of this photo, I find it quite funny that the showbuiding for TLM is the same one 20K was in. If you look at google earth, you will see that enormous plot of land,turn back the clock to the early 90's and you will see that was the show building. What's even funnier is that an under sea attraction is being replaced by an undersea attraction.

That will not be the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea show-building. That was completely removed along with the lagoon. The show-building for The Little Mermaid will be new.

[Imagineer2017]

That will not be the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea show-building. That was completely removed along with the lagoon. The show-building for The Little Mermaid will be new.

I know that.
What I failed at saying was that it is funny that the show building will be in the same spot as 20K's.

[dlnewstoday]

I know that.
What I failed at saying was that it is funny that the show building will be in the same spot as 20K's.

Part of it maybe. I think the 20,000 Leagues show building might have been closer to the park itself than The Little Mermaid will be. Although I'm not entirely sure.

[Imagineer2017]

Part of it maybe. I think the 20,000 Leagues show building might have been closer to the park itself than The Little Mermaid will be. Although I'm not entirely sure.

Maybe. The concept art has it right next to Pixie Hollow, witch will be built on TTF, and that was the site of the 20K show building.
I cant get a good satellite image from the 90's when it was still there, so sorry. If you have google earth, just look on it.

[dlnewstoday]

Maybe. The concept art has it right next to Pixie Hollow, witch will be built on TTF, and that was the site of the 20K show building.

Are you saying the 20,000 Leagues show-building became Toontown? Because that's not true. Toontown, then Starland, was around while 20,000 Leagues was.

[Imagineer2017]

Are you saying the 20,000 Leagues show-building became Toontown? Because that's not true. Toontown, then Starland, was around while 20,000 Leagues was.

Again, my poor choice of words.:_o: I know the history of TTF.
What I meant was- TLM concept art shows it directly next to the back Pixie Hollow. Pixie Hollow will be built on TTF. When the subs were there, the main show building for it was directly next to the back of TTF.
This picture may just be to show every thing in the expansion in just that one picture.
Did I clarify myself?

[dlnewstoday]

Again, my poor choice of words.:_o: I know the history of TTF.
What I meant was- TLM concept art shows it directly next to the back Pixie Hollow. Pixie Hollow will be built on TTF. When the subs were there, the main show building for it was directly next to the back of TTF.
This picture may just be to show every thing in the expansion in just that one picture.
Did I clarify myself?

I understand everything you're saying now. ;)

[Imagineer2017]

I understand everything you're saying now. ;)

okay:;):
While we are on the subject of 20K and TLM, why did theming the subs to Little Mermaid? I'm not just talking about WDW, but DL as well. I think TLM would fit better in FL than 20K, in the case of WDW. Sure the Nautilus would have seemed out of place, but so what, why not theme it? (please do not bring up the "no up keep" on the WDW subs ) In DL's case, why not there?

[dlnewstoday]

okay:;):
While we are on the subject of 20K and TLM, why did theming the subs to Little Mermaid? I'm not just talking about WDW, but DL as well. I think TLM would fit better in FL than 20K, in the case of WDW. Sure the Nautilus would have seemed out of place, but so what, why not theme it? (please do not bring up the "no up keep" on the WDW subs ) In DL's case, why not there?

For Disneyland at least, I think The Little Mermaid would be even more out of place than Nemo.

[Imagineer2017]

For Disneyland at least, I think The Little Mermaid would be even more out of place than Nemo.

Only because it is in TL though, right?

[dlnewstoday]

Only because it is in TL though, right?

Yeah.