2019 D23 Expo Predictions for Disney World & Beyond
The 2019 D23 Expo starts this weekend, and fans are hoping for a ton of Walt Disney World and Disneyland announcements. Of course, rumors have been swirling for months as to what projects are on the horizon, and fan speculation about overhauls and expansion to Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and elsewhere has been rampant.
Things are quiet as compared with two years ago. Before the last D23 Expo, there was a steady flow of well-sourced rumors and splashy stories for almost two months prior to the event. Pretty much the entire slate of announcements was leaked before the Parks & Resorts panel.
With that said, most of us were still surprised and excited, as the rumors seemed too good to be true. It was also a big slate of announcements, with a lot of projects that are still under construction. We’ll be seeing the fruits of those reveals through 2021, and it thus seems like we’re in store for a more restrained project slate come this year’s Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Panel (hereafter Parks & Resorts, since the new name is stupid)…
In the interest of disclosure and transparency, this is all just fun speculation and more of a wishlist more than it is credible predictions or informed reporting. I have no clue what will be announced and am not trying to present this as a scoop. I have zero insider sources and am waiting with baited breath just like everyone else.
It’s also not predictions because, if I’m being honest, my #1 prediction would be a very restrained Parks & Resorts panel. No matter how Disney spins it, I think there’s significant disappointment about the summer results from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland, and fear that more of the same will occur for at least the first couple months the land is open at Walt Disney World.
If the near term performance of Star Wars Land were the only issue, it probably wouldn’t be enough to give Disney pause about making any splashy announcements. However, there is also reason to believe that, contrary to Iger’s denials, the U.S. Disney Parks do have a pricing issue. Moreover, there are signs of a looming recession, declines in consumer confidence, and the travel segment has already seen an erosion in consumer spending.
If faced with all of that, plus issues with the Fox acquisition and the very real likelihood that Disney+ will operate at a loss for years as it aims for marketshare rather than profitability, would you bet big on 2021-2023 and announce huge capex projects for Walt Disney World and Disneyland? I wouldn’t.
Of course, there are projects already in motion that have progressed far enough they’re not in danger of being axed or put on hold at this point. Additionally, there are other things that have yet to be announced that will offer worthwhile ROI even if the worst case scenario plays out. In other words, there are still new things on the horizon and to be announced, but don’t be disappointed if Disney opts not to go big with expansion to Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Animal Kingdom, or Disney California Adventure.
With that said, here’s what I hope gets announced, along with other things that we realistically can expect in terms of announcements during this year’s Expo, in order of increasing likelihood…
Figment & Dreamfinder
It is time.
After Frozen Ever After “stole” Journey into Imagination’s reimaging budget a few years ago, I have refused to get my hopes up over subsequent Figment rumors. However, for me, it just makes sense that a substantive addition would be announced featuring Figment and (hopefully) Dreamfinder at a presentation we already know will heavily feature Epcot’s reimagining.
Think about it. You’re a Disney executive who is concerned about guest perceptions of pricing coupled with the possibility of a recession. You’re also concerned about the Epcot transformation project, finding a way to thread the needle, making it appeal to both one and done guests and diehard EPCOT Center fans. At this point, you need both because loyal fans–who you may have already alienated–are one of the most reliable ways to weather whatever troubles might lie ahead.
What’s your most surefire response? One that’s sure to get massive applause from the D23 Expo audience, restore some goodwill that has been eroded the last few years, and guarantee visits from loyal fans? Figment and Dreamfinder. If Disney executives are truly concerned about all of these things (and maybe they aren’t!), it’s the logical time to do something that should’ve been done a decade ago.
Brazil
My actual ‘wish’ here is for a new World Showcase nation (or two), not necessarily Brazil. I just recognize the reality that Brazil is far and away the most likely candidate. If we only get one World Showcase announcement at the 2019 D23 Expo, it’ll be Brazil.
As a quick refresher, the scope and scale of the long-rumored Brazil pavilion has oscillated over the years, but the latest consensus among insiders is that it would open with shopping, dining, and maybe a boat ride, but probably just some sort of interactive exhibit. While I’d obviously prefer a slow-moving boat ride, I’d be content with a pavilion featuring some beautiful architecture. (Morocco is my current-favorite World Showcase pavilion, and it doesn’t have an attraction.)
Epcot’s Transformation
By now, pretty much every Walt Disney World fan knows that Epcot’s “major transformation” is going to be a significant focus of the 2019 D23 Expo. Ahead of the event, Disney has already announced the Moana: Journey of Water walk-through attraction and revealed new concept art. It appears several other future announcements are hiding in plain sight on the show floor.
Over two years ago, we wrote about the rumors most likely to come to fruition in our 8 Huge Epcot Rumors post. Since that post, some of those attractions have been announced, others have become less likely, and others still have been floated. Nevertheless, we think those remain the likeliest contenders for other big announcements in addition to a new World Showcase pavilion and reimagining of Journey into Imagination.
Beyond that, we really want to know the specifics of the Future World overhaul. Is the Future World name being retired in favor of (ugh) neighborhoods? Is that an elevated festival center replacing Fountain of Nations in the middle? What else can we expect from the new-look Epcot? Will Spaceship Earth be reimagined? We’ve been waiting for nearly 3 years for these details–it’d be nice to finally hear something concrete!
Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary
Walt Disney World’s slogan for its 25th Anniversary was: “it’s time to remember the magic,” a campaign focused on guest nostalgia for their memories. For the 50th Anniversary, nostalgia will still win the day, but this time focused on the parks’ own past.
Rumors point to there being 50 Magical Enhancements that will be promoted as part of what will likely be an 18-month celebration centered around Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary on October 1, 2021. To get the number that high, this probably means counting a variety of overlays, enhancements, special offers, and perhaps even fancy cupcakes in addition to the half-dozen headliner additions that’ll be made.
Mostly, these 50 enhancements will focus on plussing or restoring fan favorite attractions. Think of this as a cross between “Project Sparkle” that Disneyland Paris rolled out ahead of its 25th Anniversary and the Diamond Celebration for Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary. Expect a mix of character-driven things to appeal to new guests, and nostalgia-fueled fun for us old-timers.
Honestly, I don’t know whether to include this on my wish list or list of fears. If there’s any credence to rumors that were swirling over the summer, some of the plans being considered for the 50 for 50th Celebration are not things I want to see happen.
At this point, I’m hoping that the good outweighs the bad. My wishlist here includes SpectroMagic 2.0, new fireworks/night stage show for Magic Kingdom, Millennium Celebration style offering for Epcot, updates for Carousel of Progress, TTA PeopleMover, and other refreshes of classics (done with integrity).
“Avengers Campus” – Phase 2
One reveal of the 2019 D23 Expo has already occurred, and it’s that the new Marvel Land will be Avengers Campus. We’ve already detailed what this land is likely to include (and expect confirmation of that from Disney over the weekend, so we won’t rehash that here).
As we’ve said previously, this is the first phase of a Marvel expansion for Disney California Adventure that is heavily backloaded. Nothing that is currently known about phase one inspires a lot of excitement, and with the future of Spider-Man’s presence in the MCU now up in the air, it puts a damper on any further discussion of the first phase.
However, phase 2 should be a lot more exciting, with a headliner E-Ticket attraction that should prove a big draw to Disney California Adventure. Even as other plans for Fantasyland and Tomorrowland across the Esplanade in Disneyland could be put on ice due to the problems above, DCA is in such need of help that canceling phase 2 seems unlikely (or at least, a really bad idea).
New Land at Animal Kingdom
Over the last couple of years, there have been a ton of rumors about Disney’s Animal Kingdom. My favorite is the Indiana Jones Adventure and Dinoland Changes, and that’s mostly because Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama being replaced by something that is not an abomination is my ultimate dream.
Another possibility that has been floated is a clone of the Zootopia Land that’s being built at Shanghai Disneyland coming to Animal Kingdom. I’ve never considered this to be all that credible, but Zootopia is popular and cloning what’s already being built elsewhere would save some costs.
Ultimately, I don’t think any big announcement for Disney’s Animal Kingdom is likely. I view it much like the blank slate dark ride for Disney’s Hollywood Studios–a good idea that positions Walt Disney World well for the long term, but something that seems unlikely to be announced just yet due to timing.
The Rock Worldwide Takeover
We already know that Moana: Journey of Water is coming to Epcot. I think we can all agree that this is the long-overdue Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson attraction that will finally put Walt Disney World on the map.
If Disney wants to take its mom and pop operation to the next level, it stands to reason that this will be the first of many the Rock-related announcements this weekend. It’s safe to assume that every single version of Jungle Cruise will have a 30-foot tall Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Audio Animatronics figure added, punching through the backside of water.
Also likely is a San Andreas attraction coming to Disney California Adventure. Think this will be a thrill ride? Think again. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson presents a 3-hour Powerpoint presentation in earthquake preparedness. (Joking aside, I’d totally be on board if Disney ripped off Earthquake: the Big One/Disaster; it “worked” with NBA Experience!) While I have literally dozens of other the Rock ride ideas all ready to be the next big thing, I think this is a good start. Disney doesn’t want to build too many great the Rock attractions all at once and have every single park filled to capacity every single day of the year.
No matter what ends up happening, we’ll be LIVE at the 2019 D23 Expo in Anaheim, California all weekend long, with camera and laptop in tow. Anything that’s announced, revealed, or even vaguely hinted at will be covered in excruciating detail here on the blog. If you have any specific “requests” for things you’d like to see from the D23 Expo, feel free to leave a note in the comments below. (No promises!)
Your Thoughts
Care to make it interesting by placing your own “bets” about what will be announced at the 2019 D23 Expo? Do you think it will be a time for big attraction announcements, or will mostly focus on details about Epcot’s transformation? Any surprise announcements you think might be possible? Obviously, none of us know what the future holds for the D23 Expo (unless you’re a Disney executive or Imagineer…in which case, please let us know what’s going to happen! 😉 ), but I think it’s fun to take some guesses and see who ‘wins’ just the same. We’ll revisit this post in a month and whoever got the most right will win…bragging rights!
To Joe and other great Americans, please know that both Tom and I were being totally sarcastic regarding The Rock. One of my family’s favorite events at Disneyland is the flag retreat honoring all the vets gathered daily there.
You crack me up Tom! That’s all…
Ditto! Really LOL!! Thanks!!! The Rock will be a great addition to any and all Disney properties!
The Rock certainly deserves it but ever since he hooked up with Disney we have been ovelassilreloaded with him.
The rock does not deserve it. The six Army Veterans he disrespected years ago deserve it. I know,I was one of them. People are not always what you think they are.
Definitely going to be a new country announced at Epcot … seen some marketing for d23 and there is a blank country with ‘to be revealed on sunday’ on It ….
I am hoping for some runDisney announcements! Especially since they let go of the longtime announcer Rudy, and mentioned restructuring of the company… really crossing my fingers for bringing back Disneyland races, even though I know it isn’t very likely!
I would be giddy if Figment & Dreamfinder reunite. If more countries or attractions are added to World Showcase, I hope for dark or boat rides similar to Maelstrom or Gran Fiesta.
I would be a giddy also if there is a SpectroMagic 2.0. I welcome a night stage show if its original, has classic Disney characters, and not cliff note version of modern day Disney movies or simple singalong. If they update COP, I hope they somehow retain iconic voice acting work of Jean Shepherd, Rex Allen, and Mel Blanc (Cousin Orville) plus avoid fads in the modern final scenes.
I would be disappointed if Zootopia land is added to AK. It is a decent film but I dont want to see the Zootopia urban environment setting inside AK. I am fine if Chester and Hester is replaced but leave the Dinosaur ride alone.
Ditto to the Figment & Dreamfinder reunion and Spectromagic 2.0! I would book my ticket tomorrow if these were announced. It would help me get over my mourning the loss of Illuminations :'(
I would like to see an announcement that every episode of the 90s era Mickey Mouse Club is being released on Disney+ please and thank you!
I’d love to see a night time parade return to Magic Kingdom. (How long are they going to make us wait ?!)
They also need to bring back day time parades in Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. (Jammin’ in the Jungle was fantastic!)
I’d also love to hear about a show for Animal Kingdom along the lines of Tarzan Rocks. (That was one of the best shows ever!)
They should also announce different character meet and greets. Bring out some of those rare characters and some new ones! I know they need the Fab Five, but how many different outfits can you put them in?
“It’s safe to assume that every single version of Jungle Cruise will have a 30-foot tall Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Audio Animatronics figure added, punching through the backside of water.”
ROTFLMAO – thank you
I for one don’t mind a Moana ride. But I could do without the rock being added everywhere. I know a lot of people think he’s great but myself and six other Army Veterans do not. I am not going to trash him on here.
Why would Disney want to dirty their name with Fox News it’s already bought and sold by some very unscrupulous people . Not a word is true or could be trusted. I am getting very disappointed and Walt would be too!
Disney has nothing to do with Fox News – not sure why you think that they do. Disney bought most of the entertainment component of Fox – the movie studios, FX Networks, National Geographic, Fox’s stake in Hulu, the Fox-owned Marvel characters, shows like The Simpsons, etc. Disney did not buy the broadcast network (the regular Fox TV channel), the Fox-owned network affiliates, the Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, or Fox Sports.
When googled it came up that Disney owned Fox News!
Disney did not buy FoxNews and please keep your political opinions to yourself on non-political website. There are likely avid FoxNews viewers who are DisneyTouristBlog readers and would disagree with your opinion. I am sick and tired of partisan politics. This blog or Disney Parks in general are one of the last escapes from political bickering since politics is ruining sports, music, movies, TV, and family/friends relationships. Disney Parks are also one of the few place where all people regardless of political party, race, religion etc. can get along. One more thing, I assume you do not know Walt personally so do not put words into Walt’s mouth.
I did not say anything political Fox News is slanted and does not tell the truth. I am more than entitled to my opinion as are you. Keep watching!
Tom don’t tease. I so badly want your figment prediction to be true and I agree with the logic too many things are changing so rapidly especially for people who remember disney world in the 80s with just two parks. I said it before and I’ll say it again part of the reason for mouse gears closure is to bring back the dreamfinders ship.
I really don’t see why everyone is so fixated in Brazil being the next/best addition to World Showcase. To me, the obvious next addition would be India. Large country, deep historical and cultural roots, diverse population, emergence as major economic power and culinary traditions that put Brazil to shame. Just think of the color palate and how it would “pop” in WS. Maybe they feel that India already has a minor, tangential presence in Animal Kingdom, but I think India would bring a lot more potential than Brazil.
Of course, maybe folks just want to see the greatest animated feature ever made incorporated into Epcot, now that the Fox acquisition is complete. Who wouldn’t want to see more of the movie “Rio” plastered everywhere? That was a joke, by the way; that movie stunk on ice.
Now, if the push to get Brazil into WS is a pretense to shoe horn Terry Gilliam’s dystopian masterpiece “Brazil” into World Showcase, then I am all in.
Tom has posted on this before. It’s not just about what would round out the “world” best, be the coolest, or even the most popular. It’s a business decision in regards to funding from the country’s government, PR, bringing in foreign travelers, etc.
not sure it’s the greatest business choice right now given the global climate issues involving the amazon and the fires and the brazilian government’s lack of care towards the problem that literally affects the entire world.
“new fireworks/night stage show for Magic Kingdom” . . . are you suggesting to replace Happily Ever After or in addition to it?
I wish they would bring back Wishes. I loved the artistry. Projected videos leave me cold. We can watch screens in our living room.
Tom, are you going to do a review / impressions post of your overall experience at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at HS?
i think a zootopia attraction at animal kingdom to replace conservation station would have been a home run and i feel disney missed their chance big time. when they announced it was temporarily closing, i thought it was coming. the train ride would have been perfect, straight from the movie. have character meets all up and down that mile-long pathway, then have a stage show or something else from the movie in the building. all we got was a lame animation class (not meant to offend class fans, just not for us).
spectromagic 2.0 would be my DREAM! or at the very least an announcement that paint the night is coming out of storage and being altered however needed to move to residency at magic kingdom. florida has been without a night parade far too long. would also bea huge fan of the return of dreamfinder and figment… imagine the expo, a quiet stage, then they start playing “one little spark”…
another blog tried claiming the muppets were going to be axed at d23… i didn’t like that prediction one single bit. they need MORE exposure at the parks.