Disney News & Rumors: Mary Poppins & Wreck-It Ralph Rides, CineMagique’s Return, New Refillable Mugs
It’s been a while since we dropped in with a Walt Disney World news & rumors update, so we thought we’d do just that. In this, we’ll cover rumors of a Mary Poppins attraction in the United Kingdom at Epcot, Wreck-It Ralph in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom, new refillable mugs, and a few other tidbits.
We’ll start over at Epcot, where new rumors lend credence to what we posited in our Epcot Update for Summer 2018: that the scope and substance of that park’s re-imagining is still very much up in the air. This is from credible insider marni1971, who made an offhand remark that the Epcot Central Spine Redesign “has slipped to 2023.”
Martin dropped this line in a discussion about whether the Mary Poppins (United Kingdom) attraction or Coco (Mexico) attraction will receive the green light for Epcot. As it stands, it’s apparently an either/or proposition, with only one of the two attractions receiving funding. As we reported a few of months ago, the rumored Coco overlay or re-imagining of Gran Fiesta Tour had fizzled out and was highly unlikely to come to fruition.
For the last several months, rumors of a Mary Poppins dark ride in the United Kingdom pavilion at Epcot have been gaining traction. While the idea of a new attraction in the United Kingdom was floated last year prior to the D23 Expo, there were multiple possibilities for the attraction, including an attraction featuring the Loch Ness Monster. Since then, it’s been a slow trickle suggesting Mary Poppins is the only viable candidate for an attraction in the UK.
While a Mary Poppins attraction sounds highly plausible, that’s the case with all of the rumors for Epcot that are floating around right now. The problem is that budgets are finite, and if all of these ride candidates were built, the cost of the Epcot overhaul would be well north of $3 billion.
Epcot’s re-imagining does have a very healthy budget, but not that healthy. A large amount of that money is already earmarked for the Guardians of the Galaxy and Ratatouille attractions, plus the IllumiNations replacement, and Central Spine Redesign (delayed it might be, but it’s still happening). Tough decisions will have to be made, so you shouldn’t get too excited just yet.
On a totally unrelated note, we’ve heard absolutely nothing about the replacement for Reflections of China in months (as you might–or might not–recall, this was announced at the D23 Expo). Hopefully this project is still happening and hasn’t just been quietly shelved.
In the never-ending saga of Tomorrowland rumors, WDWNT is reporting that Imagineering is once again developing a Wreck-It Ralph attraction to replace the permanently-closed Stitch’s Great Escape in Magic Kingdom.
If you are having deja vu upon hearing this, it’s probably because you’ve heard it before. Wreck-It Ralph has been rumored to be replacing Stitch’s Great Escape for ages. The problem is that the attraction is a relatively confined space, so either VR (which Bob Iger has stated Disney does not intend upon using in the parks) or a film-based attraction is necessary.
Personally, I think there’s some smoke to this Wreck-It Ralph rumor, just as there has been in the past. I’d also speculate that the actual status of this potential attraction depends largely upon the box office results of Ralph Breaks the Internet. If it’s a smash, I could see Disney repurposing the space and creating a simulator ride similar to Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, which is relatively popular at Universal.
It feels like we are constantly discussing Tomorrowland and Epcot in these rumor posts, and that’s probably because everyone knows something big is going to happen with both, but the precise details of the overhauls have not fully congealed. There are most certainly budgets allocated to projects, and things are happening beyond what has publicly been announced. How that money will be spent remains an open question, with multiple ride concepts vying for limited resources.
At this point, we wouldn’t be surprised if Disney waits until the 2019 D23 Expo to unveil its plans for both Tomorrowland and Future World. Between now and then, expect a slow trickle of rumors, as competing concepts are floated until whatever is eventually going to be announced is actually greenlit.
Speaking of which, this week Disney announced that on Thursday, August 23, 2018, D23 will begin selling tickets for the next D23 Expo, which will take place August 23-25, 2019 at the Anaheim Convention Center. We’re hoping for announcements about entertainment for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary and the future of Epcot, so we’ll definitely be there!
New refillable mug designs are finally coming to Walt Disney World with the above Halloween mug design coming to all resort hotels. To our knowledge, this is not yet available and no timeframe is set for its arrival. Apparently, mid-August is “too early” for Halloween…unless we’re talking upcharge events. 😉
Cynicism aside, we really hope this is the start of a trend. As we share in our Refillable Mugs at Walt Disney World FAQ (which has been updated with some goofy new photos, by the way), we are Disney travel mug collectors. We’d love to have an excuse to purchase more of these, and we suspect other Walt Disney World regulars agree. We can’t be the only ones who don’t normally buy refillable mugs now, but would if there were more seasonal designs or, better yet, a return of the resort-specific mugs!
In the lone piece of non-Walt Disney World news, Disneyland Paris has confirmed via a teaser image on its InsidEARS fan club that CineMagique will return to Walt Disney Studios Park (it’s rumored to be back by Christmas 2018, but the date is not yet official). The fan-favorite closed last year and was replaced by Marvel: Super Heroes Unite, which is a live-action stage show with several Marvel characters set to run for Marvel Summer of Super Heroes.
While that event concludes September 30, 2018, it was widely expected that Marvel: Super Heroes Unite would continue beyond that date as a permanent offering due to the investment and scale of the show. Perhaps the subsequently-announced overhaul of WDSP has changed the direction of Marvel in that park? Or perhaps the show, which features numerous live performers, has been deemed cost-prohibitive to run?
Either way, we’re ecstatic. Not only is Cinemagique Disney’s best Martin Short-centric attraction in the world, it’s also the best attraction at Walt Disney Studios Park. Sorry, Crush’s Coaster and Ratatouille: the Adventure, you’re both good, but CineMagique is perfection. Not only that, but this love-letter to cinema is a perfect marquee attraction for this “studio” park.
Finally, a totally implausible rumor that has been making the rounds. Jim Hill is speculating that Ice Age could be coming to Animal Kingdom following Disney’s acquisition of Fox.
In other news, I have it on very good authority that the only reason Disney acquired Fox was for the rights of the Spooktacular New Adventures of Casper for a ride based on that classic film. Imagineering is now working on converting Haunted Mansion into “Casper’s Spooktacular Funhome.” The plan is to replace the current omnimover with a roller coaster track, culminating in an epic encounter with Stinky who will belch chili dog smells onto guests. Instant classic.
This rumor that I just made up might sound dumb–and it is–but it’s just as plausible as there Ice Age coming to Animal Kingdom. As we’ve said before, theme parks played no role in Disney’s acquisition of Fox. Zero. It’s possible that Fox properties will eventually find their way into the parks, but we are a long way from that. At present, no plans for Fox IPs are under any sort of serious consideration for integration into Walt Disney World.
That seems like as good of a place as any to end this Walt Disney World news and rumor update. We’ll be back again soon with more news and rumors…presumably including more conflicting info about what’s coming to Epcot and Tomorrowland, but hopefully some other stuff about this Christmas at Walt Disney World, and other things happening in the more immediate future!
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
What do you think of these Walt Disney World rumors? Are you optimistic about Mary Poppins or Coco in Epcot, or are you in ‘wait and see’ mode like us? Any thoughts on other news or rumors here? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
I hope its Mary Poppins since I see great potential. I maybe in the minority but I love Three Caballeros theme more than Coco and unless the Three Caballeros are moved to the rumored Brazil pavilion, I hope they stay in Mexico. Plus, I like additions to World Showcase rather (Rat) rather than replacements (Frozen).
Ice Age in the Animal Kingdom. I’m thinking They should do a whole Jurassic World / Park area. There are so much more possibilities for awesome rides with this concept
#universalstudios
I love the idea of ‘spiffying’ up tomorrowland speedway. It does seem like a cheap and easy thing to do. There is a lot they can do with it like before mentioned wreck it ralph, or there is Mickey and the roadster racers. They could even change the scenery based on seasons. It would be cute driving by pumpkins and Jack Skellington decor during the fall.
Thank you for once again fueling my excitement for future trips to Disney World as I spend my entire lunch break going from one post to another on your site!
We are big fans of the refillable mugs! In spite of the “no way does it make financial sense” price, we still have bought them the last few trips. Our WDW vacations always include a few days where we spend the majority of the day at the hotel pool. Since we usually stay at the SSR, THAT is where the mugs make the most sense. Both the main pool and Paddock pool have refill stations. Sure, we could buy 2 liter bottles, but without a cooler & ice (additional costs), how do we keep the pop (Buffalo, NY here – REPRESENT!!) cold? Walking back to room is not ideal. So we splurge on two mugs, “force” the kids to run to the refill station and get whatever we want to drink. Spending $3.29 for one drink, multiple times, adds up very quickly. One day at the pool and the mugs practically pay for themselves.
We stayed six nights in July and bought refillable mugs for all four of us. Coffee every morning, a teen boy and 23-year-old young man and their soda drinking – Definitely worth the price of the cup. 🙂
How could Disney even think of replacing the Haunted Mansion !!!! If they do they will lose many a fan !!!
Tom,
These kind of comments must make you so sad.
I’m not sure what this says about my priorities in life, but I read this article just to see what the rumors were for new refillable mugs. I think it was worth reading all those other boring rumors ;). I would definitely be more likely to purchase the mugs if they were themed seasonally or to the specific hotel.
Same here! I wish they would go back to the theme park specific mugs.
Right? I hate this whole universal everything concept. I liked that years ago I had to trek somewhere to get merchandise from only that place.
I just don’t understand why Epcot hasn’t done the “pull the lever, Kronk!” ride that literally everyone wants.
The Wreck-It-Ralph ride should be an overlay of Tomorrowland Speedway.
Replace all of the vehicles with electric “Sugar Rush” Vanellope-style carts, scatter some candy-themed scenery and “obstacles” around the track, and you’ve immediately transformed a smelly eyesore into a true attraction.
Cute idea! I like it.
I was thinking the same thing! Seems like it would be a great and relatively simple way to incorporate Wreck-It-Ralph.
Tom,
I’m headed to Disney soon and, with the help that your blog has provided me, I’ll gladly hand over one of my mugs (if it’s the Halloween design).
– Lauren
I’ve heard rumors that Journey Into Imagination will be replaced with an Inside Out ride and Figment will get a show of his own. Much of my childhood was spent going to Disney starting in the late 80’s so Figment holds a special place in my heart. Do you think that rumor will end up coming to fruition? If they want to so something with the Imagination ride, they should revamp it and bring back Dreamfinder but that’s my opinion 😉
I don’t doubt for a second that Imagineering has worked up plans for Inside Out coming to the ‘Imagination Institute’ in some fashion, but only because it’s such a logical fit. That doesn’t mean the concept will be greenlit–the vast majority of blue sky plans never happen.
From what I’ve heard most recently, Journey into Imagination is not on the list of high priorities for the immediate future. I’d be a little surprised if Figment does end up disappearing, as he’s proven to be popular ‘theme park IP’ and I think with a stronger attraction, he’d move even more merchandise.
Miss the Dreamfinder and the old right too,, but Inside Out was not a big enough hit for them to put that IP there. No draw. Plus don’t forget, upstairs is Vacation Club lounge. It is not unused. If you are looking at a budget and things that make most sense, giving use of dollars and what would draw people to a pavilion for a two hour wait like frozen did for Norway, a Mary Poppins ride at UK would do it, so that would be before any Imagination upgrade of anything, especially with the new film Mary Poppins film coming that they are predicting to be a blockbuster.
Why in the world would Disney not go with a Coco ride in the Mexico pavilion?? That literally makes no sense, especially when you factor in the movie’s popularity in Latin America and Asia. Not to mention the fact the Gran Fiesta Tour is in need of some sort of physical overall. We went on it earlier this year because my sister wanted to scope it out in advance of the Coco-revamp we both assumed would be coming, and we were both surprised that the animatronics squeaked louder than the soundtrack.
As for the UK pavilion, I’m glad they’re talking about adding something there…just not Mary Poppins. I mean, this is supposed to be the UK pavilion not the England pavilion, so why isn’t the obvious go-to movie for a UK ride Brave? (I still find the lack of Brave and Merida in the pavilion a big mistake on Disney’s part.) If Disney wants to go with an older movie for a dark ride, Robin Hood, Sword in the Stone, and Bedknobs and Broomsticks would all make for better rides than Mary Poppins. Can you imagine a B&B ride with your vehicle that looks like a bed and you fly through WWII London?
I agree with Lynn’s comments about the need to update the Mexico pavilion with Coco. I had to search all over for the Three Caballeros just so my daughter would have some idea of what the ride was about. She still didn’t get it.
It really does need to be updated. If they will update the Norway ride for Frozen then at least do the same to the Mexico Pavilion.
To answer Lynn’s questions, I think these are the most plausible explanations for prioritizing Mary Poppins in UK:
1) Mexico already has a ride, so redoing an existing attraction is lower-priority than adding a new one. Even after Ratatouille, World Showcase needs more attractions.
2) Brave was another of the pitches for the UK ride, but I believe if Mary Poppins wins out, it’ll be because of the film’s long-term popularity and bank-ability, which should only increase with the upcoming reboot.
“bank-ability” – I saw what you did there. LOL.
I think the biggest issue with the Mexico Pavillion is queue space.
As it stands there is no way there would even be close to enough queue space for a Coco attraction. They would have to expand the interior, or re-do a portion of the building to allow the queue to lead outside of the building instead of inside.
The ride also doesn’t look like it has good people per hour capacity. The capacity works fine now, because the ride isn’t super popular (no accounting for taste, but fans like me win because there’s less wait).
So yeah, to raise the ride capacity, re-do all of the scenes and create new animatronics, add additional line space, etc. they might have to completely gut the building.
What they could do instead is clear some of the area on either side of the pavilion and re-create the courtyard area of Miguel’s family home. Look through the window to see the ofrenda, take a peek to the roof to see a cutaway of Miguel’s secret shrine to Ernesto on the roof, etc.
Mary Poppins is also being remade now, that is probably another reason to go with that theme…
“we were both surprised that the animatronics squeaked louder than the soundtrack.”
What animatronics? Where are they?
Mary Poppins has stood the test of time, unlike Coco, and would make a lot more sense to put money into. Please let it be true!!
Whoa whoa! Pump the brakes! Coco is brand new compared to Mary Poppins. No need to throw the baby out with the bathwater! Give it a little time, it is fantastic! It definitely makes me sad that is it so underrepresented in Disney parks, and it is definitely worthy as an addition somewhere. Maybe I’m just un poco loco though
Fox IP going into Disney parks seems very unlikely since Fox parks have already been built. If anything, Disney might continue to build separate Fox parks.
I wish they would hang “stars” in the Mexico pavilion above the restaurant and ride area. Seems like a cheap install that would have a big effect. Same goes for the drive-in restaurant in Hollywood studios.
Does anyone know of any reason there aren’t little lights hanging?
I just wish that the refillable mugs were a little larger. By the time I get ice, there’s only maybe 5-8 ounces of actual drink in my mug. Many times I have already finished that by the time I get back to my room!
Epcot UK ride … surely to goodness … somewhere in all the backstage rusted ride piles they have enough parts to reconstruct “Mr Toad’s Wild Ride” … wouldn’t take up too much room in the park … wouldn’t tax the minds of the imagineers trying to think up something “new” … would make some old park fans happy (if they are still around and look at Mr Toad every time they exit Haunted Mansion like my family and I do) … just a thought ….
Is it odd that I almost enjoy these rumors more than actual announcements?
I’m disappointed the Epcot redesign’s been pushed back; my current plan is for my next WDW visit to be in 2021 to see whatever 50th anniversary celebrations there are, and I’ve been looking forward to seeing everything done. There’s generally always something being worked on there, but I had imagined a brief “Everything’s all fixed, nice and spiffy” window for the Golden anniversary.
(Happily I’m not Disneyless until 2021, I’ve got Disneyland California on the agenda for 2019, and a Disney cruise for 2020.)
I was surprised to see that note, and I really hope Martin is wrong. While I’ve heard independent rumors of internal ‘debate’ over which design to pursue, I’ve yet to hear that the redesign would not be done by 2021.
Once GotG opens, Future World is going to see significantly more foot traffic than it does at present. It makes WAY more sense to get this done all at once, while Epcot is in something of an attendance lull.
I’m a WDW Original so I am looking forward to the 50th in 2021. I even have my map from 1971. We stayed at the Polynesian way back then. Orlando International was so small that our plane from Chicago had a set of stairs brought to it and we deplaned straight to the tarmac. 🙂
We were just at French Quarter the same time as you and Sarah were Tom. 🙂
If I could actually refill my mug inside the parks (a la Universal) then I might actually buy a refillable mug.
Agreed! I refuse to buy them from Disney because it does not make financial sense. We do a grocery delivery and take our own sodas in and just get ice. Comes out to like 85 cents for a 20oz bottle.
Aside from the lack of fountains that are accessible to guests (that could be easily remedied), I wonder why WDW doesn’t do this. You figure they could price it per-day ($12?) or length of stay ($30?) for on-site guests at a higher price than the average guest spends on soda and come out ahead regardless.
I honestly thought that was the news when I read “new refillable mugs”. Whomp whomp. I am still excited about new designs. I have a free dining trip in September and didnt care about the mugs, but now I hope the new design will be available by then!
We refill them anyway lol… Electric umbrella fillup. What what