WDW News & Rumors: Inside Epcot’s Play Pavilion, Blank Slate Dark Ride, and More!
This week’s Walt Disney World news & rumor update covers the ‘blank slate’ dark ride coming to Hollywood Studios, attractions in Epcot’s upcoming Play Pavilion, a restaurant closure at Disney Springs, new MagicBand upgrades, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge music, and more.
First, a newly-announced MagicBand upgrade option. Beginning May 15, pre-arrival Walt Disney World resort hotel guests and new and renewing Annual Passholders will have the option to upgrade from a complimentary solid-color MagicBand to one of more than 30 new MagicBand upgrade options featuring favorite Disney characters and designs at a discounted price.
This will undoubtedly have MagicBand collectors excited, as it means acquiring a new design for $10 rather than $25. I’ve never had a strong temptation to purchase a MagicBand (my ‘collection’ of MagicBands consists of a solid blue one that I always wear, plus dozens of grey ones that I still need to recycle), but if a cool Figment or Country Bears one was included in the $10 offer, I could see splurging on that.
In other news, Disney has released the Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Symphonic Suite, the 5 minute long original theme for the land written by the original Star Wars composer John Williams.
This now available to download and stream on various platforms, including YouTube:
We haven’t listened, as we’d rather hear it for the first time while walking through Star Wars Land instead of sitting at home on our couch. We’re nonetheless excited, and each new detail or nugget of info indicates we are almost there. A little less than a month to go (at least for the Disneyland opening).
Speaking of which, If you’re planning on visiting the new area, you’ll also want to read our Star Wars Land Info & Galaxy’s Edge Guide. This covers a range of topics from basics about the land and its location, to strategically choosing a hotel for your stay, recommended strategy for the land, and how early to arrive to beat the crowds. It’s a good primer for this huge addition!
Next, there’s the rumor of a “black box” dark ride coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The attraction would be a trackless dark ride built in a giant warehouse with projection and screen surfaces, and little to no physical props. Instead, would screen and projection technology would be utilized, allowing the theme of the entire ride to be changed in just weeks, if not days.
No location is indicated for the rumored black box dark ride, but Disney’s Hollywood Studios has plenty of potential options. Animation Courtyard seems like a logical choice, especially with Voyage of the Little Mermaid really showing its age and Star Wars Launch Bay about to become superfluous.
While we can’t judge the veracity of this particular rumor, the core concept is highly plausible. By almost every internal metric, the re-imagining of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout was a success.
The project turnaround time, thematic differences from its predecessor, and guest response to Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout all earn it high marks. I was (and remain) critical of the attraction in several regards, but what was accomplished in a relatively short timeframe is undeniably impressive.
Shortly after that, we heard that this would be a new template for a line of future Disney attractions: “blank slate” rides that could have their theme, storyline, etc., all swapped out with minimal downtime. The pitch is that these offer endless flexibility, and could be totally changed or refreshed for new movies, sequels, holidays, and so forth.
If used in moderation, I think such a dynamic type of attraction holds a lot of potential. My trepidation is that in reality, such rides would become redundant, feeling like rehashes of one another. I already worry that Imagineering is starting to lean too heavily on projection mapping, screens, and other tech-heavy effects.
I have no such problem with screens when they are the best option for a particular attraction. However, their overuse is concerning, and too often it seems like the tail is wagging the dog when it comes to the integration of technology in theme park attractions.
Other theme parks already utilize VR to accomplish this type of thing. One of my favorite rides at Universal Studios Japan, Space Fantasy, is regularly replaced with seasonal VR roller coasters that have ranged from pop star Kyary Pamyu Pamyu to the Final Fantasy series. (They’re neat, but I’d personally prefer the regular Space Fantasy coaster, which has cool physical sets.)
My other concern is that these blank slate attractions are a great idea in theory, but past precedent has demonstrated that even high-tech attractions that can be frequently updated seldom are. The ease of making regular updates and doing overlays were touted for both Star Tours and Toy Story Mania when both originally opened. With the former, it took over two decades for a second version, and the latter has yet to see any material changes to its gameplay.
This type of blank slate attraction necessarily would require thematic compromises in order to fulfill its goal of being readily swapped out for a new concept, and I’m perfectly willing to accept some degree of compromise if it means a “new” ride on every year or two. If the reality is likely a heavily compromised ride that seldom changes, I’m far less likely to jump on board.
A less exciting rumor comes via WDWMagic.com, which is reporting that Bongos Cuban Cafe at Disney Springs will be closing later this year. Workers at Bongo’s Cuban Cafe have been told that the restaurant will be closing later this year.
The restaurant is expected to be relocated to Margaritaville Resort, and reimagined there as Estefan Kitchen in Fall 2019. Previous rumors pointed to the restaurant group, Lettuce Entertain You replacing Bongos with their Beatrix Market concept. It’s unclear whether that remains the case, or if the location will be totally redeveloped.
This comes as little surprise. Bongos was one of the final dining holdouts from the Downtown Disney days, with only a handful of other dining options remaining of that era. With Disney Springs drawing more and more visitors and becoming a culinary hotspot, there should be no issue attracting a new tenant (or, hopefully, an original concept). We’d expect an official announcement about Bongos departure and a simultaneous replacement concept in the very near future.
Finally, another rumor about the exhibits that will be in the upcoming Play Pavilion in Epcot. In our commentary to the Play Pavilion announcement, we speculated that this would be similar to Innoventions. If the rumored exhibit lineup is any indication, that’s a pretty accurate assessment.
Per this rumor, Animation Academy will return in an interactive experience hosted by Edna Mode from the Incredibles. Guests will be able to learn how to draw Disney characters in this relocated experience that was once offered in the Magic of Disney Animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. (More recently, this has been done at Epcot’s Festival of the Arts.)
Nick and Judy Hopps from Zootopia will host an interactive game called “Hotel Heist.” Expect this to be akin to similar games that were once available in Innoventions.
There will be a stage in the center of the circular pavilion where short performances will be held. We are hoping against hope that Baymax Super Exercise Expo (sponsored, ironically enough, by Pepsi) will be cloned from Shanghai Disneyland. Not because it’s particularly good, but it’s amusing.
Character meet and greets for Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope, Joy and Sadness, and Baymax are also likely to be relocated from around Epcot to a more permanent location in the Play Pavilion. There should also be a Wreck-It Ralph arcade, and a play area for toddlers.
The most disappointing part of this rumor is that there are no plans to use the large show buildings that were previously come to Body Wars and Cranium Command. Although Body Wars was largely dismantled and gutted for Star Tours: the Adventures Continue testing, Cranium Command is still back there and rumors point to it being mostly intact (sans the recently stolen Buzzy). It would’ve been great to have seen some money invested in this for a bona-fide attraction, instead of just what sounds like a bunch of relocated Innoventions exhibits.
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 rumors? Surprised by the exhibits slated for the Play Pavilion at Epcot? Think the ‘blank slate’ dark ride concept could work if not overused? Interested in customizing your own MagicBand? Any questions we can 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 am on the fence about the possibility of the blank slate ride also. We went to Universal several years ago and other than the Harry Potter sections it really felt like the same rides over and over again. The shows and Harry Potter saved those couple of days from feeling like a waste.
What’s with the Magicbands? I’m curious to see the designs (for the discounted price on the fancy, non-solid colored bands when staying at a Disney Resort). Your info said it would be available today, it’s not. Any updated timeframe? I don’t know if I’ll do it, but I am nosy!
Instead of building a giant warehouse … give everyone a pair of grandma’s VR glasses (“Carousel of Progress”), sit them in a vibrating chair and let them chose whatever ride that somebody somewhere has created. Gives the option of several rides being available!
Oooh … I shudder at the thought!!!
I agree with all of the comments about “real” rides.
I am disappointed in another screen based attractions Screen based attractions only cause nausea for me rather than fun immersive experience like physical scenes and audio-animatronics based rides.
I could not find the option to order a new magic band in the my disney experience app. Just showed the plain colored ones. I have a reservation for May 21-23 and made it about a month ago, which is after the implementation date of May 15th. Where do I find this out at or do I have to check at the resort when I check in?
You have to wait until May 15 before you can try to order one.
My family would absolutely take advantage of Animation Academy if that part comes to fruition. I’m excited about that possibility. 🙂
Why does the Dolphin and Swan not participate in the full benefits of the MagicBands. We will be staying at the Dolphin in Sept and just discovered that all the benefits do not apply. More Cons than Pros. Your thoughts?
The Swan and Dolphin hotels are not Disney-owned. Therefore, they don’t have the exact same benefits that guests staying at Disney-owned hotels have.
We stayed at the Swan last year and they have a Disney rep in the reception area and the only two perks we missed out on was charging items to the room (Blessing in disguise) and we had to purchase our magic bands not sure of there was any other perks we didn’t get but the quality of the hotel outweighed the missing perks as this was by far the best hotel we have stayed at
Did the swan offer transportation to and from the airport, as well as to all the parks? I always consider staying there but am not sure if they include all the transportation that Disney does.
To & From the airport, no. Parks, Yes.
Hi, sorry not sure on transport between Hotel and Airport as we hired a car but I would suggest contacting the hotel as this may be a service they offer directly, there ii is a selection of Disney transportation to get you to the parks available at both the Swan & Dolphin .
I find the screen rides so boring, and a lazy alternative to artful scenery and props. Plus they’re only as good as the video quality from the time they’re made and that’s outpaced pretty quickly. For me personally, it’s too easy to fall out of the suspension of disbelief. An immersive experience must include the spacial depth of real scenery, with paths, doors, hallways, etc., that make me wonder what’s around the corner. It’s a huge plus for the subconscious experience and it seems it’s being either overlooked, forgotten or cast aside. Used sparingly among real scenery and props, screens can be interesting.
Agreed 1000%.
I agree with your apprehensions about how much we can expect from a “black box” ride. While the Toy Story [Midway] Manias was under construction, there was a LOT of marketing talk/hype about how the format of the attraction would easily lend itself to updates and overlays. After eleven years of operation, however, we’ve only seen one (1) update that added the Toy Story 3 characters and changed the balloon game to the volcano. How great (and operationally seamless) would it be to roll out Halloween/and or Christmas versions of the ride?
Anything temporary in a Disney Park becomes permanent if it’s popular enough (Fantasmic, Festival of Lion King, Voyage of Little Mermaid, etc), so you can’t accept at face value that something deliberately designed to change ever actually will change.
During our last trip to WDW two weeks ago, we spent four evenings at Disney Springs. Our vacations are not typically THEME PARK heavy and include water park days, so that gives us plenty of time to meander around DS, especially since we stayed at Saratoga Springs. Saying they “upped their game” is not doing DS justice! The Edison was great, as was the Boathouse! First time at each and we will definitely go back to both. Blaze was good and you can’t go wrong with Earl of Sandwich. Dessert included one trip to Ghiradeli for customary sundaes and perhaps the unspoken hero of our DS visits… Amorette’s Patisserie. Not nearly as filling (or expensive) as Ghiradeli, but so unique and delicious!
I have heard many complaints about DS. It’s a glorified mall. I have access to the same restaurants / stores at home. Why spend time there when you could be at the parks? I didn’t come all this way to go shopping. All valid points. But for my family, we can’t imagine staying anywhere but SSR because then we wouldn’t have easy access to Disney Springs.
I like Disney Springs for Amorettes, the Disney Store and the ambiance. I come from a large city, so most of the stores we have here. But the small town I grew up in has almost none of them, so I would imagine they would love an upscale mall. I like the shopping, then hop on a bus for resort hopping. We make a visit to DS every time we go.
Oh man, I love Bongos and have a reservation for mid-September. Hope we get to dine there one more time pre-shutdown. As for the “dark ride”, I’ll just remain hopeful. I love a nice dark ride on a hot summer day. As long as it doesn’t make me sick like that god awful Star Tours ride (sorry Star Wars fans but I can’t help but feel like puking after that one)
Please no screen rides. I can’t do them due to motion sickness and our trip to Universal was horrible because of this. I love that at Disney I can ride everything but Mission Space and Star Tours.
The less screens the better, imo.
Have you heard anything more about the rumors on DL’s Tomorrowland (the scorched-earth rumor). Would hate to see the Peoplemover go (or not remade)…
I haven’t heard anything that I consider credible about Disneyland’s Tomorrowland recently. As far as I know, a redo is still in the cards, but lower priority than Fantasyland expansion. If Galaxy’s Edge proves popular enough, both could be greenlit in a hurry, but I’d be surprised (not shocked, but surprised) if an announcement about Tomorrowland comes at this summer’s D23 Expo.
This is the article I was referring to, just FYI:
https://www.micechat.com/223809-tomorrowlands-future-at-disneyland/
To my knowledge, there’s no truth to any of that beyond the base notion of a Tomorrowland overhaul.
As a change of pace, we went to Universal a couple of years ago. It seemed that 90% of the “rides” were all screens. So boring! We’ll never go back.
i never liked cranium command, but if it’s really still in tact back there, you’d think this would be a golden opportunity for an inside out attraction.
That would be my thought regarding Inside Out. I think it comes down to just how much of the space could actually be salvaged. It might be intact but so dated that it’d be a gut-job for anything modern, anyway.
true, but for the throwback diehards who loved cranium, imagine the response. of course, those of us on the original figment train haven’t gotten ours yet either…
I’m definitely hesitant about the blank slate ride rumor. I understand why Disney corporate may think it’s a great idea because it would be relatively cheap but for me that would be the problem. I definitely prefer the “real” rides not a bunch of screens. We live our lives hooked to screens now. I’m super excited about the new Hagrid ride. Looks amazing and lots of practical effects. I haven’t been to Epcot yet but from what I’ve seen the play pavilion looks pretty meh but maybe it will be awesome. Will have to see. If it’s just a bunch of screens that won’t be very exciting.
yeah i’m already having issues with my preschooler and screens. i agree, we don’t need more. plus, my thought when reading that part was “wow, talk about doing things on the cheap”.
Think of the Play Pavilion as added capacity mostly aimed at families with small children that won’t be able to do other attractions on that side of Epcot.
It’s not intended to be a huge, blockbuster addition. Play Pavilion not going to blow anyone’s mind unless they’re easily impressed. That’s not the goal, though; it’s a smaller-scale offering to round out the attraction slate.
I can see the Dark Ride used to filter crowds. For example having a popular movie as a ride during some down months, and then switching it up. The limited engagement will have fans going nuts to get there.
If that’s how it ends up being utilized, I think the concept is awesome.
However, programming projection mapping and filming footage for screens isn’t cheap–I can’t imagine any scenarios where an attraction like this wouldn’t last at least a year. With Walt Disney World’s track record on “limited engagement” entertainment, I think the reality is more like a 5 year run, at minimum.