As a frequent visitor of MK, I can confirm that the ROA area is very special to me and has been for years, and I’m sure many other MK visitors would agree. Its charm and aesthetic value is irreplaceable. There’s no way a thrill ride based on a movie from 2006 will ever successfully replace the beauty of that space. They need to build it somewhere else. Otherwise they are just dismantling part of what has made that park so special for over 50 years.
RoA at Disneyland is also likely safe because they've (sorta) monetized it. Fantasmic dining packages make plenty of money, and the show was specifically designed to utilize all that existing infrastructure
Rivers of America will 100000000% not be going anywhere. Anyone who even questions that idea has no idea about anything. Would the island change again? Yes! Would the river go? Literally never. They even updated the river for Galaxies Edge and it’s gorgeous the improvements. One at Walt Disney World? Sure! Yeah get rid of it. It serves no purpose other than when they just copied Disneyland after Walt passed away. It seems they will keep parts of the river to flow through the new land but WDW vs DL rivers is NOT the same historywise lol
Thank you for being the one UA-camr who understands how terrible it is losing the Rivers of America. It’s so hard to explain but you’re right, the feelings you get in disney parks are unlike anything in any other theme parks like universal and taking away the rivers of America will definitely change the feeling you get in that area of the park
This is exactly what I was waiting for and I agree with you and him too. I feel like alot of them were just mentioning no one goes there and adding rides would be good, but the thing is Mk has so much more land then Disneyland and Cars could've gone behind like the company initially promised meaning we would have both and no one would complain. Heck I've been looking on Maps as they re-route the road behind MK meaning they have even more space to put it behind now. I'm a Georgian so I tend to go to the WDW parks more often, but what they did with Galaxy's Edge over in Disneyland by simply shortening it would've been the perfect solution for Florida, plus they could put a few new experiences on the Island that could bring guests. Especially a Tiana restaurant, which alot of people have brought up. Sorry for the yapping, but I really agree with this.
@@samanthabamantha5816I am for it. There, now you can't say you haven't heard one. Also look at this comment section, there are many more. I would riot if it was DL river and boat but not MK. The rider numbers don't lie either.
@@BAM5636 the river is just as important to MK as it is to DL. I get that it’s not Walt’s Park but Walt did have all the plans ready for MK before he died & the river was a part of it. It’s more than an attraction the river is crucial in connecting the theming of Liberty Square & Frontierland
@@samanthabamantha5816 There's a few. To me everyone can have there own opinion, I just hope people can be more respectful towards each other. Especially in that Mickey Views chat lol.
I truly appreciate all the hard work you do David! The attention to detail, all the research, and I know these videos definitely take time and dedication. Your work is so incredible and doesn’t go unnoticed. You’re truly are one of a kind! Be safe out there. Be kind to one another. FreshBaked!❤❤❤
Haha, I love the “why?” on top of the Cars pic lol. I think that’s everyone’s feelings, even those that love when changes happen. Thanks for this video, love this content! I want to add, now that I’ve watched, the ride vehicles for Journey into your Imagination and Guardians of the Galaxy are the same, so there’s always hope.
I think, going forward, we will see Disneyland lean harder into nostalgia as "Walt's park" while WDW goes off in new directions. The new Opera House show is a clue and this nostalgia may extend to a reimagined Tomorrowland as well. One that reflects Walt's mid-century optimism and futurism. At least that's my hope. I would expect an announcement on Tomorrowland as part of the 70th celebration.
I would love it if Disneyland could become something of a safe place for that kind of thing while all the other parks mess around with the new and shiny. DL is still incredibly popular in spite of it getting less new stuff than any other park. Gimme POTC, HM, DLRR, ROA, BTMRR and all those super old dark rides any day of the week.
Another clue in favor of that theory was their decision to re-theme the Adventureland treehouse back to Swiss Family Robinson. They could have gone for something modern and popular like Encanto, but instead they chose to go with Swiss Family Robinson, a movie from Walt's time.
I feel like adding capacity to DCA first will give breathing room for Disneyland once it begins taking on the Tomorrowland issue. You get more people looking at DCA as a truly full day park equal to Disneyland with the added capacity. At the same time you could announce a new Tomorrowland while heavy construction is going on at DCA. Of course, the Gateway project is essential for parking capacity and opening up space for Disneyland and any concepts they might have in mind.
Personally of all these announcements im most excited for Walt coming to Disneyland and an entire Monsters inc land. I Agree with Dave and honestly sometimes i get angry how unappreciative people are of Walt. The heart, vision, family, and just overall joy of Life Walt wanted for everyone in creating Disneyland gets overlooked. We go to Walt Disney Museum in San Francisco once a year just to soak it all in and appreciate the great and wonderful Walt. Also, on Monsters inc land, personally my absolute favorite modern era Disney movie, so im so excited for an entire land and new attraction! Thanks for all you do Dave! Good vibes as always man.
When I imagine a Coco ride I imagine something like the wonderful Mexico pavilion at EPCOT. That indoor/outdoor concept, like the terrace at Blue Bayou is one of my favorite Disney effects. Don’t know where they could put it. If Avatar land isn’t as at least as big as the Simba parking lot it’s going to be cheesy. If Disney could finally buy out those few hotels on the North side of Katella, Avatar could go there with the diorama on the back of the Carsland backdrop. This conjecturing about Disney Parks is so much fun. Thank you, David, for providing this forum.
David, thank you for putting this together, great job 👏 Who knows what else the future holds, but for me Disneyland is an experience in itself. When I exit the tunnel and see Main street, hear the music, sounds, I’m turned into a kid again and it’s great. For many people that travel great distances to visit, they fixate on rides and I get it. The next time I go will be the first time without kids and I fully intend to experience the full winds of Disney and really take in as much of the detail as possible. I also intend to ride the Mark Twain for the first time. Thanks again for all you do and share, you really do have the coolest job 😊
I think the best announcement for me is villains land. I just love everything horror and the transition from fantasy land to a more dark area will be really cool
As a SoCal local, I have some theories and worries about these expansions pertaining to Anaheim: 1. Avatar will be a Disneyland Forward expansion, beyond the existing DCA perimeter. However, part of me fears that due to the Cars expansion in MK, Disney is more willing to tear down beloved iconography and attractions for modern IP based rides. Hence, I wouldn't completely rule out Avatar replacing all of Condor Flats, which is worrisome. 2. Coco will either completely replace Little Mermaid OR replace a good chunk of the Paradise Garden Grill/Goofy Sky School (PPG already having Coco affiliations). Both options to make Pixar Pier more cohesive around the entire lagoon. Having ANOTHER Pixar attraction so far removed from the Pixar themed land, now within the Samba lot, is just bizarre.
It think it can be safely said that Condor Flats, Grizzly River Run, and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail are not going to be turned into Avatar land. Condor Flats alone is too small, the monorail runs right through it into the hotel, and putting avatar over Condor Flats, Grizzly River Run, and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail would completely clash with the theming of the grand Californian hotel. And there'd be no place to put Villain's Grove for the Oogie Boogie Bash nights if they bulldozed the redwood creek challenge trail. Putting it in the Simba lot gives the imagineers more creative freedom to fully realize the new avatar land, especially since it's an alien world that is so separate from the lands that are far more closely related to real california landscapes and cities.
@@im_nic me too! Someone else mentioned that Disney is probably more interested in adding capacity to DCA, and re-skinning the Grizzly Peak & Condor flats area won't do that like putting Avatar in the Disneyland Forward area would, which I think is good insight.
I havent heard Condor Flats in a long time lol (Grizzly Peak now) but not to worry, its more likely Avatar is taking up the under utilized corner of Hollywood Backlot, tearing down Monsters Inc. and Hyperion in the process.
Hey David - So glad you decided to discuss Disney's new plans. I don't care if there is a dead end at Magic Kingdom! It doesn't bother me at all. I don't want them to destroy Rivers of America! This has to be the worst idea yet. I'm praying that Disney changes their mind and scraps this whole idea🙏🙏🙏🙏😔😔😔😔
Removing the Rivers of America is creatively, visually, conceptually idiotic. It's like DCA 1.0 & Superstar Limo 100 times over. Actually, it's way worse. DCA replaced a ugly parking lot, whereas a Cars land in Orlando will replace the MK's scenic ROA.
I wish that they would announce which areas are getting replaced when they make these announcements at D23, just because it would be fun to see how the executives handle their reactions.
my kids do not really know who walt is. they understand what disneyland is but not the why so to me adding walt is a way to keep the mans aspirations and desire to keep dreaming alive by inspiring more youth as they learn why he is so important
They can see Walt cover those issues on you tube. Further the bulk of Walt's legacy material was secured by the family and placed in a museum in San Francisco. Because they have Walt's they can be viewed and studied. Neither Walt nor his family wants this to happen. Why would you trust this Disney to honor Walt?
@@davidculver5446 why would you hate on them? Did you hate on Walt for putting Lincoln in Disneyland? An icon that he put in there because he meant something to him. You can dislike my opinion and idc. My kids would sit through an animatronic reciting words that moved before they would sit through old videos of Walt. I can speak on my kids behalf. You cannot. Walt didn’t want it because he was alive. The family only reiterated his words. If done right it’s worth it. If not then the backlash will be huge and they will remove it. Instead of instantly choosing to not trust them, I chose to wait and see. Don’t have to like it but I think it’s a good move. He’s important to this world and deserves to be in his park.
The removal of the Rivers of America is my personal breaking point and my soon to be emergency visit to say goodbye will be my last. I, along with alot of other people are not happy with their awful decision making and business practices and this is my line in the sand. Not a line I ever thought existed to be crossed, but here we are. With all the outpouring of discontent by Disney content creators, i hope and pray another solution is found. Destroying RoA is destroying exactly what set Disney apart from Universal, places and rides with peace and serenity. Makes me sick to see what this company has turned into
I appreciate your love of Disneyland balanced with an awareness that rides/lands/etc will change over the years. Adjust to modern requirements. Update themes. But the FEELING is the same. 🩷🩵🩷
Lion King is massive in Paris. Loads of merch all the time and Rhythm of the Pride Lands is the msot popular stage show at the park. The land was a rumour for a long time, so really delighted we're getting that. Also very happy to have a water ride finally at that park! It's something that was definitely missing. Dude, they have been building World of Frozen for a hundred years! Honestly thought it would open next year, but now we have to wait a bit longer! Crazy! But we're getting some amazing animatronics, so really happy about that.
20:23 I was going to ask if there was enough space on the Pier for Coco but this shows that there might be. My theory was Little Mermaid or take out the rest of the Pier Games.
I'm with you David on the Avatar land. I definitely think it's going in the Disneyland forward area and construction isn't starting right away because they need to wait until the new parking structures are finished. It makes sense that this is why they haven't told us where it's being built yet. It was being built in Hollywood land, They would be able to start on it a lot sooner.
Unless Avatar is being built in Hollywood Land but they also need some space from bus drop off area, which requires parking garage project to be done first. I have been a sceptic of Hollywood Land becoming Avatar but I did a Google Earth photoshop overlay of Animal Kingdom's Pandora land onto Hollywood Land plus using some of bus drop off and using a Shanghai Pirates show building and it fits. 12 acres. Not a fan of this, but it fits.
David, Thank you for your thoughtful insights as always. The possible fit of the COCO ride into the existing Pixar Pier is brilliant, and I hope that is what they do. Yes, that elaborate arched entryway begs to actually "go" somewhere, and the idea of snaking a themed queue below and through the roller coaster tracks is delightful. I agree that Avatar cannot fit into Hollywood backlot, even with bus area, even with Hyperion Theater area. At MK in WDW, I am not troubled by saying Goodbye to Rivers of America. To be honest, I was shocked and even a bit sick at first, but upon consideration -- I think it could be quite magnificent. It is Frontierland as "America The Beautiful Land."
Kingdom’s River has been unfortunately lifeless for years, the riverboat was closed most of the time leaving only the Island rafts as far as river traffic. Definitely never had the same feel as the ROA at Disneyland.
My basic assumption for the location of new attractions at the Disneyland Resort is that they will be in new spaces, not a demo of some existing attraction. Disney almost certainly wants to add capacity (especially at DCA). If you demo Little Mermaid and replace it with Coco, you haven't added capacity. So my guess is that Avatar and Coco will be part of Disneyland Forward and across the street. Edit: That spot you mention in Pixar Pier is an alternative that I hadn't thought of, and it makes a lot of sense. You've changed my mind on that one.
I would be cool with them moving Star Tours to galaxies edge (I think you could fit the ride with the theme) and opening space there for a new (retro?) attraction. Bring back the Starcade and Tomorrowland theater. Bring back the old entrance to Space Mountain. Rebuild the people movers. And lastly, I know they have to demolish Innoventions, but my long shot hope would be to bring it back and showcase the house of retro future, or create a new carousel of progress type ride. The building holds a ton of people on a fairly small footprint and it is such a cool thing.
I've no idea what happened to form the twisted terrain on the top of Avatar, but I love that it means something and is part of the story of the land. I also love that it's a totally different location than Animal Kingdom. I'm not a big Avatar fan, but I love the thought and detail being put into this.
I missed the part about Feed the Birds being a part of the Walt experience. Dang, my husband is going to have to scrape me off the floor, I'm going to be a crying mess 😂
I totally agree with you David about Rivers of American being paved over I’m very sad for WDW for this I really hope they modify this plan! I don’t think ppl realize the aesthetics the nature and vibes it provides and won’t see or appreciate what they had until it’s gone and wonder why it’s missing a certain special feeling and charm it used to have!! I also as o read another comment say hear Joni Mitchell lyrics in my head “paved paradise and put up a parking lot”😢& If there is a real structural reason or issue I do wish they’d tell us as well what it is and hopefully there’s an alternative way to save atleast a portion on it??
Love your work David. I understand your emotions about Rivers of America but even Walt said Disneyland would always be in a state of changing. I’ll miss the River and Island but I’m more excited about the future. Kids today don’t even know who Tom Sawyer was.
Walt is dead and that philosophy died with him. It's over and that philosophy needs to go. And the River is not changing. When I take over Disney and replace that philosophy with "Make Disneyland Great Again" and the only changes will be going backwards with no future. Kids do know who Tom Sawyer is and if they don't then that's their problem. I will be deciding what kids want for them, making them clones of their parents.
They just can’t drop show buildings in the areas surrounding the rivers of America in Florida. The entire ground would have to be recompacted and add more soil and fill and concrete then it’s compressed. That soil would expand laterally into the river bed of the rivers of America essentially destroying it so the only way Disney would’ve ever been able to save the rivers of America in the midst of an expansion, would actually be to completely demo the rivers rebuild it from the ground up, and in the long term that just doesn’t make financial sense to rebuild something people barely use and visit. I’m sad that it has to go, but if you actually stop and think about it, it makes complete sense why it has to
Disney missed a huge opportunity to have the Encanto carousel be a ride where Antonio calls all the jungle critters to come take you on a ride through the jungle. 31:14
I would say that one is a little different since you start outside and go back outside later. Alice starts inside and goes outside, which is why I think it’s more fascinating than what small world does. Could just be a personal preference though
I’ve heard people saying that upkeep of the rivers in Florida is a lot more difficult due to the wet swampy land. If this is true, Disneyland should be safe since we clearly don’t have that problem here
Until Disney get the brilliant idea that Tom Sawyer Island doesn't make them any money from retail or restaurants, and with the limited space they have, some genius will say "hey, why not fill in the river and build a new ____ land?!" I wouldn't put it past them at some point in the future.
@@gissneric Attractions dating back to Walt's time aren't necessarily safe at Disneyland. Rainbow Cavern Mine Trains was replaced by Big Thunder Mountain. Skull Rock and Captain Hook's Pirate Ship were removed for New Fantasyland. The Indian Village was replaced by Bear/Critter/Bayou Country. Country Bears Jamboree replaced by Winnie-the-Pooh. Carrousel of Progress moved to WDW. Mission to the Moon/Mars turned to PIzza Planet. Rivers of America was shortened for Galaxy's Edge. I'm not saying any of these are bad changes (although they were all a nostalgic part of my childhood experiences at Disneyland), but don't assume that anything is safe just because Disneyland is the OG.
I hear you about building Tron taking up too much room, but I heard an idea of rebuilding the people mover track and replace it with a similar one but with a TRON roller coaster, following the similar layout in and out of the buildings. make the main loading and unloading out of innovations. I would get behind this in a heart beat!!
Love the idea of coco going back behind Incredicoaster. No chance avatar goes into grizzly peak area with the grand Californian hotel right there, that would be so weird. Definitely think they plan to expand capacity and rides especially at DCA since it’s already lacking in comparison to DL. I think they would’ve announced more about Disneyland forward if they didn’t need to build a whole parking garage before they could do anything. Guessing the plan is to start the expansion with DCAs portion since they need more rides and hence Avatar coming first. Then more expansion after that. Next D23 will hopefully give us new plans!
I will say although most of the stuff in the last decade have all felt at least viable within California themes like the Little Mermaid ride as part of the pier or an Avengers Campus as part of California how the hell do you excuse an entire alien world like Pandora and try and pretend it connects to California??? At this point just give it a name change and get it over with.
Never. It will be California themed again once Disney is trust busted and has to take out all those acquired properties to avoid the licensing bills. Either that or it will be a parking lot again.
Thank you for all your thoughts and breakdown. Being that WDW isn’t my “home” park I am very excited to see the cars area and makes me excited to go experience it. But if they did that to Disneyland I would probably cry it would be ripping away all of the vision of my memories and the be Beauty and feeling at the park. But saying that I know why people are upset. It must just be that they feel like less people feel like it is sacred at WDW unlike DL where I feel it is a higher percentage of people that hold it to that level of sacred.
David, as a diehard Disneyland fan. My favorite part is sitting on the bench with popcorn and a drink. Listening to the sounds, the birds flying over and just the nostalgia of Rivers America. It was Walts dream!
what a conversation started dave. as somone who is now recently appreciating all of disney i can undestand your love for it. There is so much more to disney than just rides to get a thrill. It is such a magical experience with the immersiveness of all the lands in all of the parks. that is why disney is different from all of the parks. Walt started something unlike anything else. I am excited to see him being brought to life in a park. not sure how i feel about his wishes not being respected maybe we can see him in another form.
Regarding Coco: There's a huge warehouse building out behind the Incredicoaster, next to the show building for Midway Mania and right behind the portal you called out. That is not the parade building - so maybe they will demo or repurpose that warehouse for the Coco boat ride?
There will be no construction updates. Unless its the ones involving the closure of Galaxy's Edge, Avengers Campus, and Pixar Pier after the Disney Company is split up like Standard Oil and has to get rid of all those attractions to avoid the billions they will owe those newly independent companies.
I agree with you that Avatar looks WAY bigger than what they could do in Hollywood. And I was thinking the exact same spot for Coco and I had forgotten about that concept art I just remember when I saw Sadness and thought that looked like a future entry to an attraction. Also the feathered serpent god would be interesting for DAK Indy because that is the same creature that Marvel’s Namor and Talocan worship, in fact, iirc Namor is actually referred to as Kulkulkan, the feathered serpent. I do think Monsters Inc in DCA might now be even safer than we thought before.
There is, in fact, an in and outdoor boat ride. The Rapunzel ride at Tokyo Disneyland in Fantasy Springs is both indoor and outdoor. And there are audio anamatronics both inside and outside.
@@jennycraigadventures3314 a great point! I love David, so I was just dropping this as a data point to consider. I think he meant we haven't seen an "E ticket" boat ride that does that. He said that later on. I don't know how either of these 2 rides would be classified. Small World probably used to be E ticket.
@@remyd8767 I agree. It's probably a crazy-expensive ride. New infrastructure, decently-big footprint even though it's short. Well-themed. Good animatronics and technology. I've been on it 3 times. It's e-ticket.
We had a blast on Tom Sawyer Island last time we visited. Personally I'd like to see the existing layout renovated. Add some new theming to the caves and forts. And some jungle gym elements to climb. The island is one of the only areas kids can run around and play with other kids.
Is that the only Land to ever be 3 different Countries? Bear, Critter, and now Bayou but all called Country and not Land. Also the restaurant has now been a Lodge, Restaurant, and now a Barbecue Jamboree. I love how they change together.
54:22 This is exactly what david is referring to. These iconic Vistas and Views are almost unmeasurable and how they make you feel about the magic kingdom. It's these things that bring you back. It's almost subconscious and it's something that you really can't put your finger on. Like when someone asks why are you such a fan of a Disney theme park, it's this scene right here at 54:22 that brings me back. And to lose this is so unbelievably tragic. And when you consider that Disney World has an unlimited amount of land to build on, getting rid of something like this just seems wrong
RE: Destroying Rivers of America. It's lazy and heartbreaking. There was land they can use in MK or Hollywood Studios and behind Big Thunder. They could shorten the river like Disneyland. Not destroy such a beautiful location with tranquility and wildlife. It shouldn't be a goal to take away what makes Disney unique. Not just concrete with rides. It's very sad.
Tomorrowland needs redone in Cali and in Florida. Was at magic kingdom recently and everything in Tomorrowland is in bad shape except for Tron, and the land itself is sort of dirty and unappealing compared to the rest of the park.
On a good day they could get around 7-9 acres in the backlot if they take the bus loop, which I think could be enough for an Avatar mini land. I think your idea about them using a portal is spot on, I think it was Peter with Ordinary Adventures who said they could even have you enter through a movie studio. As far as Coco, my money is also on behind Pixar Pier, it just makes sense. I think with all the stuff coming to DCA this is setting up for possibly a new Tomorrowland soon; we've seen this month the effect of having JUST Space Mountain closed, the whole land and the resort would be constantly having capacity issues. If DCA can be a full day park I think closing Tomorrowland for a year or two is much more plausible. But, as someone who's home park is Disneyland, my two cents about Disney World's announcements are that it's good that they're giving it a unique identity. I've always felt Magic Kingdom is one of the least interesting version of OG Disneyland, with less charm, wide theme park-esque walkways, and overall a much less immersive environment. So I think the removal of the Rivers of America and the Liberty Bell; while its certainly sad to see them go, we have the original in Disneyland still. I'm happy if they make Magic Kingdom it's own park and not watered down Disneyland with less rides and weaker theming.
I kind of think Disneyland’s Rivers of America will be safe for a LONG time thanks to how popular Fantasmic! is because with the dining packages they have a financial incentive to keep that show going for the long haul
Could they use the DL Forward plan to move back of house into the back side of the new attractions? So instead of the back side of pandora mountains there is a ‘wall shaped’ building ringing the perimeter.
Tokyo Disneyland Jungle Cruise goes indoors at the end. If you look at the concept art for Pixar Place and at the theater, there is a Coco poster is front and center. December 5 is Walts Birthday.
I don't think Disney would have any issues completely decimating both Redwood Creek and Grizzly in order to create Avatar from scratch. They've shown they don't really care about sentimentality.
Great video & analysis! I actually enjoyed the longer run time of this vid. I really, really love the whole look of DCA Avatar land. My only question is how will it tie into the "California" theme of DCA? My best guess is somehow tying the ocean theme into California being a state that borders an ocean and also has fantastical marine life. Really curious how they're going to explain that one. Definitely agree that Avatar land is going into the parking lot and will not be a reskin of an existing land/ride. Love the idea of show with Walt in the opera house. Can't wait to see it! I do think the rename of Critter Country to Bayou Country is silly & pointless, and doesn't match the rest of Critter Country's environment. The theming around the Hungry Bear restaurant is the pine forests of the Northern & Western United States, and the Hundred Acre Wood is inspired by forests of the UK. These are environments that have nothing to do with southern America's bayous lol. It's a weird choice from Imagineering, an organization that is usually so good with theming, environment and story details for Disneyland and DCA. I absolutely love Monsters Inc, and I've wondered for years what could possibly replace the Hollywood Backlot, and Monstropolis seems like a fantastic option. I really hope they do bring it to DCA. I'd be sad to lose the Animation building and the Hyperion theater, but having that indoor coaster with the door vault scene is so worth losing those two things. Happy to see a new story coming to Smuggler's Run! I don't think it's possible for that ride to have multiple stories going at the same time due to how it is set up with the Hondo pre-show. Star Tours has no pre-show, so they can do the multiple stories/locations without any problem. Love the idea of a Villains land. Disney Villains are so incredibly designed and iconic. No idea what the story of the land or the rides could possibly be, but I think it could be a really cool place. I don't think we ever have to worry about RoA being demolished at Disneyland, because of the history of that park being so closely tied to Walt Disney. I think the fact that the Adventureland Treehouse was rethemed back to Swiss Family Robinson, a film from Walt's time, instead of something more modern and popular like Encanto is a good sign that the people in charge at Disneyland value the more historical attractions at Disneyland that Walt had a hand in creating. And absolutely yes to a retro futuristic mid century modern Tomorrowland, ideally in all white with blue and orange accents like the colors of the 1964 World's Fair. I kind of feel like they should demolish the whole land, except for the lagoon. Space Mountain should always and forever be a Tomorrowland fixture, but it could probably benefit from being torn down and built back bigger & better. I would really really hate to lose Star Tours though. Maybe it can be moved to Galaxy's Edge? I know Autopia's a classic attraction, and one that Walt had a hand in, but I think it should go as well. The theme is outdated and it takes up a lot of space.
At 19:16 in your video you are taking about a potential portal entry for the proposed Coco attraction…. You were showing the concept art saying it is “telling us something”. Not sure if you noticed but right where the guests are entering through, to the right is a “Coco” poster!
I did notice but somehow forgot to mention it. Though I think I did say that Coco was originally intended for this space (or it might be in our state of dca report?)
@@freshbakedpresents I was excited thinking it may be an “Easter egg” giving some insight for the future. 😂 This is why you are the professional and I am a subscriber. ☺️
I’m guessing Avatar will go in that section of the parking lot between Pixar Place and the Disneyland Hotel. That would leave the larger area for an additional land or two. It would also make sense logistically to build out that inner section first and work back towards Katella. Logistics are also why I think Grizzly Peak is safe - it would be a nightmare to demo/rebuild on that scale hemmed in by park/hotels.
55:49 I’ve been to Disneyland only once, a few months ago. I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did, and I wasn’t expecting to be immediately wanting to return. And why? Because of how I felt there! I’ve always chased the thrill of bigger and faster rides, none of which Disney has, so I wasn’t expecting the theming and ambience to be as important to the experience as it was. So from someone who has only gone once, it is the feeling that you get there that you remember!
Dave, can you please film an update video with all of the projects they announced at the last D23 to see where all those projects are now? Would love an update!
One thing I remember Braden said about beyond big thunder was that the dry dock cuts off the path to get behind big thunder, so it could create a tough situation and if there are other issues with the river (gators, etc) maybe it has to go anyway? But I agree, I hate the thought of the new Liberty Square view, & not having the wooden path along the river. :(
Why announce it now if they won’t break ground until 2026 for Coco? If it’s mostly behind the scenes in the back why not be secretly working on it and surprise in an upcoming D23 that it will be ready
Speaking of the lion king flume ride, I saw it mentioned that while they specifically talked about it being based on the animated movie, the concept art showed the live action characters. That creator speculated that it may be because they’re waiting to see how Mufasa performs in the box office to see if it’s going to be based on the animated or life action movies.
Cars and Villains - Absolutely love the ideas. And the Cars concept art looks great. Losing Rivers of America makes me a bit sad. But I sort of understand. A river in the middle of a Florida swamp doesn't have the same feeling as a river in the middle of a California desert. And MK's river has its operational problems that we don't seem to have in CA.
I have never been to WDW Magic Kingdom, but I cant understand why an area that they claim has so much land cant figure out how to complete a circular path around the park.
Because nothing represents Walt's vision of the early Frontier days of America like Animated cars. 🙄🙄🙄 I HATE where they are deciding to place the ride. They have plenty of acreage to expand for a land. They can shorten the river to complete the loop, they could make the River boat a transport vehicle that takes you to the other side, or add a second boat, dock one and make it a dining boat. Removing WATER just makes it feel like a concrete jungle.
Dear David, I understand your love for Walt Disney, and having an animatronic of him. His family is not happy. They want to respect Walt’s wishes of not being a robot. His granddaughter Joanna Miller is leading the effort to stop this from happening, I am on the family’s side. Our families have been connected for decades, long before Disneyland. Showing my age… as a young boy I met Walt. My strongest memory of him was he smelled of cigarettes, but everyone smoked back in those days. Keep up the excellent work.
I was actually excited for this but now that I hear that Walt never wanted to be a robot, I think that the Disney execs needs to respect Walt's wishes and not do this🙄🙄
As a frequent visitor of MK, I can confirm that the ROA area is very special to me and has been for years, and I’m sure many other MK visitors would agree. Its charm and aesthetic value is irreplaceable. There’s no way a thrill ride based on a movie from 2006 will ever successfully replace the beauty of that space. They need to build it somewhere else. Otherwise they are just dismantling part of what has made that park so special for over 50 years.
Demolishing ROA is like retheming Main Street USA into a modern street.
Agreed. It’s very sad to loose this. It’s one more nail in the coffin unfortunately
David, I have so many thoughts on a lot of this but I'm just going to say...One of your best breakdowns of new attractions on video.
RoA at Disneyland is also likely safe because they've (sorta) monetized it. Fantasmic dining packages make plenty of money, and the show was specifically designed to utilize all that existing infrastructure
Rivers of America will 100000000% not be going anywhere. Anyone who even questions that idea has no idea about anything. Would the island change again? Yes! Would the river go? Literally never. They even updated the river for Galaxies Edge and it’s gorgeous the improvements.
One at Walt Disney World? Sure! Yeah get rid of it. It serves no purpose other than when they just copied Disneyland after Walt passed away. It seems they will keep parts of the river to flow through the new land but WDW vs DL rivers is NOT the same historywise lol
Thank you for being the one UA-camr who understands how terrible it is losing the Rivers of America. It’s so hard to explain but you’re right, the feelings you get in disney parks are unlike anything in any other theme parks like universal and taking away the rivers of America will definitely change the feeling you get in that area of the park
This is exactly what I was waiting for and I agree with you and him too. I feel like alot of them were just mentioning no one goes there and adding rides would be good, but the thing is Mk has so much more land then Disneyland and Cars could've gone behind like the company initially promised meaning we would have both and no one would complain. Heck I've been looking on Maps as they re-route the road behind MK meaning they have even more space to put it behind now. I'm a Georgian so I tend to go to the WDW parks more often, but what they did with Galaxy's Edge over in Disneyland by simply shortening it would've been the perfect solution for Florida, plus they could put a few new experiences on the Island that could bring guests. Especially a Tiana restaurant, which alot of people have brought up. Sorry for the yapping, but I really agree with this.
I've not seen ONE person say they like the idea of replacing the river with Cars. Not one!
@@samanthabamantha5816I am for it. There, now you can't say you haven't heard one. Also look at this comment section, there are many more. I would riot if it was DL river and boat but not MK. The rider numbers don't lie either.
@@BAM5636 the river is just as important to MK as it is to DL. I get that it’s not Walt’s Park but Walt did have all the plans ready for MK before he died & the river was a part of it. It’s more than an attraction the river is crucial in connecting the theming of Liberty Square & Frontierland
@@samanthabamantha5816 There's a few. To me everyone can have there own opinion, I just hope people can be more respectful towards each other. Especially in that Mickey Views chat lol.
Seeing the concept for Cars at Magic Kingdom, all I could think was “🎶They paved paradise and put up a parking lot 🎶”
Took me a few days to find the time to listen to this one in full but it’s so wonderful to hear your thorough thoughts. Wishing you and Liz well.
I truly appreciate all the hard work you do David! The attention to detail, all the research, and I know these videos definitely take time and dedication. Your work is so incredible and doesn’t go unnoticed. You’re truly are one of a kind! Be safe out there. Be kind to one another. FreshBaked!❤❤❤
The way you analyze and "park science" is so good! Thank you for going over everything and theorizing where things will go.
Haha, I love the “why?” on top of the Cars pic lol. I think that’s everyone’s feelings, even those that love when changes happen. Thanks for this video, love this content!
I want to add, now that I’ve watched, the ride vehicles for Journey into your Imagination and Guardians of the Galaxy are the same, so there’s always hope.
The average WDW tourist doesn't care about Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer. Disneyland is a different story
@@bensmith5032Doesn’t matter, Tomorrowland Speedway needed torn out not Rivers of America
@bensmith5032 They will when the heat gets worse
FRESHBAKED is DISNEYLAND!!
This is a sit and watch, have to wait and get on the big screen tonight! DAVID is joy!
I think, going forward, we will see Disneyland lean harder into nostalgia as "Walt's park" while WDW goes off in new directions. The new Opera House show is a clue and this nostalgia may extend to a reimagined Tomorrowland as well. One that reflects Walt's mid-century optimism and futurism. At least that's my hope. I would expect an announcement on Tomorrowland as part of the 70th celebration.
I would love it if Disneyland could become something of a safe place for that kind of thing while all the other parks mess around with the new and shiny. DL is still incredibly popular in spite of it getting less new stuff than any other park. Gimme POTC, HM, DLRR, ROA, BTMRR and all those super old dark rides any day of the week.
Another clue in favor of that theory was their decision to re-theme the Adventureland treehouse back to Swiss Family Robinson. They could have gone for something modern and popular like Encanto, but instead they chose to go with Swiss Family Robinson, a movie from Walt's time.
23:00 WALT DISNEY!!! So Excited for this attraction! My number 1 favorite announcement!
Agree Walt needs to be MORE apart of the Disneyland, crime how far they have diverted away from his dream.
I've heard all the other commentaries, but I don't consider myself informed about Disneyland until I've heard from David.
Same here
Agree
I feel like adding capacity to DCA first will give breathing room for Disneyland once it begins taking on the Tomorrowland issue. You get more people looking at DCA as a truly full day park equal to Disneyland with the added capacity. At the same time you could announce a new Tomorrowland while heavy construction is going on at DCA. Of course, the Gateway project is essential for parking capacity and opening up space for Disneyland and any concepts they might have in mind.
Personally of all these announcements im most excited for Walt coming to Disneyland and an entire Monsters inc land. I Agree with Dave and honestly sometimes i get angry how unappreciative people are of Walt. The heart, vision, family, and just overall joy of Life Walt wanted for everyone in creating Disneyland gets overlooked. We go to Walt Disney Museum in San Francisco once a year just to soak it all in and appreciate the great and wonderful Walt. Also, on Monsters inc land, personally my absolute favorite modern era Disney movie, so im so excited for an entire land and new attraction! Thanks for all you do Dave! Good vibes as always man.
If you look at the Pixar concept art of the Pixar theatre coco is the poster for now showing
When I imagine a Coco ride I imagine something like the wonderful Mexico pavilion at EPCOT. That indoor/outdoor concept, like the terrace at Blue Bayou is one of my favorite Disney effects. Don’t know where they could put it. If Avatar land isn’t as at least as big as the Simba parking lot it’s going to be cheesy. If Disney could finally buy out those few hotels on the North side of Katella, Avatar could go there with the diorama on the back of the Carsland backdrop. This conjecturing about Disney Parks is so much fun. Thank you, David, for providing this forum.
Always thought coco would fit perfect in Epcot
David, thank you for putting this together, great job 👏
Who knows what else the future holds, but for me Disneyland is an experience in itself. When I exit the tunnel and see Main street, hear the music, sounds, I’m turned into a kid again and it’s great.
For many people that travel great distances to visit, they fixate on rides and I get it. The next time I go will be the first time without kids and I fully intend to experience the full winds of Disney and really take in as much of the detail as possible. I also intend to ride the Mark Twain for the first time.
Thanks again for all you do and share, you really do have the coolest job 😊
I think the best announcement for me is villains land. I just love everything horror and the transition from fantasy land to a more dark area will be really cool
As a SoCal local, I have some theories and worries about these expansions pertaining to Anaheim:
1. Avatar will be a Disneyland Forward expansion, beyond the existing DCA perimeter. However, part of me fears that due to the Cars expansion in MK, Disney is more willing to tear down beloved iconography and attractions for modern IP based rides. Hence, I wouldn't completely rule out Avatar replacing all of Condor Flats, which is worrisome.
2. Coco will either completely replace Little Mermaid OR replace a good chunk of the Paradise Garden Grill/Goofy Sky School (PPG already having Coco affiliations). Both options to make Pixar Pier more cohesive around the entire lagoon. Having ANOTHER Pixar attraction so far removed from the Pixar themed land, now within the Samba lot, is just bizarre.
It think it can be safely said that Condor Flats, Grizzly River Run, and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail are not going to be turned into Avatar land. Condor Flats alone is too small, the monorail runs right through it into the hotel, and putting avatar over Condor Flats, Grizzly River Run, and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail would completely clash with the theming of the grand Californian hotel. And there'd be no place to put Villain's Grove for the Oogie Boogie Bash nights if they bulldozed the redwood creek challenge trail. Putting it in the Simba lot gives the imagineers more creative freedom to fully realize the new avatar land, especially since it's an alien world that is so separate from the lands that are far more closely related to real california landscapes and cities.
@@JessAnderson1988 I hope you’re right 🤞
@@im_nic me too! Someone else mentioned that Disney is probably more interested in adding capacity to DCA, and re-skinning the Grizzly Peak & Condor flats area won't do that like putting Avatar in the Disneyland Forward area would, which I think is good insight.
I havent heard Condor Flats in a long time lol (Grizzly Peak now) but not to worry, its more likely Avatar is taking up the under utilized corner of Hollywood Backlot, tearing down Monsters Inc. and Hyperion in the process.
@@himynameiscorey that’d be quite the transition from Hollywood Blvd to Pandora if it’ll extend all the way to the Hyperion lol
Covering the most beautifully aesthetic river area of classic Frontierland will be the biggest mistake Disney will have ever made.
Hey David - So glad you decided to discuss Disney's new plans. I don't care if there is a dead end at Magic Kingdom! It doesn't bother me at all. I don't want them to destroy Rivers of America! This has to be the worst idea yet. I'm praying that Disney changes their mind and scraps this whole idea🙏🙏🙏🙏😔😔😔😔
Removing the Rivers of America is creatively, visually, conceptually idiotic. It's like DCA 1.0 & Superstar Limo 100 times over. Actually, it's way worse. DCA replaced a ugly parking lot, whereas a Cars land in Orlando will replace the MK's scenic ROA.
I wish that they would announce which areas are getting replaced when they make these announcements at D23, just because it would be fun to see how the executives handle their reactions.
Executives are great salesmen. That's why they are in those positions. Doing that is a noob executive move
Exactly, make them actually earn their money
my kids do not really know who walt is. they understand what disneyland is but not the why so to me adding walt is a way to keep the mans aspirations and desire to keep dreaming alive by inspiring more youth as they learn why he is so important
They can see Walt cover those issues on you tube. Further the bulk of Walt's legacy material was secured by the family and placed in a museum in San Francisco.
Because they have Walt's they can be viewed and studied.
Neither Walt nor his family wants this to happen. Why would you trust this Disney to honor Walt?
@@davidculver5446 why would you hate on them? Did you hate on Walt for putting Lincoln in Disneyland? An icon that he put in there because he meant something to him.
You can dislike my opinion and idc. My kids would sit through an animatronic reciting words that moved before they would sit through old videos of Walt. I can speak on my kids behalf. You cannot. Walt didn’t want it because he was alive. The family only reiterated his words. If done right it’s worth it. If not then the backlash will be huge and they will remove it. Instead of instantly choosing to not trust them, I chose to wait and see. Don’t have to like it but I think it’s a good move. He’s important to this world and deserves to be in his park.
@@anthonyhiggins9485 well said!
Great coverage of D23 this year!
Love your new hat, but glad to see the original back in place. 🙂
There's actually a Coco poster in the image of Pixar Pier @19:29 where you were saying they might put it ;)
The removal of the Rivers of America is my personal breaking point and my soon to be emergency visit to say goodbye will be my last. I, along with alot of other people are not happy with their awful decision making and business practices and this is my line in the sand. Not a line I ever thought existed to be crossed, but here we are. With all the outpouring of discontent by Disney content creators, i hope and pray another solution is found. Destroying RoA is destroying exactly what set Disney apart from Universal, places and rides with peace and serenity. Makes me sick to see what this company has turned into
I appreciate your love of Disneyland balanced with an awareness that rides/lands/etc will change over the years. Adjust to modern requirements. Update themes. But the FEELING is the same. 🩷🩵🩷
Lion King is massive in Paris. Loads of merch all the time and Rhythm of the Pride Lands is the msot popular stage show at the park. The land was a rumour for a long time, so really delighted we're getting that. Also very happy to have a water ride finally at that park! It's something that was definitely missing.
Dude, they have been building World of Frozen for a hundred years! Honestly thought it would open next year, but now we have to wait a bit longer! Crazy! But we're getting some amazing animatronics, so really happy about that.
That’s how California feels about the avengers e ticket it feels like forever ago
20:23 I was going to ask if there was enough space on the Pier for Coco but this shows that there might be. My theory was Little Mermaid or take out the rest of the Pier Games.
I'm with you David on the Avatar land. I definitely think it's going in the Disneyland forward area and construction isn't starting right away because they need to wait until the new parking structures are finished. It makes sense that this is why they haven't told us where it's being built yet. It was being built in Hollywood land, They would be able to start on it a lot sooner.
Unless Avatar is being built in Hollywood Land but they also need some space from bus drop off area, which requires parking garage project to be done first.
I have been a sceptic of Hollywood Land becoming Avatar but I did a Google Earth photoshop overlay of Animal Kingdom's Pandora land onto Hollywood Land plus using some of bus drop off and using a Shanghai Pirates show building and it fits. 12 acres. Not a fan of this, but it fits.
Thanks for doing what you do Dave.
It's a Small World, David is boat ride that goes in and outside 😂. Love your videos always. Keep it up!!!
David, Thank you for your thoughtful insights as always.
The possible fit of the COCO ride into the existing Pixar Pier is brilliant, and I hope that is what they do. Yes, that elaborate arched entryway begs to actually "go" somewhere, and the idea of snaking a themed queue below and through the roller coaster tracks is delightful.
I agree that Avatar cannot fit into Hollywood backlot, even with bus area, even with Hyperion Theater area.
At MK in WDW, I am not troubled by saying Goodbye to Rivers of America. To be honest, I was shocked and even a bit sick at first, but upon consideration -- I think it could be quite magnificent. It is Frontierland as "America The Beautiful Land."
The artwork you thought was the second ride is the finish line for the e-ticket.
Lotta people with big feelings about the rivers getting filled in for WDW. I’m sure Disneyland rivers are safe!
Don't swim in them... Disneyland colors the water.
Kingdom’s River has been unfortunately lifeless for years, the riverboat was closed most of the time leaving only the Island rafts as far as river traffic.
Definitely never had the same feel as the ROA at Disneyland.
My basic assumption for the location of new attractions at the Disneyland Resort is that they will be in new spaces, not a demo of some existing attraction. Disney almost certainly wants to add capacity (especially at DCA). If you demo Little Mermaid and replace it with Coco, you haven't added capacity. So my guess is that Avatar and Coco will be part of Disneyland Forward and across the street.
Edit: That spot you mention in Pixar Pier is an alternative that I hadn't thought of, and it makes a lot of sense. You've changed my mind on that one.
Did you see the Coco poster to the left of the entrance Dave pointed out? There is enough room backstage there
@@jorgemiguel1040 I have now. That's what I get for commenting before watching the whole video! 😀
I would be cool with them moving Star Tours to galaxies edge (I think you could fit the ride with the theme) and opening space there for a new (retro?) attraction. Bring back the Starcade and Tomorrowland theater. Bring back the old entrance to Space Mountain. Rebuild the people movers. And lastly, I know they have to demolish Innoventions, but my long shot hope would be to bring it back and showcase the house of retro future, or create a new carousel of progress type ride. The building holds a ton of people on a fairly small footprint and it is such a cool thing.
You are spot on about that feeling you get when you go to Disneyland! It so unique to Disneyland also and cannot be replicated.
I've no idea what happened to form the twisted terrain on the top of Avatar, but I love that it means something and is part of the story of the land. I also love that it's a totally different location than Animal Kingdom. I'm not a big Avatar fan, but I love the thought and detail being put into this.
I missed the part about Feed the Birds being a part of the Walt experience. Dang, my husband is going to have to scrape me off the floor, I'm going to be a crying mess 😂
I totally agree with you David about Rivers of American being paved over I’m very sad for WDW for this I really hope they modify this plan! I don’t think ppl realize the aesthetics the nature and vibes it provides and won’t see or appreciate what they had until it’s gone and wonder why it’s missing a certain special feeling and charm it used to have!! I also as o read another comment say hear Joni Mitchell lyrics in my head “paved paradise and put up a parking lot”😢& If there is a real structural reason or issue I do wish they’d tell us as well what it is and hopefully there’s an alternative way to save atleast a portion on it??
My guess is Pandora will go into the parking lot next to California Adventures
Love your work David. I understand your emotions about Rivers of America but even Walt said Disneyland would always be in a state of changing. I’ll miss the River and Island but I’m more excited about the future. Kids today don’t even know who Tom Sawyer was.
Walt is dead and that philosophy died with him. It's over and that philosophy needs to go. And the River is not changing. When I take over Disney and replace that philosophy with "Make Disneyland Great Again" and the only changes will be going backwards with no future. Kids do know who Tom Sawyer is and if they don't then that's their problem. I will be deciding what kids want for them, making them clones of their parents.
They just can’t drop show buildings in the areas surrounding the rivers of America in Florida. The entire ground would have to be recompacted and add more soil and fill and concrete then it’s compressed. That soil would expand laterally into the river bed of the rivers of America essentially destroying it so the only way Disney would’ve ever been able to save the rivers of America in the midst of an expansion, would actually be to completely demo the rivers rebuild it from the ground up, and in the long term that just doesn’t make financial sense to rebuild something people barely use and visit. I’m sad that it has to go, but if you actually stop and think about it, it makes complete sense why it has to
Disney missed a huge opportunity to have the Encanto carousel be a ride where Antonio calls all the jungle critters to come take you on a ride through the jungle. 31:14
Small World is a boat ride both inside and out, but I would expect the Pandora ride to be a bit more kinetic.
Think Pirates Shanghai.
I would say that one is a little different since you start outside and go back outside later. Alice starts inside and goes outside, which is why I think it’s more fascinating than what small world does. Could just be a personal preference though
Thank as a nostalgic Disneyland supporter what you said was comforting
I’ve heard people saying that upkeep of the rivers in Florida is a lot more difficult due to the wet swampy land. If this is true, Disneyland should be safe since we clearly don’t have that problem here
Until Disney get the brilliant idea that Tom Sawyer Island doesn't make them any money from retail or restaurants, and with the limited space they have, some genius will say "hey, why not fill in the river and build a new ____ land?!"
I wouldn't put it past them at some point in the future.
Safe? Your risk at WDW at one time were alligator attacks. Well documented.
@@benmarxxshow this is what happens in the business world people sitting at a small desk with the task to squeeze more income...in the end it fails.
Disneyland will always be safe since that's the OG. Magic Kingdom is considered overrated to most Disney fans so it's time they improve it.
@@gissneric Attractions dating back to Walt's time aren't necessarily safe at Disneyland. Rainbow Cavern Mine Trains was replaced by Big Thunder Mountain. Skull Rock and Captain Hook's Pirate Ship were removed for New Fantasyland. The Indian Village was replaced by Bear/Critter/Bayou Country. Country Bears Jamboree replaced by Winnie-the-Pooh. Carrousel of Progress moved to WDW. Mission to the Moon/Mars turned to PIzza Planet. Rivers of America was shortened for Galaxy's Edge. I'm not saying any of these are bad changes (although they were all a nostalgic part of my childhood experiences at Disneyland), but don't assume that anything is safe just because Disneyland is the OG.
I hear you about building Tron taking up too much room, but I heard an idea of rebuilding the people mover track and replace it with a similar one but with a TRON roller coaster, following the similar layout in and out of the buildings. make the main loading and unloading out of innovations. I would get behind this in a heart beat!!
Love the idea of coco going back behind Incredicoaster. No chance avatar goes into grizzly peak area with the grand Californian hotel right there, that would be so weird. Definitely think they plan to expand capacity and rides especially at DCA since it’s already lacking in comparison to DL.
I think they would’ve announced more about Disneyland forward if they didn’t need to build a whole parking garage before they could do anything. Guessing the plan is to start the expansion with DCAs portion since they need more rides and hence Avatar coming first. Then more expansion after that. Next D23 will hopefully give us new plans!
My question is when will DCA get its name change to Disney Cinematic Adventure? or maybe Cinemagic? There isn't much California left about it.
I will say although most of the stuff in the last decade have all felt at least viable within California themes like the Little Mermaid ride as part of the pier or an Avengers Campus as part of California how the hell do you excuse an entire alien world like Pandora and try and pretend it connects to California???
At this point just give it a name change and get it over with.
Never. It will be California themed again once Disney is trust busted and has to take out all those acquired properties to avoid the licensing bills. Either that or it will be a parking lot again.
Thank you for all your thoughts and breakdown. Being that WDW isn’t my “home” park I am very excited to see the cars area and makes me excited to go experience it. But if they did that to
Disneyland I would probably cry it would be ripping away all of the vision of my memories and the be Beauty and feeling at the park. But saying that I know why people are upset. It must just be that they feel like less people feel like it is sacred at WDW unlike DL where I feel it is a higher percentage of people that hold it to that level of sacred.
The concept art for the Pixar Promenade go the right of your arrow and there is actually a Coco poster over the opening.
David, as a diehard Disneyland fan. My favorite part is sitting on the bench with popcorn and a drink. Listening to the sounds, the birds flying over and just the nostalgia of Rivers America. It was Walts dream!
🤯 Thanks David! Great review of goings on 👍
Lots of great info. Thank you for breaking it all down.
Was WAIIITTTING for your thoughts on rivers of America in WDWMK I knew they would match my own
what a conversation started dave. as somone who is now recently appreciating all of disney i can undestand your love for it. There is so much more to disney than just rides to get a thrill. It is such a magical experience with the immersiveness of all the lands in all of the parks. that is why disney is different from all of the parks. Walt started something unlike anything else. I am excited to see him being brought to life in a park. not sure how i feel about his wishes not being respected maybe we can see him in another form.
Regarding Coco: There's a huge warehouse building out behind the Incredicoaster, next to the show building for Midway Mania and right behind the portal you called out. That is not the parade building - so maybe they will demo or repurpose that warehouse for the Coco boat ride?
I cannot wait for you to cover all these construction updates ❤
There will be no construction updates. Unless its the ones involving the closure of Galaxy's Edge, Avengers Campus, and Pixar Pier after the Disney Company is split up like Standard Oil and has to get rid of all those attractions to avoid the billions they will owe those newly independent companies.
I agree with you that Avatar looks WAY bigger than what they could do in Hollywood. And I was thinking the exact same spot for Coco and I had forgotten about that concept art I just remember when I saw Sadness and thought that looked like a future entry to an attraction. Also the feathered serpent god would be interesting for DAK Indy because that is the same creature that Marvel’s Namor and Talocan worship, in fact, iirc Namor is actually referred to as Kulkulkan, the feathered serpent. I do think Monsters Inc in DCA might now be even safer than we thought before.
There is, in fact, an in and outdoor boat ride. The Rapunzel ride at Tokyo Disneyland in Fantasy Springs is both indoor and outdoor. And there are audio anamatronics both inside and outside.
Small World came to my mind, as well.
@@jennycraigadventures3314 a great point! I love David, so I was just dropping this as a data point to consider. I think he meant we haven't seen an "E ticket" boat ride that does that. He said that later on. I don't know how either of these 2 rides would be classified. Small World probably used to be E ticket.
@@MelkhorXTangled is e ticket. Just a little short. Maybe a d-ticket?
@@remyd8767 I agree. It's probably a crazy-expensive ride. New infrastructure, decently-big footprint even though it's short. Well-themed. Good animatronics and technology. I've been on it 3 times. It's e-ticket.
I enjoyed this entire conversation. Thank you.
We had a blast on Tom Sawyer Island last time we visited. Personally I'd like to see the existing layout renovated. Add some new theming to the caves and forts. And some jungle gym elements to climb. The island is one of the only areas kids can run around and play with other kids.
Did anybody see the Coco art on the right side in the concept art of Pixar Pier?
Is that the only Land to ever be 3 different Countries? Bear, Critter, and now Bayou but all called Country and not Land. Also the restaurant has now been a Lodge, Restaurant, and now a Barbecue Jamboree. I love how they change together.
Is there anyone who has as much passion about Disneyland than Dave??? ❤
54:22 This is exactly what david is referring to. These iconic Vistas and Views are almost unmeasurable and how they make you feel about the magic kingdom. It's these things that bring you back. It's almost subconscious and it's something that you really can't put your finger on. Like when someone asks why are you such a fan of a Disney theme park, it's this scene right here at 54:22 that brings me back. And to lose this is so unbelievably tragic. And when you consider that Disney World has an unlimited amount of land to build on, getting rid of something like this just seems wrong
RE: Destroying Rivers of America. It's lazy and heartbreaking. There was land they can use in MK or Hollywood Studios and behind Big Thunder. They could shorten the river like Disneyland. Not destroy such a beautiful location with tranquility and wildlife. It shouldn't be a goal to take away what makes Disney unique. Not just concrete with rides. It's very sad.
They can’t shorten this river like at Disneyland. It works differently
Tomorrowland needs redone in Cali and in Florida. Was at magic kingdom recently and everything in Tomorrowland is in bad shape except for Tron, and the land itself is sort of dirty and unappealing compared to the rest of the park.
On a good day they could get around 7-9 acres in the backlot if they take the bus loop, which I think could be enough for an Avatar mini land. I think your idea about them using a portal is spot on, I think it was Peter with Ordinary Adventures who said they could even have you enter through a movie studio. As far as Coco, my money is also on behind Pixar Pier, it just makes sense. I think with all the stuff coming to DCA this is setting up for possibly a new Tomorrowland soon; we've seen this month the effect of having JUST Space Mountain closed, the whole land and the resort would be constantly having capacity issues. If DCA can be a full day park I think closing Tomorrowland for a year or two is much more plausible. But, as someone who's home park is Disneyland, my two cents about Disney World's announcements are that it's good that they're giving it a unique identity. I've always felt Magic Kingdom is one of the least interesting version of OG Disneyland, with less charm, wide theme park-esque walkways, and overall a much less immersive environment. So I think the removal of the Rivers of America and the Liberty Bell; while its certainly sad to see them go, we have the original in Disneyland still. I'm happy if they make Magic Kingdom it's own park and not watered down Disneyland with less rides and weaker theming.
I kind of think Disneyland’s Rivers of America will be safe for a LONG time thanks to how popular Fantasmic! is because with the dining packages they have a financial incentive to keep that show going for the long haul
I am very excited about door coaster for Hollywood Studios!
Could they use the DL Forward plan to move back of house into the back side of the new attractions? So instead of the back side of pandora mountains there is a ‘wall shaped’ building ringing the perimeter.
David... I'm sure you noticed in that artwork of Pixar Pier. Next to that entrance that people are walking in is a movie poster of Coco.. Coincidence?
@-dtuyhnjhggvjjjnDisney holds onto ideas (and projects) for a LONG time.
I saw that poster in the concept art also. Amazing if this was in concept way back then.
Tokyo Disneyland Jungle Cruise goes indoors at the end. If you look at the concept art for Pixar Place and at the theater, there is a Coco poster is front and center. December 5 is Walts Birthday.
HS is a guest flow nightmare. This massively improves options by connecting to Sunset Blvd and even Toy Story Land.
I don't think Disney would have any issues completely decimating both Redwood Creek and Grizzly in order to create Avatar from scratch. They've shown they don't really care about sentimentality.
Great video & analysis! I actually enjoyed the longer run time of this vid.
I really, really love the whole look of DCA Avatar land. My only question is how will it tie into the "California" theme of DCA? My best guess is somehow tying the ocean theme into California being a state that borders an ocean and also has fantastical marine life. Really curious how they're going to explain that one. Definitely agree that Avatar land is going into the parking lot and will not be a reskin of an existing land/ride.
Love the idea of show with Walt in the opera house. Can't wait to see it!
I do think the rename of Critter Country to Bayou Country is silly & pointless, and doesn't match the rest of Critter Country's environment. The theming around the Hungry Bear restaurant is the pine forests of the Northern & Western United States, and the Hundred Acre Wood is inspired by forests of the UK. These are environments that have nothing to do with southern America's bayous lol. It's a weird choice from Imagineering, an organization that is usually so good with theming, environment and story details for Disneyland and DCA.
I absolutely love Monsters Inc, and I've wondered for years what could possibly replace the Hollywood Backlot, and Monstropolis seems like a fantastic option. I really hope they do bring it to DCA. I'd be sad to lose the Animation building and the Hyperion theater, but having that indoor coaster with the door vault scene is so worth losing those two things.
Happy to see a new story coming to Smuggler's Run! I don't think it's possible for that ride to have multiple stories going at the same time due to how it is set up with the Hondo pre-show. Star Tours has no pre-show, so they can do the multiple stories/locations without any problem.
Love the idea of a Villains land. Disney Villains are so incredibly designed and iconic. No idea what the story of the land or the rides could possibly be, but I think it could be a really cool place.
I don't think we ever have to worry about RoA being demolished at Disneyland, because of the history of that park being so closely tied to Walt Disney. I think the fact that the Adventureland Treehouse was rethemed back to Swiss Family Robinson, a film from Walt's time, instead of something more modern and popular like Encanto is a good sign that the people in charge at Disneyland value the more historical attractions at Disneyland that Walt had a hand in creating.
And absolutely yes to a retro futuristic mid century modern Tomorrowland, ideally in all white with blue and orange accents like the colors of the 1964 World's Fair. I kind of feel like they should demolish the whole land, except for the lagoon. Space Mountain should always and forever be a Tomorrowland fixture, but it could probably benefit from being torn down and built back bigger & better. I would really really hate to lose Star Tours though. Maybe it can be moved to Galaxy's Edge? I know Autopia's a classic attraction, and one that Walt had a hand in, but I think it should go as well. The theme is outdated and it takes up a lot of space.
Enjoyed your analysis and particularly agree with the weirdness of the “bayou country” rename given that they are retaining a hundred acre woods ride.
At 19:16 in your video you are taking about a potential portal entry for the proposed Coco attraction…. You were showing the concept art saying it is “telling us something”. Not sure if you noticed but right where the guests are entering through, to the right is a “Coco” poster!
I did notice but somehow forgot to mention it. Though I think I did say that Coco was originally intended for this space (or it might be in our state of dca report?)
@@freshbakedpresents I was excited thinking it may be an “Easter egg” giving some insight for the future.
😂 This is why you are the
professional and I am a subscriber. ☺️
I’m guessing Avatar will go in that section of the parking lot between Pixar Place and the Disneyland Hotel. That would leave the larger area for an additional land or two. It would also make sense logistically to build out that inner section first and work back towards Katella. Logistics are also why I think Grizzly Peak is safe - it would be a nightmare to demo/rebuild on that scale hemmed in by park/hotels.
55:49 I’ve been to Disneyland only once, a few months ago. I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did, and I wasn’t expecting to be immediately wanting to return. And why? Because of how I felt there! I’ve always chased the thrill of bigger and faster rides, none of which Disney has, so I wasn’t expecting the theming and ambience to be as important to the experience as it was. So from someone who has only gone once, it is the feeling that you get there that you remember!
Dave, can you please film an update video with all of the projects they announced at the last D23 to see where all those projects are now? Would love an update!
One thing I remember Braden said about beyond big thunder was that the dry dock cuts off the path to get behind big thunder, so it could create a tough situation and if there are other issues with the river (gators, etc) maybe it has to go anyway?
But I agree, I hate the thought of the new Liberty Square view, & not having the wooden path along the river. :(
Tangled boat ride in Tokyo Disney Sea got both indoor and outdoor components, but I bet this Avator ride will be more grand and in a bigger scale!
Why announce it now if they won’t break ground until 2026 for Coco? If it’s mostly behind the scenes in the back why not be secretly working on it and surprise in an upcoming D23 that it will be ready
New Avatar Land ride - maybe a small drop with a splash? It’s sounds like Jurassic Park at universal meets Shanghai Pirate.
Speaking of the lion king flume ride, I saw it mentioned that while they specifically talked about it being based on the animated movie, the concept art showed the live action characters. That creator speculated that it may be because they’re waiting to see how Mufasa performs in the box office to see if it’s going to be based on the animated or life action movies.
The map reminds me of Redwood Creek Challenge and grizzly river run
Excited to hear your thoughts on this. FRESHBAKED!!
There is a D23 Brazil event that is scheduled for November. Weird timing but maybe they held some back for that event.
Cars and Villains - Absolutely love the ideas. And the Cars concept art looks great. Losing Rivers of America makes me a bit sad. But I sort of understand. A river in the middle of a Florida swamp doesn't have the same feeling as a river in the middle of a California desert. And MK's river has its operational problems that we don't seem to have in CA.
I have never been to WDW Magic Kingdom, but I cant understand why an area that they claim has so much land cant figure out how to complete a circular path around the park.
Because nothing represents Walt's vision of the early Frontier days of America like Animated cars. 🙄🙄🙄 I HATE where they are deciding to place the ride. They have plenty of acreage to expand for a land. They can shorten the river to complete the loop, they could make the River boat a transport vehicle that takes you to the other side, or add a second boat, dock one and make it a dining boat. Removing WATER just makes it feel like a concrete jungle.
Soon, we will only be able to visit the original Disneyland preserved in Tokyo.
It's there now. It already exists
Dear David, I understand your love for Walt Disney, and having an animatronic of him. His family is not happy. They want to respect Walt’s wishes of not being a robot. His granddaughter Joanna Miller is leading the effort to stop this from happening, I am on the family’s side. Our families have been connected for decades, long before Disneyland. Showing my age… as a young boy I met Walt. My strongest memory of him was he smelled of cigarettes, but everyone smoked back in those days. Keep up the excellent work.
Got a source for the couple of Disneys left still around who met Walt?
I heard his grandson is helping with the story that will be told during the show
@@yungprince03 It's Roy's grandkid, not Walt's - whether that makes a huge difference, ymmv.
@alansimonis8283 o ok thanks for the clarification
I was actually excited for this but now that I hear that Walt never wanted to be a robot, I think that the Disney execs needs to respect Walt's wishes and not do this🙄🙄