Disney Rumors, Tips and Links!
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Please Click Here for the complete list of Rumors from the UnOfficial Imagineering Site.
UPDATED 9-11-99
NEW - TIPS:
If you go to any attraction that has the new FASTPASS system installed (Safari, Rapids and Coutdown at AK, Rock'n Roller at MGM and Space and Splash Mountains at MK) make sure you get your pass early and then check the stand-by time. Mainly for the Rock'n Roller coaster, if it says a 45 minute wait, it has been more like 20 for me. So don't think you don't have enough time to ride it twice. As soon as you get off from the Stand-by line, it is your time to go for the FASTPASS.
RUMORS:
Fire Mountain and Bald Mountain
The latest rumor to be floating around WDW is that Michael
Eisner in all his wisdom, decided to have 2 seperate teams of
Imagineers design the replacement ride for the 20K site. Well,
both teams did such an outstanding job on 2 totally different
rides that they have now decided to build both!! The first will
be Fire Mountain and will be located in the vicinity of and
behind Pirates of the Carribean. You will not be able to see the
tower volcano mountain from any hotel on the Seven Seas Lagoon
except for the Polynesian. It will start out as a regular coaster
and about half way through the ride become an Inveted coaster
similar to Montu at Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay or Batman at Six
Flags over Georgia. This coaster should be up and running for the
30th Anniversary Celebration in October of 2001. Bald Mountain on
the other hand will be a major project that will include
extending beyond the boundaries of the Magic Kingdom. It will not
just be a new ride, but will be the center piece for a whole new
land. The theme of the new land will be Disney Villains. Bald
Mountain will be a water coaster type of ride similar to Spash
Mountain. The bad news about Bald Mountain is it will not begin
construction until late 2002 at the earliest which means it would
not open unil 2004. But the actual timetable it anywhere from
2004 to 2006.
Fire Mountain...Could be Adventureland
We're getting reports from various sources that Fire Mountain
will land in Adventureland at Disney World's Magic Kingdom after
all. How it will fit is beyond me, but the Imagineers are known
for their creativity!
Something Else for 20K Site
Along with the rumors about Fire Mountain being located in
Adventureland, word has come along that a different E-ticket
attraction will be built in the empty 20,000 Leagues Under the
Sea location.
EXCLUSIVE: The Excavator
We've received a report about a new roller coaster to be built in
DinoLand, USA, at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Tentatively called
"The Excavator," this roller coaster will be an
inverted rollercoaster such as Batman at Six Flags or the Dragon
at Islands of Adventure. Word has it ground is being broken. A
reader also emailed to say that the reader heard that a "kiddie
coaster" similar to Goofy's Barnstormer will be built in
DinoLand USA as well.
Fire Mountain in Adventureland?
Some folks within WDI do not want to wait for the 20,000 Leagues
Under the Sea site at WDW's Magic Kingdom to be released from
Park Entertainment so Fire Mountain can be built. Instead, they
want to build Fire Mountain in Adventureland.
A nice idea, but this seems highly impractical. A view of Adventureland from space reveals there simply isn't room, unless they take out the Jungle Cruise, the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, or Pirates of the Caribbean.
If one looks at Fantasyland from space, it's apparent that plenty of room exists in the old 20K site to build a large attraction.
Time will tell...
Tentative Projects and Dates
Many Bothans died to bring us this information. WDI recently sent
around a note of TENTATIVE projects and dates for the future:
Again, please note these are merely tentative, and nothing is written in stone, except for Disney's California Adventure and Tokyo DisneySea because they are under construction. Still, this is an enticing list, even if the earth-orbiting hotel/park is a bit far out.
Disneyland Haunted Mansion Rehab
This report was sent from a reader:
While in line for my 30th anniversary cd, 6/26, a cast member let me in on a refurbishment for DL's HM. Most likely it will be this fall. e most notable additins according to plans he said is a bay window (with an ouside storm) at the doombuggy loading area and wall paper and detail in the seance room. Of course all he saw were preliminary drawings.
Horizons Closed Forever
We've received conflicting reports on the future of Horizons at
Epcot. Despite some reports on the Internet that Horizons will
reopen in October, a source insde WDW states there is "no
chance" this will occur. Although the show is "intact,"
some of the show elements are missing (stolen?) or have been
damaged. Furthermore, several hydraulic and other fluids
responsible for the ride mechanism and other show elements have
been drained. Horizons is, to the dismay of some, closed for good.
Fire Mountain Rumor
Rumor has it that Fire Mountain might be built between The
Pirates of the Caribbean and Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World's
Magic Kingdom. While possible, this contradicts other reports
that Fire Mountain will be built on the former 20K site.
Millenium Celebration Pin Trading
The
Dreamfinder's Web Site contains information on the Disney pin
trading (cloisonne pins, not buttons) program that will take
place at Epcot as part of the Millenium Celebration. While not
WDI related, this will certainly be a big part of the celebration
beginning in October.
Older Rumors------
Major Staff Cuts at WDI
Reliable sources have informed us that in light of the less than
stellar earnings report for the last quarter, Walt Disney Company
CEO and Chairman Michael Eisner has ordered cutbacks across the
board in an effort to cut costs and increase profits. This
apparently will greatly affect WDI in California. Eisner has
ordered that all projects that are not currently underway (such
as California Adventure) or that are perceived as a guaranteed
"home run") (such as the Hong Kong park) are to be
tabled indefinitely. Word has it that several senior show
designers are on the chopping block, and this will result in the
deepest cuts at WDI since 1992 when Euro Disneyland (now
Disneyland Paris) opened.
At least one project has been tabled due to these cutbacks: the development of a new show to replace the existing storyline for Star Tours at Disneyland.
Another source has told us, however, that at a trade show in London within the last two weeks, WDI was recruiting people heavily and asking them to send their resumes to the Paris office of WDI.
Editorial: It seems to us that while some cutbacks are necessary, cutting at WDI--Disney's only real R&D department--will be a long term mistake. Guests (and some Imagineers) are reporting that Universal Studios' Islands of Adventure in Orlando have raised the bar in terms of design and quality. By cutting back on development now, Eisner has only delayed the eventual catching-up and surpassing of the standards set by Islands of Adventure. In the long run, this may hurt Disney's bottom line more than the current earnings disappointment.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Opening Info!
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh at Walt Disnwy World's
Magic Kingdom will have Cast Member previews on June 3 and 4 and
is scheduled to open to the public on June 5. A grand opening is
scheduled for a few weeks later, maybe June 15.
WDW Tomorrowland Speedway
Word comes to us that the WDW Tomorrowland Speedway will be
hosting the development of imbedded driving computer systems.
These computers, hidden beneath the bodies of the existing race
cars, will assist guests in several ways, including providing
"expert-like" driving skills for all ages througout the
ride. No track rehab or downtime is expected while the system is
installed.
Test Track Will Not Close This Summer
Word comes to us from a knowledgeable official that Test Track
will not close this summer as previously reported here.
The "singles" line will get some adjustments, but no
ride closure is in the works. What this means for the future of
Horizons this summer is unclear, but another reliable source has
given us some indication of what lies ahead for Mission: Space.
We can't release the details yet, but stay tuned.
CTX Softened
Another source indicates that Walt Disney World management has
determined that Countdown to Extinction was "too rough"
based on guest satisfaction surveys, so it has been softened
somewhat. What a shame...
Great Movie Ride to Undergo Rehab
The Great Movie Ride at the Disney-MGM Studios is slated for a
rehab sometime in the near future. No substantive changes are
planned, just oiling the hinges, so to speak.
Disney Vacation Club Phase Three Construction has begun on the third offering of the Disney Vacation Club at Walt Disney World. Located between Fort Wilderness and DisneyLodge, the new development will be called the Villas at Fort Wilderness. 's Wilderness
Venetia Resort
An eagle-eyed reporter spotted a set of blueprints for the new Venetian-themed resort in the Magic Kingdom area at Walt Disney World. Located between the Contemporary Resort and the Ticket and Transportation Center, this resort will be serviced by the monorail system. Take a look at a picture of the plan view.
MTV to Arrive at Pleasure Island?
Word comes to us that Pleasure Island will be receiving a new
nightclub; MTV is rumored to be in consideration as the sponsor.
Hall of Presidents Face Life
An alert reader brings us word that the Hall of Presidents is
under consideration for a renovation of its waiting area and
possibly the theatre itself. Doubtful we will see a change in the
show beyond the addition of a new president once voters in the U.S.
elect the successor to William Jefferson Clinton.
Fire Mountain Sounds Hot
Word comes to us from deep within the Company of a concept for
Fire Mountain, the new roller coaster that will take the location
of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea at the Magic Kingdom at Walt
Disney World. The ride has an Atlantis theme and at one point
riders will experience an upclose and personal meeting with lava
pools. Word has it upper management has signed off on the concept.
Mission: Space is All Systems Go
The Horizons replacement, Misson: Space simulator/coaster, has
received the blessings of management and is greenlighted. Intel
is not slated to be the sponsor, but another technology
company in the computer industry and an aerospace company are the
leading contenders for the honor of sponsoring this new
attraction
More on Fifth Theme Park at WDW
Concept planning for a DisneySea at WDW has gotten the go-ahead--imagine
the competition Disney could offer Sea World!
Beastly Kingdom
Beastly Kingdom will definitely be the next themed land at Disney's
Animal Kingdom, and will likely consist of several thrill rides (of
course, this is always subject to change!).
Kiddie Coaster headed for DinoLand at DAK
Word comes to us the younger set can expect a very mild roller
coaster to open in DinoLand at Disney's Animal Kingdom. It will
apparently be similar in nature to Goofy's Barnstormer found at
the Magic Kingdom.
No Combo at Mission: Space
Word comes to us that the idea for a combined roller coaster/motion
simulator to be used in the space pavilion replacement for
Horizons at Epcot has been scrapped--apparently some feel it
would be way too expensive. Stay tuned...
Cool Disney Links:
Disney-MGM Studios Art Director Theron Skees stated, "The drop is drastically different than the last. Not only are there more drops, but the pattern has changed. We changed the lighting effects. We rescored the music. There's a lot of shaking, greater acceleration, and more points in the drops where you have a weightless feeling." Doug Smith, senior engineer of Ride and Show Engineering, said, "We added about 30 percent more time in the drop shaft. New effects will enhance the theme of the lightning strike." (Our thanks to Eyes & Ears for this information.)
Horizons Replacement: Could be Very Cool!
A source comes to us from deep inside the Company regarding the
current plans for the Horizons replacement. First, the show will
be titled Mission Space, and it will not be sponsored by
Intel, but rather by one of the aerospace companies. Second,
there will be a new, never before attempted ride technology: a
flight simulator (similar to Star Tours and Body Wars) that will
run on a track, perhaps with inversions, similar to a roller
coaster. Opening date may be summer of 2001.
Remember: these are current concepts and are always subject to change based on technology limitations, budget, time, and other factors.
More Debate on Beastly Kingdom
A reporter has written in to state that our March 11, 1999 report
on Beastly Kingdom is erroneous in two respects. First, Beastly
Kingdom is to be a new "land" in Disney's Animal
Kingdom (this is consistent with past reports), and second, there
will be no roller coasters as AK was to be a park about animals,
not thrill rides. Of course, this position does not explain the
existence of Countdown to Extinction or the Kali River Rapids,
but then again, plans always change.
Editorial note: In all likelihood, Beastly Kingdom is not the name of the fifth gated theme park at WDW, and is (and was planned to be) a new expansion of Animal Kingdom. Whether it will be a "thrill" land remains to be seen.
More insight on Beastly Kingdom
This comes to us from a frequent contributor:
The fifth park will be called "Beastly Kingdom" and will conside with Animal Kingdom. See, AK was supposed to be a roller coaster park, yet it was changed due to arising competion of other parks in centeral florida, so it turned into a "zoo" theme. Now with the opening of Islands of Adventure at Universal (BLAH) there is a rising competion for roller coasters. Theese will be the world class kind of roller coasters.
Hold Your Nose on Fire Mountain
Word comes to us from the Yahoo! Club The Disney World Future that Fire Mountain,
the planned roller coaster to take the place of 20,000 Leagues
Under the Sea at WDW's Magic Kingdom will involve a run that is
partially under water.
Pop-Culture Park?
A reporter's conversation with an Imagineer a few months ago
revealed that the current favorite idea at WDI for a fifth gated
theme park at WDW is one based upon pop culture that would be
built on as an addition to Disney's Wide World of Sports. This
Imagineer mentioned that the idea of a coaster park themed on
Disney Villains has been around for a long time--even longer than
Disney's Animal Kingdom, and he felt the Villains park would
never get built.
On an editorial note, I have a hard time imagining anything that could require more frequent updates and renovations than a park based on pop culture given that the typical "star" is around for only about twelve or thirteen days. Anybody remember Milli Vanilli?
Conversation with an Imagineer
A reporter wrote to say he had an interesting conversation with
an Imagineer at a bookstore recently, and sent the following
information:
Fifth Gated Themepark at WDW: Shadowlands?
Rumors run amok on the Internet that the fifth gated themepark at
WDW will be called Shadowlands, presumably to tie into the Disney
Villains theme. People are reporting that this is official, but
no one has been able to point us to anything that substantiates
these reports.
Figment's Future
Another report comes in that Figment, in addition to having some
role in the replacement attraction for Journey Into Imagination
will become Epcot's official mascot and play a large role in the
upcoming Millenium Celebration
A New Mountain on the
Horizon
No, this has nothing to do with the late Horizons, but word comes
to us that a Disney Cast Member on a Friendship launch told
guests the African outpost in Epcot's World Showcase is to be
torn down to make way for the long-rumored and long-awaited
Switzerland pavilion. Disney World fans have been salivating over
this possibility as it means the Matterhorn may finally appear at
Walt Disney World.
More Coasters on the Way
Another reporter tells us that Disney plans to build a new roller
coaster each year for the next five years in the various theme
parks at Walt Disney World. This seems to make some sense: in
1999, we'll have the Rock 'N' Roller Coaster at the Disney-MGM
Studios; you've seen the rumor reported below about Bald Mountain
at Magic Kingdom, and now word comes that Switzerland and a
possible Matterhorn at Epcot. If we include Test Track (which is
not really a roller coaster) among the thrill rides, then there
will be six opened from 1998 through 2003. That could be very
good news!
Not Fire, but Bald!
A reader from inside WDW reports some information a friend passed
along:
What he has learned is that a thrill ride is going into 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. And its NOT Fire Mountain. 20k is scheduled to be demolished starting sometime in February. Everything will be gone, including Ariel's Grotto and Fantasyland Character Festival. It will take approximately 5 months to tear down. What will take 20k's place is Bald Mountain, a huge indoor mountain rollercoaster themed from Fantasia. Inside the ride will be 7 loops and many Disney villians. The ride will take about 2 years to build. Now, the exciting part...The Mountain is so big, they have to remove the 3 large tents making up the back end of Toontown.
Toon Town Comes East?
Reports from another reader indicate surveyors have been looking
at land on the outside of the railroad tracks. This, combined
with other whispers going around, have lead to speculation that
Disneyland's Toon Town may be duplicated at WDW's Magic Kingdom.
Dreamfinder is Gone, but
Long Live Figment!
We've had a couple of reports verify that Dreamfinder, the one-time
host of Epcot's Journey Into Imagination, will not be a part of
the new attraction currently being built. These sources have said,
however, that Figment will be part of the new show.
Horizons Update Today marks the closing of Horizons at Epcot. Once sponsored by GE, Horizons took us on journeys to future worlds in outer space, the desert, and under the seas. It was also the first WDI designed attraction where riders were able to choose their own end to the ride. Horizons also featured one of the best film sequences of a NASA Space Shuttle lift off--the film was so much better than anything NASA had ever filmed that NASA requested a copy.
The closing of Horizons is another sad day for many Epcot fans. Its future is unclear, but rumors persist that a new space-themed ride will take its place. A nice photographic tribute has been posted on another site.
Remember: If We Can Dream It, We Can Do It.
Info on Fire Mountain
A dedicated reader has sent a report about Fire Mountain, a new
thrill ride. I'll let his report speak for itself:
Fire Mountain - Seems this is the current name for the new attraction that will take over 20K Sub Lagoon. Said to be themed to the future Atlantis film, a large Volcano show building will be constructed on the far side of the Lava Lake, which is already fairly themed with Volcanic looking rockwork. Inside of this mountain will be a roller coaster where the riders will "lay down" in 4 across seating (It's not B&M) and "Fly". It is expected to have a few inversions, as well as the assumed Disney Soundtrack option.
A Peek Inside Journey Into
Imagination
A report comes to us by way of a reader who forwarded info found
on the USENET news groups. Apparently, some Epcot Cast Members
backstage found a hole in the wall of the Journey Into
Imagination building. Being naturally curious, they looked inside
to see that the building appears to be gutted entirely. It looks
like progress is being made rapidly on this project.
Journeys into Space Pavilion
With Test Track having reached its soft open (although just
barely), attention in the rumor department now turns to the
future of Horizons. Readers and others have known for quite some
time that Disney plans to close Horizons for good after Test
Track opens permanently--currently scheduled for March, 1999.
A source has written in to indicate that the Space pavilion's story (as it currently exists at WDI) will center around a spacewalk, and it is expected the attraction will be similar in nature to the Back to the Future attraction at Universal Studios Florida (the "other" theme park in Orlando). It still sounds like Intel will be the sponsor of the new pavilion
Fifth Theme Park on Hold?
A reader has written to report he is hearing rumors at Walt
Disney World that the plans for a fifth theme park may be put on
hold for a few reasons. First, Disney is experiencing "cannibalization"
of its attendance at Epcot and the Disney-MGM Studios to Animal
Kingdom. Given that Disney just sunk gobs of money into Animal
Kingdom, Disney is a bit hesitant to immediately invest in
another theme park until it brings the crowds back to the other
parks. Second, Disney has announced some "upgrades" to
the Disney-MGM Studios in the form of new attractions and Epcot
will be the center of the Millenium Celebration. This will keep
Disney's builders busy for a while.
This all seems to make sense when one thinks about it. Eleven years passed between the opening of the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, and then seven years passed before the Disney-MGM Studios opened in 1989. It was nine years later that Disney opened Animal Kingdom. In addition, Disney is in the midst of building Disney's California Adventure which will open in 2001--yet another huge investment. Michal Eisner admitted in his current book that building these theme parks places a major drain on Disney's finances.
New Star Tours Attraction
Ahead?
This information comes from a surprising source: Walt Disney
World Co. officials. Reported by Reuters news agency today,
Disney and George Lucas have reached a verbal agreement (or
ongoing discussions, anyway) for Lucas to develop a replacement
for Star Tours. The new film would be based upon the first of the
Star Wars "prequel" trilogy films, "Star Wars: The
Phantom Menace." The film is due to be released in 1999, and
the new attraction would be ready some time after 1999.
It is expected that the new attraction would be based upon material from the "prequel" trilogy, just as Star Tours is based upon the Star Wars trilogy.
Spokespersons for Lucas acknowledged that Lucas and Disney were in the midst of discussions.
More Info on the Fifth Gated
Theme Park at WDW
A source has indicated that Disney plans on expanding Disney's
Wide World of Sports due to guest satisfaction surveys which
indicate guests are disappointed in the lack of "things to
do" at WWS. Thus, the speculation goes, the rumors about the
fifth gated theme park at WDW involve a tie-in to the WWS. As
previously reported, land is being cleared nearby. Looks like the
Villains-themed park will have to wait.
Animal Kingdom
Some interesting rumors here! First, Disney is working on the
"mythical creatures" section, which will be built near
Camp Minnie Mickey. The new section would have two roller
coasters, one of which would be called Dragon Tower: an indoor,
inverted coaster. Another coaster under consideration, but not in
the "mythical creatures" section, may be a wooden
coaster! Word has it this might show up in DinoLand USA.
The "Beastly Kingdom" concept is also under consideration with one major thrill ride. In addition, WDI is researching a new themed area. Under consideration is a South American area (our reporter's favorite choice--as he said, just imagine the Amazon Disney could build) or an Australian area (with kangaroos and crocodiles(?!?))