Walt Disney World Rumors
Below will be an extensive list of rumors surrounding the Walt Disney World Resort. If the below posts are green, they have been officially confirmed by Disney, but more information may be added. I should emphasize the fact that these are rumors, and so should be treated as such, until officially confirmed by Disney... (Last Updated: 20th January 2015)
Magic Kingdom
Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom to receive on-ride photos: The Haunted Mansion attraction in Magic Kingdom is closing for refurbishment later this year, with speculation that an on-ride photo may be coming to the attraction. The photo is expected to be in the 'Hitch Hiking Ghosts' scene - where the ghosts mess around with your doom buggy. An on-ride photo pick-up location is also expected at Yankee Trader, which is currently closed for refurbishment, although guests with MagicBand's and the Memory Maker photo package will have the photo linked automatically.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train shop coming soon: Rumors have been around for a while since the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction opening, that a Seven Dwarfs themed shop will open near to the attraction. This shop would sell generic and attraction-specific merchandise, along with being a on-ride photo purchase/viewing location, as riders currently need a MagicBand to get their on-ride photo and video.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to receive same special effects as California: The attraction is being closed for a short refurbishment in 2015, which may be to do with the addition of similar special effects that were added to the California attraction recently. These would be installed on the final lift hill. It is currently unknown whether this upcoming refurbishment is to install these special effects, but we have heard on good terms that the effects are being planned for the Magic Kingdom attraction.
Extended refurbishment for Pirates of the Caribbean attraction: It has been rumored that the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction may soon be closing for an extended refurbishment. The attraction currently has some elements not working, and also issues with some of the boats taking on water. The refurbishment is expected to begin in spring and re-open before the holiday season. CONFIRMED 24TH FEBRUARY 2015
Epcot
'Frozen' themed ride to replace Maelstrom in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot: There is a lot of speculation around the closure and adaptation of the Maelstrom Boat Ride in the Norway Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase. The ride is rumored to be replaced by a similar style ride featuring Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and the other much-loved characters from the hit movie. CONFIRMED 12TH SEPTEMBER 2014
Frozen meet and greet location to open in Epcot's Norway Pavilion: A notice of commencement has recently been filed for a 13000 square foot meet and greet location for Frozen characters, which could move Anna and Elsa from Magic Kingdom's Fairytale Hall. The area is also thought to contain restrooms and possibly a shop. CONFIRMED 14TH SEPTEMBER 2014
Test Track to be getting on-ride video: We have heard rumors that the Test Track attraction at Epcot is to get an on-ride video experience, as with Tower of Terror and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. A permit has been filed by Disney related to photographic imaging, so this is looking more likely to be installed...
New Soarin' theatre being built: We have heard strong rumors about a third Soarin' show theatre to be built behind the existing location. Disney has also recently filed a permit for the Soarin' location - entitled Project 87. This backs up the rumors as the Soarin' theatre has 87 seats each. The Soarin' attraction is also expected to receive upgrades to the screen, effects and projection systems. CONFIRMED 5TH MARCH 2015
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios to be renamed: As part of the rumored and planned expansions to Hollywood Studios, there has been a lot of talk about the studios being renamed. It is unknown what it might change to - but the rumored additions will not fit with the "Hollywood theme" if they go ahead...
Expansion to Pixar Place may be coming soon: It has been rumored for a while that there may be an expansion coming to the Pixar Place in Disney's Hollywood Studios. This rumor sounds more likely as Studio Backlot Tour has now closed.
Toy Story Midway Mania to receive 3rd track: The Toy Story Mania attraction is rumored to be getting another track in Soundstage 1, the facility adjacent to the current show building. This would be in a bid to reduce wait times. Ride expected to stay as it currently is with no significant changes expected... CONFIRMED 5TH MARCH 2015
Star Wars coming to Hollywood Studios soon: There has recently been a lot of talk about Star Wars land which may be coming during a whole re-vamp of Hollywood Studios. As Disney now has the rights to Star Wars, they can now take advantage of there new property...
Frozen Sing-Along to replace American Idol Experience: Now the American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios has closed, it is speculated, and confirmed third-party, that the "For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Singalong Celebration" is to take up the AIE theatre. It is a lot larger and more technologically advanced than the current Premier Theatre that the Frozen show occupies... This would make the sing-along a permanent attraction at the park.
Sorcerers Hat to be removed: It has been speculated for years that the temporary Sorcerers Hat icon may be removed from Hollywood Studios. The hat was installed in 2001 as a temporary celebration, but has remained the park icon ever since. With the recent closure of attractions and further cuts and closures rumored for the park, it looks as though Hollywood Studios is in for a whole re-brand, and could this mean removal of the hat? CONFIRMED 24TH OCTOBER 2014
Great Movie Ride to be updated: It is thought that the popular Great Movie Ride attraction would be updated. It it unknown whether the rumored changes would be for the ride or the queue. It is also unknown when these additions/changes will occur. But this rumor suggests that the attraction may not be leaving during the Hollywood Studio expansion project. CONFIRMED 26TH NOVEMBER 2014
Animal Kingdom
Yeti on Expedition Everest may be being fixed: The yeti on the Expedition Everest ride at Animal Kingdom is currently behind tarps, and it is rumored that work may be in progress to fix it. The yeti had to be turned off after technical issues occurred soon after the ride opened. It was previously rumored that work could not be done to fix the yeti without removing the backside of the mountain. But, the current work tells us otherwise!
Dinosaur to be getting on-ride video: We have heard rumors that the Dinosaur attraction at Animal Kingdom is to get an on-ride video experience, as with Tower of Terror and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. A permit has been filed by Disney related to photographic imaging, so this is looking more likely to be installed...
Expedition Everest to be getting on-ride video: We have heard rumors that the Expedition Everest attraction at Animal Kingdom is to get an on-ride video experience, as with Tower of Terror and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. A permit has been filed by Disney related to photographic imaging, so this is looking more likely to be installed...
Night version of Kilimanjaro Safari's may be coming soon: Disney Magic has heard on good terms that the Kilimanjaro Safari's attraction will be getting a night-time version, expected to open in 2015. The attraction may feature different animals or a different safari route during the evenings. Major changes will be needed to the attraction, such as the implementation of lighting infrastructure required for night time viewing, and to ensure the safety of guests, cast members and the animals. New animals may be part of this change - and it is rumored that Disney is in the process of acquiring 3 Spotter Hyenas to add to the attraction. CONFIRMED 12TH OCTOBER 2013
Typhoon Lagoon
Blizzard Beach
Disney Springs / Downtown Disney
Other
New DVC Resort coming to Epcot: Rumor has it that a new Disney Vacation Club Resort may be coming to the Epcot area. The new hotel, if built, is expected to have a Future World theme. Another similar rumor is that rooms and boutique hotels could be coming to some of the World Showcase pavilions at Epcot...
Disney may buy Time Warner / Warner Brothers: There is a lot of rumors going around that Disney may be next to purchase Warner Brothers. Fox Entertainment has recently made an offer on the Time Warner company, but the offer has been rejected. Will Disney purchase the rights to, and own, all Warner Brothers productions? This would mean that Disney would own DC Comics, Marvel, and Harry Potter!?!
Drones may be used by Disney for entertainment offerings: Disney has filed three patents for entertainment drones. One to include pixel lighting, another a projection screen and a final for other objects and displays. It is possible that these unmanned drones could be used for night-time offerings, including Wishes, IllumiNations, Fantasmic and the upcoming Rivers of Light show at Animal Kingdom. The drones may be capable to carry large puppets during parades...
Magic Kingdom
Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom to receive on-ride photos: The Haunted Mansion attraction in Magic Kingdom is closing for refurbishment later this year, with speculation that an on-ride photo may be coming to the attraction. The photo is expected to be in the 'Hitch Hiking Ghosts' scene - where the ghosts mess around with your doom buggy. An on-ride photo pick-up location is also expected at Yankee Trader, which is currently closed for refurbishment, although guests with MagicBand's and the Memory Maker photo package will have the photo linked automatically.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train shop coming soon: Rumors have been around for a while since the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction opening, that a Seven Dwarfs themed shop will open near to the attraction. This shop would sell generic and attraction-specific merchandise, along with being a on-ride photo purchase/viewing location, as riders currently need a MagicBand to get their on-ride photo and video.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to receive same special effects as California: The attraction is being closed for a short refurbishment in 2015, which may be to do with the addition of similar special effects that were added to the California attraction recently. These would be installed on the final lift hill. It is currently unknown whether this upcoming refurbishment is to install these special effects, but we have heard on good terms that the effects are being planned for the Magic Kingdom attraction.
Extended refurbishment for Pirates of the Caribbean attraction: It has been rumored that the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction may soon be closing for an extended refurbishment. The attraction currently has some elements not working, and also issues with some of the boats taking on water. The refurbishment is expected to begin in spring and re-open before the holiday season. CONFIRMED 24TH FEBRUARY 2015
Epcot
'Frozen' themed ride to replace Maelstrom in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot: There is a lot of speculation around the closure and adaptation of the Maelstrom Boat Ride in the Norway Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase. The ride is rumored to be replaced by a similar style ride featuring Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and the other much-loved characters from the hit movie. CONFIRMED 12TH SEPTEMBER 2014
Frozen meet and greet location to open in Epcot's Norway Pavilion: A notice of commencement has recently been filed for a 13000 square foot meet and greet location for Frozen characters, which could move Anna and Elsa from Magic Kingdom's Fairytale Hall. The area is also thought to contain restrooms and possibly a shop. CONFIRMED 14TH SEPTEMBER 2014
Test Track to be getting on-ride video: We have heard rumors that the Test Track attraction at Epcot is to get an on-ride video experience, as with Tower of Terror and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. A permit has been filed by Disney related to photographic imaging, so this is looking more likely to be installed...
New Soarin' theatre being built: We have heard strong rumors about a third Soarin' show theatre to be built behind the existing location. Disney has also recently filed a permit for the Soarin' location - entitled Project 87. This backs up the rumors as the Soarin' theatre has 87 seats each. The Soarin' attraction is also expected to receive upgrades to the screen, effects and projection systems. CONFIRMED 5TH MARCH 2015
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios to be renamed: As part of the rumored and planned expansions to Hollywood Studios, there has been a lot of talk about the studios being renamed. It is unknown what it might change to - but the rumored additions will not fit with the "Hollywood theme" if they go ahead...
Expansion to Pixar Place may be coming soon: It has been rumored for a while that there may be an expansion coming to the Pixar Place in Disney's Hollywood Studios. This rumor sounds more likely as Studio Backlot Tour has now closed.
Toy Story Midway Mania to receive 3rd track: The Toy Story Mania attraction is rumored to be getting another track in Soundstage 1, the facility adjacent to the current show building. This would be in a bid to reduce wait times. Ride expected to stay as it currently is with no significant changes expected... CONFIRMED 5TH MARCH 2015
Star Wars coming to Hollywood Studios soon: There has recently been a lot of talk about Star Wars land which may be coming during a whole re-vamp of Hollywood Studios. As Disney now has the rights to Star Wars, they can now take advantage of there new property...
Frozen Sing-Along to replace American Idol Experience: Now the American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios has closed, it is speculated, and confirmed third-party, that the "For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Singalong Celebration" is to take up the AIE theatre. It is a lot larger and more technologically advanced than the current Premier Theatre that the Frozen show occupies... This would make the sing-along a permanent attraction at the park.
Sorcerers Hat to be removed: It has been speculated for years that the temporary Sorcerers Hat icon may be removed from Hollywood Studios. The hat was installed in 2001 as a temporary celebration, but has remained the park icon ever since. With the recent closure of attractions and further cuts and closures rumored for the park, it looks as though Hollywood Studios is in for a whole re-brand, and could this mean removal of the hat? CONFIRMED 24TH OCTOBER 2014
Great Movie Ride to be updated: It is thought that the popular Great Movie Ride attraction would be updated. It it unknown whether the rumored changes would be for the ride or the queue. It is also unknown when these additions/changes will occur. But this rumor suggests that the attraction may not be leaving during the Hollywood Studio expansion project. CONFIRMED 26TH NOVEMBER 2014
Animal Kingdom
Yeti on Expedition Everest may be being fixed: The yeti on the Expedition Everest ride at Animal Kingdom is currently behind tarps, and it is rumored that work may be in progress to fix it. The yeti had to be turned off after technical issues occurred soon after the ride opened. It was previously rumored that work could not be done to fix the yeti without removing the backside of the mountain. But, the current work tells us otherwise!
Dinosaur to be getting on-ride video: We have heard rumors that the Dinosaur attraction at Animal Kingdom is to get an on-ride video experience, as with Tower of Terror and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. A permit has been filed by Disney related to photographic imaging, so this is looking more likely to be installed...
Expedition Everest to be getting on-ride video: We have heard rumors that the Expedition Everest attraction at Animal Kingdom is to get an on-ride video experience, as with Tower of Terror and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. A permit has been filed by Disney related to photographic imaging, so this is looking more likely to be installed...
Night version of Kilimanjaro Safari's may be coming soon: Disney Magic has heard on good terms that the Kilimanjaro Safari's attraction will be getting a night-time version, expected to open in 2015. The attraction may feature different animals or a different safari route during the evenings. Major changes will be needed to the attraction, such as the implementation of lighting infrastructure required for night time viewing, and to ensure the safety of guests, cast members and the animals. New animals may be part of this change - and it is rumored that Disney is in the process of acquiring 3 Spotter Hyenas to add to the attraction. CONFIRMED 12TH OCTOBER 2013
Typhoon Lagoon
Blizzard Beach
Disney Springs / Downtown Disney
Other
New DVC Resort coming to Epcot: Rumor has it that a new Disney Vacation Club Resort may be coming to the Epcot area. The new hotel, if built, is expected to have a Future World theme. Another similar rumor is that rooms and boutique hotels could be coming to some of the World Showcase pavilions at Epcot...
Disney may buy Time Warner / Warner Brothers: There is a lot of rumors going around that Disney may be next to purchase Warner Brothers. Fox Entertainment has recently made an offer on the Time Warner company, but the offer has been rejected. Will Disney purchase the rights to, and own, all Warner Brothers productions? This would mean that Disney would own DC Comics, Marvel, and Harry Potter!?!
Drones may be used by Disney for entertainment offerings: Disney has filed three patents for entertainment drones. One to include pixel lighting, another a projection screen and a final for other objects and displays. It is possible that these unmanned drones could be used for night-time offerings, including Wishes, IllumiNations, Fantasmic and the upcoming Rivers of Light show at Animal Kingdom. The drones may be capable to carry large puppets during parades...