Rumors are GREAT within the Theme Park community!
When we are planning a vacation to Orlando, Los Angeles or anywhere in the world, the goal is to see something new and exciting. That’s when you’ll get news and reports about things that are being talked about, planned or even in the construction phase appear online…like a story about the Monster’s Inc Rollercoaster promotional video that was uploaded on the Disney Cast Member “Hub” for 8 hours and taken down (and never seen again)
As someone who loves diving into Disney news, I’ve learned to separate the clickbait from credible sources. With the theme park community growing daily and new “insiders” popping up everywhere, let’s explore the most interesting rumors circulating right now.
Quick disclaimer: These are 100% rumors (and maybe a few wishes thrown in). Until you hear it straight from The Walt Disney Company PR, take everything with a grain of pixie dust!
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Magic Kingdom Rumors: Tomorrowland’s Identity Crisis
Tomorrowland’s Future
With TRON Lightcycle Run now part of the family, Tomorrowland is facing some big questions:
- What’s taking over Stitch’s Great Escape space?
- Can the beloved Carousel of Progress hold onto its valuable real estate?
- How long can the gas-guzzling Tomorrowland Speedway survive in our eco-conscious world?
- Will Space Mountain finally get that Disneyland-style upgrade (switching from two tracks to one with modern ride vehicles)?
Main Street USA Changes
This is the main thoroughfare for guests, so maybe we’ll see something unique for the masses:
- A complete overhaul of Main Street’s table service restaurants (goodbye, Tony’s Town Square and The Plaza?)
- Restructuring of unique merchandise locations, with The Art of Disney finding a permanent home
- That mysterious paused theater project behind Main Street USA (you know, where they hand out candy bags during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party)
- Updating of various buildings, like the Firehouse (with the exit of Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom) and the front Newstand.
EPCOT’s Evolution: World Showcase and Beyond
World Showcase Possibilities
Post-Ratatouille, there’s buzz about:
- Le Cellier expansion in Canada
- Updated videos, including Canada, China and France (Announced but not acted on yet)
- Mary Poppins attraction in the United Kingdom (Announced but shelved)
- New Aladdin experience in Morocco (something has to happen to Morocco now, right?)
- Table service at American Adventure (Regal Eagle BBQ is amazing, but American cuisine is has legs)
- Brazil and Spain joining as permanent pavilions
- Mexico Pavilion attraction update
World Celebration Updates
The former Future World transformation continues with rumors about:
- Play Pavilion replacing Wonders of Life (actually confirmed…and then nothing!)
- Odyssey getting a makeover
- Spaceship Earth refurbishment with new scenes and narration (also confirmed….but tabled)
- The Living Seas updating the technology and animal areas, along with an update to Seas with Nemo and Friends
- Journey into Imagination potentially becoming Inside Out themed OR actually updating with respect to Figment.
- Living with the Land updates
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Animal Kingdom: Beyond a Half-Day Park
With Zootopia heading to the Tree of Life and Dinoland USA transforming into Indiana Jones and Encanto areas, other rumors include:
- Conservation Station becoming Zootopia-themed
- New shows replacing Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo
- Giant Pandas and Kangaroos joining the family
- Australia expansion between Asia and Rafiki’s Planet Watch
We’ve also heard rumblings about an expansion pad for Pandora: The World of Avatar, but with the attraction line times not going down and Satuli Canteen continuing to see large crowds, it probably won’t be acted on.
Hollywood Studios: The Biggest Changes Yet
The park’s transformation continues with:
Confirmed Changes
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith becoming Muppets/Electric Mayhem themed
- Muppet Courtyard transforming into a Monsters Inc. land, including a retheme to Mama Melrose and Pizzerizzo retheme.
- Voyage of Little Mermaid getting a refresh
- Villains replacing Lightning McQueen Racing Academy for a temporary show.
Potential Updates
- Beauty and the Beast Live possibly becoming Frozen or Hercules
- Tower of Terror dining experience
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular replacement
- Animation Courtyard and Star Wars Launch Bay changes
- Vacation Fun demolition (we can wish, can’t we?)
- New development in the former Sorcerer’s Hat location
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Resort-Wide Rumors
The bigger picture includes:
- Plans for the closed Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser
- Transportation & Ticket Center replacement
- New Monorail line
- Disney Skyliner expansion to Disney Springs
- Second Disney Springs area in North Property
Stay Updated!
Got any rumors you’re tracking? Share them with us @STEPSTOMAGIC! Remember, the theme park community thrives on speculation and excitement, but always wait for official Disney announcements before planning your vacation around these changes.
Want more Disney parks updates and planning tips? Check out our other articles for the latest confirmed changes and vacation strategies!