Can Disney World Bounce Back?

There is a lot of panic amongst Disney fans right now.  With the opening of Epic Universe, the increase in discounts, and the drop in attendance, open rides, and wait times, there are more and more people reporting that Disney World is in trouble.

I believe this to be a ridiculous idea.  Disney is aware of where they are in the market and where they are heading.  I would venture to guess that Disney has been preparing for this drop for years, most likely around the time Epic Universe was announced in August of 2019. I'm sure the analytics showed what would happen with their attendance and there must be a plan.

Disney has been updating rides, bringing in new rides and experiences at a slow rate, increasing DVC ownership and maximizing profits by reducing perks over the six years since the announcement.  This makes sense as they were able to keep their hold of the market in Florida over those years while not having to make huge investments and even stock, up the old perks as something they can reroll out in the future as a big savings to customers.

During this time they also have run into some backlash with changing their old IPs for more modern sensibilities, had a battle with the state of Florida, and had a bit of an identity crisis after they canned a CEO and brought back a returning hero in another.

Disney is in a great place right now to announce all kinds of changes over the next decade to cut into the excitement of Epic Universe.  They also can start to honor their IPs by expansion rather than rewriting them. And most importantly they can repair their relationship with the state of Florida, its government, and citizens. There is no reason they could not retake the crown of Florida by 2028 assuming Universal surpasses them later this year. 

Not only could they keep their theme park crown, but there are a bunch of areas of entertainment that they could take over.

Of course I am not affiliated with the Disney Company and they will be no means do these things. But with just a little bit of thought and planning I can come up with a few ideas that I think will push Disney back to the top.

This is would be my plan for Disney to hold onto Florida as their flagship resort and expand its influence on American culture.  Warning, this would be a humongous cost and would take a large commitment to localizing their control specifically of Florida and American travel.

I do see this as a possibility. Their recent announcement of a park in Abu Dhabi feels like an attempt to spread the income generation. In the past, they have used Disney World revenues to fund parts of the Disney Company that were not doing as well. This was Bob Chapek's M.O. He removed so many perks and pushed the margins to their limits to fund everything else. Putting a park in the richest country in the world seems like a good attempt to find a revenue source within the theme park world that would not undercut every fan of their flagship resort.

The main idea behind this is to make sure that Disney World is the prime destination for all Americans.  This means although the theme parks are the crown jewel of the location, there are a lot of areas that need to be expanded into besides theme parks.  So this is essentially my FICTIONAL presentation on how Disney remains on top in Florida for a long time to come.

First things first what do we already know is coming.  This list felt like a big deal when Disney was just coasting from the top, but with Epic Universe and its new hotels and special experiences, this list is just to keep the lights on for the next couple of years while Disney makes their comeback. 

Reflections DVC resort

Monster Inc. Land in Disney Studios with a new coaster

Villains land in Magic Kingdom with what appears to be a new coaster

Tropical Americas land in Animal Kingdom with an Encanto ride and a retheme of Dinosaur to Indiana Jones

Two Cars rides in Magic Kingdom

That should be enough to get the overflow from the Epic Universe travel.  But we need to become the destination not the overflow.

Transportation

Next, we need to fix some of the transportation issues within Disney World itself.  At one time there was little reason to drive around Disney World.  After the opening of EPCOT there were internal hotels and a monorail that created the famous Disney Bubble.  You could get to everywhere you wanted to be without the need of a car or a bus.  I understand now with upwards of 30 hotels, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, and a shopping area it has become much harder to keep that internal transportation easy and quick. 

I am by no means suggesting that Disney close the roads or end the bus system.  But I think there is a lot of room for opening up extra options for those inside the Disney Bubble.  This will also open up the opportunity for many other areas of opportunity.

Instead, we need to open more modes of transport for more locations.  Specifically, Animal Kingdom, the water parks, and Disney Springs.  It is a bit shocking how little transportation there is to Disney Springs since it is the main shopping area.

We do this by expanding two modes of transport.  First, the monorail needs a new line.  Running from the TTC there should be a stop at the southern end of the camp wilderness, a stop between Port Orleans and Old Key west (servicing all three resorts), and a final stop on the west end of Disney Springs.  This opens all the monorail resorts to more shopping.  We will also be adding a new stop on the EPCOT line (more on that later).

We also need to expand the Skyliner. 

One, we should connect the current route to the Springs.  We do this by running from the current EPCOT port to a ride through station (similar to the Riviera) at Typhoon lagoon and then another short trip over from there to the west side of Disney Springs where the monorail station is. This may need to, instead, run from the Riviera to Typhoon Lagoon depending on if the Skyliner would affect the nightly fireworks in EPCOT.

But that just helps out with the connection to shopping for the current Skyliner resorts.  We also need to fix some of the problems on the west side of the property.  Just like the first Skyliner line which gave value resorts, moderate resorts, and deluxe resorts a shared transportation method, I suggest running another Skyliner line on the west side.

On the south side we would see a line run from ESPN to the All-Star resorts (more on this later).  From the All-Star resorts there would a line that runs north to Blizzard beach.  This would be a multi-line station just like the one at Caribbean Beach.  The north side will run to a new station on the north side of Coronado Springs which will be a shared station (more on this later).  The other line will head west going straight to Animal Kingdom.  It will also be a ride through station allowing guests to stay on the line and continue on to Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Before we move away from transportation we need to talk about the future of the Disney World.  In the next few reveals, you will see that I am proposing to transition a lot of the land in Disney World.  This will leave with less and less room for future expansions.  When you look at the property from overhead, you see a lot of parking lot.  We have seen parking garages work in Disney Springs which I think is very important.  With the addition of parking garages in some of the high traffic areas we will be able to transform parking lots into something else later.

To handle an expected increase in guests I would like to add one garage to Disney Springs, 2 garages to each major park, 1 garage to each minor park, and a set of four garages at ESPN replacing their entire parking area.

Hotels

Just like in previous years the idea is to expand the guest counts in Disney World.  And to do this we have to plan to house more guests.  In addition to the planned DVC resort of reflections I am suggesting that the next ten years see six new hotels. The first ones after Reflections would be three new All-Star resorts.  These would be on the other side of W. Buena Vista Drive, right behind the Mcdonalds all the way to World Dr.

These would be sister resorts of All-Star Music, Movies, and Sports.  They would be All-Star Animals with lots of theming from of both rare animals as well as animal themed movies like portions of Fantasia or Zootopia.  All-Star Games which will be a video and board game themed resort with buildings dedicated to Villains, Star Wars, LucasArts (Monkey Island, Day of the Tentacle, Grim Fandango), Kingdom Hearts.  The last would be All-Star Toons basing things off of Disney Channel as well as classic afternoon shows like Ducktales, Tale Spin, as well as Bluey and Owl House.  All six of these resorts would share the pre-mentioned Skyliner station.

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After that we would build two new moderate resorts.  These would be placed in the empty section north of EPCOT in between Vista Blvd and EPCOT Center Dr.  One on the east side of the area and one on the west side.  This would house the new home for the Muppets with one resort being Muppet town and Muppet Studios.  One is themed for the chaotic show with guests staying in rooms themed like trailers for actors on set and the other themed for the homes of the muppest and bear in the blue house.   This can be down home for Kermits swamp or a mansion for Miss Piggy…  These will have a walking bridge under World Dr to get to the Skyliner station and walking path to get to EPCOT.

The final hotel to be build will be a new Deluxe hotel themed for the other Disney major IPS.  A section for Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Marvel.  This hotel will take from the lessons learned at the old Star Wars hotel to create an immersive experience, that does not require guests to be present in the hotel for extended periods of time, but rather feel like they are a part of the world rather than a specific storyline.

This hotel will be west of EPCOT just north of Coronado springs.  It will share the skyliner station and a walking path created to get to the boardwalk.

Expanding the value and moderate level hotels is a part of the plan to end the practice of making Disney out of reach for many Americans.  We would like to reach out to those with less money and ask them to join the Disney family as well.  This is why all the new resorts will be a part of DVC.  But with a new tier of membership.  Everyone currently in the DVC family will be considered deluxe members.  They will continue to have access to all the current DVC resorts.  But just like members can make reservations at their home resort for 4 months before anyone else.  Each tier will have an additional month before anyone can make reservations outside of their tier.  So, home resort vacations will be available 8 to 12 months in advance.  Member tier, vacations can be made from 8 to 7 months in advance. And all tiers and resorts will be available starting at 7 months in advance. 

The lower tier will essentially be lower point packages.  Allowing for guests with lower budgets to have Disney vacation after Disney vacation in the new All-Star resorts or the new Muppets resorts.  Some plans being low enough to allow for families to plan for every other year instead of one or more times each year.

We will also continue to push for discounts and deals, especially during the traditional vacation months of the summer.  We will also be bringing back perks such the Magical Express and merchandise delivery to your room.  Lower gate prices, room deals, free meal plans…  This is all an effort to end the destination for the rich and make Disney World a destination for all.  Disney World will focus on inclusivity and reaching all markets during the high travel months, but will continue to be the source of high profile and luxury experiences that focus around the lower travel times. 

So more kids, more families, and more deals during the summer vacation months and spring break. But the rest of the year will focus on higher income groups that have slowly been taking over the parks in recent years. For example, we would see three tiers of perks. Lightning lanes come as a special perk for summer travelers who are staying on site (similar to the old fast pass system). We might see the normal genie plus type of lightning lanes multi-pass available during the low travel months. And during the holiday season we would see the premiere passes for sale.

Of those luxury and high-profile experiences we want Disney World to become the preeminent location in Florida for sports and live events.  There will be a major expansion of the ESPN World of Sports Complex as well as a new focus on booking live events at the House of Blues in Disney Springs. 

The house of blues will focus on getting major acts to perform in their auditorium promoting nearby lodging and food as a part of the package.

The ESPN facility will expand their baseball stadium by adding a second and third tier of seating as well as outfield seating bringing seats up to 35K.  We will build a stadium and arena on the west side of the ESPN facility the arena seating 15K and 75K respectively.

These facilities are dual based.  One they are meant to be an avenue to allow growth in the live event space.  Right now the only place for a band or show to play Disney World is at the House of Blues which seats 2,600 people.  This is great for small acts.  But for larger acts that normally play Tampa, Miami or in Orlando at the Kia Center or Camping World Stadium, we want Disney World to be the premiere place to host those events.  With its entertainment, lodging, food, and transportation all built in it is the perfect place for an event such as the Superbowl which needs a week’s worth of activities.

To keep these stadiums full and working we are proposing to try and entice four major sports teams to Disney World.  The attempt will be to have an MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL team that keeps the ESPN facility working year-round.  Again, promotions for food, lodging and transportation will come naturally to the All-Star resorts for events at these facilities.  This will also allow for bidding on major events such as the Superbowl, WrestleMania, music festivals, Monster Jam, NCAA Finals, and superstar concerts.

Parties, Festivals, and Races

Along with the events at the ESPN, Disney will be embracing the idea of events year round at its theme parks.  Each of the four existing theme parks will become a destination for events.  The Magic Kingdom will be the host of kids parties.  We already have Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween party which will run from late August until November.  Then Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party running from early November until the end of the year.  Mid-January through mid-March will be the home of Minnie’s Valentines Soiree.  Then April and May will be Donalds Egg Hunt.

EPCOT will continue to be the place for festivals.  Wine and Dine will be late-August and October.  Festival of the Holidays in November and December.  Festival of the arts in mid-January until mid-March. And Flower and Garden Festival will take place in April and May.

Animal Kingdom will be adopting the Run Disney group.  They will be hosting four major running events a year.  Marathon weekend in January, Princess run in mid-March, Spring Time Surprise in late-May, and Dine and Dash in October.

Hollywood Studios will become the home of the more adult parties to compete with Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.  Ones with more drinks, more shows, more high-end food.  This has already begun with Jollywood Nights but will expand to Mardi Gras for the late-winter, Star Wars Nights for the early Spring, and a new scarier Halloween party in early fall.

The summers will focus on extended hours and traditional attendance.  But there will still be time for some parties at the water parks with Goofy’s Pool Party and the return of H2O Glow.

The existing parks - This part is just me and a wishlist

The current parks will also get some updates.  Some popular, some may ruffle a few feathers, but it is important to keep innovating and not get lost in the past.  Animal Kingdom which is will soon have the Tropical Americas will also be replacing its Nemo show with a Coco inspired show.

EPCOT which was the focus of many changes over the last decade will make a couple of small changes with removal of the 4D theatre to expand the lounge near there and offer some new food options in the air conditioning.  It will also see version 4 of Figment’s Journey.   New celebrity guests and new ways to look into one’s own imagination.

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Hollywood Studios which will have the new Monsters Inc land will be moving things around again.  Indiana Jones will end his run in the park and be replaced by a new Marvel stunt spectacular.  Because the entire Echo lake area will become the new home of Marvel in Florida with Marvel Manhattan.  Star tours will be given a Marvel makeover, Frozen Sing Along will be taken over by singing Marvel characters. 

But don’t worry Star Tours will be integrated into the area with Smugglers Run.  Putting all of Star Wars into the Galaxy’s Edge.  On the other side of the park Disney Jr. stage will be taken over by Powerline to experience the magic of the Goofy Movie.  The villains show will head over to the Magic Kingdom and the area will be used for a new Muppets attraction to go along with the retheme of Rockin’ Roller Coaster. 

In the saddest news, the Tower of Terror will be rethemed due to Disney not owning the rights an having to lease them from CBS.  The good news is it will become Kronk and Yzma’s lab entrance.  The question is will you fall to the lab or will Kronk pull the wrong lever.

This will change the outside visage of the Tower of Terror and to keep Disney Studios with a iconic symbol we will be bringing back the Earful Tower which will sit in the entry of the park for all to see, but not block the view of the theater once you are in the park.

The Magic Kingdom will also see a plethora of changes in addition to the Cars rides and the new Villains land, the Frozen sing along will take over the theater where Mickey’s Philharmagic currently resides.  The Villains show will move to the villains land.  The Monsters Inc. laugh floor moves to the Monsters Inc. land in Hollywood Studios and in its place will be a new interactive attraction starring all the emotions from Inside Out.  Picking up the last couple of outdated attractions, Autotopia will become Sugar Rush from Wreck it Ralph with more speed, more story, and a chance to race against Venelope.  While the People Mover will keep all its old charm but now feature Wall-E as we see how people in the future are moved around.

I believe these focuses on external events, sports, IPS, new hotels and transportation can make Disney a better place, it doesn’t quite surpass Epic Universe.  So, there are a couple of last additions.

Value Park

First is the return of Pleasure Island.  This is a value priced park that will sit north of EPCOT between the two Muppet hotels.  Of course a minor park it will get its own parking garage and to keep the area connected there will be a new shopping/dining area between the two hotels and theme park similar to the Boardwalk hotels.

This new value park will focus on action.  Although it will include some rides its biggest draw will be a classic arcade with bar, midway games with tickets and prizes, laser tag, ropes course, zipline, and escape rooms. 

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The arcade will be a full bar with food and arcade games from the years past including Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Crazy Taxi, Street fighter, and of course Fix It Felix.  Near the arcade will be a motion simulator that holds a party of 1 to 10 guests at a time.  This motion simulator will have 360 degree display and be able to simulate many of the past experiences from Disney parks.  Do you want to ride 20,000 leagues under the sea?  How about the Swan Boats or Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride?  They can all be chosen as a simulation here.

The midway, of course brought to us by Chester and Hester, will feel like being at a carnival with games galore including tickets and prizes.  A nearby indoor glow in the dark laser tag arena will run games every ten minutes.  The center of the park will be ten level indoor/outdoor ropes course looking like Tarzan’s treehouse.  There will be a set of escape room giving guests thirty minutes to solve a set of problems.  With thirty rooms one group will be able to start their puzzle every minute.  Along the back of the park will be a Meow Wolf type art installation with a Disney theme.  Made by some of the great artists showcased at the Art of Disney store.

The final attraction will be the 4D theater.  With moving chairs, smells, sounds, 3D glasses, and projection walls and the ability to simulate different theaters and environments.  This will become the new home of Muppet Vision 3D, Mickey’s Philharmagic, the Pixar Shorts, and Captain EO.  These will run on a rotation every 100 minutes.  Each with a 15 min preshow while the previous show is airing, a 15 minute show, and a 5 minute theater loading/unloading time. Think of the tech used in the new Villains show.

This park will be accessible via walkway to EPCOT, buses, and Walkway to Coronado Springs and the new deluxe hotel.

5th Gate!

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The last addition to keep Disney on top for decade to come is a fifth gate!  Announcing Empires of the Ages.  Sitting west of the new Pleasure Island on the other side of World Dr.  This park will have a historical theme with five areas. 

Those areas will be Atlantis with an Atlantis themed log flume ride. 

Ancient world where you can see the Sphinx along the Nile, the iconic building of the park.  This will include Disney’s first lay down roller coaster with Aladdin’s magic carpet ride.

The next area is the medieval area.  This will be a Disneyesque renaissance faire with many dining options and a Robin Hood themed ride.

Nearby will be the Colonial world showing the frontier days of the west.  Pocahontas will have her own themed ride here.

The final area will be the moon and beyond.  See how man might venture into the unknown in the future.  And of course there will a Treasure Planet themed ride based on ziplines.

This park will of course feature new dining, experiences, and two new character dinners.  It will be accessible via bus, the new monorail stop on the EPCOT line, walkways to Coronado, the new deluxe hotel and the new Muppet hotels.  It will also be on the new Skyliner line that is just a walking path away from the its stop between Coronado and the new deluxe hotel.

That is the plan.  5 theme parks, 3 minor parks, countless hotels, countless dining establishments, sports, concerts, events, fully taken care of transportation, festivals, parties, and of course packages, discounts, and perks. Its ambitious, but something Disney could pull off over the course of a decade or so.

Now lets wait and see what Disney is going to wow us with in the next couple months to compete with Epic Universe.... Probably higher prices and more lounges for DVC members.