Predictions for the Future

So much has happened over the past few months that it seems difficult to absorb it all. Though most of the announcements were long standing rumors, it was nice to finally hear some confirmation. But what happens next? What lies around the next corner?

I wanted to take the time to actually list some of my predictions, along with the reasoning behind them. I tend to look at what they're doing and put two and two together to fill in the holes. Some of these may be announced in a few years, while others may be long term. Finally, these are in no particular order of when I think they could or would happen.

1. Radiator Springs - Let's cut to the chase right off the bat, Radiator Springs will come to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Allow me to put it all together for you. Pixar Street will eventually extend all the way to New York Street, changing the Honey I Shrunk the Kids set into A Bug's Life. Next comes the long rumored Monster's Inc. coaster next door to Toy Story Mania. After that comes the removal of the Backlot Tour (which isn't much of a tour these days) and a whole lot of real estate for Florida's incarnation of Radiator Springs. They could even integrate Catastrophe Canyon into this attraction since the theming is essentially the same. After all, every major attraction at California's Adventure has either come from or made its way to Walt Disney World. Don't think for one second that something this major will be left in the wings for long.

2. World Showcase Expansion - Ok, as I've said before, Future World is updated, they've refurbed nearly every pavilion so far. World Showcase hasn't seen an update for many years and there's plenty of land back there to do many things. This would be a good way to pull crowds around World Showcase Lagoon and disperse them throughout the park. There are a couple of possibilities here that were planned but never built, yet seem to be the most likely. Switzerland is my dream country, with its charming Swiss village and Matterhorn style coaster. This would be a great visual in the back of the park, but some feel it would be too close to Expedition Everest.

The second possibility, and one surfacing in more and more rumors, is Russia. This pavilion would be stunning, surrounded by red brick walls, opening into a recreation of Red Square, with a very impressive recreation of St. Basil's Cathedral. Planned attractions included 'Russia - The Bells of Change', a theatrical experience combining Audio-Animatronic characters, animated sets, film, and a live actor to tell the story of this vast country. There was also a ride-through attraction inspired by one of Russia's best loved folk tales, 'Ivan and the Magic Pike.'

3. Adventureland becomes Tortuga - This would completely tie in the expansion at the Magic Kingdom. For so long they have built on two things, Princesses and Pirates. First, we have the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Fantasyland and Pirate's League in Adventureland. Then comes the confirmation of the large expansion of Fantasyland into nearly being an entire land of Princesses. Is it any stretch of the imagination to next see Adventureland become Tortuga? The hint has even been dropped a few years ago with the above concept art, yet no explanation of any kind. Think of what could happen here. How about a Black Pearl that you could board and explore? How about a character dining experience with Capt. Jack and the other Pirates? So far we've seen similar happenings with Pirates and Princesses, I think the trend will continue.

4. Walt Disney World's Fifth Gate - I've blogged on this before as well, so I'll only touch on it. It's real simple, DisneySea without a doubt. This park has all the makings of a great addition in Walt Disney World and has proven itself on the world stage as one of the most desired parks to visit. Another park wouldn't likely happen for many years, but it will eventually happen and you have to think this is on their short list.

5. Beastly Kingdom - Ok folks, if they weren't still planning on building this, then why are there still mythical creatures on all of the Animal Kingdom signage? This was always to be the park's second phase, and has yet to happen. What are we talking about here? How about Dragon Tower, a ruined castle home to a greedy fire-breathing dragon, where guests board a thrilling roller coaster ride through the castle ruins, climaxing by coming face to face with the evil dragon himself. How about Quest of the Unicorn, sending guests through a maze of medieval mythological creatures to seek the hidden grotto of the unicorn. How about Fantasia Gardens, a musical boat ride through animal scenes from Disney's animated classic, Fantasia. Does this sound like fun?

Doesn't the sheer possibility of these things just make you want to jump up and down? Each make sense in their own way and, while it would take many years to do them all, I think you'll agree there's plenty of plans on the drawing boards to keep Imagineers busy for a long time to come. I believe that the latest announcements are just the beginning of a lot of new things to come at Walt Disney World. We could be seeing the beginning of another "Disney Decade"....or beyond.

Keep Dreaming and Never Lose Hope!!!

A Birthday To Beat All Birthdays

This year is all about celebrating at Walt Disney World, so I took them up on the offer and spent my birthday at the happiest place on earth. It was everything it was made out to be, from the little surprises to all the people who wished me happy birthday along the way. I managed to get a room at the Dolphin over my birthday, which got me a free night, plus I took advantage of the free ticket to Epcot as well.

My day began with breakfast at Cape May in the Beach Club. All the characters were great and I got my happy birthday cupcake as well. But the week had only just begun (yes, I had not a single day but an entire birthday week).

I spent a very nice day at Epcot where I did a passport around World Showcase; I call it my birthday card from around the world. I was treated to several small surprises along the way as well. For example, as I watched the band perform in Mexico, one of the members asked me to come up with them and they sang happy birthday (video clip is posted to my youtube page).

Upon returning to the Dolphin, I was treated with a birthday card and champagne, courtesy of the resort, what a nice touch. This would also be my last night in the Dolphin before moving over to Pop Century for my actual 7-night package, and just the beginning of a wonderful week.

On the first day of my package, I had tea at the Grand Floridian, where the manager presented me with a birthday card signed by the entire staff. Wow, this was now my second card of many that I would receive. Sitting there sipping tea in this fancy setting was very enjoyable and I highly recommend it to anyone to try at least once.

It seemed that everywhere I went, someone would wish me a happy birthday, both castmembers and guests alike. Even people in the parades would yell happy birthday as they walked past. One highlight was when I was watching Jim the piano man playing ragtime and he cut into a happy birthday tune for me, it definitely made me smile.

Below are more pictures of a very nice card, a very crazy guy, and one of many happy birthday cupcakes I received at various dinners at Walt Disney World. If you haven't been on your birthday, you should make it a point to do so if possible. It will be one of the most memorable birthdays of your lifetime.