As D23 Expo approaches, the Walt Disney World rumors are in high gear. From gondola transportation systems to a new Ratatouille dark ride, many Walt Disney World announcements are expected.
After success of the Pandora, World of Avatar expansion, Walt Disney World is ready to keep the excitement going. Next month’s D23 Expo is expected to have many park announcements. While the Walt Disney World rumors are always churning, a few rumors seemed to be confirmed. From a gondola transportation system to updated Epcot rides, Walt Disney World is full of new adventures.
Gondola transportation?
One of the biggest transformations to the Walt Disney World area would be a gondola transportation system. After permits were filled earlier this year, Orlando locals waited for physical signs of this rumor to be confirmed. Recently, land has been cleared for gondola construction. Areas around the Art of Animation and Hollywood Studios show changes. A gondola transportation system would be a major improvement to the transportation buses (unless you Uber around the parks, which is a better option). D23 Expo could put the rumor mill to rest regarding this new gondola transportation system.
Epcot food festivals, photo by Cristine Struble
Improvements to Epcot?
Epcot is always part of the rumor mill. While the park may have been futuristic in 1981, the park is more popular for its special event festivals, like the Food & Wine or International Flower and Garden Festivals. With the Walt Disney World 40th anniversary in 2020, Epcot should be part of the major ride improvements.
One of the most likely changes to Epcot would be a Ratatouille dark ride in France. Already seen in the Disney Paris park, this ride could easily fit into the France location in World Showcase. Although the France area is popular with its macaron ice cream sandwiches, the area could use an actual ride. The space is available with the existing structures. Hopefully, this ride will be announced at D23 Expo.
Epcot, France in World Showcase, International Flower and Garden Festival, photo by Cristine Struble
Future World needs some updates, too. Two rides have been rumored as changes to the Universe of Energy. The area seems poised to be either a Guardians of the Galaxy or TRON ride. Permits have been filed for changes to that area. Also, the building is slated to be demolished after October 1 of this year. The Guardians of the Galaxy ride at Disneyland has been very successful and the franchise is quite popular. Based on the area, a Guardians of the Galaxy themed area could bring in more visitors to the park.
Many rumors continually circulate around Walt Disney World, specifically Epcot. New countries, like Spain, may be added. Spain would be a logical addition, especially after Spain’s re-inclusion in the 2017 Food and Wine event. Mexico has had construction for a while. Plus, with the release of Coco, Mexico could see a revamp with this new Disney movie.
As Disney fans prepare for D23 Expo in Anaheim, the rumor mills will go into hyper drive. Which ones will be confirmed by Disney executives? We will have to wait and see.