I think we are still processing all the information and announcements from the D23 fan event last weekend. I know I am. We got back to Florida yesterday after a whirlwind trip to California to cover all the festivities and get in a little time at Disneyland. It was a lot of work but I’m grateful that we were invited to attend. Now that I’m back in Florida and the dust is settling a bit, I’ve had time to think about the changes coming to Walt Disney World in the coming years. I’ve had time to read how others felt and see different points of view. It gave me pause, plus conflicting feelings about it all. Especially after the announcement about Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island being “reimagined.” Let’s talk it out, shall we?
Walt himself said that the parks will always be evolving, and they have over the years. Saturday night at the Honda Center in Anaheim, was the presentation people were looking forward to. Josh D’Amaro hosted the presentation that would reveal plans for the future when it comes to Disney Parks and Cruise Line. Being in the room for these announcements is always exciting, you’re caught up at the moment. Afterwards, you try to process everything that you’ve just heard. For us, we have to get the info out to our readers asap so I guess we get a delayed reaction until the work is done. But I was excited.
Two years ago at D23, a lot of “blue sky” ideas were shared, but they were more maybes than true coming attractions. Fans didn’t like that to say the least. So, this time around Josh made sure to hit home the idea that these announcements were the real deal, not just a maybe. While there were announcements for other parks plus new cruise ships, Walt Disney World coming attractions packed the most punch. Being in that arena during these presentations was electric. Billy Crystal coming out during the Monsters Inc Land reveal was fantastic, that movie is a favorite in our household so I was happy about that. WDW is also getting new additions like a Cars area and Villains land at Magic Kingdom and a new nighttime parade. Animal Kingdom is getting a complete revamp where Dinoland USA is, which to me is greatly needed. Epcot is getting a new lounge and Test Track will be redone and opening next year. It was a lot. At the time I was completely hyped for all of it. Now that I’m home and have had time to think and see what others online are saying, I’m feeling a bit different.
Once D23 was over, Disney announced that Frontierland was getting some major changes. Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be removed to make way for the Cars area. Sigh, that means no ferry boat. They didn’t tell us that part on Saturday night. No one was upset about Dinoland really, (except for the Dinosaur ride), but MK is a whole different story. Over the past couple of days I’ve read a lot of feedback on how fans feel, and I can see both sides. Some say folks should not be upset because Tom Sawyer’s Island isn’t a draw, I get that. I haven’t been over there in a few years truthfully. But the river and ferry boat are things that bring the nostalgia, just like at Disneyland. I was kind of indifferent to it all, but I’m a person who’s not big on change so I was a little bit sad once I gave it more thought. Walt stressed the importance of moving forward, we all know this. But at what cost? Is there a balance to be had between old and new?
We are all very aware of how some feel about the redo over at Epcot, plus the revamp of Splash Mountain. People miss things they grew up on, I know I personally miss the Fountain of Nations. I believe that additions are great, new attractions keep things fresh. I think what people are most upset about are losing some classics, whether they actually use them or not. Remember how upset people were when the Backlot Tour and stunt show were removed? The Osborne Lights are still beloved and missed. I’ve seen people wanting to start petitions and fight the powers that be, but that usually doesn’t work. Disney will do what they want. So, what about a balance between old and new? Getting new things without destroying the old? For example, people were excited about TRON and Cosmic Rewind, but major changes were not necessary to add them. I’m not sure what the answer is, but I sure do understand the nostalgia aspect.
On Sunday at D23, I attended the Richard Sherman tribute panel. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Talk about nostalgia. Seeing old footage of the Sherman brothers with Walt, seeing classic movie clips, hearing the music. Oh the music! So much emotion. Many special guests were in attendance as well. The tribute ended with everyone singing “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” and it was quite moving. All of this reminded me of why I fell in love with Disney in the first place. I walked out feeling somber. It felt like a memorial service. It was the end of an era, and made me miss the classics and true heart of all things Disney. It’s hard to explain, but it was like saying goodbye to so much.
So, what’s the answer to all of this? That I truly don’t know. Can there be balance between the old and the new? I would hope so but then again, it’s not up to me or any fan. Memories are so important, even more precious as life passes you by so fast. I remember my first Disney trip when I was 6. I of course have beautiful memories with my own children. Not to mention the movies and music that still speak to my heart over the years. Disney is so different now, ever evolving, but I hope they don’t get rid of all of the things that made people fans to start with. Change is good, but so are the classics. Balance.
What are your thoughts?
Bob Iger, Richard Sherman D23 tribute
D23 Event Merchandise Now Available at DisneyStore.com!
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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