Disney fans are eagerly counting down the days until the D23 Expo 2022. Scheduled for September 9-11, 2022 at the Anaheim Convention Center, the event promises to deliver unique experiences, presentations, merchandise, and more.
The most anticipated presentation (at least for us) is the parks and experiences panel hosted by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro. Here Disney will provide an update on the development of new projects and announce new initiatives for the very first time.
Looking ahead to the D23 Expo, let’s gaze into our crystal ball and make some educated guesses about what Disney will announce. NOTE: The content of the ‘Parks and Experiences’ panel is always subject to change. Announcements have been pulled at the very last second, so don’t be surprised if our list ends up being wildly inaccurate. This is in no way a comprehensive list.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Let’s start with one project we know Disney will discuss. Disney has already said guests will learn more about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the project that will overhaul Splash Mountain, during the parks panel. To date, we’ve just seen limited concept art for the updated attraction.
Disney has also said Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be open in both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom by late 2024.
TRON Lightcycle Run
TRON Lightcycle Run looks like it could open within the next few months. Coaster trains have been testing for quite some time, and the ride could start testing with actual riders in the near future.
An opening date announcement for TRON Lightcycle Run seems likely.
EPCOT Overhaul Update
We can guarantee Disney is going to talk about EPCOT. The center of the park is still full of construction, and an update on the Journey of Water attraction seems certain. We’d also expect some additional details on the revised EPCOT plans Disney announced in May 2022.
DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Is DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom about to see a significant change? Odds are good. The area currently has a big vacant space left behind by the old Primeval Whirl coaster (RIP). This spot sits right next to Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama, which is also ripe for change.
Regardless of how Disney approaches DinoLand U.S.A., the area needs some love. Disney’s Animal Kingdom could use all of the attractions it can get, and the current state of Dinosaur is a bit sad. Maybe something new is finally coming.
Disney Cruise Line’s Next Ships
The Disney Wish, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, is already regularly sailing with guests. That means it’s time to turn the attention to the sixth and seventh ships heading Disney Cruise Line’s way.
Will Disney announce the sixth ship’s name? Will they reveal the theme of the next ship? Here’s hoping the next couple ships have unique themes that aren’t too similar to the Fantasyland theme of the Disney Wish.
Mary Poppins at EPCOT?
Here’s an easy one. Disney announced a Mary Poppins attraction for EPCOT back in 2019. The project stalled out and later moved into a postponement and then a “holding pattern” after the craziness of 2020.
Chapek has said he’d like to rejuvenate the project (something he easily controls) and the project was already far along in its development. Disney can announce the Mary Poppins attraction a second time and reap the PR benefits with minimal effort.
Happily Ever After?
Just about everyone knows that the Magic Kingdom’s current nighttime spectacular, Disney Enchantment, isn’t a fan favorite. Disney Enchantment was billed as a big 50th anniversary celebration for Walt Disney World. It was also billed as the next big thing after the Happily Ever After spectacular.
Well, Disney Enchantment was neither of those things. It’s an odd show with loads of pacing issues that fails to live up to Happily Ever After. Disney could score some easy points with fans by announcing the return of this beloved show. With even Jordan Fisher begging for the show to return, will Disney ignore this easy win?
