Five Things I Wish Had Been Announced at D23

A Disney Dreaming Article

by Kim Ringlever, PassPorter Guest Contributor
Last modified 08-11-2017

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Disney unleashed a deluge of announcements at D23 this year. The next few years are going to bring a lot of changes, big and small, and I can’t wait to see how it all turns out.

D23 Expo Announcements We Wish They'd Made | PassPorter.com

Tomorrowland Speedway
The Tomorrowland Speedway is a classic attraction that has been around since opening day in 1971.

But like the kid who gets off of Space Mountain, downs a Mickey bar and declares, “You never do what I want!” I’m going to share with you a few things I wish would have been added to the announcement list last month. Disney Imagineers take note.

#1 Tomorrowland Electric Cars
I hope I wasn’t the only fan who was elated that a new TRON attraction is coming to the Magic Kingdom. The news got even better when it was confirmed that the Tomorrowland Speedway will not have to be removed in order to fit the new ride. When old rides need to make way for new, I try not to be someone who is disappointed with the change, but in this case, I was really happy. The Tomorrowland Speedway is fun, a classic, and for whatever reason, I like almost everything about it. I say almost, because, let’s face it. The ride stinks, literally.

Listen folks, it’s Tomorrowland! Let’s get rid of those smelly convertibles and get some futuristic electric cars in there. I know the technology exists for electric vehicles to travel at a whopping 7.5 miles per hour. So, what’s the deal? Wrap a golf cart in a snazzy Tesla shell and get on with it.

If you want to dive even deeper into the future, how about the choice of riding in a driverless car, too? It would be great for very young riders, moms who want to take photos, and teens who can’t stop texting.

#2 Inside Out Attraction

Ever since “Inside Out” debuted, we have heard chatter about what a perfect fit the movie characters would be for a reboot of Epcot’s Cranium Command. Seeing what a success the film was, I was really hoping to hear that the Imagineers were listening.

Not only do I think Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust could reenergize Cranium Command, I think an overhaul of the old Body Wars ride would be a good fit for these characters too. Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the Wonders of Life pavilion being used again with not only the massive overhaul of two great rides, but a health food café, smoothie shop, and a “Fashion Island” merchandise shop?

Tomorrowland - WEDWay Peoplemover
The view of the WEDWay Peoplemover from the Walt Disney Railroad

#3 A New Land for the World Showcase
While we are on the topic of Epcot, why not a new land?

Australia would fit nicely. Imagine walking up to a miniature version of the Sydney Opera House, a Great Barrier Reef Aquarium and a restaurant featuring barbeque, meat pies, prawns and Pavlova dessert. Or, how about adding the pyramids of Egypt to Epcot’s skyline, or adding Brazil to tempt us with a mini Rio de Janeiro and some Samba music?

#4 PeopleMover Updates
I love the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. It’s sometimes the first thing our family does on our day of arrival. But I wish it offered more to see when traveling through the dark areas.

For example, the view of Progress City (the experimental prototype community of tomorrow that Walt Disney envisioned) is like getting a glimpse of Disney history. Why can’t we see more displays like it? Plenty of spots could accommodate pieces from the Disney archives. It might be something that could be swapped out periodically so that each year, there would be new treasures to discover.

#5 Disney Air
Every time I trek through Orlando International Airport, I dream that someday Disney will build an airport of its own. The addition of the Magic Express has made things infinitely better. Before, the choice was a really expensive cab ride from the airport or renting a car that rarely got driven. But just like the announcement of the Minnie Van Service, I would like a red and white polka dot plane at the airport please. Just a thought!

About the Author: Kim is a stay-at-home mom, Disney fan, annual passholder and Disney Vacation Club member living in East Lansing, Michigan.

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