Speculation On What May Be Coming This Weekend From D23 Expo

This weekend thousands of Disney fans from around the world will converge on the Anaheim convention center for the D23 Expo 2017. The Expo is Disney's official fan convention, and the informational goodies that have come out of past Expos have given us a look at the ways The Walt Disney Company is shaping its future. We'll be keeping our eyes open especially for news coming out about changes for Walt Disney World. Here's an overview at some of the rumored announcements that may (or may not) be coming our way.


D23 Expo 2017D23 Expo 2017

Let's break it down Park by Park starting with The Magic Kingdom

It's time for Disney to get working on improvements that will need to happen for Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary in 2021. While a huge expansion isn't likely, fans should expect some general improvements to the Park and possibly even a new attraction. We do have another D23 Expo on the schedule in 2019 before this milestone comes about so while I doubt it will be the focus of this convention there is one bit of scuttlebutt that has some legs.

What's the word? The hope for a thrilling TRON Lightcycle Power Run in full replica coming from Shanghai to the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland. The thought is that the TRON coaster will take over the space currently held by the Tomorrowland Speedway, giving the space a much needed upgrade. But does this rumor have legs or is it just wishful thinking? All we can do is stay tuned in this weekend and see if the addition, much clamored for by fans, will really find a home in Florida's Magic Kingdom.


Could TRON Join The Magic Kingdom Coasters?Could TRON Join The Magic Kingdom Coasters?

Epcot

Epcot rumors have been a getting a lot of traction in the past several months with construction permits filed near the Universe of Energy and France Pavilions. We've heard that there are major conceptual changes coming to the Park and we're waiting with baited breath to find out what is really in the works.

Could a Guardians of the Galaxy attraction replace Ellen at the Universe of Energy? Will Spaceship Earth be getting show changes when it's sponsorship ends? Is there finally going to be a focus driven purpose brought back to the Innovations buildings?

Hopefully we'll get some official word on a copy of the Ratatouille Ride from Disneyland Paris being built for the France Pavilion. Less likely new to break, but just as exciting is the possibility of a new country pavilion being added to World Showcase, currently Spain and Brazil are the frontrunners of the rumor mill.

Finally at Epcot, there is some construction going on near the International Gateway at Epcot that we believe to be the start of a new Gondola Transportation System between Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and a few of the outlying Resorts.


Spaceship EarthSpaceship Earth


Disney's Hollywood Studios

We already know that there is a lot going on at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and its likely D23 Guests will be treated to more information about the upcoming Star Wars and Toy Story Lands that are under construction. We already know that floor space will be dedicated to "A Galaxy of Stories" where Guests will get a closer look at what can be expected from the Star Wars expansions world wide. Being that Toy Story Land is slated to open up even before Star Wars, I have my fingers crossed for some more details on the progress of attraction for this new area.

Also in the Park, permits were recently filed for a construction project at the site of the Great Movie Ride called "Project M - Package 1". Pair this with current rumors of A Mickey Mouse themed attraction, and the fact that the Turner Classic Movies contract is up in 2018 for a possibility of information coming out about a brand new attraction to go into this space.

Will there be an announcement on a name change for Hollywood Studios? I'm not counting on this in 2017. I think there is a lot of leg work still to be done, and Disney is holding the names of things a little closer to the vest than they used to ever since Hyperion Warf. Once you name a thing it gains a life of its own, and for now Hollywood Studios is working just fine - but you never know.


Star Wars Land Will Be Center StageStar Wars Land Will Be Center Stage

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Don't expect a lot of news coming out of Animal Kingdom this year. This Park has just completed a multi-year expansion project and the focus needs to stay on Pandora: The World of Avatar for the next couple of years. That being said, there are some rumors rumbling about that Rafiki's Planet Watch may be in line for a remake into a Zootopia themed area.


Will Zootopia Take Over Planet Watch?Will Zootopia Take Over Planet Watch?

Possibilities Elsewhere on Property

There is still construction going on at Disney Springs, and recently several new restaurants were recently announced. I would love to get some more tidbits of information about the yet to come Edison, and perhaps an update on what Cirque du Soleil has in the works. We've already learned that La Nouba is at its end, but there is yet any official word on a replacement. While these are things that I would love to hear - the small scale means that its likely Disney will hold any additional information about these attractions until later in the year.

Also something I want to hear, but am not going to hold my breath on - the possibility that the Caribbean Beach Resort will be getting an tower room expansion, as a possible DVC component that moves this resort in a brand new direction. DVC is just now finishing up it's expansion at Wilderness Lodge, and we are yet to hear what's next as far as development for the Vacation Club.


D23 Expo Is The Ultimate Fan EventD23 Expo Is The Ultimate Fan Event

Traci will be on point Saturday news gathering for the Disney Park and Resort Panel, to be sure to get the best of the information out to you as quickly as possible right here on WDW for Grown-ups.

You can also follow along with the D23 Expo fun online at

What do you hope to hear coming out of the Expo this weekend? Leave a comment and let me know!

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