There sure are a lot of changes happening around Disney World and the other Disney parks, right?

About that, we’ve seen so many construction projects across all of the parks in their various stages, and that all has us wonder what your thoughts were on all of it.  To that point, you shared all of your thoughts on how you truly feel about Disney’s expansion plans!

Recently we reported on Bob Iger’s comments that all future Disney Parks projects will be IP-based and shared our thoughts with our followers on Facebook. We had quite a few people leave their opinions in the comments!

Before diving into your responses, let’s chat briefly about what some of these projects are.

Animal Kingdom Expansion Plans

As we know, for months, Disney had been teasing that a Tropical Americas-themed land would replace Dinoland U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom, and last month, we finally got confirmation they’re moving forward with the project. They even went as far as to release concept art of the new land, with potential experiences inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones.

Based on the current layout of Dinoland U.S.A., it looks like the whole land will be undergoing a massive transformation. While plans can always change, we’re really excited about what we see.

Not To Be Dramatic, But This is The BEST Part of Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Expansion

Beyond Big Thunder Mountain Plans

A couple of years ago, Disney announced a “blue sky” project that would bring a NEW land (or lands) to Magic Kingdom. Disney has always teased the possibility of adding Coco-, Encanto-, and/or Disney VILLAINS-themed lands and attractions to Magic Kingdom. The project has been dubbed “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” because expansion will likely be physically located behind the Big Thunder Mountain ride.

At first, it was just a “maybe, what if” kind of idea, but it’s been confirmed as something that’s really happening since then. At the moment, we’re still waiting for Disney to officially share the plans, opening timeline, and addition of new attractions, restaurants, shows, and more.

Disney Confirms Permit To Begin MASSIVE Magic Kingdom EXPANSION

DisneylandForward Plans

Another expansion project that’s currently underway is DisneylandForward. It’s the plan for rezoning Disneyland’s land so that new attractions and experiences can fill areas that are currently only allowed to be parking lots or hotels.

Disney did receive approval for these plans and can now move forward with them.

Disneyland Expansion IS Happening. So What Happens NEXT?

As we said, those are some of the main projects that are in the works, and now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s dive into your responses!

Not Happy With The Announcement

It looks like the biggest thing you took umbrage with, regarding Iger’s comments, was the notion that all future Disney Parks projects will be IP-based. (About 100 of you responded this way)

Here’s an example of what you said:

• “It’s ironic how the team behind creating Disney parks and attractions are called Imagineers, when imagination is something completely void at Disney these days! Now it’s all sequels, prequels remakes and IP-only rides! They can’t come up with anything original anymore! Walt would be ashamed of what his beloved company has become!”

While we love Disney IP, we can’t disagree with you on this. Just take a casual glance at the Disney World parks and hotels and you’ll find less and less that is completely original IP that is developed for the parks.

Taking the thought a bit further, you mentioned:

• “While IP’s can be a good draw for kids, they can become quickly outdated. When the parks originally opened, the ol’ school Imagineers had to literally come up with rides just to fill in the space as Disney didn’t have a lot of IP’s to work off of. Some of the best rides in Disneyland and Disney world are non-IP based. Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, the Matterhorn, and Jungle Cruise were all originally ideas from the Imagineers. I feel sorry for the Imagineers nowadays because the powers at be are probably tying their hands saying that only IP themes rides and attractions are allowed to be created. Hence, no single ride can ever stick out because they’re already represented by the IP they’re connected to.”

We’re going to come out immediately and say the Imagineers are awesome and we wouldn’t have these amazing experiences without them. Also, there is something to say about them not being able to exert the amount of pure creativity that they were able to in the past, but such is life in a capitalistic world, right?

Non-IP Attractions Are Still Pretty Awesome

Another thing that’s highlighted in that last response that a number of you echoed, was that a lot of the non-IP attractions are still pretty fantastic today in 2024. (Also, about 100 of you responded this way)

Here’s an example of what you said:

• “I love the non ip rides like spaceship earth and living with the land, and shows like hall of presidents and tiki room. You can have fantastic entertainment without the IP”
• “Hot take, but their best attractions are the ones not based on IP – original Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Horizons, Journey Into Imagination.
  I wish they would stop with the IP.”

Listen, we definitely don’t disagree with you. There are many, MANY days when we hit up the parks ONLY to hop on rides like Spaceship Earth and Living With The Land. They’re classics for a reason and, like you said, completely non-IP.

Want To See The U.S. Parks Get The Attention They Need

When you look at the incredible projects that have been completed overseas and then look at what we have here, you’re not wrong in thinking that the US parks definitely need to get more attention. (Also, about 100 of you responded this way)

Here’s an example of what you said:

• “Hoping all U.S.-based parks get much needed love”
• “Would have like to see some non-IP attractions but as long as they invest as much money into the rides as Tokyo does I’m okay with it”

That’s the thing. If Disney will truly invest in the U.S. parks the way they do in Tokyo, well, let’s just say that we’ll all be some pretty happy Disney fans. I mean, have you SEEN that Tangled Lantern Festival Scene in Fantasy Springs?! We went to check out the NEW lands in Tokyo, and you can watch our video right here to see exactly what we’re talking about.

Those were just some of your thoughts on Disney’s expansion plans, especially when it comes to the use of IP, and we’d love to hear from you! Until then, keep it right here for all the latest Disney news! Also, follow us on Facebook to join in on the next discussion.

You’d Never Believe These Things Used To Be NORMAL in Disney World

What are your thoughts on Disney’s expansion plans especially when it comes to the use of IP? Let us know in the comments below!

The post “I am sick of all the old ‘nostalgia lovers’ complaining”: Experts Have BIG Feelings About Disney’s Expansion Plans first appeared on the disney food blog.