Thoughts on Disney doing construction projects now and making a "bet" for the 50th celebration (long post)

[OhanaMana]

Hey everyone! I for one am excited about ResortTV'1 announcement today that they will be having an action packed magical weekend starting tomorrow at 10am. Can't wait!

After spending the last several weeks keeping an eye on all the construction projects currently going on at WDW, and that they don't really seem to be slowing down, I've thought of some things on what I think is happening, and how I think it's related to the 50th celebration planning. I could absolutely be VERY wrong, but with the context of everything going on in the world right now, I'm curious what you all think of these thoughts.

Clearly WDW is in a new, interesting spot with guest limitations around 40% capacity max, some resort hotels not fully opened yet or opened at all, and for at least the next 3 months or so, will continue in that same fashion. Once this all hit last March and the parks closed, all construction on property also stopped. Once it opened back up in mid July, we started some of the construction continue back up around several parks, mainly MK and Epcot. As time went on, we saw the more and more construction continue at these parks, as well as NEW construction get started at Polynesian which is getting a massive make over to its front entrance and main lobby area. As with Poly, several other resorts around property are also getting room upgrades and refreshes which has also started recently. A rough list of stuff being worked on right now includes:

1. MK - TRON
2. MK - Railroad
3. MK - Splash Mountain overlay update
4. MK - Jungle Cruise minor overlay update
5. MK - PeopleMover
6. Epcot - Entrance area
7. Epcot - Various Innovations East and West (World Celebration) updates - a lot is included in here; attractions, dreamers point, shops, etc
8. Epcot - France expansion
9. Epcot - Space 220 restaurant
10. Epcot - Harmonious night time show
11. Epcot - Guardians
12. Polynesian resort - front entrance
13. Polynesian resort - room upgrades
13. Polynesian resort - pool upgrades
14. Contemporary resort - room upgrades

Again this is a rough list here - several other resorts are doing some minor room upgrades and pool maintenance, but I tried to focus a lot on Poly and Contemporary as they were the only resorts around for the original opening in 1971.

With all this said, I'll start with my predictions on what they will do for the 50th celebration. After reading a great article by Disney Tourist Blog: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/disne ... rtainment/, Tom brings up good points that for previous milestone celebrations at WDW and Disneyland went on for upwards of 15 months. He said that some of the celebrations received extensions due to popularity. So I think with all that said, it could be fair to guess that the 50th celebration at Walt Disney World won't be any different - and I'm talking about Disney's plans PRIOR to Covid. Tom also mentions in the article that celebrations in the past started several months before the actual date. So it's also fair that Disney probably wanted to start the 50th celebration in some form around Memorial Day 2021, with the peak celebration starting of course on Oct 1st 2021.

With all this said, I'm thinking that Walt Disney World will celebrate the 50th anniversary for 2 full years, starting around October 1st, 2021 and going through October 31st, 2023. And finishing the vast majority of these projects noted above during this "off time" when we are still in limbo with restrictions, vaccine rollouts, etc for the next 3 or 4 months (basically through Summer 2021) is hugely important in their plans

I think Disney continuing work on ALL these projects above, even during a time when most parks are closed and those that are open, having to restrict the number of Guests, says a lot of what their doing - or the bet they are placing. I think they are betting that by early 2022 when most of the US should be fully vaccinated and guidelines almost fully removed, the amount of guests wanting to visit DURING the 50th celebration will skyrocket. Those that have continued to go during this time and those that have waited will ALL be wanting to go and see the new attractions, updates and of course the 50th celebration activities. So with that bet they are making, it's no question they want to finish as many of the larger projects BEFORE the skyrocket attendance numbers happens. They want to not only be able to market the 50th celebration, but market all the new attractions, updates and upgrades they've also done to welcome the celebration.

Investing in getting this work done now, when the attendance is lighter means not a lot of walls up when the guests come back in larger numbers. It's a simple thought really. If they can get almost EVERYTHING on that list done by mid 2022, and they indeed plan to celebrate the 50th for 2 full years, that gives them about 10 months or so of SOME of the projects on the list already done and the start of the 50th celebration already in full gear and gives them around 14 months MORE of marketing the celebration with almost ALL attractions and upgrades finished that they are working on now.

I know it's somewhat far fetched, but all these projects and the logistics of their planning is really interesting to me. I've always had an interest in how a company and property as large as WDW operates, and knowing that Disney is a very bold company, this bold moves seems like it can have a very large payoff that Guests can enjoy for years to come!

Would love to hear your thoughts below - thanks for reading all this!

[DisneyUpBoilerUp]

Personally, I wish they would do something. I feel like the magic is fizzling fast. I can't even stand to go to Epcot. I have to walk around miles of walls to get anywhere. I have a physical disability that limits my walking. It's frustrating when I can't take the fastest route from point A to point B. I think this is part of the reason I'm not a fan of Epcot. My first trip to World was in 2019, and the walls were already going up, they have just gotten worse in my opinion. I'm reluctantly paying for an Epcot ticket next months because I want to go to the Flower & Garden fest. I think they would get much more attendance if they would finish up current open projects. I do understand that Disney has lost millions if not billions of $$ during this pandemic nightmare. So I do understand the slow progress from that aspect.
I miss the Rail Road. I actually don't think I've ever been on the one at Disney World. I think it's been closed every time I've gone. I assume it's similar to Disneyland's. I'm so excited for Tron. I'm definitely a thrill ride seeker. Yet, I'm in love with Aladdin's carpets, lol. Those are my immediate thoughts on construction.

And for goodness gracious... bring on the fireworks.

[OhanaMana]

Personally, I wish they would do something. I feel like the magic is fizzling fast. I can't even stand to go to Epcot. I have to walk around miles of walls to get anywhere. I have a physical disability that limits my walking. It's frustrating when I can't take the fastest route from point A to point B. I think this is part of the reason I'm not a fan of Epcot. My first trip to World was in 2019, and the walls were already going up, they have just gotten worse in my opinion. I'm reluctantly paying for an Epcot ticket next months because I want to go to the Flower & Garden fest. I think they would get much more attendance if they would finish up current open projects. I do understand that Disney has lost millions if not billions of $$ during this pandemic nightmare. So I do understand the slow progress from that aspect.
I miss the Rail Road. I actually don't think I've ever been on the one at Disney World. I think it's been closed every time I've gone. I assume it's similar to Disneyland's. I'm so excited for Tron. I'm definitely a thrill ride seeker. Yet, I'm in love with Aladdin's carpets, lol. Those are my immediate thoughts on construction.

And for goodness gracious... bring on the fireworks.

First off - YES PLEASE BRING THE FIREWORKS BACK!!! I will understand if they update the normal Happily Ever After at MK for anything related to the 50th - and I'm sure it will be a great show, but if they fully 100% get rid of HEA entirely, I will be pretty upset. My wife and I have fallen in love with that show. I will even understand if they bring it back, but with a shortened version to save $$ - as long as they keep the last 3 or 4 minute finale, I'm fine with minor updates.

Secondly I totally hear you on Epcot being a mess right now. I hope the increase in construction in the middle spine sections (Innovations west and east) continue and they can get SOMETHING done in the next 6 months or so.

Lastly - about the magic fizzling. I have to - at this point in time - disagree. We live in NH and to be honest, we miss WDW so much. My wife is pregnant with our first so while that is amazing news, we are also being careful at this time so we have nothing planned to visit. Thanks to folks like Josh and Jenna (and Cory, and Paging Mr Morrow, Dev, Super Enthused, etc etc), we are literally living through them when it comes to WDW. We are grateful they live stream each week, and even though we can't usually watch them live, we watch all the replays throughout the week in the background while we work from home. So my point is - the magic for us - is most definitely still there. We understand and are sad that certain things aren't there anymore, or are not returned yet, or aren't there because of some dumb entertainment cutting purely because of financial issues ... but we get do get it. Luckily we are tied to SO MUCH at WDW that brings us that "magic" feeling that we just can't wait to go back, and at this point, when we do go back probably sometime in 2022, we'll have so much new stuff to see and do.

Thanks for the reply!

[nittanylions]

I hope you’re right that they continue to celebrate the 50th into 2022. We’re in New York. With all the restrictions, we probably won’t be able to visit this year.

[jt04]

This downturn came at a bad time for wdw. However it is clear to me they have been very strategic and will turn this into a very positive outcome in the long term.

Firstly, they are retooling every aspect of operations. From management at TDO, to Imagineering to F&B and everything else.

Second, Chapek will and is clearing the pipeline of projects while the focus transitions to the 50th. The OP is spot on and everything written is logical.

Chapek will be very selective with the projects he signs off on but I don't think he will budget as some think. So he likely won't get as much done as his predecessor but I think we will see several worthwhile large budget projects open in the parks before 2030. Uni will keep the mouse focused also.

[CH-GenX]

First great write up! You have some great points but...I think disney is going to continue to give us less for the same price or more. Covid is their excuse to do what they have been wanting to do for awhile.

[OhanaMana]

I hope you’re right that they continue to celebrate the 50th into 2022. We’re in New York. With all the restrictions, we probably won’t be able to visit this year.

Yeah I just can't envision them NOT doing an extra long celebration, purely due to COVID. But even if we didn't have COVID, I still think we would have seen a longer than usual celebration to continue to maximize attendance. Obviously if COVID didn't have though, we can probably safely assume a lot of these larger projects would already be done, or very close with an official opening date this year. That alone would increase attendance for sure - I'm just basing my thoughts on Disney never wanting to miss an opportunity to run a celebration and market it lol.

This downturn came at a bad time for wdw. However it is clear to me they have been very strategic and will turn this into a very positive outcome in the long term.

Firstly, they are retooling every aspect of operations. From management at TDO, to Imagineering to F&B and everything else.

Second, Chapek will and is clearing the pipeline of projects while the focus transitions to the 50th. The OP is spot on and everything written is logical.

Chapek will be very selective with the projects he signs off on but I don't think he will budget as some think. So he likely won't get as much done as his predecessor but I think we will see several worthwhile large budget projects open in the parks before 2030. Uni will keep the mouse focused also.

Interesting points ... so you also think Chapek will want to get these larger projects done ASAP so they can make a big splash on the 50th celebration?

First great write up! You have some great points but...I think disney is going to continue to give us less for the same price or more. Covid is their excuse to do what they have been wanting to do for awhile.

Thanks! I really hope that isn't the case. I'm definitely excited for the projects they are working on around the parks and also the resorts. I am also definitely concerned about the future of live entertainment Disney will commit too. Obviously COVID has really put a huge pause on that, but we'll be very curious on what and when they bring back over the next 12-16 months. We are excited they already announced the (partial) return of The Festival of The Lion King at AK - that is a of course a move in the right direction and I hope we can see more announcements like that soon.

[Liquid Ice]

If you consider that DIsney has said (during their latest earnings call) that they will be spending considerably less on the parks in 2021 and for the foreseeable future, it doesn't bode well for announced projects for the 50th Anniversary. Some projects are far enough along that they will get finished, things like Tron, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, Star Wars Galactic Cruise - but I'm worried others may not even get started like the new DVC resort, Reflections a Lakeside Lodge.

Here is a link mentioning the reduced spending from their Q4 Earnings call, but they also re-iterated it at their most recent call..
https://blogmickey.com/2020/11/disney-e ... -spending/

As a DVC member (and one that just recently joined) - it worries me that they seem to be reducing their investment in the parks.

Disney seems really focused on spending and investing in their DTC (Direct to Consumer) division which includes Disney+

The next big milestone will be Mickey's 100th Birthday in 2028 - and I hope that they will be able to do something big for that in the parks.

[OhanaMana]

If you consider that DIsney has said (during their latest earnings call) that they will be spending considerably less on the parks in 2021 and for the foreseeable future, it doesn't bode well for announced projects for the 50th Anniversary. Some projects are far enough along that they will get finished, things like Tron, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, Star Wars Galactic Cruise - but I'm worried others may not even get started like the new DVC resort, Reflections a Lakeside Lodge.

Here is a link mentioning the reduced spending from their Q4 Earnings call, but they also re-iterated it at their most recent call..
https://blogmickey.com/2020/11/disney-e ... -spending/

As a DVC member (and one that just recently joined) - it worries me that they seem to be reducing their investment in the parks.

Disney seems really focused on spending and investing in their DTC (Direct to Consumer) division which includes Disney+

The next big milestone will be Mickey's 100th Birthday in 2028 - and I hope that they will be able to do something big for that in the parks.

Yeah I did listen to the comments in that earnings call - kind of bad timing as I was writing this post as that call was happening haha .. oh well. I think my primary point mostly remains a real possibility: Disney wants to finish these larger scale projects as soon as possible (Tron, Guardians, Star Wars hotel, Epcot) and also some more smaller projects around MK like the Railroad and the recently announced Jungle Cruise and Splash Mountain refreshes - so that come early 2022, 3 months or so after the 50th celebration has started,their betting Guest demand will be much higher than it is now not ONLY due to COVID restrictions and guidelines winding down, but a combo of the 50th celebration starting, and a decent amount of large attractions around two of the parks will be opening soon. And also that this celebration will be going on for some time as they want to make sure these larger attraction updates will be available within the celebration window. I think it's fair to guess right now that MOST, if not ALL the projects I listed in my OP will be done and opened at some point in 2022. And if they do plan on celebrating the 50th for 2 full years, that would leave almost a full year of celebration marketing and activities with everything done and opened up.

EDIT: I meant to add after this paragraph - In terms of larger domestic park spending AFTER these already announced and/or almost finished projects, that is obviously in question for the future. I think it'll be a good 5 years or so after these new large attractions are fully opened that we'll start seeing new announcements on that same scale.

In terms of the Reflections DVC resort - that is HUGELY unfortunate if it is indeed fully canceled. Perhaps because there still hasn't been an official announcement by Disney that it is canceled - or however such announcement would be "officially" made - maybe they are looking how to make it a little smaller than originally planned, but still do something on that plot of land.

[jt04]

I hope you’re right that they continue to celebrate the 50th into 2022. We’re in New York. With all the restrictions, we probably won’t be able to visit this year.

Yeah I just can't envision them NOT doing an extra long celebration, purely due to COVID. But even if we didn't have COVID, I still think we would have seen a longer than usual celebration to continue to maximize attendance. Obviously if COVID didn't have though, we can probably safely assume a lot of these larger projects would already be done, or very close with an official opening date this year. That alone would increase attendance for sure - I'm just basing my thoughts on Disney never wanting to miss an opportunity to run a celebration and market it lol.

This downturn came at a bad time for wdw. However it is clear to me they have been very strategic and will turn this into a very positive outcome in the long term.

Firstly, they are retooling every aspect of operations. From management at TDO, to Imagineering to F&B and everything else.

Second, Chapek will and is clearing the pipeline of projects while the focus transitions to the 50th. The OP is spot on and everything written is logical.

Chapek will be very selective with the projects he signs off on but I don't think he will budget as some think. So he likely won't get as much done as his predecessor but I think we will see several worthwhile large budget projects open in the parks before 2030. Uni will keep the mouse focused also.

Interesting points ... so you also think Chapek will want to get these larger projects done ASAP so they can make a big splash on the 50th celebration?

First great write up! You have some great points but...I think disney is going to continue to give us less for the same price or more. Covid is their excuse to do what they have been wanting to do for awhile.

Thanks! I really hope that isn't the case. I'm definitely excited for the projects they are working on around the parks and also the resorts. I am also definitely concerned about the future of live entertainment Disney will commit too. Obviously COVID has really put a huge pause on that, but we'll be very curious on what and when they bring back over the next 12-16 months. We are excited they already announced the (partial) return of The Festival of The Lion King at AK - that is a of course a move in the right direction and I hope we can see more announcements like that soon.

I think Tron and GotG open by spring of 2022. They could have been ready by October but I think they want a second surge for the 50th celebrations. October will see an emphasis on Rat, Harmonious, and Castle fireworks and light show. Plenty of new live music and cavalcades. All assuming everything is somewhat back to normal by then.

[OhanaMana]

I hope you’re right that they continue to celebrate the 50th into 2022. We’re in New York. With all the restrictions, we probably won’t be able to visit this year.

Yeah I just can't envision them NOT doing an extra long celebration, purely due to COVID. But even if we didn't have COVID, I still think we would have seen a longer than usual celebration to continue to maximize attendance. Obviously if COVID didn't have though, we can probably safely assume a lot of these larger projects would already be done, or very close with an official opening date this year. That alone would increase attendance for sure - I'm just basing my thoughts on Disney never wanting to miss an opportunity to run a celebration and market it lol.

This downturn came at a bad time for wdw. However it is clear to me they have been very strategic and will turn this into a very positive outcome in the long term.

Firstly, they are retooling every aspect of operations. From management at TDO, to Imagineering to F&B and everything else.

Second, Chapek will and is clearing the pipeline of projects while the focus transitions to the 50th. The OP is spot on and everything written is logical.

Chapek will be very selective with the projects he signs off on but I don't think he will budget as some think. So he likely won't get as much done as his predecessor but I think we will see several worthwhile large budget projects open in the parks before 2030. Uni will keep the mouse focused also.

Interesting points ... so you also think Chapek will want to get these larger projects done ASAP so they can make a big splash on the 50th celebration?

First great write up! You have some great points but...I think disney is going to continue to give us less for the same price or more. Covid is their excuse to do what they have been wanting to do for awhile.

Thanks! I really hope that isn't the case. I'm definitely excited for the projects they are working on around the parks and also the resorts. I am also definitely concerned about the future of live entertainment Disney will commit too. Obviously COVID has really put a huge pause on that, but we'll be very curious on what and when they bring back over the next 12-16 months. We are excited they already announced the (partial) return of The Festival of The Lion King at AK - that is a of course a move in the right direction and I hope we can see more announcements like that soon.

I think Tron and GotG open by spring of 2022. They could have been ready by October but I think they want a second surge for the 50th celebrations. October will see an emphasis on Rat, Harmonious, and Castle fireworks and light show. Plenty of new live music and cavalcades. All assuming everything is somewhat back to normal by then.

I gotcha - yeah that timeline makes a lot of sense - given that COVID is under control by October time frame. Do you think there will be a brand new MK castle firework show for the 50th? I've been thinking there sort of has to be something, but not sure if it'll be a show that runs every night through the entire 50th celebration or if it'll run on certain nights and every other day just be HEA. That approach IMO would be best because it would give Guests a great show no matter what night they are visiting MK on, and for those guests that plan on visiting MK twice during their stay, they could get to see both shows.

[jt04]

Yeah I just can't envision them NOT doing an extra long celebration, purely due to COVID. But even if we didn't have COVID, I still think we would have seen a longer than usual celebration to continue to maximize attendance. Obviously if COVID didn't have though, we can probably safely assume a lot of these larger projects would already be done, or very close with an official opening date this year. That alone would increase attendance for sure - I'm just basing my thoughts on Disney never wanting to miss an opportunity to run a celebration and market it lol.



Interesting points ... so you also think Chapek will want to get these larger projects done ASAP so they can make a big splash on the 50th celebration?



Thanks! I really hope that isn't the case. I'm definitely excited for the projects they are working on around the parks and also the resorts. I am also definitely concerned about the future of live entertainment Disney will commit too. Obviously COVID has really put a huge pause on that, but we'll be very curious on what and when they bring back over the next 12-16 months. We are excited they already announced the (partial) return of The Festival of The Lion King at AK - that is a of course a move in the right direction and I hope we can see more announcements like that soon.

I think Tron and GotG open by spring of 2022. They could have been ready by October but I think they want a second surge for the 50th celebrations. October will see an emphasis on Rat, Harmonious, and Castle fireworks and light show. Plenty of new live music and cavalcades. All assuming everything is somewhat back to normal by then.

I gotcha - yeah that timeline makes a lot of sense - given that COVID is under control by October time frame. Do you think there will be a brand new MK castle firework show for the 50th? I've been thinking there sort of has to be something, but not sure if it'll be a show that runs every night through the entire 50th celebration or if it'll run on certain nights and every other day just be HEA. That approach IMO would be best because it would give Guests a great show no matter what night they are visiting MK on, and for those guests that plan on visiting MK twice during their stay, they could get to see both shows.

They could do a 50th fireworks show at MK in addition to HEA earlier in the evening. They'll likely want to split the crowds between Epcot's Harmonious and the MK show by scheduling them within a half hour or so of each other to force people to choose. Otherwise they create a park hopping bottleneck. I'm sure they are considering such factors. Harmonious will be a huge draw so they need to balance that with the MK.
DAK and the Studios will likely get extended hours as necessary too.

[Toria]

Hey everyone! I for one am excited about ResortTV'1 announcement today that they will be having an action packed magical weekend starting tomorrow at 10am. Can't wait!

After spending the last several weeks keeping an eye on all the construction projects currently going on at WDW, and that they don't really seem to be slowing down, I've thought of some things on what I think is happening, and how I think it's related to the 50th celebration planning. I could absolutely be VERY wrong, but with the context of everything going on in the world right now, I'm curious what you all think of these thoughts.

Clearly WDW is in a new, interesting spot with guest limitations around 40% capacity max, some resort hotels not fully opened yet or opened at all, and for at least the next 3 months or so, will continue in that same fashion. Once this all hit last March and the parks closed, all construction on property also stopped. Once it opened back up in mid July, we started some of the construction continue back up around several parks, mainly MK and Epcot. As time went on, we saw the more and more construction continue at these parks, as well as NEW construction get started at Polynesian which is getting a massive make over to its front entrance and main lobby area. As with Poly, several other resorts around property are also getting room upgrades and refreshes which has also started recently. A rough list of stuff being worked on right now includes:

1. MK - TRON
2. MK - Railroad
3. MK - Splash Mountain overlay update
4. MK - Jungle Cruise minor overlay update
5. MK - PeopleMover
6. Epcot - Entrance area
7. Epcot - Various Innovations East and West (World Celebration) updates - a lot is included in here; attractions, dreamers point, shops, etc
8. Epcot - France expansion
9. Epcot - Space 220 restaurant
10. Epcot - Harmonious night time show
11. Epcot - Guardians
12. Polynesian resort - front entrance
13. Polynesian resort - room upgrades
13. Polynesian resort - pool upgrades
14. Contemporary resort - room upgrades

Again this is a rough list here - several other resorts are doing some minor room upgrades and pool maintenance, but I tried to focus a lot on Poly and Contemporary as they were the only resorts around for the original opening in 1971.

With all this said, I'll start with my predictions on what they will do for the 50th celebration. After reading a great article by Disney Tourist Blog: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/disne ... rtainment/, Tom brings up good points that for previous milestone celebrations at WDW and Disneyland went on for upwards of 15 months. He said that some of the celebrations received extensions due to popularity. So I think with all that said, it could be fair to guess that the 50th celebration at Walt Disney World won't be any different - and I'm talking about Disney's plans PRIOR to Covid. Tom also mentions in the article that celebrations in the past started several months before the actual date. So it's also fair that Disney probably wanted to start the 50th celebration in some form around Memorial Day 2021, with the peak celebration starting of course on Oct 1st 2021.

With all this said, I'm thinking that Walt Disney World will celebrate the 50th anniversary for 2 full years, starting around October 1st, 2021 and going through October 31st, 2023. And finishing the vast majority of these projects noted above during this "off time" when we are still in limbo with restrictions, vaccine rollouts, etc for the next 3 or 4 months (basically through Summer 2021) is hugely important in their plans

I think Disney continuing work on ALL these projects above, even during a time when most parks are closed and those that are open, having to restrict the number of Guests, says a lot of what their doing - or the bet they are placing. I think they are betting that by early 2022 when most of the US should be fully vaccinated and guidelines almost fully removed, the amount of guests wanting to visit DURING the 50th celebration will skyrocket. Those that have continued to go during this time and those that have waited will ALL be wanting to go and see the new attractions, updates and of course the 50th celebration activities. So with that bet they are making, it's no question they want to finish as many of the larger projects BEFORE the skyrocket attendance numbers happens. They want to not only be able to market the 50th celebration, but market all the new attractions, updates and upgrades they've also done to welcome the celebration.

Investing in getting this work done now, when the attendance is lighter means not a lot of walls up when the guests come back in larger numbers. It's a simple thought really. If they can get almost EVERYTHING on that list done by mid 2022, and they indeed plan to celebrate the 50th for 2 full years, that gives them about 10 months or so of SOME of the projects on the list already done and the start of the 50th celebration already in full gear and gives them around 14 months MORE of marketing the celebration with almost ALL attractions and upgrades finished that they are working on now.

I know it's somewhat far fetched, but all these projects and the logistics of their planning is really interesting to me. I've always had an interest in how a company and property as large as WDW operates, and knowing that Disney is a very bold company, this bold moves seems like it can have a very large payoff that Guests can enjoy for years to come!

Would love to hear your thoughts below - thanks for reading all this!

I hope that it goes on that long, hopefully fireworks will be back soon.

[jt04]

After seeing pics of the new entry plaza sans any promotional banners, signs, topiary, and such it occurred to me this should be the standard. Any promotions could be done on the approach to the ticket booths and after passing under SSE. Do guests really need the latest festival hyped up in the entry plaza? My opinion is they don't.

The classic look of the plaza is important and is the perfect opening scene. It's simple presentation and design is perfect placesetting. (once the monorail returns). Keep it simple.

Commentary off.

[jt04]

The 'new' Epcot entry plaza is perfect! Just needs an active monorail to complete the setting.

The new SSE projections will be icing on the 50th Anniversary cake.

Major kudos to TDO and Imagineering.

[GAN]

If Josh D'Amaro is calling the shots I'd be with this 100%, unfortunately I feel Chapek is holding him back. Chapek will only move on things that will generate revenue at the lowest possible expense ...he has proved that in the past and now with Covid he will certainly be looking for easy paths for cash. As far as fireworks go, I wouldn't expect anything soon -but I think almost definitely by the 50th. If they can ride out this period of time, where most guests will be getting vaccinated -it will be a much safer play for them. And let's face it, they've rightfully played it safe fairly successfully ..why rush things now?