Imagineering Shakeup
We’ve spent a lot of time talking about Disney’s plans to expand its number of parks, resorts, and experiences around the world in the next 10 years with a $60 billion expected budget (approximately double their previous 10-year spend). And while some of that will be new parks and new rides, much of it will also be hotels, cruise ships, and Disney Vacation Club projects. The question is, will the money be spent wisely on things future Disney visitors will want to book a vacation for… or will it be value-engineered projects that feature concepts, characters and stories the Disney audience isn’t thrilled about?
We have some potentially good news. The current President of Walt Disney Imagineering, Barbara Bouza, is departing the company, leaving Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer, in charge of Disney’s soon-to-expand portfolio of Imagineering projects.
I’ve met Barbara on a number of occasions. She’s a very nice lady and a capable architect (one whom some in Imagineering derisively call “Ma Ikea”). And while Disney sought her out to shake things up in Imagineering, as many seasoned Imagineers will tell you, she was never really suited to lead the creative legacy of Disney. This is why Bruce Vaughn was brought back to Disney one year ago to supplement Barbara’s technical bent with a more traditional Disney approach.
Bob Iger has been clear that he has not been happy that the company has placed messaging over entertainment since he stepped down as CEO in February of 2020. And he has sought to put creatives back into control of the company from one end to the other.
“Creators lost sight of what their No. 1 objective needed to be,” Iger said at the DealBook Summit in New York in November 2023. “We have to entertain first. It’s not about messages.”
“We have entertained with values and with having a positive impact on the world in many different ways. ‘Black Panther’ is a great example of that,” Iger said. “I like being able to entertain if you can infuse it with positive messages and have a good impact on the world. Fantastic. But that should not be the objective. When I came back, what I have really tried to do is to return to our roots.”
The return of Bruce Vaughn to the head of Imagineering is another step toward restoring Disney storytelling in the parks. One that comes just in the nick of time as billions are about to be allocated to potential new projects and even new theme parks all over the world.
If you have a moment, read Barbara’s parting words (posted to her Instagram). While her heart was in the right place, if you read between the lines, you can see that she’s leaving because the new management is moving in a different direction than the one she was initially hired for:
Proudly building upon our extraordinary legacy, Imagineers are shaping a future that inspires humanity. As one global team of innovative creators and storytellers, we immerse our guests in experiences that make memories of a lifetime.
As a licensed architect I was recruited by The Walt Disney Company to challenge the norm and bring broader global industry perspective and expertise. Joining Walt Disney Imagineering in June of 2020, I truly believed humanity needed Disney more than ever. The world was trying to understand the impact of a global pandemic, business disruption, stay at home orders, a reckoning on race, and the growing political divide. From there Imagineers endured the pressures of talent reductions, unprecedented hyper-escalation on projects, political crosshairs, and the need to make life changing decisions with their families around the relocation from California to Florida.
Through all of this, Imagineers relentlessly created and delivered some of the most impactful projects in the history of The Walt Disney Company. This success has fueled the turbocharged growth of Disney Experiences through $60 billion in investment over the next 10 years that Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro speak of. So I want to take this moment to personally thank all Imagineers, past, present and future for making the impossible possible.
It is bittersweet as I wrap up my work as President of Walt Disney Imagineering this month before I create an even bigger impact for world. Stay tuned! WDI will be in excellent hands with my partner, Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer, who is an exceptional creative leader.
“There’s really no secret about our approach. We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious.”
Walt Disney
Hopefully, future Disney creative leaders will realize that beyond “shaping a future that inspires humanity” in a heavy-handed way, it is critically important they tell Disney stories that entertain customers. I’m hopeful on this particular change in direction.
Avatar Land
Out of the frying pan and into the fire. Hot on the heels of Bob Iger refocusing on storytelling over messaging… comes his reminder that he intends to bring an Avatar LAND to the Disneyland Resort. During a question-and-answer session at a Morgan Stanley technology conference last week, Iger stated an Avatar-themed “land” will be coming to the Disneyland Resort. In the last year he has mentioned on multiple occasions that an Avatar “Experience” is headed to Disneyland, but this was the first time he used the word “Land.” That isn’t the sort of word that just slips out, and he’s one of the few people in the company who knows all the plans for the development… so even though Disney PR is trying to put the genie back in the bottle… we’re going with “Land.”
But where would an Avatar land go? It likely isn’t for Disneyland’s 3rd park because the zoning changes for that project still haven’t been approved and Iger wouldn’t be talking about a project so far into the future. So, that leaves us with a few under-developeed or problem areas of the Resort where Avatar might fit in. Let’s take a look and I’ll share some thoughts…
Grizzly Airfield
One of the few areas of Disney California Adventure that doesn’t have a tie-in with any Disney characters or IP is Grizzly Peak Airfield (where Sorin’ Around The World and Smokejumpers Grill are located). While it may seem like too small a space, it’s probably more than enough room for Disney to put an Avatar E-Ticket ride, a shop, and a restaurant.
And, directly behind Soarin’ is Earl of Sandwich, which is about to be torn down so a new building can be built. One which might just better obscure some floating mountains and Avatar details.
While I would personally like to see the Sorin’ film updated with something that actually tells a story, and this space would be the easiest overlay for the Avatar at Disneyland… I don’t think this is where the land will actually end up. Next stop…
Hollywood Studios in Hollywood Land
There’s a lot more land available in Hollywood Studios… and a lot of derelict space in this forgotten corner of the park. This land contains the almost always empty Mickey’s Philharmagic attraction, the abandoned Stage 17 and Hollywood and Dine buildings, and has an underutilized outdoor stage. It also has a low-budget Monsters Inc. ride, which is quite popular but hardly a top-drawer Disney attraction. No other space in the resort, other than Tomorrowland, is in such need of a rebirth.
The soul-sucking back-side of movies look of Hollywood Studios wouldn’t be heartbreaking to lose.
A minimum of theme (or shade) in this ugly space.
I think there’s a very good chance that this is the location the Avatar Land will end up. There’s room for two attractions here, plus shopping and dining. It certainly offers more opportunity than Grizzly Airfield and fits the movie tie-in with Hollywood Land.
Motorboat Cruise and Autopia
We hope Imagineers will keep Avatar out of Disneyland, where it absolutely doesn’t belong. But there’s a lot of space on the outskirts of Tomorrowland where the Autopia, Subs, and old Motorboat Cruise lagoon are located. You can imagine the area being redeveloped, perhaps even with a retheme of the subs to “The Way of Water.” But I certainly don’t want this to be the location!
One issue all three areas have in common is the Monorail. The track runs through Grizzly Peak Airfield, through Hollywood Studios, and around and around in the Motorboat/Autopia expanse. We know that Disney had planned to move the monorail beam for a time when they were working on a Monsters Inc expansion project for DCA and the redevelopment of the bus load zone behind Hollywood Studios. But that project was killed around the time Disney flubbed their first attempt at a new parking structure and hotel in 2018. But we now know that the rerouting of the Monorail in the area is possible and something Disney was once willing to do.
The Sub Lagoon, Autopia, Motorboat Cruise area is the largest plot for an Avatar Land… but would be terrible for the cohesiveness of the iconic Disneyland theme (but perhaps that ship sailed when they built Galaxy’s Edge behind the berm).
I know many of you would much rather that they not build Avatar at all, or at the very least focus on the redevelopment of Tomorrowland first… and I can’t disagree with that point of view. I’ll just share this thought… There’s no reason they can’t do both projects at the same time. It should be a very interesting D23 Expo this year!
Magic Key Enhancements
Disneyland finally reopened Magic Key sales last week. Last time around they all sold out in about a day. But this time around they are all still available, except for the lowest-cost Imagine pass (CA-only pass).
The sale came with some other surprises. Disney has finally addressed persistent issues with the ticketing system. 1) Guests can now see if there is plenty of inventory for the desired ticket type before entering the queue (in the past you could wait in queue for hours only to have the ticket sell out. You’ll now get a notification before entering the queue if availability is limited. 2) You )can request to be notified via email when it’s your turn to purchase. Unfortunately, you have just 10 minutes to reenter the system or you’ll lose your place in line. 3) They’ve made it easy to add the monthly payment plan for those who qualify for the option.
The enhancements made a difference. Although there was heavy demand when pass sales resumed, waits were much lower than in the past, and within an hour, average waits dropped to less than 60 minutes. And within hours there were no waits at all. The one big issue is the notification system. Too many people are getting their notifications too late, or the notification ends up unseen in a spam folder. And while those problems may be caused by the user’s mail system and not directly Disney’s fault, there should be an option to add a text notification, which would be much more reliable.
We’re surprised to see so many passes still available. What do you think about the ticketing enhancements?
Magic Key Special Opportunities
Disney usually rolls out new opportunities for Magic Key holders around the time tickets become available (and whenever they increase prices). Starting later this week, Magic Key holders can experience some special characters and photo spots. They can also collect a free magnet.
You’ll find characters at the Hyperion Theater from 2pm until 7pm from March 11 – March 14, and again from March 18 – March 21. You’ll pick up your collectible magnet in the same spot. Disney has given some emoji hints as to what characters you’ll find each day:
Any guesses on who those characters will be?
Spring Break Crowds On The Way
You know the seasons are changing when you lose that hour of sleep as we “Spring forward.” It also means beautiful gardens, easter treats, and… even more tourists!
This past week was a zoo at the resort. It’s still a bit early for maximum spring break tourism, but a giant Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center was packing in the guests early. The Natural Products Expo is one of the biggest events of the year in the city (the expo brings as many as 60,000 guests and their families to the area). While most of the festival takes place from the 12th through the 16th, many come early to spend a day or two at Disneyland.
You can tell what Days Disneyland thinks will be most in demand by looking at the daily ticket price. The cheapest days at Disneyland are $104 (Tier 0), and the most expensive one-day/one-park ticket is $194 (Tier 6). Starting today, we are already at Tier 5, which is $184. The high surge pricing will continue until the week of April 15th, when we start to see some lower-priced weekdays return. But from now until the end of April, the Disneyland Resort is expected to be in high demand.
Construction, Construction, Construction
If you read this column regularly, you know that it’s non-stop construction at the Disneyland Resort. But it wasn’t always this way. When MiceChat started back in 2005, our readers were complaining that Disney wasn’t building anything new. There hadn’t been a new E-Ticket attraction since 1995 (Indy). But times have changed and the resort has been in a constant state of change for so long now that endless construction walls seem almost normal. Let’s take a look around the resort and see the ever-evolving projects…
Downtown Disney
We’ll start this week’s construction journey in Downtown Disney. With projects happening from the west end through the middle of the district, there’s a lot of construction to dodge and some tight crowd flow.
West Side – Din Tai Fung
One of the things I’m most looking forward to is Din Tai Fung. The famous dumpling house is sure to be a smash success. There’s another location in Orange County, at the South Coast Plaza mall, where multi-hour waits are the norm on a daily basis. I can only imagine how difficult it’s going to be to secure a table here.
West Side – Parkside Market
The facade looks to be nearly complete at the Parkside Market. A number of smaller establishments will be available here later this year.
West Side – New Security Entry to Downtown Disney
We got a great view of a new permanent location for bag-check/security on the west end of the resort. A giant shade structure for security is being built behind Din Tai Fung, at the far end of the new lawn.
From the lawn, you can see a new oval-shaped shade structure going up behind Din Tai Fung.
The structure will shade the new west-side security and will likely replace the current green tents. As you walk toward the Disneyland Hotel from the Downtown Disney parking lot (located behind the Pixar Place Hotel), you’ll notice that the road now dead-ends, forcing those walking to take a narrow path along the Disneyland Hotel fence.
But soon that wall will come down and you’ll be funneled directly into the new Parkside Market area of Downtown Disney.
I had wondered how they were going to ensure good foot traffic to all the new establishments in this little corner of Downtown Disney. Now we know. They’ll be swarmed with guests coming and going from the new security portal.
West Side – Earl of Sandwich Truck
It won’t be much longer until Earl of Sandwich temporarily moves into this mobile food service location awkwardly parked between the old Rain Forest Cafe and ESPN Zone buildings. I’m glad to see that Earl is still willing to put up with Disney’s abusive moving them around like a chess piece, but this looks so sad. But I know the staff are really excited about what comes next and their new two-story location coming later next year.
Central Downtown Disney – Paseo/Centrico/Tiendita
You don’t have to walk far to find another big project in Downtown Disney. The center of the district is being redeveloped with three new establishments taking shape in the old Catal/Uva Bar space. The Patina Group owned complex was originally slated to open in Spring of this year, but that is looking unlikely.
Nighttime work lights reveal a bare interior.
Tortilla Jo’s – Extension
With Patina’s new Mexican concepts soon to open, their other Mexican restaurant will soon close. Tortilla Jo’s had been set to close at the end of the month, but it has been extended a week and will now close on April 7th.
Disneyland Construction
The west side of Disneyland is a mess of construction walls from the New Orleans side of the Haunted Mansion all the way to the far end of the old Splash Mountain in Critter Country… and will remain that way until the end of the year.
Haunted Mansion
The impact of the Haunted Mansion closure got a little more extreme last week when the construction walls were pushed out far enough to consume an entire guest walkway.
All guests are now forced onto the tight lower pathway along the river. The path pinches near Harbor Galley. The extensive walls are necessary to accommodate the major redevelopment of the Haunted Mansion queue and gardens. 
Just before the middle walkway dead-ends, you’ll find two outdoor vending carts. If you end up here, you’ll need to backtrack and head down another level to the walkway along the river’s edge.
Magnolia Gardens, and nearly all of its trees are now gone. 12’+ tall piles of dirt can be seen above the construction walls.
The brick wall below was approximately where you’d make the turn from the pet cemetery around the corner to the large switchback queue. Little remains except for the wall itself.
You see two projects in the image below. The exit of the Mansion is in the foreground (where a new gift shop will be built), and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure construction in the background.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
I’m unfortunately shooting into the sun on some of these photos, but you’ll note that there isn’t much new from last week. But that is about to change. The project is just about to get very interesting as the entire exterior becomes a lush bayou landscape.
The ride’s entry is completely obscured at the moment.
Vast areas have been prepped to install faux vegetation.
Astro Orbitor
The jets are set to return on the 21st, but the attraction has already been mostly reassembled and looks fabulous!
Look how shiny!
Various Disneyland Projects
The Sailing Ship Columbia is getting a quick refurbishment in Fowler’s Harbor.
City Hall remains under a LOOOOOOOONG exterior refurbishment.
Stagedoor Cafe is also under an exterior refurbishment.
And the Fantasmic fountains are getting a little work. They may be prepping to drain the area around the fountain pits.
DCA Construction
While Grizzly River Run has reopened, side projects in the area continue. New lockers have been built across from Rushin’ River Outfitters.
And a few steps further, the DVC shack is getting a refresh (it appears to have consumed the old lockers, which is why they moved)
More DVC…
Even more DVC space is being devoted to California Adventure. The entire Blue Sky Cellar is being turned into a lounge and sales center for members. We’re sorry to see so much space at the heart of the park being turned over to something that not all guests will be able to use. This would have been great indoor seating for the wine-tasting patio.
Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar
Here’s a handy quick look at the current and upcoming refurbishments at the Disneyland Resort:
- Splash Mountain: Conversion to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: (May 31st, 2023-Late 2024)
- Astro Orbitor: (November 27th, 2023-March 21st, 2024)
- The Haunted Mansion: (January 22nd-TBA)
- Incredicoaster: (March 4th-14th)
- Sailing Ship Columbia: (March 4th-29th)
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail: (March 4th-TBA)
Upcoming Refurbishments:
- Incredicoaster: (April 8th-13th)
- Matterhorn Bodsleds: (April 15th-TBA)
- The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln: (April 15th-TBA)
Coming Soon
There are quite a few things coming up soon. Put these on your calendar:
- Wondrous Journeys – Returns March 22, 2024 through April 14, 2024
- Fantasmic returns with changes on May 24
- Star Wars Nites – on select dates in April and May. Shockingly, only one night is sold out. It’s undeniable that the prices for these after-hours events are TOO HIGH and the offerings too minimal. With current variable pricing from $159 to $169 not packing in the guests, what do YOU think the price should be for these after hours events?
- Pixar Fest runs from April 26 through August 4th. In addition to special food and merchandise, Disneyland will see the updated return of the Together Forever fireworks, and DCA will get an all-new daytime parade called Better Together.
THIS AND THAT
- “UnDressed” – The Disney Dress Shop in Downtown Disney has switched to mostly spirit jerseys, ears, bags, and other non-dress items. Are this shop’s days numbered? None of the window displays currently feature a dress.
There were only a couple of dresses in the store. But you can see why they aren’t selling. The dresses have become more and more garish and costumey over the years and some designs are just ridiculous.
- St. Patrick’s Day – This coming Sunday (March 17th) is St. Patrick’s Day, and the “Little Man of Disneyland” has decorated his Adventureland home for the occasion.
Have you found the Little Man of Disneyland’s home? If you’d like to know more about him, please be sure to read our article:
California Soarin’
Our favorite version of California Soarin’ is back for the run of Food and Wine Festival. The attraction appears to have some sort of Cuties tie-in as they’ve been handing out the delicious little oranges at the exit of the attraction.
Disney Channel Nite
On Tuesday and Thursday last week, Disneyland debuted a new After Dark event, Disney Channel Nite. There seems to be a variety of opinions on the event. But if you are of the right age for High School Musical and Zombies, you probably enjoyed yourself. MiceChat Contributor, David Yeh, shares some thoughts.
While neither night was an immediate sell-out, that changed once Disney revealed what would be available those evenings.
For many, it was a night filled with nostalgic memories and more character interactions than just about any other event we can remember. From Duck Tales to Darkwing Duck, Kim Possible to Phineas and Ferb, Rescue Rangers to Lilo & Stitch, many characters haven’t been seen at Disneyland in decades, and some showing up for the first time.
Mickey and Minnie even had a costume change by the end of the night. Go Wildcats!
All attendees seemed to have had a blast revisiting their childhoods, and it certainly raises the bar for what one would expect in future Disneyland After Dark events.
Disneyland LIVE With Dusty Sage
I have two Disneyland live videos to share with you this week. When the rain started coming down last week, I knew I needed to share the experience. So I donned my raincoat and waterproof boots and headed into the splash zone…
Then, I returned for our traditional Friday Live at 5 for a walk through some likely areas for Avatar Land and the latest construction at the Resort…
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MiceShots
While I was at the park to shoot the rainy day video, I did take a few shots as well. I was feeling cozy, so I grabbed a Starbucks and made the trek to Harbor Galley for the fresh baked cookies as well… which I ate under an umbrella in Fowler’s Harbor. The rain really started coming down, but it was such a zen experience.
Here’s a moment of rain zen in Disneyland’s central hub. There’s a surprising amount of traffic in the park considering the weather.
But the sun finally did come out, and Friday was a GORGEOUS day in the park.
I took a trip around the River. A uniquely Disneyland experience.
The waterfalls were off.
But the murder beaver was busy trying to kill the passengers on the train.
Here’s a little eye-spy for you. Do you know where this fabulous figure is located?
There are eggs hidden throughout the resort for Easter.
I love it when I take a photo (in this case, I had noticed how sun faded the old Paradise Pier tower looks)… I completely missed the wildlife.
Here’s the answer to where you’ll find that dramatic Erte-style figure at Disneyland… The Parfumerie in New Orleans Square!
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Let’s Hear From You!
Wow. I never thought I’d be able to finish this update. There’s just SO much going on right now. I’ve got to say that my afternoon in the rain was pure magic. The crisp air, colorful reflections in the rain-soaked paths, and spring charm was really what I needed to remind me why I love Disneyland. Of course, there’s a lot going on right now. What do you make of Magic Key sales still being open and only one Star Wars Nite selling out? Prices too high? From construction resort-wide, to big changes in the direction of Imagineering, there’s a lot to discuss in the comments below.
