The Walt Disney Company is embarking on an ambitious plan to significantly expand its international parks and cruise lines, earmarking a substantial investment of around $60 billion over the next decade. While this move signals exciting opportunities for Disney fans and park enthusiasts worldwide, it’s important to temper expectations as these developments won’t happen overnight.
In recent years, Disney’s domestic properties, such as Disneyland and Walt Disney World, have faced challenges, including reduced admissions, fewer visitors, and disappointing projects like the ill-fated Star Wars hotel. However, the international parks have fared much better, demonstrating growth and continued potential.
Disney’s strategic focus centers on leveraging its well-established brands and intellectual properties to enhance attractions at its theme parks and cruise lines. This strategy was outlined during the company’s investor day, shedding light on some potential future attractions inspired by beloved Disney movies, including Frozen, Coco, and Wakanda.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney’s Experiences and Products division, offered tantalizing hints about what the future might hold. He mentioned that “Frozen, one of the most successful and popular animated franchises of all time, could have a presence at the Disneyland Resort,” and emphasized the untapped storytelling potential of properties like Wakanda and Coco.
While these possibilities are undoubtedly exciting, it’s essential to remember that realizing them takes time and careful planning. For instance, envisioning the world of Frozen within Disney’s parks presents unique challenges, especially in warm-weather locations like Florida and California. Nevertheless, plans for Frozen-themed attractions are already underway at Hong Kong Disneyland, Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris, and Tokyo Disney Resort, offering a glimpse of the magic to come.
A Coco-themed park could be a delightful addition, especially if it incorporates music-focused experiences to ignite a love for music in visitors of all ages. Additionally, a Wakanda-inspired attraction holds immense promise, particularly since Disneyland Paris has recently announced plans for themed photo boxes at Super Hero Station and new Wakandan-inspired cocktails exclusively available at Skyline Bar.
In addition to these potential park attractions, Disney is doubling down on its Disney Cruise Line, with plans to nearly double its capacity over the next two years. This expansion will extend Disney’s cruise experiences to new markets, including a homeport in Singapore in 2025, significantly broadening the reach of Disney’s beloved offerings.
However, it’s important to note that significant additions to Disney’s U.S.-based parks have been relatively scarce in recent years. Aside from the immensely popular Galaxy’s Edge, which opened at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort in 2019, there have been few notable developments. The company is currently in the process of reimagining its Splash Mountain attraction, transforming it into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, inspired by Disney’s first Black princess. Still, apart from these ventures, there hasn’t been a surge in fully immersive experiences.
One illustrative example of the challenges involved in delivering immersive attractions is the Galactic Starcruiser Star Wars hotel, which came with a hefty price tag of $5,000 per night. Unfortunately, this venture struggled to secure bookings and eventually closed just 19 months after opening.
In conclusion, while Disney’s ambitious investment plans promise an exciting future for fans of the Happiest Place on Earth, it’s essential to approach these developments with patience. The infusion of capital and new offerings is part of a decade-long strategy, meaning that the journey to enter the enchanting worlds of Arendelle or the kingdom of Wakanda may still be some years away.
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