AllEars.Net’s Mike Scopa and Jack Spence were at today’s “What’s New? What’s Next?” presentation held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. Here they share some exciting new things we can expect to see over the next few months at the Most Magical Place on Earth!
What’s New… What’s Next!
That was the name given to the press conference held on Wednesday evening at the Disney’s World of Sports Complex.
Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton, World Wide Operations President Al Weiss, and Senior Vice President, Disney Sports Enterprises, Ken Potrock, made some announcements that will surely bring smiles to Walt Disney World fans around the globe.
Crofton addressed the audience by saying how Walt Disney World is always working to give guests, -¦new reasons to visit Walt Disney World!” and also new ideas such as the “Give a Day Get a Disney Day” celebration and how WDW in 2010 wants to inspire 1 million volunteers to give a day of service to one of the thousands of community organizations that are registered with the Hands on Network.
Once these volunteers have contributed their day of service Disney wants to celebrate that volunteer spirit with a day of fun in the parks.
Crofton then discussed the success of the American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. She went on to say that the AI experience helps WDW cast members to get to know guests better. They have found it to be quite inspirational to learn more and more about the guests.
She also discussed how guests have well received the newly refurbished Hall of Presidents in the Magic Kingdom.
Crofton then talked about the many more options given to DVC members with Kidani Village, Bay Lake Towers, and the Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs Resort.
She also mentioned the well-received new dining experiences of Kidani Village’s Sanaa and Kouzzina by Cat Cora on the Boardwalk.
That’s What’s New”¦ then she told the audience What’s Next!
“¢ The term “Summer Nightastic” was introduced to describe the 2010 Summer nights at Walt Disney World.
“¢ Crofton announced to a very happy audience that the Main Street Electrical Parade was coming back to The Magic Kingdom in early June 2010. This time the ELP will have Tinker Bell leading the way. Also, Snow White and Pinocchio will also be joining the parade.
“¢ Also this summer The Magic Kingdom will have a new fireworks spectacular at The Magic Kingdom.
“¢ At Disney’s Hollywood Studios the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror will welcome “drop-ins” with new surprises, new lighting effects, and a new drop sequence.
“¢ The Sounds Like Summer concert series returns to Epcot and there are plans to expand Disney’s Animal Kingdom evening hours.
Al Weiss, president of Worldwide Operations, took the podium and talked about things on the horizon.
“¢ Fantasyland Expansion (groundbreaking 2010) – This three-year construction project will result in the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. For the first time, guests will be able to step into their favorite Disney fairy tales to have more magical and immersive encounters with Disney princesses. Each princess will have her own themed village within Fantasyland Forest. At Dreams Come True with Cinderella, guests can meet Cinderella face to face in her country chateau, share a dance or train to be one of her Royal Knights. At A Birthday Surprise for Sleeping Beauty, it is party time inside the Briar Rose Cottage, nestled in a lush, forest setting. The three good fairies give Aurora the Sweet 16 party she never received, and everyone’s invited to join in the surprise celebration. And an enchanted mirror will transport guests from Belle’s father’s cottage to Beast’s castle for an enchanting storytelling performance during Enchanted Tales with Belle.
“¢ The new district will invite parkgoers to the Be Our Guest Restaurant, one of three enchanted dining rooms inside Beast’s castle. And just outside the castle in Belle’s Village will be Gaston’s Tavern, another themed eatery. Meanwhile, in the new Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction, Ariel and all her friends will entertain in a ride-through adventure featuring favorite songs from the popular animated feature.
“¢ The big top comes to Dumbo’s Flying Circus with a magical flight high above brand-new circus grounds, twice the size of the classic attraction. Inside a stylized tent, guests enjoy midway games and other fun-filled experiences.
“¢ Perfecting Paradise – A Magical Makeover for Castaway Cay (2010) – Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise in the tropical waters of the Bahamas, is getting an extra dose of pixie dust. Enhancements include an expanded family beach, a floating water platform featuring two twisting water slides, two fresh-water play areas for guests to cool off, a new teen retreat and 20 new private rental cabanas offering the ultimate in beachside luxury. The additional island amenities are scheduled to be complete by summer 2010.
“¢ New Sailings for Disney Magic and Disney Wonder (2010, 2011) – In 2010, the Disney Magic will sail to Europe for an unprecedented five-month season of Northern European and Mediterranean cruises. Book-ending the summer season of 12-night Northern European Capitals cruises, the Disney Magic will once again return to the Mediterranean for 10- and 11-night cruises, with three new ports of call – Tunis in northern Africa, the island nation of Malta, and Ajaccio, Corsica. In the summer of 2010, the Disney Wonder will sail four- and five-night cruises to Nassau, Key West and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. In the summer of 2011, the Disney Wonder will sail for the first time to Alaska, with seven-night cruises calling on Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.
“¢ Disney Cruise Line Expanding Its Fleet (2011, 2012) – The Walt Disney Company is expanding its successful cruise vacation business by adding two new ships, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, to set sail in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Two decks taller than the existing Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the new 1,250-stateroom liners will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line. Now under construction, the Disney Dream will offer magical innovations, engaging children’s spaces, family entertainment and immersive experiences for which Disney Cruise Line is renowned.
“¢ ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Relaunch (February 2010) – A re-imagining project involving ESPN and the Disney sports complex, the leading multi-sport venue in the nation, aims to create immersive and entertaining sports experiences for athletes, coaches and fans by incorporating signature elements of ESPN in ways that will connect athletes and coaches with their favorite ESPN programs, personalities and elements. Guests will discover a new welcome center, a digital center where video captured by 56 high-definition robotic and handheld cameras across the 220-acre sports campus is edited for display on 40 video screens and two “jumbotrons” throughout the complex as part of a veritable Wide World of SportsCenter, and the new ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, technical staff will continue work in the Innovation Lab to develop ground-breaking ESPN on-air products – using the action throughout the complex as a real-world testing environment.
“¢ That’s not all. Exciting coming attractions for Disney include new dining, retail – and even extend to a “galaxy far, far away.” An all-new 3-D version of the popular Star Tours attraction launches in 2011 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, featuring immersive new elements that will take guests to many familiar places in the “Star Wars” galaxy.
According to Disney Parks Blog site the MSEP will run from June 6th to August 14th. Same with all of the Summertastic Events.
I just wonder how much of the Fantasyland Expansion will be completed for WDW’s 40th anniversary. We are planning on being there in September and are hoping to see some of the expansion. If anybody know please let me know.
I am so happy I can see the Main Street Electrical Parade without flying to Californina! When I read the news, I was so glad I booked an August trip this summer. I will go every night to see the MSEP! It brings the BEST memories! I will see Wishes next week when we go to WDW. I love Wishes so maybe they will bring it back in the fall for my Food and Wine trip!! I love Disney!!!!!!
I am very please to see the MSEP coming back to the MK, however, so very sad to see Wishes leaving. It is the most inspirational part of my trip as it reminds us to keep open our hearts to all of our dreams. We are returning this September to WDW and I am “wishing” that Wishes will return as some of the previous blogs have implied. Can anyone let me know for sure if Wishes leaving is only temporary? That would be a “wish” come true if it was.
I remember my first visit to Magic Kingdom with my family when I was in the fith grade..I can remember Pete’s Dragon as part of the Electrical Parade. My wife and I have been vacationing at Disney, Orlando with our daughters, family and friends and we are so excited to see this parade all over again thru the eyes of our children. Our last visit was Christams week 2009, and we will be back Memorial Day week 2010., then for our Disney Family Fun Run 5K and Marathon in 2011. Cannot wait! As our children say, “Disney You Rock”.
Maybe I missed it, but where did it say they were closing Mickey and Minnie’s houses?
I’m excited for the changes but worried about how much of Fantasyland I will be able to see in October 2010, especially since two people in my party are only visiting for the 1st or 2nd time.
Do you think Cinderella’s coach will still be around in Fantasyland for October?
AllEars: Closing Mickey and Minnie’s houses were announced in September with the formal annoucement of the Fantasyland Expansion. All of ToonTown, except Goofy’s Barnstormer (which will be rethemed) will no longer remain as it is today.
I am excited to hear about the expansion to fantasy land. I have just a couple of quick questions. When are they closing toon town? When are they closing the original dumbo? Are they taking away goofy’s barn stormer? Lastly, When are they closing star tours at MGM for rehab? Surly they will wait until after the SWW right?
Deb Koma replies: Hi Richard! If we knew the answers to all your questions we surely would have published the info! Sadly, there aren’t many more details available yet. I can tell you that Star Tours is closing in October however, so it will definitely still be here for 2010 Star Wars Weekends. It’s due to reopen in 2011, but there’s no specific date yet.
My husband called me from work after he read about the Main Street Electrical Parade! This is my absolute most favorite thing on the face of the Earth! I believe it did visit Florida prior to 2001, maybe in the 80’s? I saw it in Florida way back when and have seen it twice in california. I even have a vinly record of the music. We are planning our trip to WDW for Nov. or Dec. I would be crushed if it was not still there. My husband loves Spectromagic but I always say, “It’s not the Main Street Electrical Parade.”
I enjoyed watching MSEP at Disneyland and California Adventure and am excited to see it again, this time at Magic Kingdom. If the new fireworks show is similar to what Disneyland had last summer, maybe we will be lucky to see a flying Dumbo during the show.
I’m extremely happy about MSE parade coming back, as it’s my favorite of all their parades! And I’m also very interested in the new princess expansion for the MK park.
But I am NOT happy about them replacing Wishes! My family adores that fireworks show more than I know how to express! It’s more than a display of fireworks for us – it’s more like a ritual of affirmation for our dreams and hopes! I really hope they don’t take it away permanently! It means so much to us!!!
I AM SO SAD THAT THEY ARE CLOSEING MICKEYS HOUSE AND MINNIES ALSO AND THAT TOONTOWN IS CLOSEING WHERE CAN WE MEET MICKEY WHEN THIS OCCURS
I’m excited for Summer Nightastic and the return of the MSEP. I was wondering if they had plans to bring the flying Dumbo from DL to WDW….one can hope!
I’m happy for everyone who enjoys the MSEP and who will get to see it again after so many years, but I am seriously bummed about losing SpectroMagic. I love SpectroMagic, see it as many times as possible during each trip, and would hate to know that it’s gone for good.
It seems like a lot of folks are concerned about the focus on Princesses and the gender focus. It seems that all the other lands are very boy focused. There’s a whole Tom Sawyer’s Island for goodness sakes, And I can’t move from one attraction to another without the risk of being attacked by mini-pirates. I think it’s just fine with all the princess stuff coming in. There must be a market demand or I’m sure they wouldn’t be doing it. And what is boy friendly that’s being removed? I can’t think of anything.
All this stuff is great I guess. But, when I heard about the Main Street Electrical Parade making a return I got chills and got teary eyed. Yes, it is that dramatic for me. When I was growing up MSEP was always a perfect ending to the day. SpectroMagic is great too, but it’s the memories of old that almost burst out of me. I HAVE GOT to make it down there this year, even if it’s only for one day. If in future they want to keep it and update it for a new generation I think they could use Dreamlights from Tokyo (same music, but a lot of updated aspects.) I think Disney musical scores are often the most important part of any attraction.
Glad to see the return of MSEP. Spectromagic was becomming a bore. We were planning to return to Disneyland, but now will happily stay on the East Coast. June cannot come fast enough.
My daughter Emma says, “Wow Disney! My fav is the princess story part. Cinderella here I come.The expansion is great. I love Goofy’s coaster. I’m glad they aren’t taking it down.”
I was delighted to hear on one of the podcasts that Pete’s Dragon will be included.
Wonderful. My son asked about princesses, and if boys were allowed to like them. I told them plenty of princes did so it was fine. We’ll be there in August. Excited.
I am really hoping that Wishes will be coming back in the fall/winter and that the new show will only be for this summer. I absolutely LOVE Wishes! I can’t even imagine a day at the Magic Kingdom ending in any other way! When my family and I were there in August 2008, it rained so much that they almost cancelled it for that night. Luckily, they were able to do the show, but I can’t imagine if they hadn’t been able to! Please let us know if you have any info about if Wishes will be coming back or not! Thanks for always keeping us updated 🙂
Well…it’s official. “Summer Nightastic” is only Temporary.
The name shoulda’ been a dead give-away.
To quote Disney: “Summer Nightastic is a series of limited-time entertainment offerings that will shine at Disney’s Florida parks this summer.”
But, ya never know…. Disney HAS been known to change their “written-in-stone” plans before. Maybe if they hear enough of our crying they’ll extend it into the fall and maybe even into the holiday season.
I am not at all happy about the replacement of the Spectro Magic parade. Please tell me that the Electrical parade will not be permanent.
oh no i’m gutted about wishes, i travel thousands of miles & the one thing i really want to see isnt going to be their 🙁 booked my trip 18 mths ago as we need to budget & i’m sure i would have considered different dates if i had known this.
is there a chance that wishes would be shown on some nights????
I am thrilled about MSEP coming back. I was sad both times they retired it before.
But I am bummed about Wishes going away. Those are my all-time favorite Disney fireworks and even though whatever they replace it with will be spectacular I don’t want it to happen! Now I have to make sure I see Wishes several times before it is gone.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!!!! Tell me that the Main Street Electrical Parade is going away after this summer? PLEASE!!! I hate that parade. The only show that disney has ever made where I dislike it!
-OrangeRyan
I too have the Wishes CD in my car for a “Disney” pick me up. I hope the new show is as moving for me. Disney hs a way of making things fantastic so I am sure the new things will have space for the boys. I do think that Mickey & Minnie and all the original characters need a special place of their own!
I hope that the replacement of Wishes is only for the summer. I love Wishes..I cry everytime I see it. It is hard to imagine that it could be topped. Watching it in May will have a new meaning now.
Wow! Disney is really pulling some serious tricks out the hat with the expansions and things aren’t they? LOL! I’m so excited about all the changes they are making! But does this new fireworks show at Magic Kingdom replace Wishes? I’m excited about the new changes on the horizon, but Wishes was always very magical to me – no matter how many times I’ve seen it over the years. And I was very much looking forward to my family seeing it on their first visit to Disney this year in August, but looks like they may never get the chance to see it?
And does anyone know if Princess Tiana will be featured at any of the Character Dinners or where we will be able to find her in the parks?
Such great news to hear the Main Street Electrical Parade is returning!!! Now if we could just get them to bring back the Tapestry of Nations (Dreams) Parade at Epcot, that would be a dream come true. Such incredible music, beautiful and moving.. I still miss it.
Thanks for keeping me updated on the changes.
My family and I visited WDW from England back in Oct 2008 and have been following All Ears ever since.
I have two boys and they weren’t bothered about Toontown going as long as Mickey and Minnie had a really good new home.
Do you pass on information to the Disney team or do you know if they check the website?
Many thanks.
Deb Koma replies: We are not affiliated with the Disney Company in any way, so no, we don’t pass any of this
info on to them. We do believe that Disney has cast members who routinely read a variety of internet sites looking for guest feedback.
So many people with boys are complaining about adding princesses. I have a boy and a girl. Personally none of us ever enjoyed walking through Mickey and Minnie houses anyway, it’s just like a mini museum, nothing spectacular. They are only removing a tiny bit but expanding a whole lot. It’s not like the houses are extremely boyish anyway. They’re not removing “boy” attractions like Pirates of Carib. or Star Tours and replacing them with girly attractions. Everyone knows Princesses are HUGE! Should Disney seriously ignore that just because they may draw more girls than boys? Anyway, when amongst the magic of Disney World, even my boy won’t mind checking out the princess villages, as most others probably won’t either.
Sad about losing wishes, excited to see Electrical Parade. Heard new fireworks show is one from Pirate and Princess party which was an awesome show. I am very excited about all the new princess additions to fantasyland – 3 yr old daughter will love it! My 5 yr old son always has plenty to enjoy with pirates, peter pan, monsters inc, buzz lightyear, always felt the princess presence was lacking. Personally glad to see Toon Town go, houses were always overly crowded with older children making it impossible for little children to enjoy the experience. Hope they find a new place Barnstormer, that was fun
We are going in April. Is there any idea about when they are going to start the rennovations to Fantasyland? Also, I am glad I am going in April. I would be really bummed if I couldn’t see Spectromagic. It is so much better than MSEP. The music is just awesome. You can just dance right along with them.
AllEars: At this time we don’t know the closure schedule. As soon as we do, it will be posted.
We are coming Feb 21st and are bringing our two grandsons 5 and 9 — we are having breakfast with Mickey at Chef Mickey’s on the 22nd — where would you suggest we go from there.
Yikes, we’re going in May 2010 and I told my three year old son that he would see Mickey’s house. I guess I might have to tell him that the house will no longer be there by the time we arrive.
I also agree with the person who said that Disney seems to be focusing too much on Princesses. My son could care less about Princesses. I noticed lots of girly themes to Disney’s shows when we saw Disney on Ice this past Christmas season. Someone please remind Disney to cater to boys’ interests too.
Patti — I did hear that Goofy’s Barnstormer is staying but getting re-themed. But not until 2012. It is my daughter’s favorite ride too, so I’m hoping this info is correct and it’s still running when we go in September.
Are they permanently replacing Wishes? Is this just a temporary thing? I would love to see the Electrical Parade, however love Wishes as well.
It will be nice to see the MSEP back in Florida again. I am finding the replacement of Wishes very upsetting however; I think it is the most touching fireworks show that I’ve ever seen at the Magic Kingdom, and I was really looking forward to showing it off to my first-time friends in the fall.
Normally I would have faith that the replacement would be as good/better, but the hastiness of the decision worries me. Doesn’t the online community usually hear rumors of changes far in advance (Skydance anyone?)? I am concerned that the Fantasyland construction has made them look at their many [fireworks] launch sites and go “uh oh,” leading to a rushed (and less elaborate) replacement. If anyone has heard otherwise, please post it to set my mind at ease!
I cannot believe that Disney will be evicting Mickey and Minnie from their homes and replacing them with princesses! That is just WRONG!
Princesses, princesses EVERYWHERE! What about all of us who have BOYS !!??
Disney needs to rethink this plan.
I’ve seen the plans for the “new” Fantasyland and think it will be awesome. My questions is, however, is why are they leaving our Snow White? They seem to be making all these things for the other princesses, but I haven’t seen anything for her. Have I missed something?
Will Toontown still be open in May 2010 when they are working on the new FantasyLand expansion? Or will it be closed by then? My daughter is looking forward to visiting Minnie’s house!!
Deb Koma replies: The Imagineers haven’t announced a closing date for Toontown, however, as they are breaking ground on this project now, I would imagine it will close soon. As soon as we know something definitive, we’ll have it in the AllEars newsletter and on the website.
I’m starting to get the feeling that the MSEP and the new fireworks are only going to be temporary. The theme here seems to be “Summer time.”
They’re using the term “Summer Nightastic” while announcing all these new things coming to Disney World this summer.
And over in the “Disney News Blog” right here on AllEars it says: “Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade is set for its Summer-long nighttime premiere in early June at Magic Kingdom” (emphasis on “Summer-Long.”)
I hope this isn’t the case because I’m a Seasonal Passholder and this means block-out dates apply for me.
I’m sure the MSEP will still be there after the block-out is over, but I don’t usually get back to the parks ’til October (can’t stand the heat.)
Deb Koma replies: You might be right — they had “Summer Nightastic!” in Disneyland last year and it
ran from mid-June through September. At that time they introduced the renovated MSEP and a few other things — some stayed after September and some didn’t. So perhaps we can expect the same thing in WDW…
No more Wishes??? Thats terrible news! Wishes is my favorite part of the Magic Kingdom, and I’ll be so sad if it goes for good! Does anyone know if this is just for the summer or forever?
I guess I can live with Spectromagic being replaced, although it will be a sad farewell. I’ve never seen the Electrical Parade so it will be cool to see something I’ve heard so much about for myself.
I am sooooooooooooooooooooooo happy I have not seen the ELP in so many years I have seen it since I was little I can’t wait.
From a #1 Disney fan, Catherine
Love the idea to bring back the electrical parade but, extremely sad on the end of Wishes. Not since the removal of Mr. Toad has my heart hurt so! My wife and I love Wishes so much and we are so upset to see it go!!! It’s such a moving show! In fact (as crazy as it seems) we have the wishes fireworks CD and play it in the car when we get down in the dumps! I hope the new fireworks show is just as touching! Please Disney don’t let us down!!
What they need to do is update Fantasmic!! Fantasmic hasn’t been updated since it opened. The story line is in shambles and it spends all this weird time on Pocahontas!? Why Disney Why?
Glad to hear about the Electrical Parade. I have to say as a mom of 2 boys it seems like they will be left out in the new Fantasyland but I guess it will be great for girls.
I hope they give Mickey and Minnie some kind of home. What’s disney without Mickey, seeing Mickey is the highlight of my 4 year old son’s trip to disney.
I remember once in the past, they stopped doing Spectromagic and did the Electrical Parade instead. I think they do this when they need to work on certain Spectromagic floats.
I have to say I love Spectromagic a lot more than the Electrical Parade, but I’m sure it’s all about what you saw first.
And I have to admit that I love Wishes, which is kind of new, so I wonder what the new theme will be.
I remember seeing the MSEP on my very first trip and am very excited that it is returning so my daughter can enjoy it when we go in September. I however really love Wishes and am sad to see it go. I remember my daughter and I after seeing it the first time went right in and bought the sound track. Just when we were in the mood for a little Disney magic we would or when we were getting close to our yearly trip we would play it and it would bring us back to seeing it at the park. We have gone the last 4yrs in a row and it is always one thing we make sure to see each and every time. I guess I can only hope that the new display is just as good.
Deb – I thonk you got this question backwards:
“When did they replace the Main Street Electrical Parade with Spectromagic?
Deb Koma replies: They haven’t yet – the MSEP will return in early June of this year.”
I think they are asking when spectromagic originally replaced the MSEP.
BTW – In August of ’08 we saw the MSEP at Disney’s California Adventure. It really brought back memories of Walt Disney World when I was younger.
DMK says: Thanks, you’re right, and I made the correction 🙂
I am really disappointed in the plans for fanstasyland. I have two young boys and it seems they are taking more away from them and focusing more on the girls. Magic Kingdom is not just about princesses. Fantasyland should be about the young boys and the girls. They love Mikey and Minnie’s house and will sadly miss it. I just hope they don’t do anything to Goofy’s barnstormers. Otherwise we will have no need to even visit fantasyland. Change is good but they should be thinking about all the possible visitors.
We are going to Disney World the first week in may, do you think toon town will still be there? Or will the construction be going on? We were hoping to see toon town one more time before it’s gone.
We are going in June 2010. It will be our 2nd time so I’m not sure if i should be excited about the changes or sad. It sounds like the parade will be great. I am assuming that the fireworks will still be over the castle just done a little differently is that right? Also can you please tell me if Toon Town will still be there in June?
Thanks so much,
Gina
Ah yes!! Just booked my trip last night for June and now all of this news today?!!! Wahoo!!!!
Thx for the great info. Thx to my two favorites, Jack and Mike, for another great article.
Now is it just me or my other 2 favorites, Mickey and Minnie, are getting pushed out of Walt Disney World????? What gives? I still think their place should exist and not just the princesses…oh well I think it’s sad.
Well on one hand I cannot wait to come to WDW in May but I am disappointed that the Electrical Parade will not make its re-debut until Summer…Oh well I guess that emans I will have to make another trip to WDW next year….
We are going to WDW 9/20-9/25 , Fantasyland is not going to be closed when we get there is it?
Deb Koma replies: No, Fantasyland will not close entirely during this construction, although *parts* may be closed at times. A lot of this initial construction will be going on behind Ariel’s Grotto, so you won’t see it, but eventually, when they start to work on Dumbo, you’ll see some construction walls and some closings, I guess.
The updates sound great and I can’t wait to see them done in three years. I wonder though will Goofy’s Barnstormer be closed during the renovations. It is almost all my younger son talks about when we talk about our trip this fall.
Is Wishes going away permanently or just for the summer? That is my favorite part of MK!!
WOW, that is great. I remember traveling to Disney as a kid and watching the Electrical Parade. It brings back some great memories. I hope to make it back to the World soon to see it!! Great going Disney!!
When did they replace the Main Street Electrical Parade with Spectromagic?
Deb Koma replies: SpectroMagic came back to the Magic Kingdom on April 2, 2001 and has been running since.
Now I can’t wait to go in August. Want to see the ELP. I was very unhappy when it left. How long will it be at Disney World.
Jack…where is Mickey’s and Minnie’s houses going to be? My almost 4 year old grandson was just there with me and he loves those houses.
Thanks for your always great articles.
Bonnie
Deb Koma replies: Since the MSEP is just coming in June, I would expect it to be around for a while, but they haven’t released an end date yet.
Mickey’s House and MInnie’s House will not be there any longer, sorry. Toontown as it is now is basically going away. We’ve been told that Mickey and MInnie will have a presence in the new Fantasyland, but Disney hasn’t supplied details yet.
I saw the electrical parade when I was younger but don’t remember it at all. All I can remember is Spectromagic from my recent trips. What is the difference between the 2. Seems like its a good change though from other comments.
Deb Koma replies: The two parades are similar in that the floats are lit up, but the music is completely different. And this new version of MSEP will have some new floats… will be interesting to see for sure.
They’re taking both Wishes and Spectro away? Noooooooo! These are my two favorite shows at WDW! What’s next? Replacing Illuminations?
I remember seeing the Electrical Parade when I was younger and being disappointed when it left. I grew to love Spectro and will miss it BIG TIME. Now I’m depressed. Good thing I’ll be there in 37 days to see them for the last time. I guess I don’t like change.
FINALLY!!! The Main Street Electrical Parade returning to WDW is the best news I’ve heard since the refurbishment of the Haunted Mansion. The LED upgrades should be awesome. PLEASE tell me that it will still use the original synthesizer music “Baroque Hoedown”. It just wouldn’t have the same feel without the original theme song. Thanks for bringing it back. Now if we could just get Figment & Dreamfinder back to the original version in Journey to Imagination at Epcot, too. Sometimes older is better.
My husband and I will be in Disney July 8-11, for an adults only trip. I cannot wait to see Spectromagic!! Its been years, and I’m really looking forward to it. Thanks for bringing it back!!!!!
Hi,
I was so happy to see my very favorite parade is heading back to WDW! I will have to wait until Dec. but it’s worth the wait!
Hey Jack or Mike,
Wow, this is good news, the MSEP coming back. It’s been a long time since we have seen it. I’m assuming it will replace Spectromagic ? Did Disney give any indication as to how long it will be around ?
Maybe a historical blog is in order from one of you. Already the questions have started on Facebook. Will it replace Spectromagic ? What are the differences to Spectromagic ? Will it last past Summer ? I’m sure it will be slightly different than the old MSEP, so I don’t want to start answering folks with assumptions. Thanks, VIC
It would be great if Jack could do a background on the MSEP. I cant be the only one who has never seen it! I would love to know the history and how it will be different from Spectro Magic!
Seems Like really cool stuff is on its way from Disney!
Is anything going to happen about Pixie Hollow? I am going to Disney World in March 2010, is anything going to be ready then? And am I still going to be able to meet Tinker Bell? I have also been hearing about a “Australia” coming to Animal Kingdom (somewhere between Asia and Dinoland?) Is anything going to be there in Spring 2010?
Deb Koma replies: The enhancements to PIxie Hollow aren’t planned until the end of the Fantasyland expansion, so sometime in 2012-13, I think. They are just breaking ground on this project now, so I don’t think you’ll see anything new as early as March 2010.
Haven’t heard any rumors about additions to Animal Kingdom, sorry.
I am so glad to hear of the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade. I had the Privilege of getting to see this when i was a young kid. my parents took us to disney world and i loved to see this show, now being all grown up and taking my own kids there they will get the chance to see it for themselves and not in a picture.Plus my wife will finally see it for her first time too. I never looked more forward to our vaction this year in August now. Best news of the day by far. Go Disney.
The Main Street Electrical Parade coming back to the Magic Kingdom has to be some of the best news I’ve heard in a long time.
I’m just so frustrated that I have to wait so long for it to get here!
Thank you to All for your in-depth reporting and posting. ~ Johnny.
WOW! Main Street Electrical Parade coming back to Magic Kingdom?? I’m SO thrilled! I won’t be able to make it to WDW this year, but I do hope they get enough positive feedback to keep this running past the summer. SpectroMagic is nice enough, but just can’t compare with the music, grandeur, and old charm of MSEP. Let’s hope they keep this show around for a long time to come!
Thanks for the great, detailed information! Will the electrical parade replace Spectromagic? (Say it ain’t so…)