Things are about to go into overdrive at Magic Kingdom says Disney Parks Chairman Josh D'Amaro

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Beyond Big Thunder Mountain Blue Sky concept art

Posted: Saturday September 9, 2023 10:54am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Imagineering, joined parks Chairman Josh D'Amaro for a special "Blue Sky" look at what's coming to the Walt Disney World.

Destination D23

According to Bruce, future expansion plans for Magic Kingdom in Florida are the largest ever for the park.

Imagineers are looking to tell stories "Beyond Big Thunder Mountain" similar in scale to lands like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Pandora – The World of Avatar – adding new attractions, restaurants, shows, and more.

When announced in 2022, the proposed new land behind Big Thunder Mountain at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom would include experiences based on Disney animation stories including Coco, Encanto and villains.

Beyond Big Thunder Mountain Blue Sky concept art

Vaughn said, "last year, you said we're looking to tell stories beyond Big Thunder Mountain which is still true. I mean, there's a lot of room to play with around there. And we're looking at the possibility of adding new attractions, restaurants, shows, you dream it we're thinking about it. And like I said, the ideas are looking really great."

Beyond Big Thunder Mountain Blue Sky concept art

D'Amaro responded to Vaughn's comments, "There's still a long way to go. But I just want all of our fans to know that we are about to go into overdrive at the Magic Kingdom. And I am looking forward to spending more time with your team as we keep refining these ideas to create something really special that every single person in here is going to love."

Beyond Big Thunder Mountain Blue Sky concept art

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JoeCamel1 day ago

Wasn't NRJ going to do that?

Magicart871 day ago

Keep in mind that a patent illustration doesn't mean a whole heck of a lot.

UNCgolf1 day ago

That's the thing -- the patent seemed to be showing something different than the Shanghai Pirates system.

lazyboy97o1 day ago

Curse of DarKastle opened in 2005 using Oceaneering’s Evolution ride system that was very much a take on Universal’s SCOOP vehicle. The new Peter Pan attraction at Tokyo DisneySEA uses a similar ride system.

PizzaPlanet1 day ago

I think the patent showed a boat in front of a screen like Shanghai Pirates. Also seemed to be able to rock back and forth in the water

UNCgolf1 day ago

When was Moana rumored to get Shanghai Pirates? I don't remember reading that.

J45461 day ago

does anyone know for sure moana is getting a potc system, or that its even getting built at all?

Touchdown1 day ago

It’s a shame that Moana is getting the Shanghai pirates ride system because that would be great for Coco too. How long does Universal own the exclusive rights to the Spider-man vehicles? I feel Disney could do a lot with that system, especially since Imagineering now employs the creator of that Spidy ride.

Magicart871 day ago

I'm still not convinced we're actually getting that.

Jayhawker1 day ago

Agreed that this type of ride system would be a let down. Plus, you have the added reality of a GIANT show building. Granted, I do not believe you would have the same sight line issues that Epcot has with Soarin' and Cosmic Rewind.

James Alucobond2 days ago

Supposedly, Moana + Coco is a variation of the original Coco + Encanto plan with the attractions more distributed. True that one isn’t actually beyond Big Thunder, but it’s apparently an evolution of the same plan.

eddie1042 days ago

I thought we were counting Moana as separate from this project?

James Alucobond2 days ago

They’ve hinted at two for phase 1, with a Moana ride in Adventureland and a Coco (leading contender) ride just beyond Big Thunder. Other changes to Frontierland seem likely, but probably not additional rides. Phase 2 would probably be another 2-3 attractions with more significant dining and entertainment additions, assuming it ever happens.

eddie1042 days ago

Are any insiders willing to share any info regarding the ride count for this expansion? Like a rough estimate of what to expect so I don’t get my hopes up and to keep my expectations in check.