What is Next For Walt Disney World?

Summary

The video explores the mixed reception of Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary celebration. Despite years of hype and grand expectations, many found the event underwhelming due to the pandemic, cancellations, and cutbacks. Key attractions were delayed or failed to meet expectations, with some new shows feeling more like corporate self-promotion than tributes to the park's legacy. The video reflects on the lackluster celebration compared to other Disney anniversaries, while also touching on Disney's future investment plans and the political backdrop in Florida. Despite the missteps, the core Disney experience remained enjoyable.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Walt Disney World is a massive resort, spanning 43 square miles and containing four theme parks, two water parks, and 34 resorts, making it much larger than Disneyland in California.
• 🎉 The 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World was highly anticipated, but many fans were disappointed by the lackluster execution and comparison to Disneyland’s 50th anniversary.
• 😷 The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the anniversary celebrations, leading to delays, cancellations, and cutbacks, which diminished the overall experience.
• 🎢 Only one major attraction, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, was ready for the anniversary's official start, while other highly anticipated attractions like Tron and Guardians of the Galaxy were delayed.
• 🎆 New entertainment offerings were introduced, but many felt they focused too much on Disney’s intellectual property rather than celebrating the 50-year history of the park.
• 🌟 The merchandise, especially the Vault Collection, was a highlight for many visitors, but it highlighted Disney’s focus on commercialism rather than celebration.
• 🚂 Some classic attractions, like the Walt Disney World Railroad, remained closed throughout the anniversary, further disappointing long-time fans.
• 💡 Epcot’s new lighting on Spaceship Earth was widely praised, but other additions like Harmonious faced criticism for not fitting in with the park's identity.
• 💰 Disney has announced a $17 billion investment in Walt Disney World over the next decade, though the specifics remain unclear, with some speculating it’s politically motivated.
• 🔮 The legacy of the 50th anniversary might be minimal, with few lasting additions or new classic shows, leaving fans to wonder what the future holds for Walt Disney World.

Q & A

What is the size of Walt Disney World compared to other locations?

Walt Disney World covers 43 square miles, or 27,520 acres, making it twice the size of Manhattan and 51 times the size of Disneyland in California.

How many people does Walt Disney World employ, and how many visitors does it receive annually?

Walt Disney World employs 77,000 cast members and receives an average of 21 million visitors per year.

What were some of the major expectations for Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary celebration?

The 50th anniversary was highly anticipated, with expectations of new attractions, grand entertainment, and celebrations similar to those at Disneyland’s 50th anniversary.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the 50th anniversary celebration?

The COVID-19 pandemic led to cancellations, cutbacks, and delayed openings of attractions that were planned for the 50th anniversary. However, Disney pushed forward with the celebration despite these challenges.

What was the scale of new attractions originally planned for the 50th anniversary?

Disney planned to debut 50 new things for the 50th anniversary, ranging from small additions like the Hat Box Ghost in the Haunted Mansion to major attractions like Tron, Moana, and Guardians of the Galaxy. However, many of these were delayed or canceled.

What was the overall reception of the 50th anniversary celebration by visitors?

The reception was mixed. While visiting Walt Disney World was still enjoyable, the 50th anniversary offerings were considered lackluster compared to previous celebrations, with new attractions and shows not living up to expectations.

Which new attractions and shows were part of the 50th celebration?

New attractions like Remy's Ratatouille Adventure at Epcot opened, but other planned rides like Tron at Magic Kingdom were delayed. Some of the new shows, such as 'Harmonious' at Epcot, were criticized for not fitting the park’s theme.

What were some criticisms of the new shows introduced during the celebration?

Shows like 'Harmonious' at Epcot and 'Kite Tales' at Animal Kingdom were considered underwhelming. 'Harmonious' was criticized for not feeling appropriate for Epcot, and 'Kite Tales' became notorious for its frequent technical failures.

What merchandise stood out during the 50th celebration?

The Vault collection merchandise was one of the highlights of the 50th celebration. Many saw it as a key part of the event, symbolizing Disney's focus on marketing rather than creating memorable experiences.

What is Disney’s future investment plan for Walt Disney World following the 50th anniversary?

Disney plans to invest $17 billion in Walt Disney World over the next 10 years, focusing on upgrading attractions, hotels, and other facilities. However, the exact details of where the money will be spent remain vague.