An excerpt from our JULY newsletter. You can subscribe here.
As it is a tradition for us, we don’t play it safe with predictions. We’d rather predict longshots and be wrong than be super safe with our picks. I also believe this leads to a more entertaining read as well. Just as a reminder, these are predictions; none of what you are reading below has been reported on by yours truly. I’m mixing my hopes and gut feelings with my knowledge of The Walt Disney Company and D23.
1. Villains Land gets its name
At this rate, I’d love Villains Land to just be called Villains Land, but I think Disney is going to do something different. Maybe something involving words like Shadows, Villainous, Realms, Village, etc. The story name could be dramatic.
2. Villains Land gets a surprise attraction or experience
Do we get a third attraction? What about an immersive restaurant or lounge? Do we tie Villains Land into Haunted Mansion lore? I think a surprise could be on the docket for Villains Land.
3. Piston Peak National Park attraction details announced
Walt Disney Imagineering should reveal the details for the two attractions coming to Piston Peak National Park, plus updated concept art on how the new area will look within Frontierland.
4. Disney Cruise Line updates
I’m expecting a little news on the Disney Believe, but I wouldn’t put it past Disney to reveal future ships as well. It may not be anything major, but Disney Cruise Line is crushing it, so they will want to highlight the new offerings and ongoing expansion.
5. Encanto and Indiana Jones attraction details
I’m expecting we get the attraction names for Encanto, Indiana Jones, and the Tropical Americas carousel plus additional story details. I also think the woodcarver behind the carousel attraction will be a walkaround character in Pueblo Esperanza (Tropical Americas). I also wouldn’t rule out characters from Encanto and Indiana Jones also roaming Pueblo Esperanza…
6. Monstropolis details from the coaster to the new show
Monstropolis is coming along, and I think Imagineering will want to highlight the door coaster and the brand new show coming to the land. I think they need to sell the new show more than the coaster. However, during the Disney Experiences Showcase, I think they will focus on the coaster more. I think we will see some updated concept art for all aspects of Monstropolis, including our first look inside Harryhausen’s.
7. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge receives even more minor updates
Maybe the Jon Favreau Star Wars food cart concept comes to Hollywood Studios? Disney is also seemingly high on Star Wars: Starfighter. I could see the land receiving some minor updates to tie in with the film. Not to mention a Ryan Gosling-Star Tours sequence seems like a safe bet.
8. Avengers: Infinity Defense cast is announced
Walt Disney Imagineering gets to do its own version of the Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement? We know Robert Downey Jr. will headline this attraction, but who else will be included? I’ve speculated that MCU actors that have previously done Walt Disney Imagineering projects would likely return for this attraction.
9. Disney decides whether Avatar or Zootopia is coming to DCA
They have to make a decision. Does Disneyland Resort boldly go with Avatar or do they go the safe route with Zootopia? I think Avatar would be a major win even with the space concerns.
10. Coco attraction details and official name announced
Coco attraction could be named many things. I’m expecting it to be finally revealed during the event. I’m also expecting updates on the audio-animatronics and show scenes throughout the attraction.
11. A new project for Disneyland Resort
I’m thinking they will announce something entirely new. Maybe they take a look at Disneyland’s Tomorrowland?
12. Details and model for The Lion King land for Disney Adventure World
I think the model will do a lot of selling for this land. We know it exists as well. I think outside of the attraction, it will be fascinating to hear what encompasses this land. Plus, will it have free-roaming audio-animatronic lions?
13. Journey into Imagination update
This could be Figment’s year. Will the stars finally align? Or do we wait until Destination D23 2027? This may be one of the easiest wins for Walt Disney Imagineering as long as they don’t overthink or overcomplicate it.
14. Inside Out takes over Wonders of Life
This seems like a no-brainer. I’ve also floated adding Big Hero 6 as they could take advantage of Baymax as well. I don’t get what the hold-up is here? Do they not want the extra operating costs associated with capacity expansion? Do they have other plans for Inside Out?
15. IllumiNations returns for EPCOT’s 45th Anniversary in 2027
It’s become clear after the lukewarm receptions to Harmonious and Luminious that the best thing that Walt Disney World could do is bring back one of the most iconic nighttime spectaculars of all time. Happily Ever After is proof that you don’t mess with perfection. IllumiNations returning for the 45th anniversary could be a trial run of sorts as well. It is quite hilarious but also a tad bit tragic that EPCOT’s next overhaul may have to address the same exact issues from the previous overhaul.
16. A potential EPCOT hotel
Another long-shot prediction for EPCOT, but I’m going with that long-rumored, basically in-park hotel being announced. I think they will design it to look similar to the original Progress City skyline.
17. Lilo & Stitch attraction plans announced
Walt Disney Imagineering knows Lilo & Stitch is a top franchise for The Walt Disney Company. It’s also a franchise that lends itself well to the Disney Parks. I think a Stitch attraction being announced for one of the Disney Parks makes sense. As a side bet, I think Stitch will be a stern character on a future Disney Cruise Line ship.
18. Something Moana-related is announced
Similar to Stitch, I think Moana is due for an actual ride-through attraction. Where? I have no clue. Although it seems like a boat attraction in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom or something at Animal Kingdom could be possible. I also wouldn’t rule out Disney Adventure World in Paris.
19. A new nighttime spectacular for Animal Kingdom with drones and aquatronics
I think the aquatronics are coming to Animal Kingdom during the day and at night. Now the big question is: will the show be themed to Avatar, Moana, or something else entirely? I also think the nighttime show will utilize a mix of aquatronics and drones, as Animal Kingdom can’t have fireworks due to animals. I think Walt Disney World has ambitions post-Tropical Americas to operate Animal Kingdom at night more often.
20. Something Marvel-related to Walt Disney World
It’s no secret that Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro want looser Marvel IP restrictions at Walt Disney World. The two have mentioned it on previous Disney calls/meetings. I’m thinking the D’Amaro/Walden administration will encourage Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum and Walt Disney World President Joe Schott to find a way to get more Marvel to Walt Disney World, even if they have to start small, like having Doctor Strange as a walkaround character.
21. Updates on the Spider-Man attractions across the globe
I think Scott Trowbridge will take the stage to discuss Spider-Man’s attractions across the globe, which include the drop tower in Hong Kong Disneyland and the roller coaster for Shanghai Disneyland, which also will feature the first Spider-Man-themed land. Maybe if we’re really lucky, we will see Tom Holland hype the attractions in person or via a video.
22. Haunted Mansion gets a Beak and Barrel-type lounge
It’s a no-brainer, and I want to shout out Jack Kendall of DSNY Newscast for bringing this idea up every chance he gets. It makes too much sense. Beak and Barrel is awesome, and all indications point to it printing money. Haunted Mansion Parlor on Disney Cruise Line is literally proof of concept. It’s time for this to happen.
23. Brief updates on Disneyland Abu Dhabi
Disney will give some brief updates on Disneyland Abu Dhabi. I think maybe they give the resort an official name. Yes, similar to Villains Land not being called Villains Land, there is a possibility Disneyland Abu Dhabi may not be called Disneyland Abu Dhabi. Part of me thinks Disney is going to abandon the “land” tradition and call it Disneyworld Yas Island (they will stylize Disneyworld as one word so people still understand that there will always be just one Walt Disney World).
24. Disney announces a standalone Disney Vacation Club resort
Zero inside info, just more of a potential longshot gut feeling. You have Hilton Head, Vero Beach, and Aulani. I think new Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro may complete Walt Disney’s dream of building a ski resort. If not a ski resort, I think we will see some kind of elusive DVC property be built somewhere.
25. Disney gives some teasers for D23 2028 during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase
I could see Neil Patrick Harris pulling a Kevin Feige and saying “We ran out of time to talk about the future of Animal Kingdom (post Tropical Americas), what we’re planning for EPCOT (Spaceship Earth), Disneyland Paris expansion, Shanghai Disneyland second gate, future of Disneyland Resort, and more.”
Just pull a Feige and do a rapid fire of teases that set up 2028. I think fans appreciate teases and little confirmations along the way.
26. Official launch date for the Disney Epic Games Digital Universe
I am a bit surprised how light the details have been in the lead-up to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event regarding Epic Games. I’m also a bit shocked we don’t have a Disney Games & Digital Entertainment panel or a bigger showfloor presence. With that all being said, I think the launch date for the Disney Epic Games Digital Universe is coming.
27. Concrete details on Disney Epic Games Digital Universe
With an official date set, I believe D23 will be the time to give concrete details on what the universe is. D’Amaro has suggested ambitious ideas for the universe. I think Disney will be clear that it will be a multiphase rollout.
28. Disney teases Mickey Mouse 100th anniversary
Boardwalk Times was first to reveal that Disney is planning a company-wide celebration for Mickey Mouse’s 100th anniversary in 2028. I’m expecting D23 to reveal some of the details for the celebration that is coming in 2028. I also fully expect D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in 2028 to be more Mickey-themed than ever, if that’s somehow possible.
29. Jon Favreau reveals Oswald on Disney+
I think Favreau will take the stage to reveal Oswald. He will share a first look, a release date, length of series, and ultimately if it has a future or if it’s a one-off limited series.
30. Disney+ firms up its future programming slate
There is no guarantee Disney Television gets a ton of time during the Disney Entertainment Showcase. Although firming up Power Rangers, Eragon, Afterlife with Archie, Tink, and more could go a long way. Even if it’s fairly quickly, it would be a good opportunity to remind fans that Disney+ has new stories on the way. Disney+’s future slate is leaning into a lot of book and comic adaptations.
31. Percy Jackson two-season renewal
We made it three seasons. It’s the only Disney-branded original on Disney+ that has a truly rabid and growing fanbase. It’s also one of the only Disney+ franchises that gets promoted quite well at big events like San Diego Comic-Con and D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Heck, you even see people wearing Camp Half-Blood tees at the Disney Parks, and they don’t even sell them there!
Just greenlight Seasons 4 and 5 to complete the story. Maybe Season 6 if the writers need more time. Then explore the possibility of other adaptations from Rick Riordan for Disney+ and the big screen.
32. Dave Filoni teases Ahsoka Season 2 and the future of The Mandoverse
I think Lucasfilm President and Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni will hype Ahsoka season two while providing an extensive update on the future of The Mandoverse. I’m expecting Ahsoka to be a big highlight during the presentation, and I’ll be shocked if it’s not a major focus. I’m expecting to see the cast and some footage.
33. Star Wars: Starfighter and what’s next for Star Wars theatrical ambitions
Shawn Levy and Ryan Gosling take the Honda Center stage. They will likely show us some footage from Star Wars: Starfighter. Maybe Dave Filoni joins them to give us a theatrical update on Star Wars post-Starfighter, but then again Filoni may save that for Star Wars Celebration in 2027.
34. Kevin Feige teases X-Men
Yes, everyone is saying Marvel Television and Marvel Animation will be discussed at D23, but the fans at the Honda Center deserve a classic Kevin Feige performance. If San Diego gets Ryan Gosling and a new Black Panther reveal, Anaheim deserves some love. Some of the Marvel Television and Marvel Animation details could be held off until New York Comic-Con if necessary. I think Feige needs to truly do a surprise, so teasing X-Men would make waves. Even if it isn’t a full cast reveal, just having a logo and maybe a piece of concept art could ignite the senses.
35. Disney gets in on the YouTube trend and calls upon The Rizzler
I am only half joking. Disney has seen the success of Curry Barker (Obsession) and Kane Parsons (Backrooms). So I think Disney will be scrambling to find more YouTube/digital stars to work with. We can’t rule out Disney doing a project with The Rizzler, The Costco Guys, or Mr. Beast. I said what I said.
36. Frozen III and Frozen IV Updates
I think Jennifer Lee will tease Frozen III and Frozen IV. I’m assuming we will get some concept art and maybe work-in-progress footage for Frozen III. Then just an additional confirmation that Frozen IV is coming.
37. Moana 3 is announced
Jared Bush will officially confirm Moana 3 is in development. The Rock already announced it, and everyone already assumed Moana would get a third film.
38. Zootopia 3 is announced
Jared Bush will officially confirm Zootopia 3 is in development. The second film just overperformed all expectations. It would be crazy if they don’t confirm this.
39. Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios next original films
I think Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios will reveal some originals so they can balance out all the upcoming-but-necessary sequels.
40. Monsters, Inc. sequel announced
I feel like Billy Crystal and John Goodman take the stage here. I think we get a true Monsters, Inc. sequel where Mike and Sulley age and reunite with an older Boo.
41. Kingdom Hearts film adaptation
This one is bold but speaking of trends… Disney hasn’t hopped on the video game film adaptation train. I think Kingdom Hearts would generate major interest and capture the Gen Z demographic that Disney is chasing.
42. Lilo & Stitch 2 details
Chris Sanders takes the Honda Center stage to discuss his sequel to live-action Lilo & Stitch. People forget, but Chris Sanders and Walt Disney Animation Studios weren’t responsible for the animated Stitch sequels and TV series everyone remembers; that was Disney Television Animation. This is Sanders’ first time continuing his story.
43. Pirates of the Caribbean 6 announced
Jerry Bruckheimer announces a new Pirates of the Caribbean film. This one will have high demand. Pirates was the rare franchise that didn’t get swallowed up during the Disney+ boom, so it’s a true theatrical franchise.
Does Johnny Depp show up as Jack Sparrow? Depp got applause at CinemaCon and also received some loud cheers during San Diego Comic-Con for his new film Ebenezer.
44. Princess Diaries 3 update
Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews take the stage. I have a feeling this one will be coming sooner rather than later.
45. Hamilton film adaptation announced
Lin-Manuel Miranda takes the stage and announces a two-part Hamilton adaptation is in super early development. This is a project that will be later than sooner but also will make for a cool announcement. It would also capture the younger demographic.
46. Impossible Creatures update
Walt Disney Studios has received heat for its live-action remake strategy and its lack of original output. I have a feeling Impossible Creatures will be brought up at the Disney Entertainment Showcase to serve as a reminder that Disney can still adapt stories and take bets on original works.
47. Another original live-action film
Walt Disney Studios desperately wants to erase the notion that all they do is live-action remakes and spinoffs. I’m suspecting another original film is announced. Maybe a romcom?
48. A Disney Parks film adaptation finally gets announced
Figment, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Club 33, Space Mountain, The Society of Explorers and Adventurers, and Tower of Terror are all technically in development at Walt Disney Studios. One of them has to be ready? I think Figment could be a big announcement. I also could see Club 33 getting off the ground because of producer Shawn Levy.
49. Future of the Avatar franchise
I don’t see 20th Century Studios getting any time at the Disney Entertainment Showcase unless Avatar has something. Part of me thinks we may just get quick confirmation that the next film is coming in 2029.
50. The Muppet Show gets a season order
This may be the biggest no-brainer of the entire list. The Muppet Show deserves a full season. What more does The Muppets have to prove?
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Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
