Disney World Rumor Round Up

It’s been a little while since we discussed rumors that are flying around the Walt Disney World resort, so I thought I might catch you up on some things that I’ve heard.

Hercules, Megara and Hades could join Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party lineup

An interesting rumor has arisen lately that Hercules, Megara and Hades might be replacing Tarzan, Jane and Terk at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.  Since Megara and Hercules made a few pop up appearances and special event appearances within the last year, guests have been clamoring to meet these classic Disney movie characters.  If the rumor is true, these characters would appear beginning September 1.

Ralph and Vanellope to replaced by Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Big Hero 6

Rumors have been pointing to Ralph and Vanellope leaving Hollywood Studios permanently.  The date looks to be sometime in November 2014 with the area possibly being refurbished for a meet and greet area for Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.  Oswald was a successful Walt Disney creation that was taken from him in a contract issue.  It’s funny that NBC basically traded Oswald to ABC/Disney for a couple of football announcers. Big Hero 6 characters according to the most recent rumor.

Villains Unleashed party may offer some really rare villains.

If rumors are true Hollywood Studios is attempting to bring Cheshire Cat and Yzma from Disneyland Paris.  I’m sure we’ll see the regular lineup of villains and Star Wars villains that appear often, but seeing some villains like these two, Emperor Palpatine and the Old Hag could add some excitement to the hard ticket party on August 23.  Let’s hope they offer meet and greets with the rarest villains and don’t just put them on stage like the plan to put Oogie Boogie only onstage for a show.

Fairy Godmother to be replaced by Elsa in the Christmas Cinderella Castle Dream Lighting ceremony.

Strong rumors are pointing toward an all new Castle Dream Lighting ceremony for the winter season.  In previous years the event involved Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother.  If the rumor is true Anna may also be appearing on the stage and this could possibly include a song or two from the movie in the show.  If this happens, look for it in mid-November.

Fastpass+ to allow rolling selections

One rumor that I’ve heard recently involves upcoming changes to the Fastpass+ system that many guests would love.  It would allow a guest to make their regular 3 selections, then use 1 of those selections in the park of their choice before using the My Disney Experience app to book another selection.  This would allow a guest to constantly keep 3 FP+ booked at a time during their day at a given park.

American Idol and likely Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular to close at the beginning of 2015.

It seems likely that the American Idol Experience is leaving Hollywood Studios.  Cast Members have been informed that the show will end after the busy Christmas season.  Rumors have also been pointing to the closure of the popular Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular.  Rumors are pointing to the left hand side of the park being re-themed to an all-new Star Wars Land.  These rumors have a high level of plausibility because Star Wars is one of Disney’s most profitable properties and could easily compete with the new Harry Potter: Diagon Alley portion of Universal Studios.

Construction is continuing in Animal Kingdom to create the new Land of Avatar in the area that was once Camp Minnie Mickey.  Cranes are visible across the skyline.  I’m sure the land will be quite beautiful, and could draw more guests into the park, but I don’t see a lot of merchandise potential with this expansion.  Star Wars will sell a ton of merchandise that could help level out the playing field a bit.

Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure to allow usage on your own smart phone

Since the World Showcase Adventure game began as Kim Possible in 2009, Epcot has employed very dated technology.  It’s basically a flip-phone that has a tiny screen that one uses to trigger special effects.  The phones are often broken and don’t hold a charge very long.  They are also VERY expensive to maintain and Disney no longer uses Verizon as the sponsor for the attraction.

The new version of the Agent P game will allow guests to download an app and use their own smartphone to play the games.  It will save Disney a good bit of money and staffing and will allow guests to use their phone at their convenience.

The game is going to close on June 25 & 26 to make way for the new iteration on June 27, 2014

What do you think about these rumors?