Disney World Investments: Then Versus Now

Yesterday, Disney released a PR statement that I found interesting for a number of reasons. Not least of those is that the company seems dead-set on highlighting changes they're making to fix "the message". I thought it would -- therefore -- be interesting to compare that to how Disney World investments played out before this most modern era. What were we getting before everything had to be about fixing the past?

From 2000 to 2015, The Walt Disney Company made substantial investments in Walt Disney World, transforming it into an even more magical destination for millions of visitors. These investments spanned across new attractions, resort expansions, technological advancements, and entertainment offerings. This article explores the key investments and developments that took place in Disney World during this transformative period.

Major Attractions and Park Expansions

1. Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain (2006)

One of the most significant additions to Disney's Animal Kingdom, Expedition Everest, opened in 2006. This thrilling roller coaster takes guests on a high-speed adventure through the Himalayas, encountering the legendary Yeti. The attraction was a major investment, costing around $100 million, and became an instant hit, drawing significant crowds and boosting attendance at the park.

2. New Fantasyland (2012-2014)

Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom underwent a massive expansion and renovation, nearly doubling its size. The project, completed in phases between 2012 and 2014, included the addition of several new attractions:

• Enchanted Tales with Belle: An interactive storytelling experience.

• Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid: A dark ride featuring scenes from the beloved film.

• Be Our Guest Restaurant: A themed dining experience in Beast’s Castle.

• The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (2014): A family-friendly roller coaster that quickly became a guest favorite.

This expansion represented a significant investment, estimated at $425 million, and revitalized one of the most beloved areas of the park.

3. Mission: SPACE (2003)

Epcot introduced Mission: SPACE in 2003, a space simulation ride that gives guests a taste of astronaut training. The attraction, which cost approximately $100 million, offered an innovative experience with its centrifuge-based technology, providing different levels of intensity for various guest preferences. This was really the only failed major project during the time frame we're examining for Walt Disney World.

4. Soarin' (2005)

Also in Epcot, Soarin' was introduced in 2005. This hang-gliding simulator took guests on a breathtaking tour over California's landscapes. The attraction was an instant success, leading to a subsequent upgrade to Soarin' Around the World in 2016.

Resort and Accommodation Enhancements

1. Disney's Pop Century Resort (2003)

Disney's Pop Century Resort opened in phases, with the first phase debuting in 2003. This value resort celebrated pop culture from the 1950s to the 1990s and provided affordable accommodation options for guests, featuring larger-than-life icons from each decade.

2. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (2001)

Opened in 2001, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge brought an immersive experience to guests, with views of a savanna housing over 200 animals. The resort, themed after an African wildlife preserve, offered unique dining and cultural experiences.

Technological Advancements

1. Disney's FastPass+ System (2014)

In 2014, Disney introduced the FastPass+ system, part of the larger MyMagic+ initiative. This system allowed guests to reserve access to attractions, entertainment, and character meet-and-greets in advance. FastPass+ was integrated with the MagicBand, a wearable device that served as a park ticket, room key, and payment method. This technology represented a significant investment in improving guest convenience and streamlining the park experience.

2. My Disney Experience App (2013)

The My Disney Experience app was launched in 2013, providing guests with a comprehensive digital tool for planning and managing their visit. The app allowed users to book FastPass+ selections, dining reservations, view wait times, and navigate the parks with interactive maps. This app was a cornerstone of the MyMagic+ initiative, enhancing guest interaction and engagement.

Entertainment and Special Events

1. Disney Dreams Come True Parade (2006)

Magic Kingdom's new parade, Disney Dreams Come True, debuted in 2006. This daytime parade featured beloved Disney characters, elaborate floats, and performances, delighting guests of all ages.

2. Happily Ever After (2017)

Although introduced just after the period in question, the planning and development for the Happily Ever After fireworks show began during this time. It replaced the long-running Wishes nighttime spectacular, offering a technologically advanced and emotionally resonant experience with fireworks, projections, and lasers.

And listen, I could keep going with the things that were added to the parks. These are just some of the highlights. It's not as if this is considered the busiest time of development either! Just think, if we included the late 90's, we'd be able to add an entire theme park. But compare the those fifteen years to the last ten years at the parks and you can quickly see why enthusiasm is waning. Epcot might actually be worse after all the changes (which was as difficult an accomplishment as it was terrible). Hollywood Studios received two new lands, but gained not a single bit of extra capacity as a result. Tron is fine, but most have had enough after a single ride. Really, the only true home run has been Pandora (and maybe Toy Story Land depending on your preferences).

Disney needs to knock it out of the park soon for both guests and investors. The last decade's craze of destroying to build back over it is worn out. Expand and give audiences new things while saving the great attractions already standing. That's the only thing standing between Disney and success (other than tossing woke out of the company). Let's see if they can do it. Their only real show is the Magic Kingdom expansion on the horizon.

Your pal,
Pro