New Tomorrowland @ Disneyland? Is this the year it finally gets announced? No, and that’s OK

[VJ]

I'm sort of in this camp.

I don't think they have to re-imagine it, per se. The old anchors are still fine. Just fill in the dead space.

Although I maintain that Astro Orbiter at ground level is an atrocity.

i realized i missed a very important word that i've now edited the post to add

to clarify, it's obvious that disney doesn't feel the need to update tomorrowland as much as we fans do. i do feel the land could be given a facelift in places, like actually doing something with innoventions, and an overall consistent aesthetic instead of the weird bronze-and-white hybrid thing going on. but after the "IT'S HAPPENING" rumors before every d23 and then the disappointment when nothing is actually announced, i'll believe a tomorrowland redo when shovels are in the ground.

 

[D.Silentu]

One thing I find notable is that both the parks that have Galaxy’s Edge are also the parks that have Star Tours. With the upgraded Smugglers Run opening this year, I’ll be curious to see if Star Tours starts to feel redundant. Whatever they might replace the ride with I imagine they would want to do it simultaneously on both coasts. If it is in fact a bicoastal project, there’s a better chance we would hear rumor of it sooner than any other Tomorrowland development.

 

[Adventureland Veranda]

For a new Tomorrowland, I'd like to see a recreation of the House of the Future. Not for a walk through, but put a few AA's in there and make it look like someone lives there. It would look great lit up at night.

The rest of my wish list which I may have mentioned before:
1. I still want a Discovery Bay/20,000 Leagues dark ride to replace the lagoon and subs.
2. Leave Space Mountain alone
3. Live music at the Galactic Grill
4. Obviously a new people mover!
5. Wall-E dark ride
6. Horizons 2.0
7. Autopia stays with improved theming and new electric vehicles
8. More greenery and water features throughout the land.
9. Astro Orbiter moves out of the entrance.

Not sure what to do with Star Tours. I know it's old, but still more fun than Smuggler's Run.

 

[TomorrowlandWall]

Could the Artemis missions and a renewed interest in Space exploration lead Disney to reinvestment in an optimistic tomorrowland and futurism?

Even films like Project Hail Mary feel like a live action Wall-e in certain ways. Achieving a message of hope and tone of optimism Disney’s sci fi flics could only dream of. I feel like Fantastic 4 could have succeed better riding the coat tails of a moment like this where there wasn’t prior interest.

Artemis IV will send astronauts to the Moon in 2028. It would be amazing to get some Tomorrowland Investment lined up with that. I just wonder if this public interest could drive something even when they don’t have a billion dollar IP dictating a clear direction. Selling NASA merch at the parks and having it flying off shelves the past few weeks could be a good sign.

 

[Disney Irish]

Could the Artemis missions and a renewed interest in Space exploration lead Disney to reinvestment in an optimistic tomorrowland and futurism?

Even films like Project Hail Mary feel like a live action Wall-e in certain ways. Achieving a message of hope and tone of optimism Disney’s sci fi flics could only dream of. I feel like Fantastic 4 could have succeed better riding the coat tails of a moment like this where there wasn’t prior interest.

Artemis IV will send astronauts to the Moon in 2028. It would be amazing to get some Tomorrowland Investment lined up with that. I just wonder if this public interest could drive something even when they don’t have a billion dollar IP dictating a clear direction. Selling NASA merch at the parks and having it flying off shelves the past few weeks could be a good sign.

Could it, absolutely. Will it, no one knows. TL has sat in its current condition for almost 30 years. Any investment in the land will be seen as a happy blessing to not only the area but the entire Park, as its one of the last areas of the Park that hasn't really been touched in the last couple decades beyond Buzz opening.

 

[BrianLo]

It’s New Tomorrowland rumor season. They re doing a an aggressive amount of attraction refurbs around Disneyland recently. Is Tomorrowland (or part of it) going down soon?

Keep the hope alive. Conditions are positive for current management to have something on the docket for Disneyland of substance this D23.

I too don’t think the answer has to be some grand splashy redo, just stop ignoring it. Much as Tokyo and Orlando have somehow managed to quietly do over the last decade. Some paint here, a redo there, an e ticket down the road and suddenly it doesn’t suck.

 

[Professortango1]

TL has sat in its current condition for almost 30 years.

The new land itself debuted almost 30 years ago. It's current state of no Starcade, no Carousel Theatre, no Magic Eye Theatre is about 15 years.

I agree with the sentiment, but gotta be factual. Disneyland has existed in this state since 1955 is true but disingenuous.

It is certainly due for a redo and has been for a little over a decade. I hope they finally address this known issue, but as the OC Register article reminded us, they know DL will still run good enough with a flat tire land.

 

[TomorrowlandWall]

Keep the hope alive. Conditions are positive for current management to have something on the docket for Disneyland of substance this D23.

I too don’t think the answer has to be some grand splashy redo, just stop ignoring it. Much as Tokyo and Orlando have somehow managed to quietly do over the last decade. Some paint here, a redo there, an e ticket down the road and suddenly it doesn’t suck.

A new E-ticket would be the key to starting the whole thing. What that could be is anyone’s guess.

 

[Disney Irish]

The new land itself debuted almost 30 years ago. It's current state of no Starcade, no Carousel Theatre, no Magic Eye Theatre is about 15 years.

I agree with the sentiment, but gotta be factual. Disneyland has existed in this state since 1955 is true but disingenuous.

It is certainly due for a redo and has been for a little over a decade. I hope they finally address this known issue, but as the OC Register article reminded us, they know DL will still run good enough with a flat tire land.

You are correct in that things started to close later than TL98 debuted, but it’s been seen as a shell of itself the entire time not just when things started to close later. So I think it’s factually correct and fair to say it’s been in its current condition since 1998, ie for almost 30 years, due to the disappointment of TL98.

 

[CoastalElite64]

DL's Tomorrowland is past due for a redo. So are certain sections of the DCA.

The fans that defend the mediocrity are why things don't get better.

By not demanding better you are actually doing Disneyland a disservice.

 

[Professortango1]

You are correct in that things started to close later than TL98 debuted, but it’s been seen as a shell of itself the entire time not just when things started to close later. So I think it’s factually correct and fair to say it’s been in its current condition since 1998, ie for almost 30 years, due to the disappointment of TL98.

I enjoyed TL98. Did it fall short? Sure! But was it better than what it replaced? Heck yeah.

HISTA>Capt EO
SM>SM without music and light bleed
Rocket Rods>People over
Autopia>Shorter Autopia
Tom Morrow was a delight.

I hated Circle vision, so it's loss wasn't something I mourned.

I would have preferred to get Alien Encounter over Pizza Port.

 

[Professortango1]

A new E-ticket would be the key to starting the whole thing. What that could be is anyone’s guess.

Or 2-3 original C/D Tickets. That would help the land feel like it has a new era.

 

[TomorrowlandWall]

Or 2-3 original C/D Tickets. That would help the land feel like it has a new era.

Buzz Replacement
Star Tours Replacement
Astro Orbiter relocation/replacement

All over the next 4-5 years

The E-ticket would take over Launch bay and some central tomorrowland space (old Peoplemover platform and Tomorrowland Space Stage). I expect the Tomorrowland theater to go away in favor of a new Space Mountain queue and plaza. All of this in phases like Magic Kingdom and Tokyo. Easy for the Resort to greenlight small projects to improve the land and spread out the investment cost.

 

[Disney Irish]

I enjoyed TL98. Did it fall short? Sure! But was it better than what it replaced? Heck yeah.

HISTA>Capt EO
SM>SM without music and light bleed
Rocket Rods>People over
Autopia>Shorter Autopia
Tom Morrow was a delight.

I hated Circle vision, so it's loss wasn't something I mourned.

I would have preferred to get Alien Encounter over Pizza Port.

That is your own personal preference, but I think the overall consensus amongst the fandom is that it was a downgrade overall.

And anyone who says that Rocket Rods was better than PM never truly experienced PM.

 

[Professortango1]

That is your own personal preference, but I think the overall consensus amongst the fandom is that it was a downgrade overall.

And anyone who says that Rocket Rods was better than PM never truly experienced PM.

I experienced PeopleMover for many years in the late 80's and 90's. Riding the Rocket Rods provided the same views, just with extra fun. If the turns had been banked, as planned, they'd still be getting decent lines.

I haven't heard anyone saying that early 90's TL was better than TL 98. I know many love the TL 67 look, but that was long gone by that point. And I've never been a fan of white stucco featureless walls myself.

Celestial Park/Discovery Bay would be my chosen aesthetic for an optimistic and creative world of tomorrow that remains timeless. Anything to make TL not feel like an old mall. Which it very much did in the 80's and 90's.

 

[Disney Irish]

I experienced PeopleMover for many years in the late 80's and 90's. Riding the Rocket Rods provided the same views, just with extra fun. If the turns had been banked, as planned, they'd still be getting decent lines.

I haven't heard anyone saying that early 90's TL was better than TL 98. I know many love the TL 67 look, but that was long gone by that point. And I've never been a fan of white stucco featureless walls myself.

Celestial Park/Discovery Bay would be my chosen aesthetic for an optimistic and creative world of tomorrow that remains timeless. Anything to make TL not feel like an old mall. Which it very much did in the 80's and 90's.

And had it not been switched to Rocket Rods it'd still be open today. What might have been is not a same as actually being good. Rocket Rods sucked and everyone knows it, PM was 10000% better by a long shot than the Rocket Rods we actually got.

I don't think you'll find very many in the fandom who was actually a fan of the TL98 we actually got besides you. The original concepts before it budget cut to smithereens, yes maybe, but the actual end result, no. The PM gone, Orbiter being put at the entrance, and the french fry rocks (which have thankfully been removed), have been the major complaints. Heck you'll find people here even talking about SM losing the Speed Ramp as being a downgrade.

It was a downgrade overall than what was there previously, this is the consensus.

 

[Professortango1]

And had it not been switched to Rocket Rods it'd still be open today. What might have been is not a same as actually being good. Rocket Rods sucked and everyone knows it, PM was 10000% better by a long shot than the Rocket Rods we actually got.

I don't think you'll find very many in the fandom who was actually a fan of the TL98 we actually got besides you. The original concepts before it budget cut to smithereens, yes maybe, but the actual end result, no. The PM gone, Orbiter being put at the entrance, and the french fry rocks (which have thankfully been removed), have been the major complaints. Heck you'll find people here even talking about SM losing the Speed Ramp as being a downgrade.

It was a downgrade overall than what was there previously, this is the consensus.

TL98 was PL replaced by RR, not PM gone. And RR, while operating, was better than PM when operating. At least in the recent years of PM and the Tron Tunnel. Sorry, but you can't tell me that seeing the exact same views but without the corny Tron tunnel and at a more exciting pace isn't better. Experience to experience, one is clearly more engaging and interesting the other is a slowed down cornier version. The Tron Speed Tunnel alone was one of the cringiest things Disney had operating. I remember taking a school friend for the first time and his face when we go to that section was priceless. He had heard Disney was so magical and this was what he got.

French Fry rocks also looked cool. The problem was the same concept wasn't continued throughout the land.

Honey I Shrunk the Audience the show that revolutionized 3D movie experiences. Rather than trying to make a film have gags, it made the experience into a faux live theatre experience with enhanced sensory effects. TTBAB was the next step up, but HISTA ran so TBAB could fly.

I do agree that the Orbitor should have remained on top of the platform.

Like I said, TL 98 wasn't perfect, but from a guest perspective, it was MUCH better than Tomorrowland in 1993.

 

[Distorian]

TL98 was PL replaced by RR, not PM gone. And RR, while operating, was better than PM when operating. At least in the recent years of PM and the Tron Tunnel. Sorry, but you can't tell me that seeing the exact same views but without the corny Tron tunnel and at a more exciting pace isn't better. Experience to experience, one is clearly more engaging and interesting the other is a slowed down cornier version. The Tron Speed Tunnel alone was one of the cringiest things Disney had operating. I remember taking a school friend for the first time and his face when we go to that section was priceless. He had heard Disney was so magical and this was what he got.

French Fry rocks also looked cool. The problem was the same concept wasn't continued throughout the land.

Honey I Shrunk the Audience the show that revolutionized 3D movie experiences. Rather than trying to make a film have gags, it made the experience into a faux live theatre experience with enhanced sensory effects. TTBAB was the next step up, but HISTA ran so TBAB could fly.

I do agree that the Orbitor should have remained on top of the platform.

Like I said, TL 98 wasn't perfect, but from a guest perspective, it was MUCH better than Tomorrowland in 1993. View attachment 916717View attachment 916718View attachment 916719View attachment 916720View attachment 916721View attachment 916722View attachment 916723

 

[Professortango1]

View attachment 916725

Not a fan of 80's malls, but I guess if you are, then rock out with that food court band.

TL 98 reminded me of a lot of things in the 90's. A great idea and update of something old and corny, but made cheaply and broke quickly. As a tween in the late 90's, TL 98 was a breath of fresh air. I almost convinced my mom to let me take the day off of school and take the bus down to Disneyland on opening day.

HISTA, Innoventions, Rocket Rods and even the edutainment displays throughout the land kept me coming back time and time again. Sure, I wanted that rumored Atlantis addition. And I appreciated the updates to the old lame Autopia, but definitely wanted more of the off-road section's creativity.

And who wants to go back to pre-re-tracked Space Mountain? Light bleed, and no soundtrack? The glowing red cyberball thing was interesting though.

 

[Disney Irish]

TL98 was PL replaced by RR, not PM gone. And RR, while operating, was better than PM when operating. At least in the recent years of PM and the Tron Tunnel. Sorry, but you can't tell me that seeing the exact same views but without the corny Tron tunnel and at a more exciting pace isn't better. Experience to experience, one is clearly more engaging and interesting the other is a slowed down cornier version. The Tron Speed Tunnel alone was one of the cringiest things Disney had operating. I remember taking a school friend for the first time and his face when we go to that section was priceless. He had heard Disney was so magical and this was what he got.

French Fry rocks also looked cool. The problem was the same concept wasn't continued throughout the land.

Honey I Shrunk the Audience the show that revolutionized 3D movie experiences. Rather than trying to make a film have gags, it made the experience into a faux live theatre experience with enhanced sensory effects. TTBAB was the next step up, but HISTA ran so TBAB could fly.

I do agree that the Orbitor should have remained on top of the platform.

Like I said, TL 98 wasn't perfect, but from a guest perspective, it was MUCH better than Tomorrowland in 1993. View attachment 916717View attachment 916718View attachment 916719View attachment 916720View attachment 916721View attachment 916722View attachment 916723

Rocket Rods as an IDEA was interesting, in execution it sucked because it was budget cut to hell. Just because it had the same views doesn't mean much when the constant stop and starts took away from the experience and ultimately lead to its downfall. Sorry but your nostalgia for it just doesn't line up with reality. PM lasted for almost 30 years compared to RRs 2. That in itself should show that the reality doesn't line up with your nostalgia for RR. Just like many things during that era had they done what was promised it would be different, but they didn't so reality doesn't agree with you.

As for the rest, the overall land doesn't equal to "good" just because some parts were seen as better than what was there prior. I know that many thought that Capt EO was superior to HISTA as an example.

You may have personally liked TL98 better, but that doesn't seem to be the consensus amongst the fandom.