Problems Disney Must Solve at D23
We should never forget what happened at the 2022 D23 Expo. During the theme parks panel, the crowd booed Josh D’Amaro at one point.
(Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images for Disney)
Now, the 2026 D23 Expo represents a seminal moment for Disney’s new CEO. He’s about to speak to his people, theme park fans, about Disney’s future.
The last thing he wants – like, it’s his worst nightmare – is to get booed again. Simultaneously, the executive must fix a few longstanding concerns that he inherited from the Bobs.
Photo: Disney
Mr. Iger and Mr. Chapek were never theme park enthusiasts the way that D’Amaro is.
Fortunately, D23 provides the head of Disney with a platform and a megaphone.
Photo: Bob Iger on Instagram
D’Amaro can and should swing for the fences at D23. Here are a few problems Disney needs to solve at D23.
Improving the Restaurant Scene at Hollywood Studios: I’ve got a massive update MickeyBlog will publish right before D23.
For the past few weeks, I’ve populated a list with literally every feasible Disney rumor I’ve heard. Two of the hottest ones don’t involve theme park attractions in any way.
People have picked up on the argument I’ve been making for a while now. Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers the worst culinary options at Walt Disney World.
Fans currently have their choice of Woody’s Lunch Box and…more Woody’s Lunch Box.
The situation has gotten so grim that some folks are clamoring for the return of PizzeRizzo.
I know; I couldn’t believe it, either. But there’s an explanation for that hype.
Disney recently included an Easter egg of PizzeRizzo on a variant cover of The Amazing Spider-Man #1,000.
Some of them are making a point about Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. The area surrounding this building doesn’t align at all with The Muppets.
Disney could restyle some of the space on Sunset Boulevard to match the characters. Do you know what’s an easy way for Disney to do that?
Management could convert one of the kiosks into a new PizzeRizzo type of pizza spot. Personally, I wouldn’t name it that since I have negative associations with that restaurant.
I’m far from alone on that one, as it wasn’t a popular place. That’s why Disney switched it to seasonal service. Still, a new Muppets Quick Service spot through here makes sense.
Sushi and a Show at Monstropolis?
Photo: Disney
On the other side of the park, Monstropolis will need a new dining option.
While very few people miss Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, its closure has created a void.
Photo: Disney
Disney could fill it, and many folks have run to the same logical conclusion about how.
Remember this scene from Monsters, Inc. where Mike ruins his big date?
That sushi place would work well at Monstropolis, wouldn’t it? Disney could even create an Audio-Animatronic of the octopus chef.
Obviously, sushi isn’t universally beloved. So, I envision this space as more of a generic seafood joint. Realistically, Disney needs more Table Service dining at this park. So, that’s what I’m expecting at Monstropolis, but that’s not all.
Photo: Disney
We know from the images that the Blob Theater will host a show.
Disney could ostensibly combine the two experiences somehow as “dinner and a show.”
‘Monsters Inc.’ Land Signage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
I’ve heard nothing to that effect, which makes this blind speculation.
As long as Disney adds fine dining at Monstropolis, I’ll call it a win. Converting part of Sunset Boulevard into a Muppets-themed area would be the icing on the cake.
Introducing a Nighttime Presentation at Animal Kingdom
Photo: David Roark
Okay, I know what you’re all thinking, so I’ll add “Again.”
We all know that Rivers of Light failed to match its enthusiasm and hype.
(David Roark, photographer)
Disney announced that breathtaking show at a previous D23. While Rivers of Light sounded good and even looked good, it…wasn’t good.
Somehow, Disney failed to tell an engaging or even comprehensible story. Amazingly, Disney took several kicks at the can yet still came up empty.
Eventually, management mothballed Rivers of Light and reclaimed the space.
Animal Kingdom promised a new daily show, Disney KiteTails.
Credit: Disney
How well did that plan work? Well, I don’t toss around the term “unmitigated disaster” often, but…
Yeah, this one was a total bust, with kites getting caught in trees and boats crashing.
Since then, Animal Kingdom has left the space abandoned and largely unoccupied. In 2027, the Tropical Americas will debut, increasing interest in the park.
Guests will want to stay longer, bringing back the need for a nighttime presentation. If/when Disney announces such a show, Animal Kingdom’s park hours will increase again.
Photo: Disney
Currently, this park is the least trafficked one at Disney World.
So, Disney has no need to keep it open until long after dark, which is unfortunate.
Pandora – The World of Avatar features bioluminescent tech that looks better at night.
Disney could bring that back, too, as part of a recommitment to entertainment after dark.
Photo: Disney
I feel pretty good about Disney doing this one to give D’Amaro a win. My one polite suggestion would be for Disney to focus more on story this time.
I once wrote a 5,000-word piece explaining Rivers of Light’s story yet still got dozens of follow-up questions. Please don’t make this nighttime presentation impossible to understand, Disney.
Picking a Lane at Disneyland
Photo: 21st Century Fox
This statement applies in three different ways, one of which I’ve previously detailed.
According to insiders, Disneyland officials have at least toyed with the idea of a huge change.
Photo: Disney
Despite previously announcing an Avatar-themed land, Zootopia is apparently a possibility instead. Disney must pick a lane in choosing what may be its final major themed land at the current parks.
Somehow, that decision doesn’t even qualify as the biggest one at the park. After the successful DisneylandForward negotiation, park officials have free reign now.
Photo: Josh D’Amaro on Instagram
The next iteration of Disneyland Resort may take whatever shape Disney prefers.
So, what will that be? At D23, D’Amaro could define the next half-century at Disneyland.
Photo: Mark Abramson for The New York Times
I’m not expecting a confirmation by any stretch, but it’s a possibility.
Disney could reveal its plans for the recently reclaimed space from DisneylandForward.
Photo: Disney
In the government filings, Disney indicated a shared space for this land. Imagineers would combine elements of Downtown Disney and Disneyland in a single area.
The lines would blur between what’s a theme park versus an entertainment district. Alternatively, D’Amaro could approach the new land from a more conventional perspective.
Photo: Disney
He could confirm a third themed land at Disneyland Resort.
So, Disney could go several ways here in fixing the current issues with free space. Long story short, we should find out a lot more about Disneyland’s future in a few days.
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Feature Photo: Disney.
