While we already told you about Soarin’ Over the Horizon likely coming to the U.S. Disney Parks soon, several other attractions announced this week for Shanghai Disneyland are heavily rumored to possibly come to the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resorts somewhere down the line. Here’s the breakdown:
TRON Lightcycle Power Run
The TRON Lightcycle roller coaster was long rumored for the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland before Shanghai Disneyland was even announced. The financial uncertainty of the franchise following TRON Legacy halted the project, yet it was green-lit for Shanghai. Even though the plug was pulled on TRON 3, chances are the ride in Shanghai is a good indication that the Walt Disney Company isn’t giving up on TRON just yet.
Rumor has it the Magic Kingdom version would occupy the cast member parking lot and former home of the Galaxy Palace Theater, with the outdoor portion wrapping around Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress… if it ever happens…
Disney California Adventure is rumored to be adding a launching Marvel coaster, so it wouldn’t make sense to also add a TRON roller coaster there. That would make it two launching roller coasters for them already with California Screaming’ in the park.
Eye of the Storm – Captain Jack’s Stunt Spectacular
We’re almost certain that this Pirates of the Caribbean stunt show will make it into the new, revamped Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The press release even states that the first version of the show will premiere in Shanghai, alluding to clones of the show in Florida, possibly even in California.
Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue
Yes, Buzz Lightyear rides already reside in the 2 U.S. Magic Kingdom-style parks, but it seems likely that the technology being used for this new version of the attraction will be implemented at the existing shooter-rides as part of upcoming Tomorrowland overhauls.
Fantasyland Attractions
With new versions of Peter Pan’s Flight and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh being built for Shanghai, we are expecting significant upgrades for both attractions at Walt Disney World in the next few years.
Peter Pan’s Flight at Disneyland has already implemented some new technology as of this month, but we still think more expansive upgrades are coming at the Magic Kingdom.
The Winnie the Pooh dark rides on both coasts are expected to receive a series of upgrades somewhere down the line as well.
Star Wars Launch Bay
The Star Wars Launch Bay is an experience where guests can interact with exhibits, view Star Wars props and displays, and meet Star Wars characters. This attraction will be the extent of the Star Wars presence in Shanghai, but much more is expected for Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park.
Rumor has it that the Star Wars Launch Bay will open in the former home of Innoventions at Disneyland before the end of 2015, with Walt Disney World rushing to do the same in one of the empty venues at Hollywood Studios. This will act as a placeholder until the Star Wars lands for each park can be completed in a few years.