Disney CEO Bob Iger addresses Epic Universe, D23 blue sky sessions
Disney not “ready” for Epic Universe in Orlando? That idea “couldn’t be further from the truth,” according to Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
Iger remarked these comments during Disney’s annual shareholders meeting today.
Iger on Epic Universe
Come 2025, Universal Orlando Resort will open Universal Epic Universe, a new theme park just down the road from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
During a Q&A segment of Disney’s 2024 shareholders meeting, a shareholder asked Iger about Disney not being “prepared” for Epic Universe’s arrival. The shareholder expressed concern for Disney World seemingly not having an equivalent project in development.
Photo courtesy of Disney
In response, Iger said the idea that Disney is unprepared to compete with Epic Universe “couldn’t be further from the truth.” Iger claimed Disney has “been aware of Universal’s plans” for a decade.
Iger then remarked, “I want to remind you of a few things” that Disney World introduced over the past decade, citing projects such as Pandora – The World of Avatar, Toy Story Land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (2019), Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Tron Lightcycle / Run, and the ongoing “transformation” of Epcot.
“By staggering these major launches … over time rather than having to do it all at once,” Iger said, Disney, in essence, built what amounts to the equivalent of Epic Universe.
Epic Universe will include worlds inspired by Nintendo, Universal Classic Monsters, “Harry Potter,” and “How to Train Your Dragon,” as well as a celestial-themed central plaza.
Looking ahead, Disney World’s future slate of attractions includes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (“The Princess and the Frog” re-imagining of the former Splash Mountain) and a new version of Country Bear Jamboree, both at Magic Kingdom Park.
Addressing the shareholder directly, Iger also mentioned how a recent agreement between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (formerly Reedy Creek Improvement District, the governing jurisdiction of Disney World’s property) will “enable us to pursue the kinds of significant investment in our Florida parks that you’re talking about.”
Additionally, Iger cited Disney’s 10-year, $60-billion investment in its theme parks and experiences globally, saying, “There’s much more coming to our parks around the world, including in Florida.”
Iger used the word “turbocharge” no less than three times during the shareholders meeting in reference to Disney’s approach for park expansion and maintenance, echoing his previous language on the subject.
Iger on D23 and Disney’s “cadence” of park announcements
During today’s meeting, one shareholder asked Iger why Disney hadn’t announced more solidified details of its repeatedly shared (and repeatedly revised) “blue sky” plans for Disney World.
Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences (formerly Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products) presented potential concepts for the parks’ future on two separate occasions in 2022 and 2023 at conventions hosted by D23, the official Disney fan club. These concepts were not formal announcements; they were possibilities.
Photo courtesy of Disney
Such ideas for “what could be” coming to Disney World included an expansion “beyond Big Thunder” at Magic Kingdom and a re-imagining of DinoLand, U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. D’Amaro mentioned Disney villains, Indiana Jones, “Zootopia,” “Moana,” “Coco,” and “Encanto” as potential candidates for these attractions’ focuses.
In response to the shareholder’s question about concrete plans and formal announcements, Iger said, “We disclose these at a cadence … when we have something more tangible to show people.”
Several minutes prior, Iger had teased an “experience” based on the “Avatar” films for Disneyland Resort, but did not detail specifics, the third time he has done so. Iger referred to newly released concept artwork (below) as “creative inspiration” for the project.
Macro View of Disney Parks in 2024
To continue exploring a big-picture viewpoint of the future of Disney theme parks, check out these recent Attractions Magazine stories:
Catch Up on Epic Universe News
Get a sneak peek at Epic Universe with behind-the-scenes videos from its creative designers:
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The problem that wasn’t addressed is the excitement factor. A new theme park or destination is much more exciting than a new ride or a reimagining of a current ride. Even a new land is more exciting. Disney recently opened Avatar Land, but that’s old news now.
Lol these small expansions they’ve been doing over time will mean nothing when epic universe opens next year. This guy is delusional. No wonder Peltz wants to take over Disney.