Changes in Walt Disney World Leadership May Lead to New Projects

Avatarland?  Cars Land?  Are these projects on their way to Walt Disney World?

Rumors are flying as Walt Disney Imagineering executive Vice President in charge of Cars Land project in Disneyland, Kathy Mangum, is changing positions to become Executive Producer for Walt Disney World and will be in charge of all projects at the resort.  This, combined with the previous announcement of an Avatar themed land already in the works with George Lucas leads us to believe that the area currently known as Camp Minnie Mickey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be the location for Avatarland.  Space will be tight at this location.  There’s actually more room between “Africa” and “Asia” at Walt Disney World’s largest theme park, Animal Kingdom.

Disney Research also published information about an interactive plant environment—Botanicus Interacticus—“a technology for designing highly expressive interactive plants-both living and artificial.”  Click here to read more.

Botanicus Interacticus along with the “sightline balloons” seen flying at various elevations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom before park opening lead speculators to believe that Avatarland is coming soon.  Camp Minnie Mickey is currently the home to Festival of the Lion King which is rumored to close and move in January, 2013.  Another big clue. 

Cars Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?  With Mangum’s move to Walt Disney World just after opening the popular Cars Land in Disneyland, the rumors and speculation are even more rampant.  This may be more of wish than anything, but hey, Disney is in the business of turning wishes your heart makes into dreams come true.

It is evident that Walt Disney World is on the move.  Fantasyland Expansion, Test Track refurbishment, more interactive experiences for guests, Next Generation technology for ticket media and Fastpass distribution, Wi-Fi availability, and the addition of DVC accommodations at the Grand Floridian are all evidence that Walt Disney World is not resting on its laurels and continues to lead in the theme park and vacation destination realm.  Just more reasons that keep us coming back!