When it comes to the future of Walt Disney World, there’s nothing fans love more than engaging in wild speculation. Whether it’s the long-rumored re-theme of the Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or the closure of Dinosaur at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there have been plenty of theories over the years that have gotten fans excited about what could be next at Walt Disney World.
Though some rumors seemingly come out of left field, here are some that we’ve recently seen online that we can’t help but pay attention to!
1. Pecos Bill will be closing soon to make way for a new restaurant inspired by Princess and the Frog
Earlier this month the official Disney Parks Blog made a cryptic post teasing that something new would be announced for Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom. A lot is happening in this area of the Magic Kingdom right now as the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction is getting ready for its debut later this year and the Country Bear Jamboree is also getting an extensive upgrade. So what else could be in the works for Frontierland?
Rumors are currently circulating about a retheme happening at the Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn and Cafe restaurant that would tie it to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, creating a New Orleans mini-district inside of Frontierland. This seems very likely as Princess and the Frog fans have been clamoring for a proper Tiana’s Palace restaurant for years, and Disneyland has actually already opened its own version of this iconic fictional restaurant.
Though Pecos Bill’s has long been a tex-mex stalwart in Frontierland, we’d say that this rumor has a very good chance of being true, and we’d expect an announcement very soon from Disney confirming the change to Tiana’s Palace.
2. The Simpsons may be on their way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
This is an interesting rumor that comes to us by way of the Universal Orlando Resort rumor mill. According to insiders, Universal Orlando Resort is speeding up the exit of The Simpsons property from the park, and could be eyeing a 2024 closure for The Simpsons ride, as well as the larger Springfield area. If this does indeed come to pass, it would free up The Simpsons characters, which are now owned by Disney, to be used at Disney Parks.
Many have wondered if Disney’s Hollywood Studios could be an eventual home for these characters, as this park has historically housed characters from Disney’s various TV properties. Nothing is set in stone right now, and a lot will depend on what kind of closing timetable Universal decides on for their Simpsons area (technically they have until 2028, when their contract runs out), but this is definitely something to keep an eye on.
3. Spirit jerseys may be discontinued
Our final rumor this month doesn’t even concern attractions, but something that is perhaps just as important to Disney fans: merchandise. According to several sources on social media, Disney is slowly introducing a new “Celebration Crew” line of tops which are similar in form to Spirit Jerseys, but are made with different materials that are less expensive to produce, meaning they also retail for less as well.
Currently, Spirit Jerseys are still for sale at Disney Parks and on Shop Disney, but if you can’t get enough of this iconic apparel item, we’d suggest grabbing your faves as soon as possible just in case they don’t come back…
