Disney World rumor roundup: Atlantic Dance Hall closing and 15 others to watch

When it comes to Walt Disney World there is so much happening that is not immediately revealed that a closed ride, an innocent change to operating hours and or a fan’s deepest wish can spark a rumor.

Much of the rumors circling around Disney World are based on hopes of guest, discussions among staff and the actual truth. Changes in a budget, problems with construction and differences in future direction can place items that are on a drawing board into the trash can.

What may be based on truth or seem logical may change. So until Disney comes out and makes it official, it’s all rumor.

Normally, we keep an eye on the projects that have been confirmed. But we also keep track of rumors. Here’s the latest look at some of the some others that are still around. Rumors that have come up since the last time we checked in are labeled NEW.

(If you’re looking for other places that keep track, check out the DisBoards rumor thread and the WDW Forum Rumor tracker. Both of these sites are fantastic and great resources.)

NEW Atlantic Dance Hall closing: Yes, there is still a club on Disney property and this is the final one. If you have never heard of it, it’s located at the Boardwalk Resort. The rumor, as reported by the Save Pleasure Island blog, is that it will close, but continue to ask as an event center for rental. The night club aspect venue would cease.

Animal Kingdom

Rivers of Light changing: In 2017 Jim Hill reported that the Rivers of Light will be replaced by a new show focusing on Disney characters, specifically those from “The Lion King.” There has been no more rumors out on this.

Zootopia land coming: The rumor mill has been hot and heavy for over a year of the possibility of another major expansion taking place at Animal Kingdom, this one involves a new Zootopia land being built. 

Epcot

New pavilion(s) for World Showcase: There have always been rumors over the years of new pavilions being constructed around the World Showcase ever since Norway was added in 1988. The strongest contender so far has been an expansion of Brazil.

UK Pavilion attraction: There have been a number of rumors that an attraction will be added to the rear of the UK Pavilion where The British Revolution plays. The one rumor that has been the strongest is a Mary Poppins attraction that could be a carousel.

Coco replacing Gran Fiesta: There has been a lot of talk about Coco taking over the Gran Fiesta Tour in the Mexico Pavilion.

Spaceship Earth renovation: WDWNT has reported that  Spaceship Earth will close for over two years in 2020 for a major renovation.

Imagination Pavilion: There have been numerous rumors over the years of a complete revamp to the Imagination Pavilion to the return of the of the Dreamfinder. Nothing has been very concrete and all are hopeful something will be finally changed to this pavilion.

Magic Kingdom

NEW Updated Halloween and Christmas fireworks: There have been some reports of the Halloween and Christmas fireworks this year being updated to include more projections on the Cinderella Castle.

Replacing Stitch’s Great Escape: There have already been reports that this ride is being dismantled and the rumor is that a Wreck-It-Ralph attraction will be replacing the ride.

Tomorrowland Speedway: There have been a lot of rumors over the years about this attractions future. Now that the track will be slightly altered due to the construction of the new Tron attraction coming, the latest rumors have that the cars will be replaced with electric vehicles.

Enchanted Tiki Room: There have been a number of rumors associated with this attraction, including, scrapping the show completely to altering it by adding Moana to the show.

New nighttime parade: There have been long rumors that a nighttime parade will return to the Magic Kingdom for the 50th anniversary in 2021. The last daily night parade, the Main Street Electrical Parade, ended at the Magic Kingdom on Oct. 9, 2016.

Mickey’s Philharmagic Update: There are a variety of rumors that the ride will be updated with updated interactive experiences and scenes from newer films.T

Hollywood Studios

NEW Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage! closing: Now that a Beauty and the Beast singalong has been announced for Epcot, there is talk that this show – which has been around since 1991 – at Hollywood Studios will close. There have long been rumors about this closing. Will it be replaced? Speculation recently came from Jim Hill, who has mentioned Tangled.

Indiana Jones land: The big rumor is that Disney will be creating an Indiana Jones land at Hollywood Studios that could coincide with the release of the next movie in 2021. There had been some talk about how an Indian Jones Land would be coming to Animal Kingdom, but that would not seem to fit into the Animal Kingdom motif.