Hollywood Studios: Toy Story Midway Mania expansion

Though Toy Story Midway Mania is in desperate need of some extra space, Disney hasn’t released any official word on a possible expansion. That doesn’t keep the rumors from churning, however.

What we know:

• Toy Story is arguably the most popular ride at Walt Disney World, and wait times regularly exceed two hours or more. Of all the rides at Disney World, most guests would agree that this one is the most in need of additional space.

• Disney recently performed a test on the Toy Story Midway Mania queue. For a time, they only allowed guests with FP+ reservations on the ride. The standby queue was completely shut down (or used for FP+ only), so guests without a reservation were simply out of luck.

• Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post, which was located at Soundstage 1, near Toy Story Midway Mania, was removed on September 28, 2014. It’s now located on the Streets of America. So far, Disney hasn’t released any information on what may occupy the empty Soundstage 1 spot.

• A permit was issued titled “Project 3-DHS Soundstage 1 Renovation.” It expires in September 2016; that’s plenty of time for a large project, such as a renovation, to take place.

• The contractor on the permit is listed as Whiting-Turner; this company has worked with Disney on other attractions in the past.

• The Studios Backlot Tour, which is also located near Toy Story Midway Mania, was officially closed on September 27, 2014.

What we’ve heard:

The most popular conjecture about this project is that it’s an expansion of the current Toy Story Midway Mania ride and will include an additional track.

This theory is supported by the removal of the Studios Backlot Tour and relocation of Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post--and also by the permit, of course. The name “Project 3” makes sense if a third track is added to the current ride.

Of course, this is all just a rumor at this point. Another idea that’s been passed around for a while is a possible Cars Land addition at Hollywood Studios. With the current information, however, the Toy Story Midway Mania addition seems much more likely, though only time will tell, since Disney’s keeping mum on the subject.

Animal Kingdom: Africa expansion

The area from Africa to Asia in Animal Kingdom is quite congested. Disney worked to fix this problem with the addition of the Harambe Theatre—but they may not be done yet.

What we know:

• There’s been a construction area hidden from view in the works for over a year now.

• The Harambe Theatre has already been finished and opened in June of 2014. It showcases the Festival of the Lion King show; both the standby and FP+ queue lines are almost completely covered areas.

• The new Harambe Theatre area has significantly lessened the crowds in Africa.

• Disney released concept art on November 20, 2014 that seems to show an additional Harambe project.

What we’ve heard:

The general consensus is that the new area will feature a Harambe Marketplace. It’s expected to have a new quick service restaurant that will feature walk-up windows and African cuisine. New merchandise locations are expected as well. The whole area, along with the Harambe Theatre, is expected to double the original size of Africa.

Perhaps the most exciting news is that a new walkway will run from Africa to Asia. This should greatly help the congestion problem that currently plagues that spot. Of course, Disney hasn’t released official word yet, but the concept art looks quite promising.