What do you expect from Disney theme parks in 2017?

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Scott Ferraioli: 2017 is going to be a year of building, it appears.  Lots of work is still being done at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.  Disney also announced work in the plans for redesigning EPCOT. As you know, Walt always said his parks would be growing and changing, and it appears that the higher ups are trying to live up to those standards.  I'm sure it will be another great year for Disney, and I hope they have some extra wonderful surprises up their sleeves as well. 

Paul Little: Due to economic and security issues, I think that Disney is going to see a downturn in International visitor attendance in 2017. In order to compensate, I see Disney promoting even more special events in order to draw additional domestic visitors. These types of events might be more RunDisney events and Epcot festivals. I also feel that Disney will capitalize on the excitement that surrounds Disney Springs by adding attractions to the mix. The Starbright Holiday drone show is an example. The site lines around the lake provide a perfect venue for the show, and you can bet that Disney will capitalize on this new technology in 2017.

Kristen Tutas: I expect to see a continuation of upgrades and refurbishments in the parks and new experiences being announced in 2017. I also wouldn’t be surprised if we see more discounts being offered for tickets, dining, shopping etc. in order to boost attendance compared to this year. 

Melissa Mullett: Free Mickey Head ice cream bars? Just kidding! In all seriousness, my expectations from Disney Theme Parks in 2017 is to keep delivering the Magic and Wonder to all families who visit, no matter how young or old, or how many times you have visited.

On a personal level, what's your favorite part of DVC and Disney theme parks in general?

Image: Disney

Kristen Tutas: As someone who grew up visiting Disney World every year, continuing that tradition with my family is very important to me and one of the main reasons I enjoy the DVC program and sharing its benefits with others. I find that most owners who purchase DVC are doing so for similar reasons as well. We are all hoping to create the same magical memories for our children that we remember having when we were young. 

Melissa Mullett: I love the atmosphere. I have been to Disney countless times and stayed on DVC property each time, and quite honestly it is the friendliness of the Cast Members that always makes my stay so enjoyable. Whether it’s a Cast Member welcoming me Home or a Cast Member calling me “Princess” as I get onto a ride, it’s the little things that these people do day in and day out that make my vacation so magical.

Scott Ferraioli: The best part of Disney is being able to escape into a world where everything is as close to perfect as possible. From the food, to the cast members, to the cleanliness of the bathrooms, Disney just gets everything right.  With DVC, you're able to stay in Disney rooms that many people (including myself) never thought they'd be able to afford.  When you leave the theme parks and head back to your DVC resort, it's an extension of the parks. Everything is top notch.  Whether you're watching Wishes from your balcony, drinking your morning coffee next to a giraffe, or relaxing in a sand bottom pool, the DVC resorts are your home.  It's a comfortable feeling of going on vacation but still being where you belong.

Nick Cotton: Right now, it’s all about seeing Disney through my two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Alex.  For example, being able to stay at Boardwalk in October on our DVC points and go to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party with my family dressed as the Guardians of the Galaxy was awesome!  Alex was so excited wearing her Rocket Raccoon costume and getting candy all around the Magic Kingdom.  Although we had been to Disney many times before, that night started the almost daily question of “Are we going to Disney World today?”

Paul Little: The Magic Kingdom has always been and always will be my favorite park. I fell in love when I first visited in 1974. I love the nostalgia of the classic attractions. Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean and even Country Bear Jamboree are must visits. Also, as a former restaurant owner and chef, I am excited by the new dining venues at the parks and Disney Springs. An ongoing complaint about Disney dining is that the menus had been standardized to the point of boredom. The new additions have added excitement back into Disney dining. Venues such as the Boathouse, Art Smith's Homecoming, Morimoto Asia and Deluxe Burger have given diners appealing options when planning their dining experiences.