Major changes at Disney parks divide fans

At Disney’s D23 convention, a flurry of new announcements thrilled adult fans. Then, they found out what was being replaced.

For Disney fans, this summer has been a roller coaster of emotions. For some, excitement around a slew of new attractions has soured after the company announced what would be shuttered to make way for the changes.

In early August, fans were thrilled to hear about plans for a long-awaited “Villains Land” and two new “Cars” rides at its Magic Kingdom park in Florida, as well as a “Monsters, Inc.” land at Hollywood Studios.

But in the wake of the announcements, excitement has dampened as Disney fans have learned about the loss of classic and atmospheric attractions in favor of franchise-driven rides that will draw huge crowds.

On Aug. 12, the Monday after D23, Disney’s annual fan convention, the company announced that it would transform the “Rivers of America” waterway, riverboat ride and Tom Sawyer-themed island in Magic Kingdom into the new “Cars” attractions. The move would replace a large original part of Disney World.

The negative reactions to the news have included complaints that Walt Disney’s vision for the park is being destroyed, that Disney is valuing crowd capacity over themed design and that a formerly calm respite from the Magic Kingdom crowds will become yet another long line for a loud, frenetic attraction.

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/internet/disney-new-announcements-d23-park-land-cars-rcna167598

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