How 9/11 Changed Disney’s Pop Century Plans (Ep. 596)

Len Testa and Jim Hill dig into Disney’s latest theme park attendance numbers, new Lakeshore Lodge concept art, Disneyland’s possible return to an old favorite, and some surprisingly revealing guest surveys. Listener questions cover everything from GLP-1 drugs and Disney dining to the possible return of Tables in Wonderland and new retail ideas for Disney Springs. Then Jim begins the history of Disney’s family suites by tracing how global events repeatedly reshaped Walt Disney World hotel plans, culminating in the stalled second half of Disney’s Pop Century Resort after 9/11.

NEWS

• Walt Disney World reports a 3% increase in domestic theme park attendance during Disney’s fiscal third quarter.

• Disney adds a new preshow to Zootopia: Better Zoogether to help guests follow the attraction’s story.

• New Lakeshore Lodge concept art reveals the resort lobby, Moon Glade restaurant, Bay Lake Provisions, and other dining spaces.

• Disneyland rumors suggest the Main Street Electrical Parade could once again return in 2027.

• Universal announces Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness and Killer Klowns from Outer Space for Halloween Horror Nights.

FEATURE

• Jim looks back at Disney hotel projects that were dramatically altered by world events, including the proposed Asian Resort at Seven Seas Lagoon.

• The COVID-19 pandemic upends Disney’s ambitious plans for EPCOT and Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration.

• Disney begins developing Pop Century as another massive value resort near the Wide World of Sports complex.

• After 9/11 sends tourism and hotel occupancy plunging, Disney halts work on Pop Century and leaves the unfinished Legendary Years buildings standing for nearly a decade.