Anaheim, CA – The Walt Disney Co. recently unveiled a series of significant updates and future plans for its global theme parks, resorts, and cruise lines during the highly anticipated Disney Experiences showcase presentation at D23. Thomas Mazloum, Disney’s Experiences Chief, offered insights into the strategic direction behind these announcements, emphasizing a blend of cherished nostalgia, visionary innovation, and a deep commitment to guest feedback, particularly concerning fan favorites like Figment and the ambitious Tomorrowland refresh.
D23 Showcase: A Hub for Fan Anticipation
D23, Disney’s biennial in-house fan convention, serves as a critical platform for the company to reveal upcoming projects and generate headlines within its vast entertainment empire. This year’s Experiences showcase, held at Anaheim’s Honda Center, adopted a late-night talk show theme, hosted by actor Neil Patrick Harris. Harris, accompanied by a live band, opened the event with a monologue peppered with Disney-related quips, including a humorous nod to his predecessor in the showcase hosting role, Josh D’Amaro, who now serves as Disney’s CEO. His presentation included an animatronic-themed musical number, setting an upbeat tone for the significant announcements to follow.
The event is consistently one of Disney’s most scrutinized, with fans eagerly anticipating major revelations that will shape the future of their beloved destinations. This year did not disappoint, delivering several showstoppers that resonated deeply with the Disney theme park community.
Revitalizing Beloved Icons: Figment and Tomorrowland
Among the most celebrated announcements were the planned refresh of Figment, one of Epcot’s original and most iconic rides, and a comprehensive revitalization of Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. The Figment update is particularly exciting for long-time fans as it includes the much-anticipated return of the Dreamfinder character, Figment’s original companion. This move signals a clear intent to honor the park’s heritage and respond to fervent fan requests. Figment, the whimsical purple dragon, has evolved into a de facto mascot for Epcot, and his ride’s update underscores Disney’s dedication to its original intellectual property.
The Tomorrowland project at Disneyland, one of Walt Disney’s original thematic visions, aims to introduce "new attractions, new open spaces, new places to dream about the future." Thomas Mazloum highlighted the unique significance of this particular Tomorrowland, conceived and designed by Walt Disney himself. "So much of that at the time was based on optimism: Optimism about the future, and this is going to be our North Star as we approach this particular work," Mazloum explained in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He stressed that while changes are inevitable, the core respect for its origins and Walt’s foundational optimism will guide the revitalization, proving the company’s attentiveness to guest input while investing in new generations of experiences.
Mazloum further elaborated on the balance required for such an iconic location. "We also know we need to listen equally as carefully and harmonize what this icon, especially Disneyland, did to the world when it first opened," he stated. His approach emphasizes learning from the past without being solely bound by it, instead using Walt’s positive spirit as inspiration for future creative endeavors.
Strategic Vision from Disney’s Experiences Chief
Mazloum, who succeeded Josh D’Amaro as Disney’s Experiences Chief, shared insights into his initial months leading the division. He described the transition as "very simple and very smooth," owing to his prior working relationship with D’Amaro and his deep familiarity with the company’s businesses. Upon taking the top role, Mazloum embarked on an extensive global tour, visiting every Disney resort and numerous cruise ships worldwide. This immersive experience solidified his conviction in the company’s ambitious trajectory.
"We truly are having more projects currently happening than at any single point in our history," Mazloum declared, emphasizing not just the sheer volume but also the unparalleled creativity involved. He invoked Walt Disney’s famous quote, "Disneyland will never be completed if there is enough imagination left in the world," connecting it to his global travels and witnessing new ideas materialize across the portfolio. This sentiment underpins his belief that constant evolution and imaginative expansion are intrinsic to the Disney ethos.
Balancing Innovation and Nostalgia
While D23 events often showcase a barrage of new Disney intellectual property (IP) integrated into theme parks, this year’s presentation notably shifted focus. Mazloum indicated a concerted effort to highlight the parks’ own existing IP, alongside the new. This includes not only Figment and Tomorrowland but also addressing long-standing guest requests, such as the repair of the Yeti animatronic on the Expedition Everest ride at Animal Kingdom, which has been non-functional for years.
"What that really means to me is that we’re listening to all of our fans and our guests, and specifically that means harmonizing the various demands," Mazloum clarified. He cited examples like Avengers Campus and Coco-themed attractions at Disney California Adventure, which appeal to new audiences, alongside the necessity of revitalizing fan favorites for loyal, multi-decade guests. The strategy is about finding harmony between introducing cutting-edge new lands and ensuring classic attractions remain fresh and relevant.
Mazloum underscored the importance of seemingly minor details like the Yeti animatronic, framing them as fundamental to the "Disney magic" that encourages families to return across generations. "We are immensely focused on attention to details, and our guests, our fans, they genuinely care about our places, our parks, our cruise ships," he stated. He added that fans hold Disney to a high standard for authentic storytelling, a standard the company aims to meet and exceed. Whether it’s a nostalgic ride or a specific animatronic, these elements represent a treasured relationship with the fans that continues to pay dividends.
Broader Portfolio Enhancements
Beyond the significant Figment and Tomorrowland news, Disney also provided updates on other previously announced projects. These include the Cars-themed area and a Villains Land at Magic Kingdom, demonstrating ongoing commitment to expanding popular IP within existing parks.
The Disney Cruise Line, a burgeoning segment of the company’s portfolio, also received substantial attention. A flurry of new ships is slated for delivery over the next five years, including a new, slightly smaller class of vessels. Mazloum noted that these smaller ships would unlock new itineraries in regions like Alaska and Europe, significantly expanding the cruise line’s global reach and flexibility. He characterized the Disney Cruise Line experience as "three vacations in one" – the convenience of a cruise, the immersion in Disney stories, and the appeal of diverse destinations. This value proposition, coupled with the line’s ability to attract a high percentage of first-time cruisers, positions it as a key growth driver, further connecting Disney fans worldwide to its parks and experiences, including a future park in Abu Dhabi. The next Wish-class ship, the Disney Believe, will feature a statue of Moana in its atrium, integrating another beloved character into the fleet.
A Future Shaped by Fan Engagement and Optimism
Ultimately, Mazloum’s vision for D23 and the broader Disney Experiences division is rooted in a deep understanding of its audience and a commitment to continuous evolution. He expressed his hope that fans would witness the immense creativity applied to new experiences and, crucially, recognize how closely Disney is listening to their feedback. The reimagining of favorite attractions, characters, and lands is a direct response to guest sentiments.
The D23 showcase served as a powerful declaration of Disney’s intent to deliver on past promises, demonstrating tangible progress on announcements made two years prior. As Disney’s Experiences Chief, Mazloum is actively shaping a future where the company not only introduces groundbreaking new attractions but also lovingly preserves and enhances the foundational magic that has captivated generations, ensuring that the legacy of imagination continues to grow. This strategic blend of innovation and reverence for its storied past is set to define his tenure and the trajectory of the world’s most influential experiential entertainment business.
