PHOTO: a close-up shot of Cinderella's Castle in Magic Kingdom at night lit up in varying shades of pink, purple and blue. Photo by The Signal Managing Editor, Emily Wolfe. — Cinderella's Castle is the icon of Disney's Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Photo by The Signal Managing Editor, Emily Wolfe.

BLOG: A fifth gate is the answer for crowd issues at Walt Disney World

By Emily Nichelle Wolfe Last updated Jul 30, 2019 464 0

With Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge opening Aug. 29 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort, the Disney Parks and Resorts are trying to increase the number of guests who come to the parks. This is part of an overhaul that includes last year’s opening of “Toy Story Land” and the announced attractions coming in the next few years including a Troncoaster in the Magic Kingdom, and Ratatouille and Guardians of the Galaxy rides in Epcot.

The only issue is with more attractions, comes more guests. Take it from someone who worked in the parks, there is not enough room left for the increase of guests.

Disney is already aware of how much guest traffic they will garner as they have already announced the construction of a new transportation system, the Skyliner, and three hotels, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Reflections-A Disney Lakeside Lodge and an unnamed Star Wars-themed hotel. However, while each attraction will allow the park to hold more guests, it simply is not enough to offset the increased attendance.

Having worked at the Magic Kingdom when it reaches the capacity of 100,000 guests. I can say it is an absolute nightmare. If Disney can reach capacity without the Star Wars land crowds, just imagine how many more guests will be to turned away once all the attractions are opened. So, what can Disney do to keep the crowds at a minimum and increase guest attendance? The answer may lie with their competitor.

PHOTO: The tree of life standing tall over the guests. the tree features carved animal elements. The guests are walking on the path in front of the tree surrounded by shops and light fixtures. Photo by The Signal Managing Editor, Emily Wolfe. — The Tree of Life welcomes guests to Walt Disney World’s newest park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom which opened on April 22, 1998. Photo by The Signal Managing Editor, Emily Wolfe.

In the world of theme park resorts, each one is considered a “gate.” So, with Universal Orlando Resort announcing a new gate, Super Nintendo World, many longtime Walt Disney World guests are wondering if Disney will also announce a new park. Walt Disney World has not opened a new gate since 1998’s Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Instead of opening new theme parks, the company has simply expanded the parks they already have. It’s a quick fix, but it does not work forever.

A fifth gate is extremely possible, especially now in 2019. With Disney CEO Bob Iger putting so much money and energy into revamping the Disney Parks and Resorts across the world and the purchase of new land in Orlando, it feels like a new gate is just around the riverbend.

The only issue with a fifth park is the question of theming. The Magic Kingdom explores the idea of various kinds of magic, Epcot is all about different cultures and the future, Disney’s Hollywood Studios wants to bring guests into their favorite films and Disney’s Animal Kingdom aims to inform guests about the relationship between animals and humans. What could Disney do for a new park? Well, a deep dive into the current focus of the Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts could bring some insight.

PHOTO: A zoomed in photo of the "The Haunted Mansion" sign. It is a copper sign that is rusting in areas,; a creepy face with snakes around it and a skull and snakes are also featured on the sign that hangs against a red brick wall. Photo by The Signal Managing Editor, Emily Wolfe. — The Haunted Mansion’s Madame Leota and The Hitchhiking Ghosts are often marketed as a Disney Villain, especially during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Photo by The Signal Managing Editor, Emily Wolfe.

If you have been to the Magic Kingdom in the past few years, it is clear there is an increased focus on the villains of Disney films. With dinner parties, interactive games and a drastic increase in merchandise all surrounding the official Disney Villains line-up, it seems the company is focusing more on the antagonists of their films.

My theory is Disney will announce the fifth gate soon and the theme of this new theme park will be Heroes and Villains. Disney heroes will always be popular and can include protagonists that don’t fall into the traditional role of a prince or princess; here’s looking at you, Hercules. Disney doesn’t need to try and amp up the support for heroes, but they do for villains. That’s why the villains are being used as marketing strategies and have even been the focus of television shows such as “Once Upon a Time” and films like “The Descendents” and “Maleficent.”

A Heroes and Villains park would fit into Walt Disney World perfectly. Here they can build the rumored Moana roller coaster that could also serve as the location for the long-awaited coronation of Moana into an official Disney Princess. Additionally, with the new park, Disney could also adapt some of the newly acquired Fox properties into attractions.

Regardless of if they do a Heroes and Villains park, I think Disney will announce the fifth gate for Walt Disney World at this summer’s D23 convention.