While most Disneyland and other Disney Parks attractions are inspired by movies, some of Disneyland’s most beloved original attractions have provided the creative foundation for movies. Now, the Hollywood Reporter is breaking news that Disney is working on a concept to bring the universe of Disney Parks attractions to life in a whole new way for an episodic streaming show for Disney+.

According to the report, Ron Moore, creator of the Apple+ series For All Mankind and self-proclaimed Disney super fan, is already working to create the new franchise. Disney fans will no doubt be excited to learn that Imagineering staff are collaborating with Moore to develop the series. 

The Hollywood Reporter indicates: 

“The first project in the works as part of the so-called Magic Kingdom Universe is The Society of Explorers and Adventurers, which is set in a world where all the themed lands and characters of the Disney parks and classic films actually exist in another reality.”

While quick to note the suggestions are merely hypothetical and not planned at this time, the report mentions the possibility of the series diving into stories involving captains from the Jungle Cruise, prospectors from Big Thunder Mountain, and climbers of the Matterhorn. 

Disney has previously pulled on this thread by making feature films that are inspired by Disneyland attractions. Those films include the hugely successful Pirates of the Carribean franchise and the notably less successful Haunted Mansion, The Country Bears, and Tomorrowland. The Jungle Cruise movie is set to be released in theaters on July 30, 2021. 

Disney declined to comment on the report, which is not surprising. A series of this significance for Disney fans would surely be officially confirmed at the D23 Expo or some other large media event. 

As we have seen with both Marvel and Star Wars, when Disney decides to explore a “universe” the possibilities are truly endless. Disney Parks and Disney Imagineers have been the source of original creative content for more than 65 years. As Disney continues to pivot and increase its focus on its direct-to-consumer business, it makes perfect sense to tap into those time-tested stories. 

Inspiration