Major expansions announced for Disney World, Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line
Following the annual D23 fan event, Disney is sharing a ton of exciting announcements that will touch every corner of Disney Parks destinations around the world, including Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, as well as Disney Cruise Line. As a theme park reporter, showcases like D23 are my Super Bowl. These are my Oscars. These are my Olympic Games. They contain the biggest Disney announcements of the year, and Disney certainly didn’t hold back this time.
Josh D’Amaro, president of Disney Experiences, pointed out at the top of the presentation that all of these announcements are in active development, meaning they are no longer in the ambiguous “blue sky” phase. As far as Disney is concerned, the following projects are actually happening! Although many of these announcements won’t come to fruition for a few years, some of these changes will happen very soon. You’ll definitely want to stay up to date on what’s been announced as you prepare for your family’s future vacation to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
Walt Disney World
Let’s start with the largest expansion ever at the Magic Kingdom. We finally learn what is “beyond Big Thunder Mountain.” A reinvented part of Frontierland will be inspired by the Pixar film Carsincluding two brand new rides. Construction of this new section of Frontierland begins in 2025.
That’s not all. A land entirely dedicated to Disney villains is also coming to Magic Kingdom! This land will also have two rides. No specific timetable has been announced, so I would expect completion to be at least a few years away. A villain-themed land was at the top of Disney fans’ wish lists (mine included), so it was a very well-received announcement.
A previously announced Pirates of the Caribbean themed lounge will also be coming to Magic Kingdom sooner rather than later. It will open in 2025. Finally, a new nighttime parade is also on its way to Magic Kingdom. It’s called Disney Starlight and will debut in summer 2025.
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Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also getting a new land inspired by Monsters, Inc.! In this country, guests will be able to visit the world of Monstropolis. The country’s star attraction will be a roller coaster that will fulfill the long-held wish of flying through the warehouse door. It will be the first suspended roller coaster in a Disney park. Construction begins next year.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom continues to work on the previously announced Tropical Americas land that we now know will replace DinoLand USA. Work on that land begins this fall, though D’Amaro noted that fans will be able to take one last ride on Dinosaur. So it looks like DinoLand will close in stages. The tropical America land set will debut in 2027.
Once completed, the Tropical Americas territory will have three attractions. We’re treated to an Indiana Jones-themed ride with an entirely new storyline not found in any other Indy-inspired ride at a Disney theme park, a carousel and a ride inspired by the animated film Disney. Charm. It was also confirmed that a Zootopia-an inspired show will replace “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” in the Tree of Life Theater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The show will debut in winter 2025.
While EPCOT has been light on announcements this year, that park just completed a massive, multi-year transformation that brought new rides and experiences. However, it did spark some love in the form of a new lounge coming to the park. Spaceship Earth Lounge seems like a great place for adults! It will debut in 2025. The new version of Test Track will also officially debut in 2025.
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort also received some very exciting news during the Experiences Showcase. Disneyland park will be celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2025, and it has been announced that there will be a celebration to mark the occasion (which isn’t a big surprise here; Disney loves birthdays).
One of the most intriguing announcements is that an audio-animatronic Walt Disney is finally on its way to Disneyland park. The figurine will be part of a new show called Walt Disney – A Magical Life, located at the Main Street Opera House, home of Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln. Don’t worry, Great Moments won’t go anywhere. After the show premieres with the new Walt animatronic, both shows will be performed in rotation at the theater.
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At Disney California Adventure, it was a completely different story, with many new additions to the park. The first is a new land inspired by the Avatar franchise. The pitch was previously announced, but fans were able to take a closer look at more details. It will feature an all-new attraction “that will bring all the action, excitement and wonder of Avatar to life in a completely new and exciting way.”
A walk inspired by the Pixar film Coco is also on its way to California Adventure. This will be the first experience inspired by the film, “inviting guests to join Miguel on a journey through the Land of the Dead.” The journey begins in 2026.
Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure will also receive two new rides, Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab. This will double the size of the field! Construction of Avengers Infinity Defense will begin in 2025. Another minor but very important final update to Disneyland Resort: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open on November 15!
Disney Cruise Line and Beyond
Disney Cruise Line’s update at the Disney Experiences Showcase was quick, but don’t let that fool you: it was a massive announcement! Between 2027 and 2031, Disney Cruise Line will add four (yes, four) new ships to the fleet in addition to those currently in development. This will bring the size of the fleet to 13 ships by the time all is said and done.
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It was also announced that the Broadway-inspired show coming to Disney Destiny (launching November 2025) will be inspired by the Disney animated film. Hercules. Additional announcements were made for Disney’s international theme parks, including a new “Lion King Zone at Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris,” “Spider-Man-Themed Thrill Roller Coaster” at Shanghai Disneyland and “a major new project”. upcoming attraction at Tomorrowland featuring Spider-Man and one of his most fearsome villains” at Hong Kong Disneyland.
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