This weekend’s D23 Expo was packed with thrilling announcements! As a result, they set the Disney fan community abuzz. From new attractions and lands at the parks to expansions in Disney Cruise Line. So, let’s take a deep dive into all the highlights!
D23 Announcements: Disney World Parks
Walt Disney World will gain two exciting new lounges. One is themed around Spaceship Earth in Epcot. Another is based on Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom. Both open in 2025.
*For current promotional deals and discounts on a trip to Disney World in 2025 click HERE.
Animal Kingdom Theme Park
To start, Animal Kingdom Theme Park is undergoing a major transformation. The “Zootopia Better Zoogether” show will debut in winter 2025. It will replace the current “It’s Tough to be a Bug” show at the Tree of Life.
Ultimately, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be undergoing a massive transformation with the new “Tropical Americas land”. This area will include an Indiana Jones adventure set in an ancient Maya temple. It will also feature a new attraction based on “Encanto”.
Guests can explore the magical Casita Madrigal and will include a family-friendly carousel and a large hacienda-style quick-service restaurant.
Hollywood Studios
In 2025, construction will begin on a “Monsters, Inc. land”, featuring the first-ever suspended coaster in a Disney Park. This land will immerse guests in the world of Monstropolis, allowing them to ride through the iconic door factory.
*Update 11/2024: Disney announced the planned closure of Muppet’s Courtyard on Grand Ave to make way for the new Monstropolis. Find more information HERE.
Also in Hollywood Studios, at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride gets a Mandalorian-themed makeover. Guests will join Mando and Grogu on new, perilous missions.
Disneyland’s version is also getting this new addition. It honors the new Star Wars movie. This movie features the Mandalorian and Grogu and is set for theaters in 2026.
Magic Kingdom
This might be the most exciting update at D23! Magic Kingdom will see the addition of a Cars-themed land in Frontierland with 2 new attractions. According to Disney Parks Blog, “The Rivers of America will become a vast terrain. Tom Sawyer Island will turn into rugged terrain”.
One of the biggest reveals was the introduction of a “Villains Land” at Magic Kingdom! This new area will immerse guests in the world of Disney’s most notorious villains. It will include two attractions, dining, and shopping beyond the space of Big Thunder Mountain.
Lastly, Magic Kingdom is getting a new nighttime parade! “Disney Starlight” will debut on Main Street U.S.A. in 2025.
EPCOT
Test Track, in EPCOT, currently closed and under “reimagining”, is getting a whole new theme. Explore the history and future of automation when the ride re-opens.
D23 Announcements: Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort will also see some retheming and additions. Let’s go over the plans for each new area!
Disneyland Park
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, in Disneyland Park, will open on November 15, 2024. Scheduled: the surrounding Critter Country area rebranded as Bayou Country to align with this new attraction.
A first-ever Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney himself will host a new show at the Main Street Opera House. Once the initial show has made its debut, it will rotate show times along with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln”.
Disney’s California Adventure
A new “corner of Pandora” will open in California Adventure Park. It is inspired by “Avatar: The Way of Water” and future Avatar films. Meanwhile, fans of Pixar’s “Coco” will be able to join Miguel and friends on a new attraction. Construction begins in 2026.
Avenger’s Campus will see an expansion, doubling its size and introduce 2 new attractions. Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab will join Web Slingers and Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout on campus.
D23 Announcements: International Disney Parks
Disneyland Paris is opening a new Lion King-themed area, complete with a ride through the caves beneath Pride Rock. It’s joining the area of the park renamed as “Disney Adventure World”.
Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland will both be home to new Avengers experiences in their parks.
D23 Announcements: Disney Cruise Line
Disney announced a significant expansion to its cruise fleet! Four new ships are scheduled to be delivered between 2027 and 2031.
The upcoming Disney Destiny will feature a stage show based on “Hercules.” The Disney Treasure will host “The Tale of Moana.”
The D23 announcements underscore Disney’s commitment to enhancing its storytelling and guest experiences across the globe. The Expo this weekend brought a flurry of exciting announcements across Disney’s theme parks and beyond. Major updates were unveiled. New projects are set to transform the Disney experience in the coming years.
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(The Walt Disney Company) (D23) (Disney Parks Blog).
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