D23 Expo Excites Walt Disney World Fans with a Lengthy List of What’s To Come
We’re not talking hopefuls this year. We’re talking promises. Promises of what will come to fruition in the coming years at the Walt Disney World theme parks. You could tell from the venue alone that this year was going to be different. Disney finally laid their cards on the table. It was a hand that surprised guests, dispelled rumors, and gave fans something to look forward to in the coming years.
Magic Kingdom
Here’s a rundown of what was announced for Magic Kingdom.
- A new Nighttime Parade called Disney Starlight.
- 2 (Two) new Cars-themed attractions
- A Villains-themed Land
- Pirates of the Caribbean-themed Lounge
We’ll start with an announcement that immediately brings a smile to the nostalgic, a new nighttime parade will debut at Magic Kingdom in 2025. Per Disney:
A new nighttime parade “Disney Starlight” will come to Magic Kingdom in Summer 2025 using the latest technology to bring Disney stories to life and will feature moments from fan-favorite films like Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Peter Pan,” “Frozen” and “Encanto.”
A new nighttime parade wasn’t the only news that surprised and delighted guests of the Ultimate Fan Event. Disney also announced that two new attractions inspired by Cars would serve as an extension of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. Per Disney:
Coming to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom, a new area themed to Pixar Animation Studios’ “Cars” will leave Radiator Springs and head to the wilderness with two new attractions including an off-road race.
When? Per Disney, work on this new space in Frontierland will begin in early 2025.
Soon after, a long-rumored subject was addressed. Magic Kingdom will get a Villain-themed land. Per Disney:
The space will be home to two major attractions, dining, and shopping on an incredibly twisted grand scale. “Be prepared, you poor unfortunate souls,” Josh teased. “It’s going to be a fearless new vision for what a Disney experience can be.”
When? Preparation is already underway for this new land.
Lastly, at Magic Kingdom, a new lounge themed to Pirates of the Caribbean is scheduled to open in 2025.
Hollywood Studios
I’m not sure if anyone was expecting this next announcement, which left fans floored and immediately demanding a counter question: Where are they going to put it? A Monsters, Inc. Land (yes, land) will be built at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, introducing the first ever (and of its kind) suspended roller coaster at a Disney Park. Per Disney:
A new land themed to Pixar Animation Studios’ “Monsters, Inc.” is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Taking place after the events of the film, Monstropolis need humans’ laughter to power the city. Guests can even ride on a door like Mike and Sully in the iconic scene from the film with Disney’s first-ever suspended coaster.
When? Work on this project is slated to begin in 2025.
So at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we can expect:
- A Monsters, Inc. themed land.
- A Monsters, Inc. coaster attraction
- New Missions for the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
But wait, there’s more.
Mando and Grogu will jump to lightspeed in a brand-new adventure coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney Parks!
When? This new mission will debut when The Mandalorian and Grogu film hits the big screen in 2026.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we have more definites on the transition of Dinoland, USA, to the Tropical Americas, a new 11-acre themed land. Construction is set to begin later this year.
So far, we know the land will feature:
- A Hacienda Quick Service Restaurant (the largest at Walt Disney World)
- A Giant Carousel with Wood-Carved Animals (from favorite Disney stories)
- An Encanto-themed ride inspired by the Madrigal family.
- A re-theme of Dinosaur to an Indiana Jones-themed ride.
Also, for Animal Kingdom on Discovery Island.
- Zootopia Tree of Life Show (Coming Soon)
Here are a few more details with images released by Disney.
A new attraction themed after the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Encanto follows Antonio the day after he receives his magical gift—the ability to communicate with animals. It is situated in the new Tropical Americas land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Next, we have a preview of Disney’s concept art featuring a Maya temple that will be home to the Indiana Jones attraction.
The new Tropical Americas land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom lets guests explore a preserved Maya temple – and the ensuing adventure – alongside Indiana Jones.
Lastly, the Tropical Americans will include a giant working carousel featuring wood-carved animals, perfect for families.
When? Per Disney: Construction on the land is set to begin this fall and will open in 2027 — but don’t worry, you’ll still have plenty of time to experience Dinosaur again (and get that dino).
Another mention for Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the new Zootopia Tree of Life Theater show Zootopia: Better Zoogether.
When? Next Winter
Epcot
At Epcot, guests can expect “a brand-new experience when a reimagined Test Track presented by Chevrolet races into EPCOT in 2025.”
A new lounge inspired by Spaceship Earth is also expected to be constructed. It is expected to open in 2025.
Wow! Going into this weekend, I don’t believe that anyone expected such a lengthy list of new attractions or lands to be announced for Walt Disney World. Let’s hope that dirt starts moving at an accelerated pace. I don’t know about you, but we can’t wait to see growth in the parks and have the opportunity to make new memories with our loved ones.
In the Comments
What do you think of these announcements? Is there anything that surprised you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
