August 15, 2024
This year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event was packed with thrilling announcements... From new lands inspired by beloved movies to innovative rides and immersive experiences, Disney World is set to offer even more magic and excitement in the coming years. Here’s a roundup of all the exciting new additions announced for Disney World.
MAGIC KINGDOM
CARS
A Cars-themed expansion of Frontierland will take guests beyond Radiator Springs and into the American West. The new area will feature two new attractions including a thrilling off-road rally race and a family-friendly attraction that even the youngest racers will love. Work will begin in 2025 to transform Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America into vast and rugged terrains for the reimagined Frontierland.
VILLAINS LAND
A dark and thrilling Villains Land is set to bring a sinister twist to Magic Kingdom. This new area will celebrate Disney’s most infamous villains, offering thrilling rides, spine-chilling attractions, and devilishly delightful entertainment. From Maleficent to Jafar, this land will be a must-visit for those who love the darker side of Disney magic. No timeline was announced for the expansion, but the new land will feature two major attractions plus shopping and dining.
DISNEY STARLIGHT
An all-new nighttime parade is coming to Main Street, U.S.A. summer 2025. The new parade, titled Disney Starlight, will use the latest technology to bring Disney stories to life after the sun sets.
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
MONSTERS INC.
A new Monsters Inc. land is coming to Hollywood Studios, bringing the world of Monstropolis to life like never before. Taking place after the events of the film, Monstropolis need humans’ laughter to power the city. One new major attraction, the first ever suspended roller coaster in a Disney park, will take guests through the laugh factory on a door like Mike and Sully in the iconic scene from the 2001 film. Work is set to begin in 2025.
MILLENNIUM FALCON: SMUGGLERS RUN
Disney has always said that they plan on bringing new missions to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run... When the upcoming “The Mandalorian and Grogu” movie blasts off in theaters in 2026, it will also touch down at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. A brand-new story featuring Mando and his youngling is coming to Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
ANIMAL KINGDOM
TROPICAL AMERICAS
Animal Kingdom is expanding its horizons with the introduction of the Tropical Americas. This lush new area will bring the vibrant ecosystems of Central and South America to life showcasing new attractions themed to Encanto and Indiana Jones. The 11-acre land, currently Dinoland, U.S.A., will also include a new carousel featuring carved-wood style animals from Disney stories, and what Disney claims will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants in Walt Disney World. Construction begins this fall and should be complete in 2027.
PUEBLO ESPERANZA
Guests will enter the land through Pueblo Esperanza, a fictional village in heart of the rainforest that will feel lived-in, with a long, rich history.
ENCANTO
Encanto will come to life in a new ride-through attraction which takes us through the rooms of the magical Casita and into Antonio’s rainforest.
INDIANA JONES
Replacing Dinosaur is a new Indiana Jones attraction, with Indy exploring a Maya temple on a search for a mythical creature.
ZOOTOPIA
A new show is coming to the Tree of Life Theater based on Zootopia. "Zootopia: Better Together!" will debut Winter 2025. The new show will replace "It's Tough to be a Bug."
EPCOT
TEST TRACK 3.0
Construction on this reimagined experience has already begun and the ride will reopen in 2025. New show scenes will be added showcasing technological advances and how our lifestyles and relationships to mobility connect everyone.
NEW LOUNGE
A new Spaceship Earth-inspired lounge will open in 2025.
With so many exciting new lands, rides, and experiences on the horizon, Disney World is gearing up for a new era of magic and adventure. These additions promise to bring fresh stories, beloved characters, and innovative attractions to life, ensuring that the magic of Disney World continues to captivate visitors for years to come. Whether you’re a fan of classic Disney tales or looking for new adventures, there’s something for everyone in the magical future of Disney World.
Artist concept renderings by Disney
