D23: The Ultimate Fan Event promised big news, and it truly delivered. The bi-annual fan event took place this year in Anaheim, California, with all eyes on the Disney Parks panel, Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase. There, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, Josh D’Amaro, made some major announcements about the future of the Disney Parks, including new lands, parades, rides, and more coming to Disney World, Disneyland, and the international Disney Parks. While you can read all the announcements in our complete guide, we’re highlighting a few of the big Disney World expansion plan announcements we’re most excited about.
Disney World Expansion Plans
All four Disney World parks will be getting something new, with new lands announced for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom. And for Magic Kingdom, we can expect the largest expansion in the park’s history to take place. Let’s touch on a few of the Disney World expansions we’re most excited to see.
Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
We’re ready to welcome the Family Madrigal to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with an Encanto ride coming along with a new Tropical Americas land. Pueblo Espeeranza is the name of the fictional village guests will get to step inside, an 11-acre area taking over for DinoLand, U.S.A. There, you’ll find the biggest quick-service restaurants in all of Disney World. Additionally, there will be a giant carousel with carved figures themed to your favorite Disney animals. Plus, two signature attractions with a ride based on Indiana Jones, and an Encanto-themed ride.
The concept art for each of the rides has us eagerly anticipating their opening. Over in place of DINOSAUR, a new Indiana Jones attraction will be available, with a brand-new story taking place in an ancient Mayan temple. From the concept art, we can see a similar ride vehicle to Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland Resort, but Disney has revealed that this will be an entirely new, separate storyline. Over at the new Encanto ride, guests can step inside the Casita, where Antonio has just received his gift with his room transformed into a rainforest. While details are sparse, guests can expect to see other members of the Madrigals.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Construction for the land will begin in phases starting in fall 2024, with an opening aimed for 2027. With a phased construction plan, Disney has promised that DINOSAUR will still be avaialble for the near future. While we’ll be sad to see it go, we’re looking forward to these exciting new concepts.
Monsters, Inc. Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
One of the most surprising announcements from D23 was for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which will be getting a new Monsters, Inc.-inspired land. The new land will pick up after the events of Monsters, Inc., where monsters need laughter to power the city. For the main ride, guests can step inside the factory, where they’ll be able to ride a coaster themed to the hanging doors from the film.
The attraction will be notable for being the first-ever suspended coaster available at a Disney Park. Work on the project will begin in 2025, though Disney has not yet revealed where the new land will take place. With the success of fellow Pixar-themed lands like Toy Story Land, we think this can be a huge, exciting addition to the park, with the opportunity for bringing another major thrill ride to Hollywood Studios.
Cars and Disney Villains Land at Magic Kingdom
Some of the biggest news from the night came from the park that started it all at Disney World. Magic Kingdom will have its biggest expansion ever, with two new lands announced for the park. The first is a Cars themed area, which will take guests beyond Radiator Springs (so don’t expect a carbon copy of the land from Disney California Adventure). Taking the place of the current Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America, the land will feature a rally race attraction through the mountains, climbing mountain trails and through wild terrain. The second attraction will be for younger guests, with not many details announced. Construction will begin in phases in 2025.
And the other part of that expansion takes guests Beyond Big Thunder Mountain, with confirmation of a previously teased Disney Villains land. The new land will be home to two major attractions, shopping, and dining, bringing fans face to face with the classic villains they love to hate.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
While details and a timeline are still sparse for the Villains area, concept art reveals what looks to be Maleficent’s Castle, as well as a thrilling coaster track going through thorns. We can’t wait to learn more for this thrilling new addition to Magic Kingdom.
