Epic Changes Coming to Walt Disney World Announced at D23
During the D23 Disney Experiences Showcase a plethora of new and exciting attractions and experiences were announced for Walt Disney World.
During the showcase Disney Chairperson of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Josh D’Amaro brought a number of special guests on stage to help announce these incredible new experiences coming to Walt Disney World in Orlando.
Animal Kingdom
Indiana Jones is coming to Animal Kingdom. As one of two attractions that will replace Dino Land, the Indiana Jones attraction will be a completely new story different from any other attraction Disney has done on this story.
The attraction will take place in an ancient Mayan temple and there are rumors of a mythical creature deep in the temple. Guests will go along with Jones on this wild adventure.
As part of this Dino Land transformation, guests will walk from Discovery Island into the Village of Hope where guests will find themselves in the heart of a lush green forest with Spanish style buildings.
Here you will find a big hacienda and a carousel with animals from Disney stories. Although this isn’t the most thrilling attraction, Walt loved carousels and we love this idea. It brings nostalgic Disney and storytelling together, something Disney fans are constantly complaining they want more of. So, we don’t want to hear a single complaint about this carousel because this is what you have been asking for.
On the other side of town guests will find a familiar famous house. And here we have the first ever Encanto attraction in a Disney park. This attraction will bring the magical casita to life.
As guests walk into the casita the whole house will feel alive. The attraction will be a slow boat ride through the casita beginning on the day Antonio receives his gift which allows him to communicate with animals. Casita has brought furniture to life and throughout the journey through the rooms guests will be immersed in the story of Encanto complete with familiar characters. The attraction will end in Antonio’s room which has been transformed into a rain forest.
The entire land will debut in Animal Kingdom in 2027.
The previously announced Zootopia attraction/show which will replace A Bug’s Life in Animal Kingdom will open winter 2025.
Hollywood Studios
And… wait for it. “There’s more to life than Scaring”… because Billy Crystal came on stage and announced that the first ever Monsters Inc Land is coming to Hollywood Studios.
As we look at the renderings it does look as though it could be going to Muppets Courtyard. But, it could also be going to the massive void where Launch Bay is. Both spaces are ideal for new lands.
Regardless of where it goes, guests will visit Monstropolous and tour the laugh factory.
The land will include the first ever suspended coaster to come to a Disney park which is beyond exciting!
Construction on this new land will start next year.
But wait! We’re not done! Not even close.
Magic Kingdom and Epcot:
Disney fans, start your engines! Because Cars is FINALLY coming to Disney World. Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom will be the new home Mater, McQueen and all their friends! Two new attractions are coming to this new space. A mountain ride and a ride for the littlest racers. One ride looks similar to Radiator Springs but with a new story which we absolutely LOVE.
Construction on this area will begin early 2025.
A new nighttime parade, brand new, not the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade, but a brand new parade will debut at Main Street in 2025.
According to a statement from Disney, “Disney Starlight” will continue the nighttime spectacular legacy started by the “Main Street Electrical Parade” using the latest technology to tell new stories about the characters you love. All of this is brought to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy, in addition to beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios films “Peter Pan,” “Encanto,” “Frozen,” and more.
We are over the moon, or maybe over the castle with this announcement. This is definitely something we have been looking forward to for a long time. I better dust off my Main Street Electrical Parade ears I never got to wear because I’ll bring definitely bring them out for this new parade.
Two new lounges will be opening in Disney World in 2025.
At Epcot, a new Spaceship Earth themed lounge will open providing the perfect spot to stop, relax, grab a bevvy and watch the Epcot nighttime show.
A second lounge at Magic Kingdom, themed to Pirates of the Caribbean, will offer pirates and buccaneers the chance to break bread or drink rum, or both! This lounge was previously announced but we did get news about it opening in 2025.
Test Track at Epcot is being reimagined and the update will include a new ride and new exhibits. This is currently under construction and will open in 2025.
Just when we thought that was the last of the announcements, the Magic Mirror appeared and told Josh D’Amaro he had neglected his promise. On that note, D’Amaro revealed Magic Kingdom will be home to a brand new villains land. This land will feature two major new attractions, dining, shopping and will bring Disney storytelling to live on a grand and villainous scale.
This new land will draw inspiration from some of our favorite villains including Ursula, Gaston, the Evil Queen and more.
Well, we're exhausted from all this excitement and we can’t wait to experience all of this magic in the coming years.
