Every two years, Disney lovers gather in Anaheim, California, for a massive Disney convention, and this year, D23: The Ultimate Fan Event (previously D23 Expo) was held at the Anaheim Convention Center from Aug. 9-11.
For travel advisors, the event presented opportunities to learn about what’s coming to Disney destinations worldwide, many of which were revealed during the Disney Experiences presentation, which was a separately ticketed event for the first time, held at the Honda Center on Aug. 10.
Disney has promised “turbocharged” investments in its theme parks, and during the presentation, Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, guaranteed his announcements are not “what ifs,” but “will dos.”
Everything we’re going to share is in active development.
"Everything we’re going to share is in active development,” D’Amaro said. “Plans are drawn. Dirt is moving. I just want to be clear about this: We are doing everything you’ve heard here tonight.”
Here are all the major announcements affecting Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
Walt Disney World Resort
Responding to lingering questions from D23 Expo 2022, D’Amaro finally revealed what’s coming beyond Big Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom — and it’s the largest expansion in park history.
Disney listened to fans and is building an all-new, multi-acre land dedicated to Disney villains, including two major attractions along with dining and shopping.
“Be prepared, you poor unfortunate souls,” D’Amaro warned. “It’s going to be a fearless new vision for what a Disney experience can be.”
In addition, beloved “Cars” characters will venture outside Radiator Springs when the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island are transformed into a new “Cars”-themed area, including a brand-new rally race and a family-friendly attraction. Work on the new land begins in early 2025.
It’s going to be a fearless new vision for what a Disney experience can be.
"Anytime we touch Magic Kingdom, we recognize the massive responsibility that exists to get it right and tell stories that connect with our guests,” said Imagineer Michael Hundgen. “We are thrilled to put our guests in the driver’s seat as we — quite literally — explore a new frontier in Frontierland.”
D’Amaro also confirmed that Indiana Jones and “Encanto” are coming to Animal Kingdom in a new 11-acre Tropical Americas area opening in 2027 with two signature attractions.
Disney promises Animal Kingdom’s new Indiana Jones attraction “will be different from any other [Indy] experience around the world," as guests accompany the archeologist on an adventure inside an ancient Maya temple.
Clients will also be able to enter the Madrigal family's magical casita on the first-ever “Encanto”-themed ride-through attraction, as Antonio receives his gift of talking to animals and his room is transformed into a rainforest.
At Hollywood Studios, the first-ever “Monsters, Inc.” land will feature the opportunity to explore the “not-at-all-scary” Monstropolis, including the chance to cruise through the “Monsters, Inc.” door vault (just like Mike and Sulley) on the first suspended coaster ever at a Disney park.
The first-ever Monsters, Inc. land will feature the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park
Credit: 2024 Concept art courtesy of Disney Experiences
“The first time I saw ‘Monsters, Inc.,’ all I wanted to do was ride on one of those doors," D’Amaro said. “Remember in the movie how those claws grab the doors and hoist them up into the air to take them away? We’re doing that, too. And you’re going along for the ride.”
Disneyland Resort
The massive projects are not confined to Orlando, Florida; Anaheim is also getting its fair share, too, including confirmation of a previously announced new attraction for Avengers Campus, and the surprise reveal of a second new ride for the Marvel-themed land in California Adventure.
Avengers: Infinity Defense will take clients on a multiverse-inspired adventure, visiting Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) locations such as Asgard and Wakanda, as clients join forces with heroes including Iron Man, Ant-Man, Black Panther and The Hulk.
The second new Avengers Campus attraction (bringing the land’s total to four) is the all-new Stark Flight Lab, which allows riders to test new flight tech developed by Tony Stark — and clients will encounter different MCU heroes on every ride.
A new Avatar-themed land is also coming to California Adventure, which, according to Imagineer Ali Rubinstein, will be based on the second and third Avatar films (unlike Pandora — The World of Avatar in Orlando).
A new Avatar-themed at California Adventure, will be based on the second and third Avatar films
Credit: 2024 Concept art courtesy of Disney Experiences)
"Guests will go on the adventure of a lifetime in search of majestic natural wonders that can only be found on Pandora, and the beauty — and danger — that come along with the journey,” she said. “This is going to be a dynamic, intense and emotional experience on a grand scale.”
Even more great news for California Adventure fans is that the park will be the location of the first-ever “Coco” ride at a Disney park, which will take clients on a trip to the land of the dead with Miguel.
While not as surprising as the other Disneyland news, we also learned that the highly anticipated Tiana's Bayou Adventure attraction will open on Nov. 15 at Disneyland Park, just in time for the holiday travel season. The attraction opened at Walt Disney World on June 28.
Disneyland Paris Resort
As work continues on the expansion of Disneyland Paris’ Disney Adventure World (the new name for Walt Disney Studios Park), D’Amaro shared that the park's new World of Frozen area — including an all-new version of the popular Frozen Ever After attraction — will open in 2026; but that’s not all.
The first immersive attraction and area themed to the “The Lion King” will also be brought to life in Disney Adventure World.
“This new area — inspired by the unforgettable story that has enchanted several generations of viewers — exists nowhere else in the world,” said Natacha Rafalski, president of Disneyland Paris. “It will make it possible for guests of all ages to make one of their wildest dreams come true: exploring the Pride Lands alongside all their favorite characters.”
The land’s signature water attraction will take clients on a journey into caverns beneath Pride Rock to join Simba as he transitions from cub to king.
Disney Cruise Line
In addition to all the theme park news, Disney also revealed big plans for Disney Cruise Line. Four new ships will join the fleet — so, that means that there will be eight new Disney ships coming soon.
