Every Major Announcement at D23 2024: Ultimate Disney Fan Event
The ever-so-popular D23 Expo Parks Panel happened last night, Saturday, August 10, 2024. Hosted by the one and only Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts, he shared EVERYTHING that is coming to Disney Parks and Cruise Lines over the next few years. And the announcements were EPIC!
I think it’s fair to say that what Disney shared at D23 in 2022 left most Disney fans disappointed, with so many “blue sky” announcements and nothing really concrete. 2 years later, it’s all changed! Every project shared with us is actively being worked on and we’ll start to see them come to life over the next five years. Now, that is exciting!!!
So let’s jump in and talk about everything we learned!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- MONSTERS, INC. LAND COMING TO HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
- KA-CHOW! CARS AT MAGIC KINGDOM
- VILLAINS LAND COMING TO MAGIC KINGDOM
- TROPICAL AMERICAS COMING TO ANIMAL KINGDOM
- TWO NEW LOUNGES COMING TO DISNEY WORLD
- TEST TRACK REIMAGINED AT EPCOT
- NEW ADVENTURES IN STAR WARS: GALAXY’S EDGE
- NEW NIGHTTIME PARADE TO DEBUT AT MAGIC KINGDOM
- AVATAR-THEMED DESTINATION COMING TO CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
- FIRST EVER WALT DISNEY AUDIO-ANIMATRONICS FIGURE
- AVENGERS CAMPUS DOUBLING IN SIZE
- NEW ADVENTURES IN STAR WARS: GALAXY’S EDGE
- COCO ATTRACTION AT DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
- TIANA’S BAYOU ADVENTURE OPENING DATE REVEALED
- THE LION KING ROARS INTO DISNEYLAND PARIS
- WORLD OF FROZEN COMING TO DISNEY ADVENTURE WORLD
- TOKYO DISNEYLAND
- SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND
- HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
WALT DISNEY WORLD
MONSTERS, INC. LAND COMING TO HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Who’s excited for this?? I think the whole Disney universe screamed when this was announced! I can’t wait for this. Construction begins in next year, 2025!
It’s laughter they’re after when Sulley, Mike, and the rest of the crew from Pixar Animation Studios’ “Monsters, Inc.” move into Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and let humans inside the factory for the first time. This will be a surreal moment for sure!
Picking up after the events of Pixar’s beloved film, humans have now been invited to visit the world of Monsters, Inc. — and the monsters need laughter to power the city and keep it running smoothly. But it’s not a true visit without the factory itself. You’ll be able to see the sights, hear the laughs, and zoom through the building just like James P. Sullivan (a.k.a. Sulley) and Mike Wazowski — via a door! Holy cow, this is going to be insane!
We’ve all been dreaming about this for YEARS!!! Our dreams are finally coming true! Josh revealed “You’ll go into the factory and experience the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park. 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.”
KA-CHOW! CARS AT MAGIC KINGDOM
Ka-chow!!!! Zooming to construction in 2025! Start your engines, fan-favorite stories, and characters from Pixar’s “Cars” race into Magic Kingdom Park with two new attractions and fun for the whole family.
And the best part, it’s a whole new story, separate from Radiator Springs that exists in California Adventure in Anaheim.
Josh announced that a brand new area inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios film “Cars” will be coming to a reimagined section of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. “The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon … believing in yourself, carving your own path, and striving toward success. That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou … or a race car from the big city,” Josh told the crowd.
And get ready, let’s gear up for not just ONE but TWO attractions!!
One attraction will invite you on a thrilling rally race through the mountains. Take on wild terrain as you race across the landscape climbing mountain trails, dodging geysers and — Mater’s favorite — splashing through mudholes.
The second attraction will be geared towards them and will be fun for the whole family.
Get ready to start your engines! Work on this new space in Frontierland will begin in early 2025.
VILLAINS LAND COMING TO MAGIC KINGDOM
There’s something WICKED in the air!! Could it be??? What all Disney fans have been waiting for??
Say it ain’t so! Construction begins SOON on Villains Land where SOMETHING WICKED BEGINS… a place where there is no happily ever after. Get ready to see a darker side of your favorite fairytales when the Villains cast a spell over Magic Kingdom.
This is going to be EPIC!! And something Disney fans have craved for decades. A themed land to pay homage to all our favorite Villains!
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.”
Stay tuned for all the nightmarish details!! More to come!!
TROPICAL AMERICAS COMING TO ANIMAL KINGDOM
Sprouting to life in 2027 — Lions, and tigers, Indiana Jones, and the Madrigal family – oh my! Tropical Americas will come to Disney’s Animal Kingdom featuring everyone’s favorite archeologist and the magical casita from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Oscar-winning film “Encanto.”
It’s time to reimagine Dinoland! We’ve known this was coming for quite some time. And while many Disney fans are sad, I think it’s long overdue for this space to be revamped into something new.
This new 11-acre space will transform into a Tropical Americas. Welcome Pueblo Esperanza! Just like Harambe, the land feels lived in, with a long, rich history — plus there’s a large hacienda which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort. Additionally, a woodcarver has created a giant working carousel featuring his favorite animals from Disney stories. It’s a new take on a classic attraction that young families are going to love.
But there’s more….
This new land will include not ONE but TWO signature attractions!
Indiana Jones
A new Indy experience is set to arrive in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, set to replace Dinosaur. But don’t worry, the transformation of this space will happen in phases and according to Josh, there will be plenty of time to ride Dinosaur for one last time.
In this new venture, Indiana Jones has recently discovered a perfectly preserved Maya temple, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to explore it. He’s heard rumors about a mythical creature deep within the temple — and he’s got to see it for himself. So, he brings us along on the adventure… Can’t wait!!
For anyone who’s experienced this attraction in Disneyland, it’s amazing. And I’m so excited it’s coming to Walt Disney World in the form of a whole new experience!
Encanto
The first-ever “Encanto”-themed ride-through attraction (boat ride) is coming to Animal Kingdom, featuring the beloved Madrigal family from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film. Inside the Casita, Antonio has just received his special gift — the ability to communicate with animals — and his room has transformed into a rainforest. It’s time to go explore alongside him, and you never know what member of the family you might bump into…
Construction on the land is set to begin this fall and will open in 2027.
But we’re not done yet….
Zootopia
Zootopia is coming to Animal Kingdom! Replacing the long-beloved It’s Tough to Be a Bug, an all-new Zootopia show is coming to the Tree of Life Theater featuring Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and all their friends from Disney Animation’s Zootopia.
The show, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” will take guests on an adventure through different biomes seen in the film and opens next winter!!
I love that Zootopia will now be represented in the park!!
TWO NEW LOUNGES COMING TO DISNEY WORLD
Coming 2025 — Relax with friends and family at two themed lounges coming to Disney World inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean and Spaceship Earth. Cheers!
The Spaceship Earth Lounge in EPCOT is inspired by the stories, shapes, and enduring legacy of this timeless icon. Taking inspiration from the geometric sphere, the zen space for families to gather and enjoy refreshments will be draped with rich textures and warm metallic tones, giving it a mysterious and elegant intimacy.
And over at Magic Kingdom, a rambunctious watering hole will offer a welcoming haven for all pirate-kind, big and small, and everyone in between. The Pirates of the Caribbean lounge in staged to open in 2025. Here, bandits and buccaneers-to-be from every corner of the seven seas are welcome to join together and raise a toast to the pirate life! In the newly released artwork, X marks the spot for a sea-worthy selection of grogs and grub inside this tavern.
TEST TRACK REIMAGINED AT EPCOT
Racing into 2025 — Explore the past, present, and future of automation with a newly-re-themed Test Track presented by Chevrolet. Buckle up, it might get bumpy!
Test Track will celebrate today’s innovation while highlighting the past, present, and future. The queue will feature six distinct exhibits, and within each room celebrate the vehicles – and people behind the vehicles – that push the envelope and help get people to our next chapter in our motion journey.
New show scenes will be added showcasing technological advances and how our lifestyles and relationships to mobility connect everyone. Enjoy a joy ride through scenes focusing on onboard technology, customization and personalization. Followed by a trip through a scenic outdoor route reminding us all of the joys of driving, taking in the world around us and spending quality time with friends and family.
Construction has already begun so keep an eye out for updates on this one!
NEW ADVENTURES IN STAR WARS: GALAXY’S EDGE
Jump to Lightspeed in 2026 — Mando and Grogu have a new adventure on the horizon coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Join the Mandalorian and his youngling on brand-new adventures coming to Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run in celebration of the new Star Wars film “The Mandalorian and Grogu” coming to theaters in 2026.
NEW NIGHTTIME PARADE TO DEBUT AT MAGIC KINGDOM
Arriving on Main Street, U.S.A. in 2025 — When the sun sets in the Magic Kingdom, a new parade will waltz down Main Street! Get ready to witness “Disney Starlight.” Disney parks around the world also have new spectaculars on the horizon.
We’ve waited so very long for a NEW nighttime parade! I cannot wait to see this!
“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.
DISNEYLAND
AVATAR-THEMED DESTINATION COMING TO CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
Ready for more Pandora?? Sivako! Announced for Disney California Adventure, travel to a whole new corner of Pandora, inspired by “Avatar: The Way of Water” and future Avatar films.
An all-new attraction will take guests on an 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. This new and thrilling excursion will bring all the action, excitement, and wonder of Avatar, taking guests all the way to the wide-open seas of Pandora.
FIRST EVER WALT DISNEY AUDIO-ANIMATRONICS FIGURE
Cue the tears. This is INCREDIBLE!!! Debuting in 2025 — Stop by for a visit when “Walt Disney: A Magical Life” begins playing at the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland. After its initial debut, the show will then play in rotation with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.”
This is EPIC! For the first time EVER, when it debuts in 2025, you’ll actually be able to see Walt Disney through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology in “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.” I have chills just thinking about it.
“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will debut inside the Main Street Opera House, and after its initial run, the attraction will play in rotation with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.” A fitting acknowledgement of Walt’s significant advances with Audio-Animatronics about 60 years ago when he first introduced the groundbreaking technology.
AVENGERS CAMPUS DOUBLING IN SIZE
Assembling SOON — Ready to save the world and galaxy? At Disney California Adventure, Avengers Campus will double in size with the addition of TWO NEW attractions – Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab.
Get ready for a multi-world adventure experience with Avengers Infinity Defense. Technology that allows the Avengers to jump between worlds has gone missing, and King Thanos is using it to wreak havoc everywhere. Recruits will travel to iconic locations like Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City alongside the likes of big, and small, heroes. You also just might find yourself face-to-face with King Thanos, too.
In Stark Flight Lab, you’re going to sit in two-person pods and deploy to a test station. Then a robot arm grabs your pod and starts whirling you around in a simulated flight.
And, a familiar face will join you at the Stark Flight Lab — Mr. Stark himself. Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as Tony Stark for the attractions in the land.
NEW ADVENTURES IN STAR WARS: GALAXY’S EDGE
Jump to Lightspeed in 2026 — Mando and Grogu have a new adventure on the horizon coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Join the Mandalorian and his youngling on brand-new adventures coming to Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run in celebration of the new Star Wars film “The Mandalorian and Grogu” coming to theaters in 2026.
COCO ATTRACTION AT DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
Construction begins in 2026 — Seize your moment! Travel to the Land of the Dead with Miguel and his skeletal family from Pixar’s “Coco” in this all-new attraction coming to Disney California Adventure.
The attraction will be filled with the characters — and music! — you know and love from the beloved movie, as you join Miguel on a trip to the land of the dead. This marks the first-ever “Coco” ride in a Disney park!
Walt Disney Imagineering will draw inspiration for the attraction from beloved classics, like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. “We’re bringing our skeletal cast of characters to life in a big way through the latest Audio-Animatronics technology,” Josh told the crowd. “These figures will appear in ways you’ll have to see to believe.”
Get ready to celebrate everything you know and love about the movie, and music, with work beginning on the attraction in 2026!
TIANA’S BAYOU ADVENTURE OPENING DATE REVEALED
We finally have a date!!! OPENING NOVEMBER 15, 2024 — Blue skies and sunshine up ahead! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure inspired by Disney Animation’s “The Princess and the Frog,” at Disneyland opens at the start of this holiday season.
DISNEY CRUISE LINES
DISNEY CRUISE LINE TO LAUNCH FOUR NEW SHIPS
Setting Sail from 2027 – 2031 – The Disney Cruise Line fleet is expanding, bringing the total number of ships docked around the world to 13. Plus, new details about the Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny were revealed.
Five ships are currently in the fleet, with FOUR NEW SHIPS already in the works. Yes! You heard right. FOUR!
These new, four additional ships will bring the fleet to a total of 13, giving you 13 different opportunities to experience everything that Disney Cruise Line is known for. The ship names, designs, and exciting itineraries are still in development, but go ahead and start dreaming about your next sailing!
Josh revealed that the signature production aboard the Disney Destiny — which starts sailing next year — will be “Disney Hercules,” featuring the music and characters you know and love from the classic Walt Disney Animation Studios film.
And even more new details about the Disney Treasure were revealed — setting sail later this year! — where guests will get to see the brand-new stage production, “Disney The Tale of Moana.” The show will also include a giant 15-foot puppet Te Ka on stage. Incredible!!
DISNEY PARKS AROUND THE WORLD
THE LION KING ROARS INTO DISNEYLAND PARIS
IT IS TIME — Journey with Simba from cub to King in the first-ever ride-through attraction themed to the classic Walt Disney Animation Studios film “The Lion King.”
Also coming to Disneyland Paris, an all-new nighttime spectacular with timeless songs from Disney and Pixar. This moving journey will be told through projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle and – for the first time – down Main Street.
WORLD OF FROZEN COMING TO DISNEY ADVENTURE WORLD
Defrosting in 2026 — Queens Anna and Elsa, Olaf, and everyone else in Arendelle will welcome visitors to the latest land inspired by the beloved Disney Animation film. This new location is sure to melt your heart
TOKYO DISNEYLAND
And, if you’re hoping for more new spectaculars around the world, you’re in luck! The new nighttime spectacular “Reach for the Stars” debuts at Tokyo Disneyland on September 20.
SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND
Webs at the ready, an all-new Spider-Man thrill attraction is coming to Shanghai Disneyland! Peter Parker has gotten himself — and us — in a bit of a tight spot. We’re going to follow HIM – at very high speeds – to get us out of trouble.
HONG KONG DISNEYLAND
Expanding Stark Expo, there’s an all-new attraction coming to Hong Kong Disneyland!
Tony Stark has invited his friend, and new Stark Industries intern, Peter Parker to showcase some new inventions, but unfortunately, that also means this has also caught the attention of one of Spidey’s most formidable villains. While trying to help Spider-Man protect the new tech, guests caught in the middle of the action!
Stay tuned for so much more!!! We’ll continue to share as we receive updates on all these new and exciting projects!
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