Exciting theme park news was unveiled at the Disney Experiences showcase during D23 on August 10.
Big changes are coming to Walt Disney World!
At the Disney Experiences showcase at D23 on Saturday, August 10, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, revealed exciting updates.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairperson of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, announced a new Indiana Jones-themed ride for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Imagineering, later joined him to reveal an Encanto-themed ride, both slated to debut in 2027.
Billy Crystal then took the stage to announce that a Monsters Inc. land is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This new land will feature a ride through the film’s iconic door factory, marking Disney’s first-ever suspended coaster.
Additionally, it was revealed that a Zootopia show will begin at Animal Kingdom in 2025, and Test Track will reopen at Epcot that same year. A new nighttime parade will also debut at the Magic Kingdom in 2025. Plus, two Cars-themed attractions will soon be added to Frontierland.
Disneyland is also moving forward with a $1.9 billion expansion project after receiving approval from the Anaheim City Council.
Previously, Disney Imagineers announced plans to replace Dino-Land U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom with an authentic Tropical Americas expansion. This project will focus on the most biodiverse regions of the planet, located just north and south of the equator in the Western Hemisphere.
At Destination D23 in Florida last September, D’Amaro elaborated on the concept, calling it a “beautiful region to explore,” which has inspired many magical stories over the years.
Earlier this year, Walt Disney Imagineering filed a 25-page package of new permits with the South Florida Water Management District, hinting at a major expansion for Animal Kingdom. Last month, another construction permit was filed by Imagineering to set the stage for this expansion.
In July, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District agreed to allow Disney to move forward with its plans to invest up to $17 billion in its Orlando resort. These plans include adding a fifth major theme park, as well as two smaller parks and new hotels.
