There were a plethora of Disney parks announcements at the D23 fan event this weekend in Anaheim, California.
In addition to new rides, both Disney resorts in the USA will also feature new countries, shows, parades and lounges
Disney is also doing its best to make it clear to fans that the announcements are not just theory, but will become reality over the next five years.
“Everything we’re about to share with you is in active development,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, according to the Disney Parks Blog. “The plans are drawn. The first steps are well underway. I just want to be clear: We’re executing on everything you’ve heard here tonight.”
Most of the changes seem to be taking place on the East Coast, closely followed by the West Coast.
Disney World
Villains Land in Magic Kingdom: This area will house two main attractions: food and shopping.
“This land will be home to the villains you know and those you loathe, which means a happy ending might seem like a distant dream,” D’Amaro said at the D23 event.
Ka-Chow! Cars Attractions at Magic Kingdom: A new addition to Frontierland, one attraction will be a “thrilling rally race through the mountains,” according to the Disney Parks Blog. A second attraction is designed for younger racers and is aimed at the whole family.
New lounges in the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT: Starting in 2025, the Magic Kingdom will have a tavern with the theme “Pirates of the Caribbean”.
At EPCOT, a new Spaceship Earth-inspired lounge will be a “zen space for families to come together and enjoy refreshments that will feature rich textures and warm metallic tones,” Disney said.
New Nighttime Parade at Magic Kingdom: Starting next summer, guests will be able to see “Disney Starlight,” a nod to the earlier and much-loved “Main Street Electrical Parade,” which uses the latest technology to bring characters from “Peter Pan,” “Encanto,” “Frozen” and more to life.
Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom: This includes an Indiana Jones attraction that “will be unlike any other Indiana Jones experience in the world,” Disney said.
In addition, an “Encanto” themed ride is planned, featuring the Madrigal family from the film.
Test Track at EPCOT redesigned: Returning next year, Test Track, presented by Chevrolet, “will celebrate the innovations of today while highlighting the past, present and future,” Disney said.
Monsters, Inc. Land at Hollywood Studios: It may have been nearly 23 years since the film’s release, but fans of James P. Sulivan (also known as Sulley) and Mike Wazowski will soon be able to ride through a vaulted door and “experience the first roller coaster in a Disney park,” Disney announced.
Disneyland/Disney California Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: On November 15, 2024, Disneyland’s replacement for Splash Mountain will open and Critter Country will be renamed Bayou Country.
First-ever “Coco” ride: Opening in California Adventure, this attraction will be filled with characters and music as guests “join Miguel on a journey to the land of the dead,” Disney said.
Walt Disney Imagineering will draw inspiration for the attraction from “beloved classics” such as “Haunted Mansion” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
Avengers Campus: Doubled in size with two new attractions – Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab.
Avatar: “This new and exciting journey delivers all the action, excitement and wonder of Avatar and takes guests to the vast seas of Pandora,” said Ali Rubenstein, Executive Global Management-Creative Development, Walt Disney Imagineering, during the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23.
Last week, Disney warned of sluggish performance of its theme park business in the third quarter.
Disney’s Experience segment, the business unit that operates theme parks, cruises and consumer products, generated revenue of nearly $8.39 billion and operating income of $2.22 billion for the three-month period. Those results represented an increase of 2% and a decrease of 3%, respectively, from a year ago.
