At this year's D23 Expo (Disney's ultimate fan event), Disney unveiled an extensive lineup of upcoming projects across Disney theme parks and beyond, including a wave of exciting announcements for Orlando's Walt Disney World. Here's a glimpse of what Disney has in store for the coming years, spanning theme parks, films, and more!
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For the top things to do at Orlando attractions, be sure to bookmark our Theme Parks & Water Parks Guide for Kids.
Pixar's Cars gets its own attraction at Disney World's Magic Kingdom, within a transformed Frontierland.
D23 News for 2024: Orlando
Magic Kingdom
Disney will soon begin the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom's history, beginning with the transformation of Frontierland. The re-imagined area will feature a new section inspired by Pixar's Cars franchise, replacing the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island with rugged terrains perfect for a rally race. The expansion will include two new attractions: a thrilling race through mountainous landscapes and a family-friendly ride. In addition to the Cars area, a new land dedicated to Disney Villains will sit beyond Big Thunder Mountain, featuring two major attractions, dining, and shopping.
Also at Magic Kingdom, a new nighttime parade called "Disney Starlight" debuts in summer 2025. This dazzling parade will feature cutting-edge technology to bring beloved characters like Peter Pan, Anna and Elsa, and the Madrigal family to life.
Go inside the colorful world of Monsters, Inc. at its suspended coaster set to build at Hollywood Studios.
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios will gain a Monsters, Inc.-themed land that includes Disney's first-ever suspended coaster, transporting guests into the world of Mike, Sully, and the Laugh Floor. Construction is expected to begin in 2025. Additionally, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will receive a new mission in 2026, featuring popular characters Mando and Grogu from The Mandalorian.
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is undergoing a massive transformation with a new 11-acre Tropical Americas land, featuring Pueblo Esperanza, an open-air market, a quick-service restaurant, and three new attractions. Replacing DinoLand U.S.A., this new land will feature an Encanto-themed ride that takes guests inside the magical Casita and into Antonio’s rainforest room, along with an Indiana Jones attraction that re-imagines the current Dinosaur ride system. A Zootopia-themed show titled Zootopia: Better Zoogether! will also debut at the Tree of Life in winter 2025, replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug.
EPCOT
Epcot will see the introduction of a Spaceship Earth-themed lounge in 2025, designed to be a relaxing space for families. Also opening in 2025, Epcot’s Test Track is undergoing a major overhaul, featuring six new exhibits and enhanced show scenes that celebrate technological advances in the automotive industry.
RELATED: Visiting Every Park at Walt Disney World with Kids: A 5-Day Itinerary
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Disney California Adventure welcomes visitors to the world of Pandora upon riding Avatar: The Way of Water.
D23 News for 2024: Anaheim
Disneyland
In 2025, Disneyland's Main Street Opera House will introduce a new show, "Walt Disney – A Magical Life," featuring the first-ever audio-animatronic figure of Walt Disney. This lifelike figure will be set in a recreation of Disney's studio office, blending the past, present, and future of Disney storytelling. The figure is described as the most realistic human animatronic ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering.
Go loco for Coco at the new boat ride set to start construction in 2026 at Disney California Adventure.
Disney California Adventure
At Disney California Adventure, fans of Avatar and Coco have much to look forward to. The park will introduce a new Avatar-themed attraction, inspired by Avatar: The Way of Water. This attraction will immerse guests in the world of Pandora, bringing the magic of the film to life. The park will also debut its first-ever Coco-themed ride. Set to be a boat ride, this attraction will take guests on a musical journey through the world of Coco.
California Adventure’s Avengers Campus will expand next year with two new attractions: Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab. The former will offer a multi-world adventure through Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City; the latter will provide a simulated flight experience.
RELATED: See Disney California Adventure Park Like a Local: Inside Tips for a Great Visit with Kids
More D23 News for 2024
Expansion of Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line will expand its fleet to 13 ships, with the addition of four new ships between 2027 and 2031. Currently, the fleet consists of five ships in operation, with four others already in development.
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The Greatest Showman on Broadway
A stage musical adaptation of The Greatest Showman is in development by Disney Theatrical Group, featuring the Academy Award-nominated songs of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Details on the production timeline and cast will be announced later.
Upcoming Disney Movies
Early-stage films in development include Toy Story 5, Frozen III, Zootopia 2, and Incredibles 3. Additionally, Moana 2 and Mufasa: The Lion King are set to release later this year, with a live-action Lilo & Stitch coming in summer 2025.
All photos are artist renderings courtesy of The Walt Disney Company/Disney Experiences