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New themed lands to reimagined attractions: Everything coming to Disney World after D23

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New themed lands to reimagined attractions: Everything coming to Disney World after D23

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Do not talk to any Disney World fan or theme park fanatic about anything else for next few weeks. Or ever.

An extraordinary amount of expansion and new projects were announced for the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks during 2024’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California.  

Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro unveiled several new details for never-before-seen WaltDisney World additions during Saturday’s “Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase. Magic Kingdom alone is seeing a historic level of expansion over the next few years.

What is D23 Expo 2024?

“D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event” is a one-of-a-kind, multi-day fan experience showcasing various storytelling and innovation from across the worlds of Disney. Founded back in 2009, it is considered the “official fan club” for the Walt Disney Company. 

“D23 in 2024 has been reimagined to be more expansive and more immersive than ever before, with three packed days of showcases with stars and storytellers, sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes moments, thrilling performances, shopping, surprises, and more,” its description writes.

It typically takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center in Anaheim, California, this year’s happening from Aug. 9 through Aug. 11.

What was announced for Walt Disney World theme parks at D23?

From a land dedicated to fan-favorite villains to updates on anticipated new rides, here are some of the biggest reveals for Disney World’s four theme parks during Saturday’s Disney Experiences Showcase:

D23’s biggest parks announcements: See all announcements for each Disney park

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom saw the most announcements during D23. For starters, “Ka-chow” — Lightning McQueen and its friends are coming to Orlando.

According to Disney, a section of Frontierland will be reimagined with the Pixar movie with two new attraction. One of the rides will invite guests on a “thrilling rally race through the mountains.” Concept art shows similar designs to the “Radiator Springs Racers” at Disneyland.

“Take on wild terrain as you race across the landscape climbing mountain trails, dodging geysers and — Mater’s favorite — splashing through mudholes,” Disney writes online.

The second attraction will be geared toward smaller racers and the entire family. Construction for the land will begin in 2025. 

Magic Kingdom is also getting a bit more wicked, as a new land dedicated to Disney villains coming. A place where poison apples are aplenty and magic potions can ruin your whole day, Disney teases.

The space will be home to two major attractions, as well as additional dining and shopping. They did not reveal when construction would begin.

Additional announcements for the park included a Pirates-themed tavern opening next year in Aventureland and a new nighttime parade called Disney Starlight, coming in the summer of 2025.

EPCOT

Buckle up. The newly reimagined Test Track will open next year.

“Walt Disney Imagineering is working together with Chevrolet to push innovation forward with this reimagined attraction, celebrating the evolution of mobility over the last 100-plus years while highlighting the past, present and future,” Disney officials write.

A new Spaceship Earth-inspired lounge is also set to open in 2025. Officials said it will be inspired by the stories, shapes and enduring legacy of the iconic attraction.

Hollywood Studios

You’ll get a chance to practice your best techniques, such as “scary feet, scary feet, scary feet,” with some of the best scarers in the business. Only this time … they’re not looking for screams. It’s laughter.

Monsters, Inc. land is coming to Hollywood Studios, with construction beginning in 2025. It will be the first Monsters, Inc.-themed land in any of the Disney parks.

Picking up after the events the beloved Pixar film, the new land invites humans to visit their world — but it’s not a true visit without the factory itself. Guests will travel through Laugh Factory doors in the first suspended coaster in any Disney park. 

Just make sure to fill out your paperwork beforehand, as Roz is always watching.

Animal Kingdom

Replacing DinoLand U.S.A., the Tropical Americas-themed land will open in 2027 in a phased approach.

The 11-acre section of the park will house Pueblo Esperanza, a “lush and sprawling town featuring a large fountain where villagers like to gather and tell stories.” Officials said it have an open-air market and a large hacienda, which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World.

The new land will also include three new attractions:

  • Centered on Indiana Jones, guests will venture inside a Mayan temple where Indy’s discovered a new place to explore amid rumors of a mythical creature living deep within the temple.
  • The first-ever “Encanto”-themed attraction will bring casita to life as guests join the beloved Madrigal family on the day Antonio receives his special gift, the ability to communicate with animals
  • Guests will also get to enjoy a beautiful carousel featuring intricate wood carvings of animals from Disney stories, created by an Esperanza resident.

A new Zootopia Better Together show is also coming to the park, opening Winter 2025 in the Tree of Life Theater.

How many Disney parks are there?

Wondering what other Disney parks there are beyond Orlando? Obviously there are the parks out in California but did you know there are parks in other countries?

There are 12 theme parks across six resorts in North America, Europe, and Asia, which include:

  • Disneyland Resort
    • Disneyland
    • Disney California Adventure
  • Walt Disney World Resort
    • Magic Kingdom
    • EPCOT
    • Hollywood Studios
    • Animal Kingdom
  • Tokyo Disney Resort
    • Tokyo Disneyland
    • Tokyo DisneySea
  • Disneyland Paris
    • Disneyland
    • Walt Disney Studios Park
  • Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
  • Shanghai Disney Resort

How do I get D23 tickets? See membership plans ahead for next year

Fans can sign up for D23 membership at D23.com, which gets you exclusive discounts and access to special events and merchandise. The three tiers for membership include:

  • Gold Membership ($99.99/year)
  • Gold Duo Membership ($129.99/year)
  • General Membership (complimentary)

Contributing: Eve Chen, USA Today

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