Magic in the Air: Big Disney Changes Announced at D23 2024!
This was incredible. I am still coming down from my Disney Magic High. As the Disney Adult I am, I had to share my incredible experience at this year's D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Buckle up because this is a wild ride!
A World of Expansion
Let me tell you, the energy in the room was electric when Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, took the stage. He wasn't kidding when he said Disney is on an "accelerated path of ambitious growth and innovation." Promptly followed by, "None of what I'm going to share is a "Blue Sky project," AKA a pie-in-the-sky thing. I knew it was about to get real! As someone who's been to Disney on both coasts multiple times (almost yearly) and Tokyo Disney Sea, I'm honestly pumped about what's coming.
Magic Kingdom: Going Bigger and Bolder
Magic Kingdom is about to undergo its largest expansion ever. Yes, that means scrim walls will be a thing for a while. We are losing Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America, but what's coming is pretty epic. Here's what got me buzzing:
Cars Land: Radiator Springs is coming to Frontierland! It's promised to be a little different from what we have now. It will be more of an off-road rally race, dodging geysers and splashing through mudholes. It will have two attractions, one high-speed for everyone and one especially for younger racers.
Villains Land: Can I just say, IT's ABOUT TIME! This new land promises to be deliciously wicked, with two major attractions, unique dining, and villainous shopping experiences. (Ahem* Disney needs to take this opportunity to make a Yzma and Kronk Coaster from Emperors New Groove... just saying)
Disney Starlight Parade: Summer 2025 will bring a dazzling new nighttime parade to Main Street, U.S.A. Guess who's doing the music? PENTATONIX! They came on stage to announce and sing the song and everything. Heart Flutters all around!
Animal Kingdom: A Tropical Paradise
DINOLAND, U.S.A., is getting a makeover in the Tropical Americas. As someone who's navigated countless families through Disney trips, I can tell you it's long overdue. I will likely get some hate for this, but I loathe Dinosaur the Ride; it's just not my vibe. It's ultimately time, and we will all love what's coming.
An Encanto-themed ride that lets you step into the Madrigal family's Casita? ¡Increíble! Completely curious about how they are going to pull this off. There are so many directions it can go, but the house is a living, breathing thing, and seeing it come to life that way will be a sight to behold.
A reimagined Indiana Jones attraction that promises a brand-new adventure will also be in the land. Now, Indy has had many adventures, so which one will be the subject of this one? Who knows? I just know it will be good. I love the one in Disneyland!
Hollywood Studios: Monsters and Mandalorians
Get ready to scream (with joy, of course):
Monstropolis is coming to life with Disney's first-ever suspended coaster. I can't wait to zip through that door vault! The model looks absolutely killer. It's one of those things I feel Disney can pull off and pull off well.
Over in Galaxy's Edge, Mando and Grogu are joining the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction in 2026. This is the way!
EPCOT and Beyond
EPCOT is also included in the fun. Test Track is getting a makeover, and a new lounge inspired by Spaceship Earth is in the works.
As for Disneyland Resort, brace yourselves...
An Avatar experience in California Adventure based on both Way of Water and the new film that started production a couple of weeks ago, Avatar Fire and Ash. Avatar is such a diverse landscape that it will be incredibly immersive no matter what.
There will be a doubling of Avengers Campus, literally. It's getting two new rides, one called Stark Flight Lab and that King Thanos ride, confirmed, called Infinite Destiny.
The first-ever Coco attraction makes me pumped! All this diversity is so important. We should highlight those characters so that each person who visits the parks can see themselves as being represented in the environment they love.
Planning Your Disney Future
This all sounds great, right?! The next logical question is when? While some of these projects won't open for a few years, it's never too early to start dreaming (or planning!).
My top tip?
Keep in touch with me as I watch those construction dates. Magic Kingdom's Cars Land and Villains Land will start taking shape next year, while Tropical Americas in Animal Kingdom kicks off later this year. These areas might have temporary closures (and some skrim), but don't let that stop you from visiting. There's always Disney magic to be found!
Remember, whether you're a first-timer or a Disney veteran, I'm here to help you navigate these exciting changes and plan your perfect Disney vacation. From scoring those hard-to-get dining reservations to creating an itinerary that hits all your must-sees, I've got you covered.
So, what are you most excited about? The villainous ventures in Magic Kingdom? The tropical vibes in Animal Kingdom? Or are you ready to scream through Monstropolis? Let me know, and let's start planning your next magical adventure!
Until next time, may all your Disney dreams come true!
