During the Disney Experiences showcase at D23 on Saturday, August 10, exciting new developments for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, were unveiled.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairperson of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, announced that a new Indiana Jones-themed ride will be coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. He was later joined by Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Imagineering, to discuss an Encanto-themed ride set to debut in 2027.
Billy Crystal also took the stage to reveal that a Monsters, Inc. land will be added to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, featuring a ride that takes guests through the door factory from the film. This will mark the first-ever suspended coaster at a Disney park.
Read More —Disney+ Raises Monthly Subscription Prices Again
In addition, it was announced that a Zootopia show will debut at Animal Kingdom in 2025, Test Track will reopen at Epcot that same year, and a new nighttime parade will be coming to the Magic Kingdom in 2025 as well. Two new Cars-themed attractions are also in the works for Frontierland.
Disneyland is moving forward with a $1.9 billion expansion project following approval from the Anaheim City Council. Disney Imagineers previously announced plans for a Tropical Americas expansion at Animal Kingdom, set to replace the Dino-Land U.S.A. area. This project will highlight the most biodiverse regions just north and south of the equator in the Western Hemisphere.
At Destination D23 in Florida last September, D’Amaro elaborated on the vision for this expansion, noting, “It’s a beautiful region to explore and has inspired many magical stories over the years.”
Earlier this year, Walt Disney Imagineering filed a 25-page package of permits with the South Florida Water Management District for the Animal Kingdom expansion, indicating significant developments ahead. Last month, they submitted another construction permit in preparation for the expansion.
In July, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District agreed to allow Disney to proceed with plans to invest up to $17 billion in its Orlando resort. This investment will include the expansion of Walt Disney World with a fifth major theme park, along with two smaller parks and hotels.
