Over the weekend, Disney announced brand-new details about upcoming attractions, parades and lounges in Orlando at the D23 Expo in California. Known as the ultimate Disney fan event, attendees got a sneak peek at new attractions like a ride-through of Casa Madrigal and “Monsters, Inc.” door vault, as well as lands themed after villains and “Cars.” Dare we say… Ka-Chow!
Read on for all the major attractions and expansions coming to the Walt Disney World parks here in Florida.
1. New Villains-themed land
A Villains land is set to be developed behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom, which will be dedicated to the villains you know and love (or loathe) of Disney. With construction set to begin soon, the ominous world will feature two major rides, dining and shopping.
2. A Pixar’s “Cars” land
Also coming to the Magic Kingdom is a detailed “Cars” land, which was announced Saturday with a live rendition of “Life is a Highway” by Shaboozey. This won’t be a carbon copy of Cars Land in California, but more of an off-road adventure with two exciting rides. One will take you on a lightning-fast rally race, while the other one will be geared towards younger racers. Construction on this area will begin next year.
3. A “Monsters, Inc.” door coaster
It’s the ride we’ve all been waiting for and it’ll be at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Set inside a new land based on the Pixar franchise named “Monstropolis,” this ride will feature the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park. Guests will step inside Mike and Sulley’s world and zoom through the door vault from the “Monsters, Inc.” factory. Construction on this land begins in 2025.
4. The “Encanto” casita and ride
At Animal Kingdom, the park will be expanding with a new area called Tropical Americas. Confirmed to open in 2027, it will include the first ride based on “Encanto,” where guests will journey through the magical casita where the films Madrigal family lives. The ride will follow Antonio’s story after he receives his magical gift.
5. An “Indiana Jones” attraction
Tropical Americas will also be home to a new attraction inspired by “Indiana Jones,” which is set to replace the Dinosaur attraction. It will follow a completely new story, unlike existing “Indiana Jones” rides at other Disney Parks, where riders will go on an adventure with the heroic archeologist as he discovers a preserved Mayan temple.
6. “Zootopia” takeover at Tree of Life
It was also announced that Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life will open in late 2025 with a new “Zootopia” show. It will replace “It’s Tough to be a Bug” with an experience alongside Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde through different biomes seen in the film.
7. Magic Kingdom’s Starlight parade
Back at Magic Kingdom, a new nighttime parade named “Disney Starlight” will debut next year. It will run down Main Street, U.S.A. with concept art teasing appearances from characters in “Peter Pan,” “Frozen,” “Encanto” and more.
8. A Mandalorian storyline in Smuggler’s Run
Fans will finally get to see Mando and Grogu at Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Galaxy’s Edge this 2026! A new storyline will head to both Florida and California parks.
9. Two new lounges
Two themed lounges are set to open in Disney World next year — Pirates of the Caribbean and Spaceship Earth! The Spaceship Earth-inspired lounge will open at Epcot, taking elements from the timeless attraction. Pirates of the Caribbean will rightfully take its place at the Magic Kingdom, where the ride also resides.
10. Reimagined Test Track
A newly re-themed Test Track will be returning to Epcot in 2025. Presented by Chevrolet, it will highlight “the past, present, and future,” according to Disney.