Walt Disney World Announces Major Updates: Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic, Tron: Ares Ride Overlay, Cinderella Castle Refresh, and Villains-Themed Land Inspiration
Walt Disney World has announced exciting updates at Magic Kingdom, including a new Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic in Carousel of Progress, a Tron: Ares ride overlay, a Cinderella Castle refresh, and a first look at design inspiration for the Villains-themed land.
Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando has just unveiled exciting updates for Magic Kingdom, and fans of Disney parks are buzzing with anticipation. From an innovative Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic figure to a bold new overlay for TRON Lightcycle / Run, and a reimagined look for Cinderella Castle, there’s plenty of magic on the horizon. Disney Imagineers also revealed stunning architectural inspirations for the long-awaited Villains-themed land, proving that the future of Magic Kingdom is brighter—and more thrilling—than ever.
Walt Disney Joins Carousel of Progress in Audio-Animatronic Form
For the first time in Magic Kingdom history, guests will soon see Walt Disney himself in Audio-Animatronic form at the beloved classic attraction, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.
While details about John, Sarah, and the family’s next chapter remain under wraps, Disney confirmed that Imagineers are keeping the heart of the attraction intact while introducing this iconic experience to a new generation of Disney fans.
Guests can expect a touching tribute to Walt Disney and his optimistic vision of the future, perfectly captured in the attraction’s signature theme, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.”
TRON Lightcycle / Run Introduces Tron: Ares Ride Overlay
The futuristic thrills of TRON Lightcycle / Run are getting a major transformation this fall with the brand-new Tron: Ares ride overlay.
Beginning September 15, guests will dive into a high-speed Lightcycle race surrounded by intense red and orange light trails, replacing the attraction’s current blue and white visuals.
Enhanced by the industrial, adrenaline-charged soundtrack of Nine Inch Nails, this temporary overlay promises a heart-pounding experience unlike anything currently at Walt Disney World.
Cinderella Castle Receives Elegant New Color Palette
I am so excited for this one! Cinderella Castle, the iconic centerpiece of Magic Kingdom, will soon feature a refreshed color palette inspired by the park’s original design. I never cared for the pink 50th Anniversary color scheme, and I definitely think it has overstayed its welcome.
Disney shared a stunning new artist rendering, showcasing shades of gray, cream, and blue, accented by gold details to highlight the castle’s intricate architecture.
For over 50 years, Cinderella Castle has been a symbol of Disney magic, and this new look brings back a timeless elegance while maintaining its grandeur.
Villains-Themed Land Draws Inspiration from Paris and Barcelona Architecture
Disney Imagineering also revealed new details about the highly anticipated Villains-themed land coming to Magic Kingdom.
Imagineers traveled to Paris, France and Barcelona, Spain to study Art Nouveau architecture, taking inspiration from the style’s organic curves, bold colors, and dramatic scale.
Collaborating with art historians and local professors, the design team is crafting an immersive land that captures the dark elegance of Disney’s most iconic villains.
Magic Kingdom continues to evolve while honoring its history, giving guests new attractions, immersive lands, and reimagined park icons to look forward to.
From the emotional debut of a Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic figure to the thrill of Tron: Ares, these announcements ensure that there’s always “a great big beautiful tomorrow” waiting at Walt Disney World.
Darren spent nearly 20 years as an Orlando travel agent, helping families plan unforgettable vacations to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Disney Cruise Line, and beyond. Today, he has transitioned his passion for travel into writing and video production. As a travel writer and producer, Darren shares insider tips, reviews, and in-depth guides through his blog and his travel channel on YouTube, where viewers can explore destinations, resorts, and theme parks with him. You can find his videos here on his Travel Channel.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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More Restaurants are Reopening at Walt Disney World
List of Disney World restaurants reopening soon
Beginning September 11, 2020 reservations will become available for Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom Park. The official reopening date is September 24, 2020, minus the Disney princesses, but you can it’s still one of the most magical atmospheres at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney has not yet provided menu pricing but you’ll be able to choose from roasted chicken breast and beef tenderloin.
Reservations for Cinderella’s Royal Table go live on September 11, 2020
If you’re looking for characters, I’m happy to share that starting on September 25, 2020, Hollywood and Vine will reopen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Minnie’s Halloween Dine and it will feature Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse and their pals. You’ll be able to wave and take pics of the characters while you dine. According to Disney, guests will be served platters rather than walking up to a buffet line. I like this idea better, you’re more likely to contract a foodborne illness from a buffet than from a traditional restaurant. Reservations for Hollywood and Vine - Minnie’s Halloween Dine will become available on September 11, 2020.
Minnie’s Halloween Dine at Hollywood and Vine opens with characters on Sept. 25, 2020
Starting today, Gaston’s Tavern at Magic Kingdom Park reopens. ABC Commissary will reopen on Oct 8, 2020 at Hollywood Studios
For exclusive fall offers, check out the Walt Disney World Hotel Offers Page.
See What's Coming to Magic Kingdom on May 12, 2017
“Happily Ever After,” a new nighttime spectacular that will combine the magic of Disney storytelling, beloved Disney characters, fireworks and so much more, will debut at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort on May 12, 2017.
The Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace will continue to be offered during “Happily Ever After.”
The spectacular will inspire you to seek out and find your own “Happily Ever After” by showcasing some of the greatest adventures Disney characters have taken to achieve their dreams. The show will feature the latest fireworks and pyrotechnics and original animation, plus a heart-tugging original score. And thanks to the inclusion of state-of-the-art projection mapping technology, more Disney characters than ever before will be featured in the show, including moments from “Moana,” “Brave,” “Big Hero 6,” “Zootopia,” “The Princess & The Frog,” “Aladdin” and many others.
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Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
New Castle Show Coming to Magic Kingdom Summer 2016
Beginning this summer, Mickey Mouse and his friends will welcome favorite characters from some of Disney’s newest classics in “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire.”
Beginning this summer, Mickey Mouse and his friends will welcome favorite characters from some of Disney’s newest classics in “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire.” This all-new live stage show makes its debut in June on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage at Magic Kingdom Park,
In the show, Mickey and his troupe of Merry Makers have been preparing to host a joyous festival and have ventured far and wide to invite friends from other lands to join their celebration. From the Land of the Bewitching Bayous, Goofy has invited Tiana, Naveen and Louis to add a little spice of New Orleans jazz to the party. From the Land of the Enchanted Woods, Donald Duck brings some new friends he met at the Snuggly Duckling, and Daisy introduces us to her special guests, Rapunzel and Flynn. Finally, Mickey shares a surprise with Minnie, as he has traveled to the Land of the Mystic Mountains to invite Olaf, Anna and Elsa, who contributes a blast of her icy magic.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Plan a smooth visit to Universal Orlando with this helpful accessibility guide for guests using wheelchairs and mobility devices. Learn how ride transfer requirements work, what to expect in queues, and how to navigate the parks confidently in 2025.