The Walt Disney World Updates You Need to See (D23)
Want to catch up on all the news for Walt Disney World? Here are the new rides and experiences announced during D23 Event 2024 that are coming to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
MONSTERS, INC. LAND JOKES AROUND AT HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS 2025 — It’s laughter they’re after when Sulley, Mike, and the rest of the crew from Pixar Animation Studios’ “Monsters, Inc.” move into Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and let humans inside the factory for the first time.
Picking up after the events of Pixar’s beloved film, humans have now been invited to visit the world of Monsters, Inc. — and the monsters need laughter to power the city and keep it running smoothly. But it’s not a true visit without the factory itself.
You’ll be able to see the sights, hear the laughs and zoom through the building just like James P. Sullivan (a.k.a. Sulley) and Mike Wazowski — via a door!
Yes, a door. If you’ve been dreaming of riding through the door vault since the movie was released in 2001, you’re not alone
You’ll go into the factory and experience the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park.
Remember in the movie how those claws grab the doors and hoist them up into the air to take them away? Disney is doing that, too. And you’re going along for the ride.
DISNEY CARS COMING TO MAGIC KINGDOM
ZOOMING TO CONSTRUCTION IN 2025 – Start your engines, fan favorite stories and characters from Pixar’s “Cars” race into Magic Kingdom Park with two new attractions and fun for the whole family.
“Cars” will be coming to a reimagined section of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom.
Don’t get too comfortable in Radiator Springs because it’s time to leave the pit stop and head west into exciting new frontiers. On this adventure, guests will be able to experience not one but two exciting new “Cars”-themed attractions.
Are you noticing the scenery in the background? This looks amazing - and will add an incredible amount of detail to Frontierland in Magic Kingdom!
One attraction will invite you on a thrilling rally race through the mountains. Take on wild terrain as you race across the landscape climbing mountain trails, dodging geysers and — Mater’s favorite — splashing through mudholes.
But what about smaller racers? The second attraction will be geared towards them and will be fun for the whole family.
Get ready to start your engines! Work on this new space in Frontierland will begin in early 2025.
VILLAINS LAND AT MAGIC KINGDOM
SOMETHING WICKED BEGINS CONSTRUCTION SOON — This is no happily ever after. Get ready to see a darker side of your favorite fairytales when the Villains cast a spell over Magic Kingdom.
Disney remains pretty vague on this new land but shared the following:
The evil ambition of all these Villains means that the possibilities are endless for the stories that can be told — and visitors to the dark and thorny land should be prepared for whatever chaos might come their way.
We will now have 2 evil lands in Orlando as Universal announced plans for a classic monsters land for Epic Universe.
TROPICAL AMERICAS AT ANIMAL KINGDOM
SPROUTING TO LIFE IN 2027 — Indiana Jones, and the Madrigal family will be the center of a new Tropical Americas land that will come to Disney’s Animal Kingdom featuring everyone’s favorite archeologist and the magical casita from “Encanto.”
Work on this new 11-acre section of the park is set to begin later this year. Just like Harambe, the land feels lived in, with a long, rich history — plus there’s a large hacienda which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort.
The space will be lush and sprawling, featuring a large fountain in the center where the villagers like to gather and tell stories. Additionally, a woodcarver has created a giant working carousel featuring his favorite animals from Disney stories. It’s a new take on a classic attraction that young families are going to love.
That’s not all that will be located here – the new land will include not one but two signature attractions!
Indiana Jones at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A new Indy experience is set to arrive in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and will be different from any other Indiana Jones experience around the world.
In this new venture, the man with the hat has recently discovered a perfectly preserved Maya temple, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to explore it.
He’s heard rumors about a mythical creature deep within the temple — and he’s got to see it for himself. So, he brings us along on the adventure… but will there be snakes? We’ll just have to wait and see.
Encanto
If you’re a fan of drawers, floors, and doors, let’s go! The first-ever “Encanto”-themed ride-through attraction is coming to Animal Kingdom, featuring the beloved Madrigal family from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film.
Inside the Casita, Antonio has just received his special gift — the ability to communicate with animals — and his room has transformed into a rainforest. It’s time to go explore alongside him, and you never know what member of the family you might bump into…
Construction on the land is set to begin this fall and will open in 2027 — but don’t worry, you’ll still have plenty of time to experience Dinosaur again (and get that dino).
And, elsewhere in Animal Kingdom, there are more exciting updates coming, too! The newest show coming to the Tree of Life Theater features Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and all their friends from Disney Animation’s Zootopia. The show, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” will take guests on an adventure through different biomes seen in the film and opens next winter.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
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.
Search articles
Recent Articles
Orlando Travel Guides
See what I’m up to in the theme parks.