Last night, the Honda Center was packed with 12,000 of the biggest Disney fans in the world to hear what’s new and what’s next for the Disney theme parks around the world. In this article, we’re going to cover everything announced at the Disney Experiences showcase for Walt Disney World. We’ll not only take a look at what was announced, but we’ll also take a look at the timelines offered by Walt Disney World, and when you might be able to expect to ride the new attractions and visit the imagined lands.
Disney Starlight – New Magic Kingdom Nighttime Parade
An all-new nighttime parade is coming to Magic Kingdom in Summer 2025. The new parade, titled Disney Starlight, will use the latest technology to bring Disney stories to life after the sun sets. The announcement was made by former Disney Live Entertainment Cast Members Rachel Potter and Eden Espinosa.
Here’s the official description from Disney:
“Disney Starlight” will continue the nighttime spectacular legacy started by the “Main Street Electrical Parade” using the latest technology to tell new stories about the characters you love. All of this is brought to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy, in addition to beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios films “Peter Pan,” “Encanto,” “Frozen,” and more.
Indiana Jones Ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Heading over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we make our way to the DinoLand USA section of the park, where Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro was joined by Walt Disney Imagineering President Bruce Vaughn. As previously announced, the DinoLand USA section of the park will be reimagined into a Tropical Americas-themed land. One of the IPs that will be featured in the land is an Indiana Jones-themed attraction.
Replacing DINOSAUR, the unnamed Indiana Jones ride will take guests into a perfectly preserved Maya temple. Of course, “perfectly preserved” can only mean one thing to Indiana Jones – it’s time to explore. Indy has heard rumors about a mythical creature deep within the temple — and he’s got to see it for himself and we’re happy to tag along!
Disney says that this Indiana Jones ride in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be an all-new adventure and that it will therefore be different than any other Indiana Jones ride in the world. The ride appears to be reusing the DINOSAUR attraction vehicle, and the layout of the ride is expected to remain the same, but Disney didn’t confirm those details.
Construction on the DinoLand USA reimagining project is set to begin this fall, but Disney says that the work will be carried out in phases and that guests will still have plenty of time to ride DINOSAUR before it needs to close. That said, the entire land will be completed and open in 2027.
Encanto Attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The second IP for the Tropical Americas project at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the first-ever attraction based on Encanto. The ride will be situated where the former Primeval Whirl attraction was, and when Disney says that construction will occur in phases and begin this fall – they’re likely referring to the Encanto attraction being the first piece of the puzzle. Note that the entire land is scheduled to open in 2027.
The attraction is set on the day after Antonio receives his magical gift – the ability to communicate with animals. The ride will take guests into the magical casita, which will come alive in front of our eyes. According to Vaughn, the whole house will “feel alive, just like in the film”.
It looks like guests will be riding along in various pieces of furniture, which Castia has brought to life to allow us to tour the house. Ultimately, we’ll end up in Antonio’s room, which is the rainforest scene pictured below in the concept art released by Disney.
Disney Character Carousel at Animal Kingdom
A third attraction planned for the Tropical Americas land is a family carousel, created by the town’s woodcarver featuring some of his favorite animals from Disney stories.
Hacienda Quick-Service Restaurant
Another part of the Tropical Americas land is a large hacienda (one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort), which will feature regional food. This is likely going to take over the space where Restaurantosaurus currently is.
“Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” Tree of Life Show
The new Tree of Life show based on Zootopia has received a name and opening season. The show, which will replace “It’s Tough to be a Bug”, is called Zootopia: Better Zoogether! and it will open in winter 2025 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. A closing date for “It’s Tough to be a Bug” has not been announced at this time.
Here’s a look back at previously released concept art.
New Spaceship Earth Lounge at EPCOT
A grand and miraculous lounge has been announced for Spaceship Earth, which has been the iconic centerpiece attraction for EPCOT for more than 40 years. This just-announced lounge is inspired by the stories, shapes, and enduring legacy of this timeless icon. Taking inspiration from the geometric sphere, the zen space for families to gather and enjoy refreshments will be draped with rich textures and warm metallic tones, giving it a mysterious and elegant intimacy.
The Spaceship Earth lounge will open in 2025 at EPCOT.
Update on Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern at Magic Kingdom
Set course for the Magic Kingdom! First announced at Destination D23 last year, this rambunctious watering hole will offer a welcoming haven for all pirate-kind, big and small, and everyone in between. Here, bandits and buccaneers-to-be from every corner of the seven seas are welcome to join together and raise a toast to the pirate life! In the newly released artwork, X marks the spot for a sea-worthy selection of grogs and grub inside this tavern location coming to Magic Kingdom Park.
The Pirates of the Caribbean tavern will open in 2025 at Magic Kingdom.
New Test Track 3.0 Details
While there was no new concept art released for the Test Track reimagining currently underway at EPCOT, Disney did share new details about the 3.0 version of the ride. It was also announced that Test Track would reopen in 2025.
Walt Disney Imagineering is collaborating with Chevrolet to push innovation forward and celebrate humanity’s enduring drive (pun intended) on the thrilling road to a brighter tomorrow. But, before we get too far down this winding road, Test Track will celebrate today’s innovation while highlighting the past, present, and future. The queue will feature six distinct exhibits, and within each room celebrate the vehicles – and people behind the vehicles – that push the envelope and help get people to our next chapter in our motion journey.
New show scenes will be added showcasing technological advances and how our lifestyles and relationships to mobility connect everyone. Enjoy a joy ride through scenes focusing on onboard technology, customization and personalization. Followed by a trip through a scenic outdoor route reminding us all of the joys of driving, taking in the world around us and spending quality time with friends and family.
Construction on this reimagined experience has already begun, and eagle-eyed visitors might already have picked up on the fact that the new exterior harkens back to the original pavilion design.
Two “Cars” Attractions Coming to Magic Kingdom
Heading back over to Magic Kingdom, Disney expanded on plans previously referred to as Beyond Big Thunder Mountain during Blue Sky sessions. The plans have shifted considerably from the first iteration of the idea that included a Coco-themed area and an Encanto-themed area. With those films being represented in other corners of Walt Disney World, plans have shifted to an area with two Cars attractions.
It’s probably important to note that Disney said that they are building two Cars attractions as part of a reimagined Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. That is, they are not necessarily building a Cars Land for Magic Kingdom. Instead, two attractions will take guests past Radiator Springs and into the American West.
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.
Disney says that work will begin in early 2025. An opening date was not given, but we’d imagine a 3-5 year build is not out of the question, and even likely.
New Mandalorian & Grogu Story for Smugglers Run
Disney is finally making good on a promise from what seems like a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. Disney has always said that they plan on bringing new missions to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and Dave Filoni announced that they’ll be doing just that.
When the upcoming “The Mandalorian and Grogu” movie blasts off in theaters in 2026, it will also touch down at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. A brand-new story featuring Mando and his youngling is coming to Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
In a classic two-birds-one-stone scenario, Disney will develop the Mandalorian content alongside development of the new movie. Lucasfilm uses the same 3D creation tool, Unreal Engine, as is used for Smugglers Run, so it will be “easy” to create this new mission.
As previously noted, the new Mandalorian & Grogu mission will debut in 2026 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and in Disneyland.
Monsters Inc. Land Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
An all-new land is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios based on the Monsters Inc. movies. 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!
If you’ve been dreaming of riding through the door vault since the movie was released in 2001, you’re not alone — Josh D’Amaro has been thinking about this, too. “The first time I sawMonsters, Inc., all I wanted to do was ride on one of those doors like Mike and Sulley,”he told the crowd.“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? We’re doing that, too. And you’re going along for the ride.”
Disney says that work on the Monsters Inc. land will begin in 2025. An opening date has not been announced, but we can probably expect a 3-5 year build time, with an opening near 2030 possible.
Villains Land Confirmed & Details Released for Magic Kingdom
The presentation ended with an announcement that Disney World will receive Disney’s first-ever Villains-themed land and that it will go in Magic Kingdom. Previously announced for the Beyond Big Thunder Mountain project, it’s very likely that the Villains Land would end up at the back of the Rivers of America and possibly even impact the Rivers. Disney has not announced details on the location of the land beyond Magic Kingdom park somewhere.
The new land will encompass all your dreams-er, nightmares. The space will be home to two major attractions, dining, and shopping on an incredibly twisted grand scale.
Josh D’Amaro says that work is currently underway at Magic Kingdom to bring the Villains Land to life. An opening date was not announced for Villains Land, but we expect it to open sometime in the next 2-5 years.
That wraps up our article about the new experiences, attractions, and more announced at the D23 Expo Disney Experiences showcase, but we’ll have plenty more coverage from the D23 Expo later today, and in the days to come!
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
