The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida is going to look quite a bit different in the coming years as a major project is set to begin.
During the D23 fan event in Anaheim, California, the Walt Disney Company announced major updates coming to its Florida parks. In particular, the Magic Kingdom will see the addition of two attractions based on the Cars franchise of movies, as well as a whole new Disney Villains land.
“Since the beginning, our Disney Villains have given us endless possibilities to tell new stories,” Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro said in a statement. “In this new land, you’ll see storytelling on a grand scale that only Disney can deliver.”
Meanwhile, the new Cars area will feature an off-road rally race and a second attraction suitable for all ages. “As we develop the next generation of Disney Experiences, we’re always looking for new ways to tell the stories people love,” D’Amaro said. “We’re thrilling Cars fans by building on this incredibly successful franchise and creating the next chapter in this story.”
The new Cars attractions will be part of Frontierland and will take over the land currently occupied by Tom Sawyer’s Island and the Rivers of America. No word as of yet as to when those attractions will close.
Animal Kingdom
The new Tropical Americas land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom lets guests explore a preserved Maya temple – and the ensuing adventure – alongside Indiana Jones.
Animal Kingdom will also see an expansion with a new fictional village called Pueblo Esperanza which is part of its new Tropical Americas area. This new village will be your entry to an all-new Indiana Jones adventure ride, and will not be based on any of the existing rides.
There will also be a new ride based on Encanto. The ride will take place inside Casita and is set the day after Antonio receives his gift allowing him to talk to animals.
“With Tropical Americas, we’re bringing huge projects to life for generations of fans,” D’Amaro noted. “This is the type of signature storytelling that our Disney Imagineers have been creating for 70 years.”
The new area is set to open in 2027.
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios will be home to a new land based on Monsters, Inc.. It will include Disney’s first suspended coasters, The Laugh Factory.
“The power of friendship and laughter is at the heart of so many Disney stories – especially Monsters, Inc,” D’Amaro said. “Now we’re giving fans a whole new way to experience this world in a Disney theme park and connect with the characters they love.”
Disney California Adventure
Meanwhile, Disney’s California Adventure will see the Avengers Campus double in size on the West Coast. It will also be joined by a new Avatar area with heavy focus being on the second film and the upcoming sequels.
