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The highly anticipated D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event has once again delivered an exciting lineup of Disney Parks announcements, leaving us very eager for the latest additions to our favorite theme parks.
During the Disney Experiences Showcase panel, Josh D’Amaro, Chairperson of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, revealed a slew of new attractions, lands, and experiences set to debut across Disney World.
New Nighttime Parade at Magic Kingdom
In a move that’s sure to delight fans of all ages, Magic Kingdom will soon welcome a brand-new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight.
The parade is set to debut in the summer of 2025 and promises to bring the magic of Disney to life with stunning floats, beloved characters, and upbeat music.
Disney Starlight will feature characters from films like Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen, and more, making it a must-see experience for anyone visiting the park.
Zootopia: Better Zoogether at Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is set to receive an exciting new addition with the upcoming “Zootopia: Better Zoogether” show.
This new attraction will replace the current “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” 3D show held inside the iconic Tree of Life and promises to bring the beloved characters of Zootopia to life in a whole new way.
The show is set to open in winter 2025 and will feature guests visiting the different biomes from the film, traveling along with Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other characters. While we’re sad to see Bug’s Life leave Animal Kingdom, we are excited for a new and updated experience for guests of all ages.
Cars-Inspired Attractions Coming to Frontierland
A reimagined section of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom will soon feature two Cars-inspired attractions, offering a fresh and exciting experience for fans of the popular Disney-Pixar franchise.
The new attractions promise to bring the world of Radiator Springs to life, giving guests the chance to join Lightning McQueen and friends on an unforgettable adventure.
Monsters, Inc. Land Coming to Hollywood Studios
Want some more Monsters Inc. in your life? We surely do! Hollywood Studios will soon be home to a brand-new Monsters, Inc. land.
This immersive new area will feature a door coaster, as well as an incredible environment that promises to transport guests to the world of Monstropolis. The new land is set to be a major addition to the park, offering a brand new experience to anyone who’s dreamed of becoming a monster.
We always thought Monsters Inc. deserved more love than just a fun theatre show!
Tropical Americas Land Coming to Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom will undergo a big transformation, with the addition of two major new attractions to the Tropical Americas land. This land will replace Dinoland USA.
The first, an Indiana Jones attraction, promises to bring the iconic archaeologist to life in a whole new way, while the second, an Encanto-themed attraction, will give guests the chance to experience the magic of the beloved Disney film. The new attractions are set to open in 2027 and promise to be a major addition to the park.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Blast Off into Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
D’Amaro also revealed that a brand-new story featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu will be coming to the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction in 2026.
This new mission will be added to the existing ride experience at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, allowing guests to fly alongside Mando and Grogu on thrilling and dangerous missions.
The new story will be brought to life using Epic’s Unreal Engine, the same technology used to create the virtual sets for “The Mandalorian” series. The update is set to coincide with the release of “The Mandalorian and Grogu” movie in 2026, promising an action-packed experience for fans of the beloved characters.
Villains Land Coming to Magic Kingdom
In a move that left the crowd in roaring applause, D’Amaro announced that Magic Kingdom will soon be home to a brand-new Villains land, dedicated entirely to the iconic Disney villains.
This new area will feature two major attractions, as well as shopping and dining areas, allowing us to tap into our dark sides (No force required!). The new land promises to be a game-changer for the park, offering a unique experience that will appeal to fans of all ages.
Final Thoughts
Wow, what an event this year’s D23 was! There definitely were no blue sky announcements like the team promised, and they delivered!
We have so much to look forward to within the upcoming years, some even right around the corner! Personally, we’re the most excited for the Tropical Americas retheme at Animal Kingdom and of course, the iconic Villains land.
Stay tuned for more Disney info!
