Straight From D23 — Disney Unveils Avengers Campus Expansion, Villains-Themed Land, Encanto Attraction, and Monsters Inc. Land
Disney fans received thrilling news on Saturday at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line, and Disney’s collaboration with Epic Games unveiled an unprecedented slate of new offerings and expansions, all designed to bring beloved Disney stories to life in exciting new ways.
“Everything we’re sharing tonight is actively in development. This isn’t just Blue Sky,” emphasized Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, referencing the early brainstorming phase of Walt Disney Imagineering projects. He assured the sold-out crowd that “we’re doing all of it,” which was met with thunderous applause.
D’Amaro revealed a host of exciting plans, including four new cruise ships and six new themed lands that will immerse guests in stories like Monsters, Inc., Cars, Indiana Jones, Encanto, Avatar, The Lion King, and the classic Disney Villains. He also announced 14 brand-new attractions, including the first-ever Coco-themed ride at Disney California Adventure Park, where guests will join Miguel on a journey through the Land of the Dead. Additionally, five new shows and nighttime spectaculars are coming to Disney Parks worldwide, including Disney Starlight, a new nighttime parade set for Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.
On August 10, 2024, at the Honda Center, Billy Crystal took the stage during the Disney Experiences marquee showcase. D’Amaro, along with Disney Imagineers and creative leads from Disney’s film studios, shared breaking news with an eager audience. Thousands of fans were treated to appearances by stars and storytellers in a high-energy event. Beloved Disney Legend Billy Crystal announced a Monsters, Inc.-themed land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. Meghan Trainor surprised the crowd with a stirring rendition of “Feed the Birds” from Mary Poppins, while D’Amaro unveiled the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom’s history. Shaboozey then performed a new rendition of “Life Is a Highway” to announce a Cars-themed area, and Rita Ora closed the show by singing “Trust in Me” to introduce a Villains-themed land, which was met with roaring approval from the audience.
Key Announcements from Disney Experiences at D23
Disney Villains, Cars, and Magic Kingdom’s Largest Expansion
Magic Kingdom, the world’s most-visited theme park, will undergo its largest expansion ever. Disney’s iconic villains and the Cars franchise will find new homes here. The expansion will feature two new attractions, dining, shopping, and more, all centered around the wickedly wonderful Disney Villains. “Our Disney Villains have always provided endless opportunities for new stories,” said D’Amaro. “In this new land, storytelling will be on a grand scale that only Disney can deliver.”
Fans of Pixar’s Cars were thrilled to learn that the franchise is also coming to Magic Kingdom. In a reimagined section of Frontierland, guests will embark on two new attractions: a thrilling off-road rally race and a family-friendly ride perfect for the youngest racers.
Esperanza, Encanto, and Indiana Jones
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World is set to receive a new land called Tropical Americas. Guests will explore this area through Pueblo Esperanza, a fictional village deep in the rainforest, rich with history. This new land will feature two signature attractions: a thrilling adventure with Indiana Jones in an ancient Maya temple and a journey through the Casita Madrigal from Encanto, following Antonio’s story. A beautiful carousel featuring animals from favorite Disney stories will also be included, making it ideal for young families. Tropical Americas is slated to open in 2027.
Monsters, Inc. at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, already home to Toy Story and Star Wars attractions, will soon welcome the Monsters, Inc. franchise. A new land will offer guests a tour of the Laugh Factory, with an exciting new attraction—the first-ever suspended coaster in a Disney Park—beginning construction next year.
Avengers and Avatar at Disneyland Resort
New lands and attractions are coming to Disneyland Resort. D’Amaro announced that Disney California Adventure Park will expand Avengers Campus, doubling its current size to house two thrilling new Marvel-themed attractions. Meanwhile, the popular Avatar franchise will bring an innovative new attraction to Disney California Adventure. Inspired by Avatar: The Way of Water and upcoming films, this attraction will immerse guests in the excitement and wonder of the Avatar universe.
Additional Updates
The first-ever Audio-Animatronics® figure of Walt Disney will debut next year in Walt Disney – A Magical Life, a new show at Disneyland Park’s Main Street Opera House. After its debut run, the show will rotate with fan-favorite Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
Disney also announced an expansive collaboration with Epic Games, bringing Disney storytelling into the gaming world. During the event, D’Amaro, joined by creative leads from Disney, introduced new Disney Villains, The Incredibles, and The Mandalorian skins coming to Fortnite, along with a trailer for the next Marvel season featuring Doctor Doom, debuting on August 16.
Finally, Disneyland Paris will celebrate The Lion King’s 30th anniversary with the first-ever ride-through attraction themed to the film. This water attraction will take guests through the caves beneath Pride Rock, following Simba’s journey from cub to king, alongside dining, shopping, and character meet-and-greets.
For more details on these exciting announcements from D23, visit the Disney Parks blog.
