The D23 Expo 2024 Disney Experiences Showcase was a whirlwind of thrilling announcements for Disney Parks around the world. From new lands to attractions, Disney unveiled a treasure trove of experiences that will transport guests to beloved worlds and create unforgettable memories. Let’s dive into the exciting news!
Villains Take Over Magic Kingdom
Get ready for a deliciously wicked experience! Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is adding a dedicated Villains Land, promising a unique land where mischief reigns supreme. Two major attractions, exciting dining options, and unique shopping experiences will immerse visitors in the world of infamous Disney villains. The Disney Parks Blog teases a world where “poison apples are aplenty and magic potions can ruin your whole day,” leaving “happily ever after” just a distant dream.
A World of Coco at Disneyland
Disneyland’s Disney California Adventure is welcoming Coco, the beloved Pixar film, with its first-ever Disney Parks attraction. Inspired by the enchanting charm of the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, this new experience promises to capture the spirit and heart of the film.
Monsters, Inc. Brings the Scare (and Laughs) to Hollywood Studios
Get ready to laugh, shriek, and scream with delight as Monsters, Inc. lands in Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios! This new land will transport guests to Monstropolis, the home of everyone’s favorite furry friends, Mike and Sulley. Prepare to experience Disney’s first-ever suspended roller coaster, a dream come true for fans who have longed to soar through the doors of Monstropolis. Disney Experiences chairman Josh D’Amaro revealed, “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.”
Pandora Expands at Disneyland
Avatar Land is taking flight at Disneyland! Inspired by the breathtaking world of Avatar: The Way of Water, this expanded land will also feature elements from Avatar: Fire and Ash and future Avatar films. A new attraction will transport guests to the captivating seas of Pandora, promising a unique and immersive experience.
Animal Kingdom Embraces Adventure and Encanto
Disney World’s Animal Kingdom is expanding with a new Tropical Americas area, promising to bring the vibrant cultures of the region to life. This 11-acre space will feature a large quick-service restaurant, a charming carousel featuring animals from Disney Stories, and two thrilling new attractions based on Indiana Jones and Encanto. The Indiana Jones attraction promises a thrilling adventure, transporting guests to a recently discovered Maya temple. An official description teases, “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.”
The Encanto attraction will whisk guests into the heart of the Madrigal family’s home, allowing them to explore the magical rooms and encounter their favorite characters.
Avengers Campus Expands with New Adventures
The excitement at Avengers Campus is about to double! The addition of Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab will create a new hub of thrilling adventures. In Avengers Infinity Defense, guests will embark on a thrilling quest to stop King Thanos, jumping between worlds that have gone missing. Join Iron Man, Ant-Man, The Hulk, Black Panther, and more as you journey through Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City.
Stark Flight Lab will offer a unique simulated flight experience, with guests sitting in two-person pods and being transported to a test station. A robotic arm will then grab the pod, giving guests the sensation of soaring through the air.
Tony Stark Returns to Disneyland
While we are all eager to see Robert Downey Jr. return to the MCU as Doctor Doom, D23 revealed a dream come true for many fans: Robert Downey Jr. will reprise his role as Tony Stark in a new Disneyland attraction called Stark Flight Lab. This new attraction will offer a thrilling experience, allowing guests to feel the rush of simulated flight.
Cars Speeds to Disney World
Get ready to rev your engines! Cars is heading to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom with two thrilling new attractions that take place outside Radiator Springs. One attraction will be a thrilling rally race through the mountains, offering a wild ride across the landscape. The second attraction will be a more kid-friendly experience, offering fun for the entire family.
The Lion King Roars at Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is getting ready for a royal experience! The Lion King will be getting its own attraction and a new area called Pride Lands at Disneyland Paris’ Disney Adventure World. Guests will be able to immerse themselves in Simba’s journey from cub to king, and the Pride Lands area will offer dining, shopping, and opportunities to meet beloved characters.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Take Flight in 2026
The galaxy far, far away is getting even more exciting! In 2026, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge’s Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will be getting a brand-new story featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu. This exciting new mission will be available at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Dave Filoni, Star Wars creative executive, revealed that Epic’s Unreal Engine is being used to bring this new mission to life, promising an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Walt Disney Comes to Life at Disneyland
For the first time ever, Disney is creating an audio-animatronic of Walt Disney himself, which will be featured in a new show called Walt Disney: A Magical Life at Disneyland’s Main Street Opera. This exciting new show is set to debut in 2025 and will rotate with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
A World of Updates Across Disney Parks
Beyond these exciting new announcements, Disney revealed updates to existing parks and attractions. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which debuted at Walt Disney World in June, will officially open at Disneyland on November 15, 2024. Disney also announced a slew of collaborations with Fortnite, including Disney villains, The Incredibles, and a new Marvel season starring Doctor Doom. World of Frozen will be opening at Disney Adventure World in 2026, and Magic Kingdom will welcome a new nighttime parade called Disney Starlight in 2025. Other notable updates include the opening of a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern at Magic Kingdom in 2025, a new lounge inspired by Spaceship Earth at EPCOT in 2025, a reimagined Test Track set to reopen in 2025, new Spider-Man attractions headed to both Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland, and the Zootopia: Better Zoogether! show opening next winter at Animal Kingdom.
The Disney Treasure will be home to the new Disney The Tale of Moana stage production. Disney Cruise Line will be adding four new ships between 2027 and 2031. Tokyo Disneyland will get a new nighttime spectacular called Reach for the Stars in September. Disney Paris will welcome a new nighttime spectacular in January 2025 and another in 2026 on its new lake.
The D23 Expo 2024 Disney Experiences Showcase was a treasure trove of exciting news. From new lands and attractions to updates on beloved classics, Disney is constantly innovating and creating unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages.
