New Rides, Lands, and Experiences Coming to Disney

With almost 50 announcements 2024’s Horizons Showcase at the D23 Expo, here's the ones you care about most.

Talk about exciting new rides, lands and experiences coming to Disney World and Disneyland! And not just "sometime" but real construction starting soon with things coming to life over the next 5 years.

Here’s what Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro said:

“At Disney Experiences, Imagineers dream, create, design and build these stories into real places. And we have Imagineers in place right now all around the world because everything we’re going to share with you is in active development. Plans are drawn. Dirt is moving. I just want to be clear about this: We are doing everything you’ve heard here tonight.”

Disney Cruise Line

Four ships will be joining Disney Cruise Line’s ever-growing roster of award-winning ships sailing around the world. These new ships will arrive between 2027 and 2031.

Five ships are currently in the fleet, with four others already in the works. These new, four additional ships will bring the fleet to a total of 13, giving you 13 different opportunities to experience everything that Disney Cruise Line is known for.

I’ll keep you up to date on ship names, themes, itineraries, and when they set sail. With some many to choose from in the coming years there’s definitely a perfect Disney Cruise for you.

Galaxy’s Edge East & West

New Mission Featuring Mando and Grogu Coming to Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Expect to see this new mission jump to lightspeed when “The Mandalorian and Grogu” hits the big screen in 2026. This is the way.

Walt Disney World

Monster’s Inc. Land at Hollywood Studios

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!

Yes, a door. If you’ve been dreaming of riding through the door vault since the movie was released in 2001, you’re not alone. A claw is going to pick you up and take you on the rollercoaster ride you’ve been wanting.

Construction begins next year.

Cars at Magic Kingdom

A new area inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios film “Cars” will be coming to a reimagined section of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom with TWO new rides.

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.

Construction begins early 2025.

Villains Land at Magic Kingdom

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.

Ooo, the chills of anticipation! I’ll keep you up to date on what, when, and where the veil gets lifted at details are announced.

Keep in mind a whole new land typically takes 3 - 5 years to complete.

Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom

Just like Harambe, the land feels lived in, with a long, rich history — plus there’s a large hacienda which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort.

The space will be lush and sprawling, featuring a large fountain in the center where the villagers like to gather and tell stories. Additionally, a woodcarver has created a giant working carousel featuring his favorite animals from Disney stories.

Indiana Jones - A new Indy experience is set to arrive in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and will be different from any other Indiana Jones experience around the world.

In this new venture, the man with the hat has recently discovered a perfectly preserved Maya temple, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to explore it.

This ride will take over the Dino ride, which has the same ride system as Indy in Disneyland, CA. Don’t worry, there’s still time to enjoy Dino if you love it. I’ll keep you posted on when that ride will close to make space for Indy.

Encanto - Inside the Casita, Antonio has just received his special gift — the ability to communicate with animals — and his room has transformed into a rainforest. It’s time to go explore alongside him, and you never know what member of the family you might bump into.

Construction begins this fall and the area will open in 2027.

Two New Lounges

For over 40 years, Spaceship Earth has welcomed visitors to EPCOT as a shining beacon of optimism and hope. 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.

A Tavern themed to Pirates of the Caribbean will be rambunctious watering hole will offer a welcoming haven for all pirate-kind, big and small, and everyone in between.

These are going to be so fun!

Both open in 2025.

New Nighttime Parade at Magic Kingdom

“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.

This new parade is undoubtedly going to be as spectacular as Paint the Night and will certainly be a don’t miss experience.

Disneyland Resort

Avatar Themed Destination at California Adventure

Concept art copyright Disney

Guests will go on the adventure of a lifetime in search of majestic natural wonders that can only be found on Pandora and the beauty – and danger – that come along with the journey. This new and thrilling excursion will bring all the action, excitement, and wonder of Avatar, taking guests all the way to the wide-open seas of Pandora.

This is going to be a dynamic, intense and emotional experience on a grand scale .

The concept art makes this look like a stunning boat ride using similar technology to Pirates in Shanghai. Jaw-dropping adventure awaits!

First ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic figure at Disneyland Park

For the first time ever, when it debuts in 2025, you’ll actually be able to see Walt Disney through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology in “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.”

“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will debut in 2025 inside the Main Street Opera House, and after its initial run, the attraction will play in rotation with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.”

This one makes my heart all gooey!

Avenger’s Campus will Double in Size

Not one but TWO brand new attractions to suit up and fight alongside some of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Construction on this expansion will begin next year.

Avengers Infinity Defense - Technology that allows the Avengers to jump between worlds has gone missing, and King Thanos is using it to wreak havoc everywhere. Recruits will travel to iconic locations like Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City alongside the likes of big, and small, heroes. You also just might find yourself face-to-face with King Thanos, too.

Stark Flight Lab - You’re going to sit in two-person pods and deploy to a test station. Then a robot arm grabs your pod and starts whirling you around in a simulated flight.

Coco Ride at California Adventure

The attraction will be filled with the characters — and music! — you know and love from the beloved movie, as you join Miguel on a trip to the land of the dead. This marks the first-ever “Coco” ride in a Disney park!

Walt Disney Imagineering will draw inspiration for the attraction from beloved classics, like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Construction begins in 2026.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opening Date + Newly Renamed Land

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open November 15, 2024 at Disneyland park in the newly renamed Bayou Country.

Bayou Country is situated on the edge of New Orleans Square with shady trees, mesmerizing music and a vast collection of enchanting surprises. Guests will discover a land filled with friendly woodland animals, from a trumpet-playing gator and an adorable bear who craves honey to a musical cast of bears, frogs, and other critters.

Wow! With all those incredible announcements, there’s something for everyone on the Horizon at the Disney Parks. Come into the comments and share which ones you can’t wait for!

PS - Snippets of description are from Disney Parks Blog. Head over there for even more details on each new land, attraction, or experience.

Cathy Weiss is a huge Disney fan and lover specializing in trips to Disneyland, Disney World, and Aulani - a Disney resort in Hawaii. She has the expert answers you need for a truly magical vacation.

Planning and booking your Disney trip with her is so much more than “when are you going” and “where do you want to stay”… And it’s easy!

Whether you’re booking your first Disney vacation or 100th, having Cathy on your side as your personal go-to - especially as new informaiton and exciting announcements come out all the time - means you’ll have an unforgettable experience! Get started today.