Everything Coming to Disney Parks 2024 and Beyond

Disney welcomes a new era of “boundless growth”, new parks, and experiences from Arendelle to Zootopia and everything in between. New things at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Parks. All around the world projects are in the works with Disney Imagineering. With new attractions coming to Disney Parks this year, next year, and beyond. Here’s the lineup of everything New at Disney and what’s coming to Disney over the next few years.

Focused on the long game, Disney Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared this statement on Disney’s growth with Parks and Experience at Destination D23 2023

“over the next decade, we’re going to have more projects underway than at any point in our history.  Our sole purpose is to give you more and more of what you love about a Disney experience. And then surprise and delight you with things you never dreamed possible.”

Disney Announcements

On September 9, 2023, Destination D23  took place at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This event  highlights all that’s new at Disney. From Disney parks and experiences this event was THE event for Disney announcements in 2023. So, if you’re looking for what’s coming to Disney in the next few years including what’s New at Disneyland and what’s New at Walt Disney World, this is it. 

Included in this post are Disney parks and experiences opening timelines. New Disney park restaurants, new lands, updates for existing or upcoming attractions, and more. 

100th Anniversary Celebrations for 100 Years of Wonder

Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company Disney is pulling out all the stops for the anniversary on October 16, 2023. California’s Disneyland Resort is the platinum hub of the 100th Anniversary. With evenings of live entertainment and a whole new Fireworks Show. #Disney100

Coming to Walt Disney World

As Disney’s flagship park, Walt Disney World has many things in the works. Including re-imagining of select rides, and attractions, new shows, and new restaurants. Also announced at Destination D23 was a new Encanto-themed land at Animal Kingdom, and a Magic Kingdom Park expansion that is currently in the works. Here are all the new things at Walt Disney World, set to arrive soon and in the next few years. 

Hatbox Ghost Haunted Mansion| Magic Kingdom Late November 2023

The classic Hatbox Ghost, currently found in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion, is being added to Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World. This larger-than-life character features a ghost whose head magically disappears from his neck and reappears in his hatbox. A true marvel and fun to see! 

 

Country Bears Musical Jamboree at Magic Kingdom | TBD 2024

This fan-favorite attraction in Disney’s Magic Kingdom is finally getting an update. One of the Disney Announcements is surely to make veteran Disney World vacationers happy. The Country Bears Musical Jamboree Refresh is set to open in 2024.  In Classic variety style, this refresh of the Country Bear Jamboree will combine Rockabilly, Bluegrass, and Country Music Style performances.

“The bears will be reinterpreting favorite Disney songs in different genres of country music. Imagineers are envisioning the new experience as a homage to the classic musical revues in Nashville and they’re working with Nashville musicians to get the authentic country sound.”

Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern at Magic Kingdom | TBD

Peg-Leg Pete from Pirates of the Caribbean returns in a new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge coming to Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park in Florida. Extending the Pirates of the Caribbean story. As expected, this new lounge is to be located near the attraction. Imagineers are in the design process now and more details are coming in the future.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure | Magic Kingdom TBD 2024

In a much-needed refresh, Splash Mountain is set to transform into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This Princess and the Frog re-imagining of Splash Mountain turns this boat ride into a bayou-focused ride featuring Princess Tiana, Mama Odie, and friends, opening in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Recreating a New Orleans Mardi Gras experience this ride includes jazz music, bayou culture, familiar faces from Princess and the Frog, and more. This new ride features Tiana, Naveen, and Louis the alligator preparing to host a Mardi Gras Celebration. This ride picks up where the movie left off. Open TBD 2024

Magic Kingdom Park Expansion | TBD

As part of the Disney announcements of things coming to Walt Disney, there is a new Magic Kingdom Park expansion. And will be in the scale of a new land. Very early in the development stages, the location for this new land is said to be past the Big Thunder Mountain area of the park, where there is significant land that can be developed. Per the statement below we can expect this space to be on par with the 11-14 acre parcels used for previous new lands at Disney World. As this expansion plan may also be the “largest for the park“, we may see something larger than Fantasyland, re-imagined in 2012. 

Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Imagineering, is joining Josh for a special “Blue Sky” look at what’s possible when dreaming big at Disney Parks. Future expansion plans for Magic Kingdom in Florida are the largest ever for the park, according to Bruce. Imagineers are looking to tell stories “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” similar in scale to things like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Pandora – The World of Avatar – adding new attractions, restaurants, shows, and more!   More details to come in the future.

Encanto in Animal Kingdom | TBD

For the last few years, Disney World’s Animal Kingdom has been dismantling the DinoLand area of the park. In this Disney Announcement, it was shared that Encanto is taking over Dinoland. Frankly, we couldn’t ask for a better option. This area of the park is set to focus on the tropical Americas region of the planet, highlighting not only Encanto, but also wildlife, and ecosystems in that area. A perfect addition to Animal Kingdom. 

New experiences inspired by “Encanto” – the Academy Award winning Walt Disney Animation Studios film – and the fan-favorite adventurer Indiana Jones are being considered for the reimagined land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Bruce says there’s a long way to go and a lot more to discover but Imagineering teams in Florida are up for the challenge.

Indiana Jones in Animal Kingdom | TBD

One of the most likely options for the replacement of the attraction, Dinosaur, is Indiana Jones. Featuring the same track as the Disneyland Indiana Jones ride, this new reiteration of the ride may, or may not, be integrated into the Encanto area. Either way, Disney is throwing some effort in the direction of the Indiana Jones franchise. No timeline has been set for this re-imagining. 

Zootopia Show at Tree of Life Animal Kingdom | TBD

In a push to add more Zootopia to the parks, Walt Disney World is replacing the current Bug’s Life show with a Zootopia show in the Tree of Life theater. This theater is tucked inside the Tree of Life and accessible by a pathway alongside the Discovery River. This new show is slated to center around natural biomes. We imagine a mix of educational and fun in the works. 

 A new show based on “Zootopia” is being created for the Tree of Life theater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The current concept for the new “Zootopia” experience has guests visiting the different biomes you only glimpse in the film, traveling along with Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and other characters. Imagineers are currently finalizing the concept and more details will be coming in the future.

Figment Meet and Greet |  EPCOT  September 10, 2023 

Everyone’s favorite dragon Figment, is getting his place in the sun, at EPCOT park. Available for Meet and Greets inside the Journey into Imagination building at EPCOT, Walt Disney World. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience App for the meet and greet schedule. 

Journey of Water Inspired by Moana | EPCOT October 16, 2023

The World Nature area of EPCOT includes the Land and Seas buildings, as well as the new Moana’s Journey of Water nature trail. This whole new water-focused interactive experience includes waterfalls, sounds, and light that connect guests to the natural environment. With elements we see in the film, Moana, you can experience the beautiful sights and sounds in this new space inside the World Nature section. Moana’s Journey of Water. OPEN October 16, 2023.

Moana Meet and Greet | EPCOT October 16, 2023

In addition to the Journey of Water Inspired by Moana attractions are also able to meet Moana at EPCOT in a newly designated space just outside the Journey of Water attraction. 

Asha Character Meet and Greet | EPCOT Fall 2023

A new character meet and greet with the new Disney Princess, Asha, from the new Disney animated film “Wish” which is opening soon at EPCOT. Disney’s film Wish is set to arrive in theaters on November 22, 2023. 

Luminous the Symphony of Us |EPCOT December 5, 2023

Shown on the lagoon at EPCOT a new nighttime spectacular arrives in December. Called, “Luminous The Symphony of Us”, this show tells the story of us and includes familiar Disney music celebrating all cultures. This new show debuts on Dec. 5, 2023!  

World Celebration | EPCOT December 2023

Set to open in December 2023, EPCOT ‘s World Celebration Communicore Plaza area encompasses different experiences that allow guests to interact with the planet, a place for all cultures including performances. Most notable here is the way the space is broken up by green spaces. Part of the goal is to integrate more nature into this central hub area that branches off to the other neighborhoods. Filled with tables, and centered around a central EPCOT logo planter, there are shaded spaces to enjoy. Focused on the festival experience, World Celebration becomes a central hub for everyone, before heading to World Showcase. 

• EPCOT Gardens throughout the World Celebration space will transform with each festival and transform at nighttime with lighting and extra magic. 
• CommuniCore Hall offers up a flexible exhibition and gallery space, with a variety of opportunities to highlight art, live music, and food. This building will also house the demonstration kitchen for foodie festivals. This is also where you can find Mickey & Friends as a Disney Character meet and greet location. 
• CommuniCore Plaza is the hub for musical performances, both intimate and large scale that allows guests to fill the open garden spaces to watch. 
• Dreamers Point Statue of Walt Disney 

Test Track Re-Imagining| TBD

In development with Chevrolet, Disney is re-imagining Test Track in the EPCOT World Discovery Area. This fan-favorite ride at Disney World is set to incorporate a variety of inspirations. Test Track features the opportunity to build your own “car” and then race it around the track. We expect this re-imagining to incorporate new technologies, seated in history. 

Imagineers along with teams from Chevrolet are reaching back into history for inspiration – from the original World of Motion – and bringing that spirit of optimism to the next iteration of the Test Track attraction!  More to come in the future.

Ahsoka Star Wars Storyline | Hollywood Studios Spring 2024

Coming to Walt Disney World’s Star Tours attraction in Hollywood Studios is a new Ahsoka storyline. Beginning in the Spring of 2024, Ahsoka fans can experience even more of this Disney Plus fan-favorite show as part of the slew of stories told within Star Tours. 

The Cake Bake Shop on the Disney Boardwalk | TBD 2024

This “whimsical table service restaurant and bakery” created by Gwendolyn Rogers serves up beautiful cakes in a delightful atmosphere on Disney’s Boardwalk. Offering up both a Bakery and a Restaurant you can delight in cakes, tea service, and savory sandwiches with French flair. 

Polynesian Village Resort DVC Villas | TBD

Set to open in late 2024 this new Disney Vacation Club Villas wing at Disney’s Polynesian Resort features a fresh look honoring elements from the Pacific Islands. Complete with views of the water. Situated in the area of the permanently closed Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, this addition to the resort is a major project. Therefore, we do expect some modifications of the Pathway from Magic Kingdom to the Polynesian as a result of this project. Open TBD 2024

Fort Wilderness Cabins Re-Imagining| TBD

As part of the overhaul of certain resorts at Walt Disney World, the latest to be added to the list are the Fort Wilderness Resort Cabins. These cabins are a mainstay in the Fort Wilderness Resorts and Campgrounds offering guests a little more luxury. Well, now, it’s going to get even more luxurious! All 350 cabins are being replaced by new energy-efficient cabins, falling under the DVC umbrella. They will be built on the existing cabin footprint to limit environmental impact. Each cabin will sleep up to six adults and include a bedroom, bathroom, living room, full kitchen, and private patio, with a select number of cabins expected to be designated as dog-friendly. Opening TBD 2024

Summer House on the Lake at Disney Springs | TBD

Arriving in 2023 at Disney Springs, Summer House on the Lake, is a casual restaurant that offers up a breezy, beach house environment, and a gourmet spin on easy favorites like avocado toast, pizzas, and more. This restaurant also includes table-service dining, a bakery, and an extensive list of wines, beers, spirits, and cocktails. Open Late 2023.

 

EET by Manheet Chauhan at Disney Springs | TBD

Arriving in Late 2023, a new Indian Restaurant takes on Disney Springs. Sure to be filled with spices and wonderful unique dishes, this restaurant is created by Maneet Chauhan, the acclaimed James Beard Award-winning chef and Food Network star, and Vivek Deora, an international hospitality entrepreneur. Opening Late 2023. 

 

Coming to Disneyland

The biggest thing coming to Disneyland Park is the expansion of Avengers Campus. And of course, the new Toontown area, and upcoming new attractions and meet and greets are all reasons to visit Disneyland Resort. 

Ahsoka Star Wars Storyline | Disneyland Spring 2024

Coming to Disneyland’s Star Tours attraction is a new Ahsoka storyline. Beginning in the Spring of 2024, Ahsoka fans can experience even more of this Disney Plus fan-favorite show as part of the slew of stories told within Star Tours. 

Asha Character Meet and Greet | Disneyland Fall 2023

A new character meet and greet with the new Disney Princess, Asha, from the new Disney animated film “Wish” which is opening soon is set to arrive at Disneyland.  Disney’s film Wish is set to arrive in theaters on November 22, 2023. 

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure | Disneyland TBD Late 2024

In a much-needed refresh, Splash Mountain at Disneyland is set to transform into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This Princess and the Frog re-imagining of Splash Mountain turns this boat ride into a bayou-focused ride featuring Princess Tiana, Mama Odie, and friends. Recreating a New Orleans Mardi Gras experience this ride includes jazz music, bayou culture, familiar faces from Princess and the Frog, and more. This new ride features Tiana, Naveen, and Louis the alligator preparing to host a Mardi Gras Celebration. This ride picks up where the movie left off. Open TBD Late 2024

Disneyland Avengers Campus Expansion | Disney’s California Adventure Park TBD

Adding to the Avenger’s Campus area of Disney’s California Adventure Park is a new ride set to include jump points throughout the universe. We’ve seen earlier teases for this ride with Thanos as the villain and all the Marvel heroes working together to defeat him. 

At Disney California Adventure Park, a new world-jumping vehicle is coming to the next attraction in Avengers Campus to help transport Super Heroes into the Multiverse. This ride vehicle features a design that combines elements of Tony Stark’s time-suits with Xandarian jump points and Wakandan technology.   

Coming to Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is home to some of the best Disney Parks innovations. From droids in shows to innovative restaurants, here are some of the things that are New at Disneyland Paris. 

Disneyland Paris Frozen Land 

In Paris, Imagineers and teams are busy transforming Walt Disney Studios Park. The resort’s future “Frozen”-themed land that’ll highlight the kingdom of Anna and Elsa is taking shape and just a part of an exciting transformation.  Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more details.

Disney Symphony of Colors January 8, 2024 

A Musical Extravaganza Inspired by the Whimsical World of Alice in Wonderland Spring 2024.

Reopening of Disneyland Hotel – Early 2024

Opening in early 2024, the Disneyland Paris Hotel features a new Princess theme.  Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Paris encompasses stories like Cinderella and Tangled, but also The Emperor’s New Groove and more! This hotel features walls of glass windows and a central rotunda to add to the royal palace feeling. 

• The Royal Banquet: This restaurant includes a royal feast amidst a gallery of paintings portraying numerous Disney royal families, including their famous chefs such as Kronk from The Emperor’s New Groove or Chef Louis from The Little Mermaid!

Ahsoka Star Wars Storyline | Disneyland Paris Spring 2024

Coming to Disneyland’s Star Tours attraction is a new Ahsoka storyline. Beginning in the Spring of 2024, Ahsoka fans can experience even more of this Disney Plus fan-favorite show as part of the slew of stories told within Star Tours. 

Asha Character Meet and Greet | Disneyland Paris 2023

A new character meet and greet with the new Disney Princess, Asha, from the new Disney animated film “Wish” which is opening soon is set to arrive at Disneyland.  Disney’s film Wish is set to arrive in theaters on November 22, 2023. 

Coming to Disney TokyoSea

This amazing park in Tokyo, features some of the best Disney lands to be seen. In spring 2024, a new area opens, called Fantasy Springs. 

Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea | Spring 2024

Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel is made up of two hotels Fantasy Chateau and the Grand Chateau. 

• Fantasy Chateau: Offering the finest accommodations and luxury rooms at Tokyo Disney Resort. 
  • Fantasy Springs Restaurant: a buffet-style dining area decorated with “paintings inspired by the Disney Animation films Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Tangled, and Sleeping Beauty.”
  • Grand Paradis Lounge:
  • La Libelluele: a French cuisine restaurant that’s exclusive to guests staying in the Grand Chateau and offers views of Fantasy Springs

Peter Pan’s Never Land

• Peter Pan’s Neverland Adventure (in Peter Pan’s Never Land): Guests join the Lost Kids, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell on an epic adventure through Never Land to rescue John from Captain Hook and his pirates. By boarding a boat and wearing goggles, guests will be able to enjoy this attraction in 3D. There is a minimum height requirement of 102cm.
• Fairy Tinkerbell’s Busy Buggy (in Peter Pan’s Never Land): Disney’s description: “Guests help Tinker Bell as she starts her new delivery service in Pixie Hollow, while visiting four seasonal locations to deliver various packages and parcels to the fairies.”
• Lookout Cookout : “Created by the Lost Kids, this counter-service restaurant also serves as their hideout where they have incorporated parts of shipwrecks and other items that have washed ashore in Never Land into the decor.”

Rapunzel Tangled Land 

• Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival (in Rapunzel’s Forest): “Guests can take a romantic boat trip to the annual Lantern Festival and visit various locations featured in the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Tangled while experiencing Rapunzel’s “best day ever” as she falls in love with Flynn Rider.”
• The Snuggly Duckling:  “This counter-service restaurant is themed to the tavern where the local rough-and-tumble crowd gather in the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, Tangled. Guests can enjoy a meal in a variety of atmospheric dining areas.”

Space Mountain Transformation

Set for refurbishment, Space Mountain at Tokyo Disney Sea is undergoing some changes that will still honor the ride’s main silhouette and enhance the evening lightning in the area. Opening 2027

Frozen Land

• Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey (in Frozen Kingdom): “Guests can experience the world of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Frozen. Ride aboard a boat while enjoying an epic and heartwarming story of two sisters who that discover only true love can thaw a frozen heart. The attraction also features the film’s well-known songs.”
• Royal Banquet of Arendelle: This counter-service restaurant is located inside Arendelle Castle. Guests can enjoy a meal in the three indoor dining areas reminiscent of scenes from the film or dine in a covered outdoor dining area with views of the fjord cliffs and mountains in the distance.”
• Oaken’s OK Foods:  This delightful counter-service restaurant, run by Oaken, the owner of the trading post and sauna featured in the film, serves delicious food to hungry visitors to the Kingdom of Arendelle.”

Coming to Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland Park debuts the first Frozen-themed land, World of Frozen. 

World of Frozen Hong Kong Disneyland | OPEN November 20, 2023

This new land in Hong Kong Disneyland includes the gorgeous land of Arendelle, Elsa’s Ice Palace, and of course meet and greets with Anna and Elsa. Check out all the World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland Details. 

Coming to Shanghai Disneyland 

Zootopia Land | TBD

Zootopia Land is coming to Shanghai Disneyland. Check out all the details of this new Zootopia Land at Shanghai Disneyland on Disney Parks Blog. 

• Zootopia Hot Pursuit: a brand-new attraction.

“Get ready to become a rookie police officer at the Zootopia Police Department (ZPD)! Set after the Walt Disney Animation Studios film’s timeline, residents of Zootopia are gearing up for a big concert celebrating Zootopia Day featuring Gazelle.”

• Zootopia Character Meet and Greets: Catch a glimpse of many of your favorite characters, including Fru Fru and her father Mr. Big, along with Koslov the polar bear, Flash the sloth, Yax the yak, Duke Weaselton the weasel, and even the Hopps family. At the Zootopia Recruitment Station.
• Jumbeaux’s Cafe: an ice cream shop; paw-shaped Disney Zootopia popsicle, as seen in the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, grab a Chocolate Marshmallow to fuel your park adventures, or try Officer Clawhauser’s favorite donuts!
• Fashions by Fru Fru: owned by resident fashionista, Fru Fru, which is right by the entrance of Mane Street. Shop for the perfect gifts for family and friends. Amongst hundreds of different themed products including the Zootopia Cute collection. As well as fun new headwear, apparel, accessories, and more. Inside the store, you’ll also find two special areas themed after Yax and Duke Weaselton.

Future of Disney Parks

If you’re traveling to Disney Parks in the next couple of years, there is plenty to see and do! We hope this post has given you some fun and magical things to forward to. For planning your next Disney Vacation, We’ll be sure to update this post as more details arrive.