Disney fans were in for a treat at the recent D23 Expo, where the company revealed exciting new developments for its theme parks and experiences. From a new villains land at Magic Kingdom to a Monsters, Inc. themed area at Hollywood Studios, there were plenty of surprises in store for Disney enthusiasts.
One of the major announcements was the unveiling of a new villains land at Magic Kingdom, which will feature two major attractions, shopping, and dining options. With performances by Rita Ora and Shaboozey, the crowd was thrilled to learn about the new additions coming to the park.
Over at Hollywood Studios, a Monsters, Inc. themed land is in the works, with a major attraction taking guests on a tour of the Laugh Factory via a suspended coaster. Billy Crystal made a special appearance to tease fans about the new area, singing a rendition of “If I Didn’t Have You.”
Animal Kingdom will soon be home to a new Indiana Jones attraction set inside a Mayan Temple, with construction set to begin in the fall. Additionally, a new land called Pueblo Esperanza will feature the Casita Madrigal from “Encanto” and an attraction centered on the character Antonio, who has the magical gift to talk to animals.
Disneyland’s California Adventure will see the addition of an “Avatar” inspired area, featuring attractions based on the second film “The Way of Water.” A new “Coco” attraction will also be coming to the park, following Miguel through the land of the dead.
International Disney parks are not left behind, with Disneyland Paris’ Adventure World getting a Lion King themed area and Shanghai adding a Spider-Man thrill attraction coaster. Tokyo will debut a new nighttime spectacular featuring characters from “Big Hero Six,” “Up,” and Marvel superheroes.
Disney’s cruise line is also expanding, with four new ships set to join the fleet between 2027 and 2031. The addition of these ships will provide more opportunities for families to experience the magic of Disney at sea.
In addition to the theme park updates, Disney also announced a $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games, with collaborations featuring Disney Animation, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm characters coming to Fortnite. Fans can look forward to seeing beloved characters like Cruella, the Incredibles, Star Wars favorites, and Marvel superheroes in the popular game.
Overall, Disney’s commitment to innovation and storytelling continues to shine through in its theme park offerings and partnerships. As the company looks towards the future, fans can expect even more magical experiences and adventures to come.