Disney Parks recently unveiled an array of exciting future projects and surprises at the Destination D23 event. This year’s event was packed with major announcements and updates that left fans and Disney enthusiasts thrilled. Let’s dive into some of the highlights:
Dinoland U.S.A. to be Reimagined
Walt Disney Imagineering has exciting plans to transform Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park into a new land inspired by the “tropical Americas.” To gather inspiration, Imagineers are researching the biodiverse regions situated just north and south of the equator in the Western Hemisphere, particularly the northern part of South America and Central America. According to Disney, the reimagined land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom may incorporate new experiences influenced by the vibrant world of “Encanto” and the beloved adventurer Indiana Jones.
Zootopia Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is bringing the beloved world of “Zootopia” to life with a new show at the Tree of Life theater. This all-new experience will allow guests to explore the diverse biomes briefly featured in the film alongside popular characters like Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. While the concept is still being finalized by Imagineers, more details will be revealed in the near future.
Test Track to be Revamped
Test Track, located at EPCOT, is set to undergo a reimagining process. The collaboration between Imagineers and Chevrolet aims to draw inspiration from the original World of Motion attraction, infusing a sense of optimism into the upcoming version of the Test Track.
Additional EPCOT Announcements
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will officially open to guests on October 16. The walk-through experience, located within World Nature at EPCOT, aims to promote understanding and preservation of the natural world. Additionally, on the same date, Moana herself will make her first appearance in her own dedicated space near Journey of Water.
Another new addition to the park will be a nighttime spectacular called “Luminous The Symphony of Us.” It’s set to debut on December 5 and will serve as the park’s permanent nighttime display, replacing Harmonious. This dazzling show will combine fireworks, fountains, lasers, lighting effects, and music, carrying forward Disney’s legacy of captivating nighttime entertainment at the park.
Moreover, Disney announced that the World Celebration neighborhood at EPCOT will begin welcoming guests starting this December. This area will serve as a unifying hub, connecting the other two neighborhoods, World Discovery and World Nature. Its completion is the latest major milestone in EPCOT’s multi-year transformation.
Disney is introducing a new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park. This first-of-its-kind experience will expand on the Pirates of the Caribbean story and is currently in the design process. More details will be revealed in the future.
In addition, the Country Bear Jamboree at Walt Disney World is receiving an update in 2024. The bears will be performing new songs in different genres of country music, paying tribute to classic musical revues in Nashville. Disney Imagineers are collaborating with Nashville musicians to achieve an authentic country sound. Despite the changes, the Country Bear Jamboree will maintain its “fun and friendly” atmosphere with beloved characters like Trixie, Big Al, and others, according to Disney.
Hatbox Ghost to Materialize at Magic Kingdom
The Hatbox Ghost, one of the well-known grim-grinning ghosts, will be making its way to the Haunted Mansion attraction in Magic Kingdom in late November. Keep an eye out for this ghostly figure as you journey through the Endless Hallway of the Haunted Mansion.
New Adventures Coming to Star Tours
Ahsoka will be joining the Star Tours attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disneyland Park, and Disneyland Paris starting next spring. This news comes as Ahsoka has gained further prominence with her appearance in the original series Star Wars: Ahsoka, streaming on Disney+. Additionally, fans can already find Ahsoka in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland.
Early Sneak Peek at Next Avengers Campus Attraction
Disney has provided a first look at the brand new ride vehicle coming to the next attraction in Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure. The vehicle, designed to transport Super Heroes into the Multiverse, combines elements of Tony Stark’s time-suits, Xandarian jump points, and Wakandan technology. More details about this high-tech vehicle are yet to be revealed.
These exciting announcements are just the tip of the iceberg, and Disney fans have plenty of reasons to be thrilled about the future. While specific details about many of these developments are yet to be unveiled, the magic of Disney continues to expand and unfold.
For more updates and news on Disney’s future projects and surprises, be sure to stay tuned to Attraction Insight.
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