This August, we got to experience the ultimate Disney fan event, the D23 Expo 2024. This event takes place every two years and is the launchpad for all kinds of Disney-related news and announcements. Because D23 is Disney’s official fan club, it offers a glimpse into the company and what it’s planning for the next couple of years.
In 2024, Disney had a lot to unveil, especially for fans of the theme parks and cruises. If you love to book Disney vacations, this year was all about what you can expect in 2025 and beyond. Here’s a breakdown of all the big news and how it could improve your travel plans in the coming years.
Major Announcements from D23 Expo 2024
Four New Cruise Ships for Disney Cruise Lines
Disney cruises have always been known as a family-friendly way to travel on the high seas and explore exotic destinations. However, there are only five ships in the Disney fleet as of 2024, meaning the options are relatively limited. But, by 2031, Disney should have 13 cruise ships traveling across the globe, thanks to the announcement of four more liners coming to the fleet (another four were already in production before D23).
While these new ships won’t be coming online until 2027 at the earliest, the announcer, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, did offer some tantalizing insights into what we could expect in the next year. One of the ships slated for kickoff in 2025 is Disney Hercules, which will feature characters and shows based on the Disney movie.
However, the Disney Treasure will set sail before 2024 is even finished, and it features the cast of Moana. D’Amaro also told the crowd that the Moana live show features a 15-foot puppet of the volcanic creature Te Ka, which is the largest puppet Disney has put onto a cruise ship. “I’ve had a chance to see this in person, and it is stunning,” he remarked.
Monsters Inc. Comes to Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World
If you’ve been to Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, you know it’s the unofficial home for all Pixar movies and characters, from Toy Story to Elemental. At D23, we discovered that Hollywood Studios is about to become even more Pixar-ified.
Monsters Inc. Land was announced at D23 Expo 2024 and will feature buildings and scenery from the original 2001 film. Now, humans are wandering around the monster’s universe, helping provide free, clean energy in the form of laughter. You can also interact with Monsters Inc. characters like Mike and Sully (Billy Crystal was part of the announcement).
But the biggest moment of this announcement was when D’Amaro said there would be a ride that feels like you’re riding the doors in the Monsters Inc. factory. Any fan of the film understands how incredible this news is, especially when D’Amaro said it would be a suspended roller coaster where a claw grabs your “door” and takes you on a whirlwind adventure. We’re sure this ride will have the longest lines at the park for years after it opens.
Two New Attractions From Cars to Hit the Magic Kingdom
Although Hollywood Studios has most of the Pixar action, the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World will be welcoming two characters from the movie Cars. Lightning McQueen and Mater will hop over to Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom, and they’re bringing a couple of exciting rides with them.
First, there’ll be a thrilling rally race through mountains and geysers as guests try to beat each other to the finish line. Second, there will be a more kid-friendly ride so little ones can experience the excitement without getting tossed around (too much). Both of these rides are slated to come in early 2025, but there’s no official open date yet.
It’s the Villain’s Time to Shine With Villain’s Land at Disneyland
For far too long, the heroes have dominated the Disneyland and Walt Disney World experience. In 2025, that will all change with the arrival of Villain’s Land. According to Josh D’Amaro, in this land, “happily ever after may feel like just a distant dream.” There aren’t too many details about this new section, only that it will feature two major attractions, along with dining and shopping (a la Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge). Also, the land will likely feature more classic Disney villains like Captain Hook, Maleficent, Cruella, and more.
The Animal Kingdom at WDW is Expanding in a Magical Way
The Animal Kingdom is set to expand and change wildly in 2025. Inspired by the South American world of Encanto, D’Amaro announced a new addition to the Kingdom: Tropical Americas (aka Pueblo Esperanza). This new section will span 11 acres and feature many Encanto-themed elements, including a hand-carved carousel and a massive water fountain in the center.
However, Mirabel and the Madrigals aren’t the only ones coming to the Animal Kingdom in a big way. Indiana Jones is also along for the ride, in that he is getting a brand-new ride set among South American jungle ruins. The Tropical Americas will feature two new rides: the first centered around Indy exploring an ancient Mayan temple, and the second featuring the Casita (and Madrigals) from Encanto.
Because of the size and scope of this project, it won’t likely be finished until 2027, meaning we’ll be eagerly awaiting updates from D23 Expo 2026.
Pandora is Coming to Disney’s California Adventure
In 2024, the only way to experience Pandora (from the movie franchise Avatar) is to go to the Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Fortunately, at D23 Expo 2024 we learned that California residents will soon be able to join Jake Sully and the Na’vi as they make their way to the Disney California Adventure theme park.
However, don’t expect a retread of what you can see at Animal Kingdom. Instead, this new section will be centered around the most recent Avatar film, The Way of Water. So, we’re sure to see a lot of water elements, likely including some seafaring Na’vi and the Tulkun, the whale-like animals from the film. D’Amaro promises that this new world will be immersive and highlight both the beauty and danger of the world of Pandora.
The Avengers are Suiting Up at California Adventure
Now that Marvel is coming back in a big way, The Avengers are gearing up for expansions across the entire slate of Disney parks. Disney Shanghai, Hong Kong, and California Adventure are all set to improve and expand their Avengers campuses with new rides and attractions.
For US-based travelers, expect two brand-new adventures based on the exploits of “Earth’s Mightiest Heros.” First, there’ll be a globe-trotting ride that pits guests against the Mad Titan himself, King Thanos. Second, you can discover what it’s like to fly like Iron Man at Stark Flight Lab. Avengers, assemble!
An Official Launch Date for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland
It almost seems like an eternity since Splash Mountain was torn down at Disneyland to make way for a Princess and the Frog-inspired reboot: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Although it’s only been a year, there have been a slew of updates and delays, making this ride one of the most heavily-anticipated openings in recent memory.
Finally, at long last, it’s official: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open for guests on November 15th, 2024, to coincide with the start of the Disneyland Holiday Season. The ride is located at the edge of New Orleans Square. The attraction also spills over into Critter Country, enveloping The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, and the newly renovated Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree.
California Adventure Welcomes the World of Coco
If you’re a fan of the film Coco, you’ll be delighted to hear that a new Coco-themed ride will be coming to Disney California Adventure. The ride will feature characters and music from the movie, as well as some of the incredible imagery and colors from the Land of the Dead. At D23 Expo 2024, D’Amaro announced that this ride will feature the latest animatronics, which are about as close to life-like as we can get. The attraction is slated for a 2026 opening.
Nighttime Parades at the Magic Kingdom
When it comes to nighttime parades, many Disney-goers remember the Main Street Electrical Parade, which ran continuously at Disneyland from 1972 to 1996. While the Electrical Parade has been around at different parks since 2001, it’s not officially being retired in favor of a new version, “Disney Starlight.”
This new nighttime attraction will begin at the Magic Kingdom in the summer of 2025, and it will feature characters from Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen, and more. It will also be a mixture of new technology to make the parade as beautiful and magical as possible.
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Did D23 Expo 2024 make you as excited to visit Disney theme parks as we are? These new developments promise to make every park visit even more unforgettable, and we can’t wait to see them all up close and in person.
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