Disney has once again captivated fans worldwide with exciting announcements at the D23 Expo in Anaheim. Beyond the buzz surrounding upcoming movies, the entertainment giant took the opportunity to reveal the future of its theme parks, with a particular focus on Disneyland Paris.
A Global First for Disneyland Paris
One of the most significant announcements of the evening was the introduction of a Lion King-themed area within the newly renamed Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris. This new section will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original film, featuring new shops, dining options, and a spectacular water-based attraction that will immerse visitors in the timeless story of Simba and his friends. Notably, this will be the world’s first themed land dedicated to The Lion King.
Another eagerly anticipated update concerned the Frozen-themed land, centered around the kingdom of Arendelle. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait until 2026 for its grand opening. To celebrate its debut, Disney plans to introduce an ambitious new nighttime show on the lake, combining drones, water effects, and special effects for a truly magical experience.
In addition, Disneyland Paris visitors can look forward to a new projection show starting next year. This nostalgic journey, featuring giant projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle, will be a nightly celebration of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary.
International Highlights: Avatar, Coco, and Monsters, Inc.
The D23 Expo also brought exciting news for Disney parks around the globe. In Florida, the announcement of an Avatar-themed land at California Adventure created quite a stir. Building on the success of the floating forest inspired by the first film at Animal Kingdom, this new aquatic zone will pay tribute to the events of Avatar’s second installment.
California will also be home to the world’s first Coco-themed attraction, set to open in 2026. This poetic and mysterious cruise will take guests on a journey to the Land of the Dead, offering an immersive experience inspired by the beloved Pixar film.
Meanwhile, Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World will soon reveal details about its new Monsters, Inc. area centered around Monstropolis. Visitors will get to explore the factory where Mike and Sully work, with an exciting new attraction located in the door storage area. This will be the first suspended coaster in the park, giving guests the thrill of dangling their feet as they race through the ride. Construction is set to begin next year.
Animal Kingdom is also getting a major addition with an Indiana Jones attraction, featuring a new storyline centered on exploring a mysterious Mayan temple. This attraction will be part of a new land replacing the current Dinosaur ride. The area promises to deliver more surprises, including a Disney character carousel and the Madrigal family’s house from Encanto, which will also feature its own dedicated attraction.
The grand opening is planned for 2027, following the renovation of Frontierland at Animal Kingdom, which will now include a Cars-themed area with two new attractions. Finally, a 3D attraction based on the movie Zootopia, titled “Better Zoogether,” is set to debut on Discovery Island at Animal Kingdom in the winter of 2025. Additionally, a new nighttime parade called Disney Starlight will combine Encanto, Frozen, and Peter Pan in a dazzling display that promises to be a visual feast.
The Biggest Surprise: A Villains Land at Magic Kingdom
Perhaps the most surprising announcement at D23 was the upcoming Villains-themed land at Magic Kingdom. In addition to new shops and dining options, two major attractions are in the works, though further details have yet to be revealed.
Marvel and Star Wars: Expanding Universes
Marvel fans have plenty to look forward to as well. A new Avengers attraction, “Infinity Defense,” will allow guests to join a space voyage filled with Stark technology and the looming threat of Thanos. Construction on these attractions will begin next year and will span multiple parks worldwide.
For thrill-seekers, a new Spider-Man-themed roller coaster, known for its speed, is set to open at Shanghai Disney Resort. Marvel enthusiasts can also mark their calendars for January when Tokyo Disney Resort debuts a new show titled “Reach for the Stars,” featuring Marvel characters for the first time in the park. Meanwhile, at Hong Kong Disneyland, Spider-Man will make his debut at the Stark Expo, where he will face off against Dr. Octopus.
As for Star Wars fans, a new scenario for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will be based on The Mandalorian and Grogu and will be available to visitors starting in 2026, coinciding with the film’s release. Lastly, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, replacing Splash Mountain, will open its doors on November 15th.
With these ambitious plans, Disney is clearly committed to expanding and enhancing the magic in its parks worldwide. The D23 Expo has once again proven that there is no end in sight to Disney’s creativity and innovation.
My name is Noah and I’m a dedicated member of the “Jason Deegan” team. With my passion for technology, I strive to bring you the latest and most exciting news in the world of high-tech.