Disney announces $60B theme park expansions and new attractions
Disney has unveiled a series of ambitious theme park and cruise projects, following a report of declining domestic park attendance. The plans were announced at the biannual D23 convention in Anaheim, California. The company's $60B investment in parks and cruises will be implemented over the next decade. This includes major expansions at existing parks, new themed lands, updated attractions, and additional cruise ships.
Magic Kingdom to undergo the largest expansion
The largest expansion will take place at Magic Kingdom, where new lands themed around villains and Pixar's Cars movie are being developed. The villains-themed area will feature two major rides, while the Cars Land will offer an "off-road" adventure with one thrill ride and one family-friendly ride. Construction for the Cars land is set to begin in 2025.
Disney's Hollywood Studios to introduce 'Monstropolis' land
Disney's Hollywood Studios park in Florida will introduce a new "Monstropolis" land, inspired by the Monsters Inc. franchise. This development will boast the first suspended coaster in any Disney park, allowing guests to zoom through the door vault in the Monsters Inc. factory. Both Florida and California parks will also see updates to Millennium Falcon Smuggler's Run, located in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge.
Disney's Animal Kingdom to open Tropical Americas area
Disney's Animal Kingdom park is set to open a Tropical Americas area in 2027, which will include the first ride based on Encanto. The same area will also feature an Indiana Jones ride that will take guests on an adventure where Indiana Jones discovers a Maya temple. Moreover, for its 70th anniversary in 2025, Disneyland will introduce a first-ever audio-animatronic version of Walt Disney, talking about his time at the company.
Disney California Adventure park to double Avengers Campus size
Disney California Adventure Park plans to double the size of its Avengers Campus, with construction commencing in 2025. The expanded area will feature two major attractions: "Avengers Infinity Defense," where guests will battle alongside Avengers defending New York City, and "Stark Flight Lab," where guests can experience test flights like Iron Man.
Disney Cruise Line to add four new ships
Disney Cruise Line plans to expand its fleet by adding four more ships by 2031, nearly tripling its current size. The new Disney Destiny ship will feature a Hercules stage musical on board. Shanghai and Hong Kong Disney parks will be getting new Marvel rides, with Shanghai Disneyland getting a thrill ride about Spider-Man for the first time. Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland will also get new nighttime shows.
