Convention - D23 2024 : Disney Unveils Bold Vision for the Future at D23: New Parks, Attractions, Cruise Ships, and Digital Experiences on the Horizon

By Mulder, Anaheim, Convention center, 10 august 2027

At the 2024 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, held in Anaheim, California, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro took the stage to deliver a presentation that thrilled Disney enthusiasts around the globe. This year’s event, hosted at the Anaheim Convention Center and presented by Visa®, was filled with groundbreaking announcements that outlined Disney's ambitious plans for its parks, cruise lines, and new ventures into the digital realm. The excitement in the air was palpable as fans were treated to surprise celebrity appearances, special musical performances, and a first look at the future of Disney experiences.

In his address, D’Amaro emphasized Disney's commitment to growth and innovation, hinting at the vast array of projects set to transform the way fans engage with their favorite stories. With so many great Disney stories to tell, we're excited to bring an unprecedented number of new projects to life, D'Amaro said. Whether it's in our theme parks, on our cruise ships, or through our partnership with Epic Games, we're pushing the boundaries of what's possible in entertainment.

Expansion of Disney Cruise Line: Setting Sail for New Adventures

One of the most significant announcements was the expansion of the Disney Cruise Line. D’Amaro revealed that Disney will be adding four new vessels to its fleet between 2027 and 2031, marking a major growth initiative for the company’s maritime offerings. This expansion will bring the total number of ships in Disney’s fleet to 13, allowing for more immersive Disney experiences on the high seas. Each new ship will feature state-of-the-art entertainment, world-class dining, and the unparalleled guest service that Disney is renowned for. These ships are designed to take guests on magical journeys across the globe, reaching new destinations and offering unique experiences that only Disney can deliver.

New Themed Lands: A Deeper Dive into Beloved Stories

The future of Disney's theme parks also took center stage, with D’Amaro unveiling plans for six new themed lands and areas that will immerse guests deeper into their favorite Disney stories. Among these is a dedicated land for Monsters, Inc. at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. This new area, set to break ground next year, will be the first fully themed land based on the beloved Pixar franchise. It will feature the first suspended roller coaster ever built in a Disney park, offering an exhilarating ride through the door vault, just as Mike and Sulley experience in the films. Additionally, a new Cars-themed area is planned for a reimagined Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. This new section will transport guests to the wilderness beyond Radiator Springs with two all-new attractions: a thrilling off-road rally race and a family-friendly ride tailored for the youngest racers. This area is set to begin construction early next year, further expanding the beloved Pixar presence in the park.

A Dark and Thrilling New Land for Disney Villains

Perhaps one of the most exciting reveals was the announcement of a new land dedicated entirely to Disney Villains. Already under construction at the Magic Kingdom, this area promises to be a darker, more thrilling experience for fans who love the notorious antagonists of Disney’s classic stories. The Villains-themed land will feature two major attractions, as well as themed dining and shopping experiences. The design and atmosphere of this new area will offer a stark contrast to the typically bright and cheerful Disney environments, creating a unique space where happily ever after may feel just out of reach.

Tropical Americas: Exploring New Worlds at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also set to receive a significant expansion with the introduction of Tropical Americas, a new land inspired by the diverse landscapes and cultures of Central and South America. This area will feature two signature attractions: a thrilling adventure that follows Indiana Jones into an ancient Maya temple, and a journey through the magical Casita Madrigal from Encanto, focusing on Antonio’s story the day after he receives his gift. In addition to these attractions, Tropical Americas will include a beautifully crafted carousel featuring animals from various Disney stories, making it an ideal destination for families.

Avatar Comes to Life at Disney California Adventure
Disney California Adventure will soon be home to an all-new Avatar experience, bringing the awe and wonder of Pandora to life in a completely new and innovative way. This attraction will allow guests to immerse themselves in the world of Avatar, combining cutting-edge technology with Disney’s renowned storytelling to create an experience unlike any other. This addition marks another step in Disney’s ongoing effort to expand the universes of popular franchises within their parks, offering fans new ways to connect with the stories they love.

A Tribute to Walt Disney: A New Show and the First-Ever Audio-Animatronics Figure of Walt
In a nod to Disney’s rich history, D’Amaro also announced the creation of a new show titled Walt Disney – A Magical Life, set to debut at Disneyland park’s Main Street Opera House. This show will feature the first-ever Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney, offering guests an intimate look at the life and legacy of the visionary who started it all. The show will rotate with the beloved Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, allowing visitors to experience different aspects of Disney’s history and its impact on the world.

Avengers Campus Expansions: More Heroic Adventures Await

The Marvel Universe will continue to expand across Disney parks globally, with major additions to the Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure. This area will double in size, introducing two new attractions: Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab. Meanwhile, Shanghai Disney Resort will debut its first major superhero attraction, a high-energy thrill coaster themed to Spider-Man. Over at Hong Kong Disneyland, the Avengers presence will grow with a new attraction in Tomorrowland featuring Spider-Man and one of his most formidable foes. These expansions underscore Disney’s commitment to bringing the Marvel Universe to life in ways that are both thrilling and immersive.

The Lion King Roars at Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris will also see significant growth with the addition of a Lion King-themed area at Disney Adventure World, following the highly anticipated opening of World of Frozen in 2026. This new area will feature the first-ever ride-through attraction based on The Lion King, where guests will embark on a water journey through the caves beneath Pride Rock, following Simba's transformation from cub to king. The land will also include themed dining, shopping, and character meet-and-greets, providing a fully immersive experience for fans of the iconic film.

Epic Games Collaboration: A New Frontier in Digital Storytelling

One of the most forward-thinking announcements of the evening was Disney’s collaboration with Epic Games, which aims to redefine digital storytelling. During the event, D’Amaro was joined by creative leads from across The Walt Disney Company, including Jennifer Lee from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pete Docter from Pixar Animation Studios, Kevin Feige from Marvel Studios, and Dave Filoni from Lucasfilm. Together, they discussed how this partnership will bring Disney’s characters and stories into a connected digital universe where fans can watch, play, and even create their own Disney stories. The collaboration will also introduce new characters and skins to Fortnite, including Disney Villains, The Incredibles, and The Mandalorian. A trailer for the next Marvel season, featuring Doctor Doom, was also unveiled, set to debut on August 16.

A Visionary Future: What Lies Ahead for Disney and Its Fans
As Disney continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in entertainment, these announcements represent a bold vision for the future. Fans around the world can look forward to a wealth of new experiences that will deepen their connection to the stories they love, whether in the parks, on a cruise, or in the digital space. The developments revealed at D23 highlight Disney’s unwavering commitment to innovation, creativity, and the magic of storytelling. With so much on the horizon, it’s clear that the future of Disney is brighter and more exciting than ever before.

For more details on all the announcements made at D23, fans are encouraged to visit the Disney Parks Blog and stay tuned for further updates. As Disney continues to expand and evolve, it remains dedicated to creating magical memories that will last a lifetime, just as Walt Disney envisioned when he first opened Disneyland nearly 70 years ago.

(Source : press release)