All the Spectacular New Rides and Attractions Announced at Disney’s D23

This past weekend, an array of rides and attractions were announced at Disney’s D23, including an exclusive villain’s land and expansions across several parks.

Ultimate Disney fans are rejoicing at several surprises announced at Disney’s annual D23. The event is known for exclusive news, events, merchandise, and more regarding the different branches of the ever-evolving Disney brand. This time around, the company will be expanding its horizons across several of its theme parks, especially Disney World and Disneyland.

The new additions to the parks are not in the planning stages either. Disney is ready to take action in building the new rides and attractions as soon as possible. The new lineup of themed lands, rides, and attractions is a part of the upcoming schedule that will finish within four years.

“Everything we share here tonight is in active development. This isn’t Blue Sky,” shared Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro. The brand is past the blueprints and concept planning stage, with all the “Imagineers” actively building the new lands and attractions. But what exactly is coming to the theme parks in the future?

The first official land announced at D23 is a brand new world at Disneyland. Similar to “Pandora: The World of Avatar” at Disney World in Florida, California will have an exclusive destination inspired by Avatar: The Way of Water. In the same breath, Disneyland will also introduce a new ride inspired by the hit film Coco expected to highlight Miguel and his journey into the Underworld.

In addition to the new rides, the park will also feature its first audio-animatronic. “Walt Disney- A Magical Life” will debut in 2025 inside the Main Street Opera House. Inspired by the iconic Walt Disney himself, his animatronic will be able to speak to guests about his career and pivotal moments of his lifetime.

Next, onto all the fun attractions that will be coming to Disney World. First up, an Encanto-themed ride including the Madrigal family will be arriving at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. From pictures posted exclusively by the Disney Parks Instagram account, the ride is expected to be a boat ride taking you on a journey with several animatronics inspired by each member of the Madrigal family. That is not the only glimpse you will get of the Madrigal family, though. Over in Magic Kingdom, “Disney Starlight” is a nighttime parade arriving in Summer 2025.

Additionally, two more new rides will be arriving at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. A new Indiana Jones attraction will be coming, hinted to be “different from any other Indiana Jones experiences around the world.” Zootopia will also have its first official attraction in a Disney Park with “Zootopia: Better Zoogether” opening next winter.

Furthermore, two new lounges will also be built for guests to relax and dine. The lounges will include a Spaceship Earth Lounge at EPCOT and a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern at Magic Kingdom. Both lounges are expected to debut in 2025.

As for Magic Kingdom, their “Fronteirland,” including rides such as “Big Thunder Mountain Railroad” and “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” will feature a brand new area inspired by Cars. The area will include two new attractions, such as racing against other park-goers and traveling through different terrains.

Lastly, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be welcoming an exclusive Monsters Inc. land, including the first-ever suspended coaster in a Disney park. Inspired by the swinging doors featured throughout the film that take the monsters into children’s bedrooms, it will feel like you are a part of the movie magic yourself. Fan-favorite characters Mike, Sully, and Boo are expected to appear on the ride as you partake in your fast-paced journey.

But wait, there’s more. The very last surprise from Disney Parks was one for the books. Magic Kingdom is inspired by all of the Disney princesses throughout the years, but what about the villains? The villains need to have fun too, and it seems imminent in the brand-new land arriving in Magic Kingdom. The land will feature two major attractions, as well as dining, featuring the most iconic Disney Villains of all time. Let’s cross our fingers and hope a dragon-inspired fiery ride featuring Maleficent is in development. Perhaps the Evil Queen will make an appearance, asking her magic mirror, “Who’s the fairest of them all?”

For all the latest news about D23, as well as the other rides and attractions arriving internationally, visit the official website.