New Disney Theme Park Attractions Announced at D23: Movies & TV Shows

This past weekend was D23, Disney’s fan event that previews a myriad of the company’s upcoming projects. We’ve already covered the entertainment side, including the Lilo & Stitch live-action remake, the title for Avatar 3, and Nine Inch Nails providing the music for Tron: Ares. Now, let’s dive into the theme parks. Here’s everything we learned about the forthcoming movie- and TV-show-themed attractions at California’s Disneyland and Florida’s Disney World.

Avatar

Disney World already features Avatar-themed land, Pandora – The World of Avatar. Soon, Disneyland will have its own. “We are taking our guests to a whole new location on Pandora,” said Ali Rubinstein, vice president of Creative Development of Walt Disney Imagineering. Unlike the rainforest setting in Florida, this new attraction will be inspired by the second movie and upcoming Avatar films, featuring intense and emotional experiences, including a new water ride.

Coco

Coco, one of Pixar’s most beloved films, is set to get its own attraction that will take visitors to the Land of the Dead. Inspired by classics like the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, the ride will feature cutting-edge Audio-Animatronics to bring its skeletal characters to life. Disney Experiences chairman Josh D’Amaro highlighted the innovative technology saying, “These figures will appear in ways you’ll have to see to believe.”

The Mandalorian

The Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run attraction will get a The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed overlay at both Disneyland and Disney World’s Galaxy’s Edge. As always, please avoid crashing the Falcon into Baby Yoda!

Marvel

Avengers Campus will see exciting expansions with two new attractions: Avengers Infinity Defense featuring King Thanos, and Stark Flight Lab, where Robert Downey Jr. will reprise his role as Tony Stark / Iron Man.

Indiana Jones and Encanto

DinoLand U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom will be replaced by new attractions based on Indiana Jones and Encanto. According to Bruce Vaughn, Disney’s head of Imagineering, the new Indiana Jones attraction will boast a fresh storyline set in a Mayan temple. The Encanto ride-through will take visitors inside the Casita, highlighting Antonio’s special gift of communicating with animals. This transformation is expected to complete by 2027.

Cars

Disneyland’s Caravan will expand to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, featuring two new Cars-themed attractions in Frontierland. One involves a thrilling rally race through the mountains, while the second is more family-friendly.

Disney Villains

Magic Kingdom will soon be home to Villains Land, a much-anticipated addition featuring two major attractions, dining, shopping, and more. “This is storytelling on a grand scale that only Disney can deliver,” said D’Amaro. It remains unclear what specific attractions and villains will be included in this new land.

Monsters Inc.

A Monsters Inc. land is in the works at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, featuring a “door coaster” that will be the first suspended roller coaster at any Disney park. However, Disney has not yet disclosed where exactly within Hollywood Studios this new land will be located. There are some concerns it might replace the beloved Muppet*Vision 3D. Fans hope both attractions can coexist.