Revealed! Exciting New Expansions at Disney World
Ok, who’s ready to visit different lands within Walt Disney World? I know I am!
I recall the expansion of Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom and how eagerly I anticipated the openings of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Under the Sea. In fact, the first time I went on Under the Sea, I was unexpectedly moved to tears (sorry, no idea why).
This new expansion is going to be even bigger! Let’s get to what we know.
Magic Kingdom’s Monumental Expansion
Nestled on the edge of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, the “wildest ride in the wilderness,” Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, marks just the beginning of what’s to come.
The park, celebrated as the most visited theme park globally, is set to undergo its most significant expansion yet. Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World’s site portfolio executive, unveiled plans during a rare media event at the Walt Disney Imagineering facility in California, describing the project as “probably the largest expansion ever at Magic Kingdom.”
Comparable in size to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, which spans about 14 acres, this expansion is still shrouded in mystery with no confirmed themes or completion dates.
However, rumor has it Disney is filing for work permits within the next couple of weeks, so maybe we will know something then.
Animal Kingdom Reimagined
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is set for an exciting transformation with the introduction of new lands inspired by the enchanting world of “Encanto” and the adventurous spirit of “Indiana Jones.”
This renovation will reimagine the current DinoLand U.S.A. area, with significant changes including the replacement of the Dinosaur ride with an Indiana Jones-themed attraction and the Dino-Rama area being revamped into an Encanto-themed space.
Personally, I’ve been on the Indiana Jones ride at both Paris Disney and the original Disneyland. They are completely different, but I think I prefer the indoor ride at the CA theme park. Can’t wait to see if they bring one of these to Orlando!
The expansion aims to bring the vibrant and diverse cultures of the tropical Americas to life, offering park visitors a rich blend of storytelling and immersive experiences.
Walt Disney Imagineering has already begun detailed concept designs for this new area, drawing inspiration from research trips to the Yucatán Peninsula to authentically recreate the lush landscapes envisioned.
Disney’s Decade of Investment
This ambitious expansion forms a part of Disney’s staggering $60 billion investment strategy aimed at enhancing its parks, cruises, and experiences over the next ten years.
Disney showcased some of its cutting-edge projects and technologies currently in development during a special preview attended by media outlets.
Disney CEO Bob Iger, who resumed his role in November 2022, emphasized the importance of strategic investment based on past capital returns and advocated for flexibility in future project allocations, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of future blockbuster successes.
Technological Advances and New Frontiers
A significant portion of Disney’s investment will focus on expanding park capacities and incorporating new technologies like the innovative “HoloTile.” Demonstrated to reporters, this technology allows interactive movement within virtual environments, simulating physical interactions reminiscent of powers from the “Star Wars” universe.
Additionally, Disney’s R&D teams have introduced “Star Wars” BD-X droids, which feature advanced movement and interaction capabilities, further blurring the lines between technology and entertainment.
As Disney continues to push the boundaries of theme park experiences and technological innovation, the excitement for what’s next in store at Magic Kingdom and beyond only grows stronger.
