The Walt Disney Company shared meaningful progress on its theme park projects during the recent D23 event in Anaheim. Held on August 15 under the theme Horizons: A Carousel of Progress, the evening focused on updates to lands and attractions first outlined in prior years. Travelers planning visits to Walt Disney World or Disneyland now have clearer timelines for several major additions that will shape experiences starting in 2027.
Magic Kingdom Gains Cars-Themed Area and Villains Land
Construction continues on a Cars-themed expansion in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. The area, known as Piston Peak, will feature two attractions. Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along places riders in demolition derby vehicles alongside an animatronic Miss Fritter from Cars 3. Cars Ridge Run Rally offers an off-road adventure across rugged terrain, with vehicles designed to respond realistically to rocks, bumps, and drops before finishing near Lightning McQueen and Mater. A larger addition takes shape with Villains Land, positioned as roughly the size of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The land centers on an original story involving Disney villains drawn to an evil wishing well with mysterious powers. One attraction will be a coaster racing through Maleficent’s bramble-covered fortress. The second appears to be a water-based dark ride that carries guests through the Magic Mirror’s realm, where villains gather.
Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Add Themed Lands
Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom is scheduled to open in 2027. The land includes El Carrusel de los Animalitos, a carousel with 22 hand-carved figures inspired by characters such as Heimlich, Crush, Hei Hei, and Kevin. Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto invites families into Casita from Encanto on the day Antonio receives his gift, with no height requirement and voices from the original film cast. Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent replaces the former Dinosaur attraction and sends guests into a Maya temple guarded by a large animatronic serpent, with an Indiana Jones figure modeled after Harrison Ford. At Hollywood Studios, portions of a Monsters, Inc.-themed land called Monstropolis will open in 2027. Guests can enjoy the Welcome to Monstropolis show in the former Muppet*Vision 3D theater and dine at Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza or the full-service Harryhausen’s Restaurant, which will include a large animatronic of the sushi-making creature from the film. The land’s signature suspended coaster through the door vault opens later.
Epcot Receives Updates to Iconic Attractions
Spaceship Earth will receive its first significant update in nearly two decades. The ride will shift emphasis from the history of communication to themes of human connection, with refreshed scenes extending into the present and future. At Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom, the original Yeti animatronic will return to full operation after years of malfunction. Journey Into Imagination will welcome back Dreamfinder alongside Figment for an all-new journey through the world of imagination.
Disneyland Prepares Expansions and Returning Shows
Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure will double in size with two new attractions opening in 2028. Avengers Infinity Defense blends physical sets and screens as riders join heroes including Ms. Marvel, Hawkeye, Captain America, Thor, and Iron Man to confront King Thanos. Stark Flight Lab places guests in gyro-kinetic pods for varied test flights with Iron Man, Captain America, and Captain Marvel. A Coco-themed boat ride through the Land of the Dead, with no height requirement, will also arrive at the park. Disneyland will bring back refreshed versions of Remember… Dreams Come True in 2027, the original World of Color at Disney California Adventure in February 2027, and the Magic Happens parade in summer 2027. A reimagining of Tomorrowland is in development to honor its legacy while updating it for future guests. These developments give families and travelers concrete details for planning visits over the coming years. The projects reflect Disney’s ongoing investment in its parks, with many attractions designed to welcome guests of all ages.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.