Follow-up on D23 Announcements

by John Epcot, Magic Kingdom

I wanted to touch on a couple of quick follow-up items regarding the Disney World D23 announcements.

First, one item apparently mentioned on stage but only likely covered in the follow-up reporting was the 2025 opening of two new lounges: A Pirates of the Caribbean one and a Spaceship Earth one. In a vacuum, this would excite me. New places to sit, relax, and have a drink at Disney World are welcome. That said, I fear these will be like Oga’s Cantina, where you can only visit with a reservation, reservations are hard to come by, and the servers always rush you to get out of the space. Here’s hoping they are much more like Nomad Lounge than Oga’s or La Cava.

Second, it was confirmed that the new Cars land at Magic Kingdom would replace Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer’s Island. There have been arguments for and against this change, but I admit I am OK with it. I do have memories of running through Tom Sawyer’s Island with my father when I was younger and then using it for a bit of respite with Elyssa more recently, but I am more excited to make new memories with my little nephew is going to love getting to experience Cars at Disney World. There are always trade-offs to be made when changing theme parks, and I view evolution and change as important aspects of continuing to enjoy Disney World. (That said, if they ever get rid of the PeopleMover, I’m completely changing my position.)

Concept art for new Spaceship Earth Lounge

Disney World News from D23

by John Animal Kingdom, Disneyland, Featured, Magic Kingdom, The Studios

During yesterday’s Disney Experiences Showcases panel, Disney announced upcoming developments at parks around the world (Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic, anyone?) We, of course, are most focused on what is coming to Disney World. Here are our highlights:

1. New Nighttime Parade

Look, I am excited about all the other announcements, but if this was the only thing Disney World got, I would be happy. The lack of a nighttime parade has been the biggest hole for us at Disney World and that is going to end in Summer 2025. So exciting.

2. Cars Attraction as the Magic Kingdom

Ka-Chow! There will be two new Cars attractions added to Frontierland. One will be more of a thrill ride while the other will be “fun for the whole family.” Even though no time frame was given for this, my excitement for Cars puts it as number two on the list.

3. Indiana Jones and Encanto coming to Animal Kingdom

Rumors about this have been picking up a lot of steam in recent weeks, and now it’s confirmed. Indiana Jones will be taking over Dinosaur and the surrounding areas will be getting an Encanto glow-up. I know the backstory of Chester & Hester, but it was time to do something else with that space. Targeted opening date in 2027.

Disney Promotional Image for Encanto and Indy

4. Monsters, Inc land coming to Hollywood Studios

Unlike Indy, I did not have this on my bingo card. A New Monsters. Inc. land with suspended roller coaster? Color me intrigued.

Promotion Image for Monsters Inc Coaster from Disney

5. Mando and Grogu come to Smugglers Run

Mando’s flying and Grogu’s force powers should make it easier to get that coaxium. (Joking aside, I hope they use this an an opportunity to fully take that aspect of things out of the ride—it never really worked like intended.)

Disney Promotional Image for Mando and Grogu in Smugglers Run

6. Villains Land Coming to Magic Kingdom

No time frame on this one, but Disney is officially announcing a Villains Land. Details were scarce, so it might be a bit before we really see movement.

7. Test Track Re-Opens in 2025

I always assumed this would be the case, but glad to see Disney come out and say the re-imagined Test Track is going to open net year. (Maybe they felt bad that Epcot did not get any of the major announcements…)