New projects are currently underway at Walt Disney World Resort. Guests will be able to experience the stories they love in all-new ways, including “Monsters Inc.,” “Cars,” “Encanto” and classic Disney Villains.
On August 10, 2024, at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California, Disney Experiences President Josh D'Amaro revealed new details about what's next at Walt Disney World, ranging from the fantastical to the wicked, during the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase.
The largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom Park
Magic Kingdom's historic expansion officially begins as permits are filed this week. Starting with Frontierland, where in the American West it's always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon. It's about believing in yourself and charting your own path to your dreams, whether you're a country bear, a swamp princess or a big-city race car.
Bringing the Western charm of the iconic national parks to a new story inspired by Pixar Animation Studios’ “Cars,” Lightning McQueen, Mater and all their friends will soon find themselves at Magic Kingdom in a reimagined section of Frontierland. To make way for this all-new land, Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into expansive race lands featuring some of the world’s most iconic racers.
“We’re excited to create this original Cars adventure and put our guests in the driver’s seat as we explore a new area in Frontierland,” shared Michael Hundgen, Executive Portfolio Producer for Walt Disney World at Walt Disney Imagineering. “Part of breaking new ground in this new story includes tapping into the themes of exploration and adventure that inspire so many of us to keep going.”
Every time we work at Magic Kingdom, we recognize the great responsibility that comes with getting it right and telling stories that connect with our guests."
Once complete, this reimagined area of Frontierland will be home to two new “Cars”-themed attractions that will take guests into the desert beyond Radiator Springs. Guests will be able to join some of their favorite characters, like Mater and Lightning McQueen, for a thrilling race across the landscape, climbing mountain trails, dodging geysers and splashing through mud puddles. Younger racers will also love the second Cars-themed attraction that will be fun for the whole family. Before work gets into full swing next year, guests will have plenty of time to experience the charm of Frontierland as it stands today.
Guests will be able to venture beyond Big Thunder Mountain into a new land dedicated to Disney Villains. Inspired by the evil characters fans know and hate, the multi-acre expansion will include two major attractions, as well as dining and shopping options. Walt Disney Imagineering is pushing creative boundaries to uncanny levels to bring this first-of-its-kind land to life. Together, these new additions to Magic Kingdom will represent the largest expansion in the park’s history.
New attractions and entertainment in all four theme parks
While Magic Kingdom is Walt Disney World’s original theme park, the iconic Resort destination has so much more to offer with three additional unforgettable parks that continue to captivate guests. Work is underway on new attractions, entertainment and more throughout Walt Disney World Resort.