The Magic Kingdom is about to grow…

Earlier this year, after of rumors, whispers, and blue sky concept art, Disney confirmed that a massive expansion is coming to the Magic Kingdom, specifically “beyond Big Thunder.” What does that mean exactly? Let’s dive in!

The concept of a Magic Kingdom expansion was first floated by Disney in an official capacity during the 2022 D23 expo. At the event, several Disney executives including Josh D’Amaro, the Chairman of the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products previewed numerous “blue sky” proposals for potential expansions at Walt Disney World. While nothing was definitive, D’Amaro made a point of saying, “We are not up here daydreaming. It’s important to me that you know that these things…they are very real.” When it came to the Magic Kingdom. D’Amaro spoke about how the park would be expanding “beyond Big Thunder” into space that is currently on the other side of the park’s railroad tracks serving as backstage area.

Aerial photo of undeveloped areas just beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

At right is the canal where Electrical Water Pageant boats are staged.

Show buildings of It’s a Small World and The Haunted Mansion at left. pic.twitter.com/s3mgmCRYRz

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) April 5, 2024

Properties that were initially teased for the area as featured in concept art produced at the time seemed to include areas themed to twi immensely popular films.

Coco

The concept art seemed to show off a large portion of land dedicated to the Disney/Pixar film, including a recreation of the large central plaza of Santa Cecilia as portrayed in Coco, complete with what appeared to be a covered gazebo-like stage, likely for a Mariachi band.

There also appeared to be a large recreation of the tomb of Ernesto de la Cruz from the film, perhaps surrounded by a cemetery. Whether this would serve as the location of — or entrance to — a Coco-themed ride or perhaps a meet & greet is unclear.

Disney’s Villains

Towards the back of the concept art, we can also see a large imposing series of structures that appears to be made up of a large gate in front of a mountain that seems to bear a striking resemblance to Malificent’s castle. Of note, Disney has long been rumored to be considering a villains expansion to the Magic Kingdom dating back to the early 2000s. Back in 2019, Disney even produced a piece of art that featured the character taking over the Magic Kingdom mountain range.

Encanto

The final area represented in the initial concept art seems to be the one least likely to be built… at the Magic Kingdom that is. The whole area seems to be the Casita – the magical home of the Madrigal family from Encanto. During the initial event, it was hinted that the Casita would be a massive interactive experience that would feature the film’s characters interacting with the magic rooms of the house, and even a spot where you would be able to find out what your “gift” was just like the film’s characters. 

So, why don’t we think Encanto is coming to the Magic Kingdom? To put it bluntly, since this concept art was shown, it’s been essentially confirmed that Encanto will be joining Indiana Jones as the headline attractions of the Dinoland reimagining at Animal Kingdom. Now, while it’s NOT impossible that Disney could build Encanto attractions at both parks, it seems somewhat unlikely, especially given that the Casita would be the center of each. 

Further news about the Magic Kingdom expansion – which will be part of a larger $60 billion investment in the theme parks announced by Bob Iger –  was revealed in April 2024. During an Imagineering media event, Michael Hundgen – Walt Disney World Site Portfolio Expert – confirmed this expansion was “probably the largest expansion ever at Magic Kingdom” and said it would be roughly the same size as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which is about 14 acres. He also said Disney teams were currently on research trips devoted to the area. No themes or intellectual properties were confirmed for the land. 

Very little has been officially confirmed about the upcoming Magic Kingdom expansion, however given its scope, we can be sure it’s about to change the face of Walt Disney World’s crown jewel theme park forever. Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on upcoming Disney projects. 

Magic Kingdom Expansion in Disney World; Everything You Need to Know

What do you hope to see as part of the Magic Kingdom expansion? Let us know in the comments below. 

The post FULL Look at Magic Kingdom’s Massive Expansion Plans first appeared on the disney food blog.