D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is rapidly approaching, with the event taking place in Anaheim, California from August 9-11. On Saturday at 7:00 p.m. PT, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro will take the stage for Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase (colloquially known as the Disney Parks panel), where announcements will be made for Disney Parks and Experiences around the world.
D23 Predictions
We’ve put together a list of our top D23 predictions, with some more likely than others to come to fruition. And, of course, there will always be some surprises. Note, obviously, that rumor posts of this nature are purely speculative, and nothing is certain until Disney makes a formal announcement, and even then projects are always subject to cancellation as we have learned in the past.
Walt Disney World
Beyond Big Thunder at Magic Kingdom
The Beyond Big Thunder expansion project was previewed as a “blue sky” concept at 2022’s D23, but we’re likely to get more concrete details this year. The expansion is set to be the largest in Magic Kingdom history, rivaling the likes of Pandora – The World of Avatar and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
The Closure of Tom Sawyer Island & Liberty Square Riverboat
One potential announcement would be the closure of the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island in order for work to begin on Beyond Big Thunder. While this wasn’t in the original blue sky plans, rumors are that the project may have morphed in a way that would eliminate these classic Magic Kingdom attractions.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is not currently scheduled for a refurbishment, but rumors indicate it will close later in 2024 and remain closed for about a year. With all of the construction that will be needed to complete whatever lands Disney plans on building, plus said rumored removal or modifications to the Rivers of America, would make a lot of sense. A permit was filed recently that supports the theory. The attraction may receive a larger-than-usual refurbishment but it also may need to be closed longer to accommodate construction.
What Will Beyond Big Thunder Include?
The initial concept art showed potential areas themed to “Coco,” “Encanto,” and Disney Villains. Other possibilities that have been rumored include “Zootopia,” like the new land at Shanghai Disney Resort, or a version of Cars Land from Disney California Adventure. It is also possible at this point that Disney could surprise us with something that has either not been shown as a “blue sky” possibility nor rumored on the Internet.
“Encanto” is less likely to be included in the final project as it is rumored to have a small presence in the Tropical Americas project at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (see below).
New Magic Kingdom Parade
Rumors have indicated that we’re due for a new daytime parade at the Magic Kingdom, replacing Festival of Fantasy in 2025. Disney Festival of Fantasy debuted way back in 2014 and has never quite returned to its original splendor post-COVID, so it does feel like time for this change.
Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
At D23 in 2023, another blue sky project — the Tropical Americas — was shown as a potential replacement for Dinoland, U.S.A. It will reportedly include attractions based on “Encanto” and “Indiana Jones.” Notably, Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland uses the same ride system as DINOSAUR.
A notice of commencement relating to work on the Tropical Americas was filed earlier this year.
Journey Into Imagination at EPCOT
A new version of Journey Into Imagination has been long rumored. The attraction has a bumpy history with major changes. Though recent maintenance has restored long-broken effects, many sources indicate that the ride is on the slate for reimagining, the question is when, not if. A permit was filed this year for work on the Imagination! Pavilion.
Test Track 3.0
Work on the newest iteration of Test Track is currently underway at EPCOT. The reimagining was first announced during Destination D23 in 2023, with Imagineers planning to bring “that spirit of optimism” from World of Motion to the attraction. Test Track officially closed in June 2024 to make way for the update, and an update on what guests can expect for this new experience is due.
Monsters, Inc. Ride for Disney’s Hollywood Studios
A “Monsters, Inc.” door coaster has long been rumored for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, going as far back as 2008. Now rumors suggest that the idea is being revived once again, and is set to replace Star Wars Launch Bay. The first phase of revitalizing this area in the park will be the opening of the new The Little Mermaid show later this year.
The coaster would be inspired by the massive door vault scene from the original Pixar film, where the fictional Monsters, Inc. would make the doors used to access the bedrooms of children in order to scare them for their scream energy. Former Walt Disney World Vice President Dan Cockerell previously said in an interview that the plans for the coaster were shelved in favor of more family offerings.
Permanent Drone Show/Nighttime Spectacular
Disney has been experimenting with drone shows in its parks around the world, including at Walt Disney World with “Disney Dreams That Soar” in Disney Springs, and the “Disney Electrical Sky Parade” at Disneyland Paris. It makes sense that Disney would want to introduce a more permanent offering utilizing this technology at Walt Disney World.
Reflections/New Resort
Reflections — A Disney Lakeside Lodge was originally announced in 2018 following rumors of a new nature-inspired resort. After River Country was demolished in 2019 to make way for the project, COVID-19 shutdowns in 2020 and a 2021 permit for trailer removal supported rumors that the project was canceled, before Disney ultimately filed a five-year extension on a permit for the project’s staging ground. In May 2024, another construction permit extension was filed, giving some hope that this long-delayed project may finally come to fruition. It is possible we could hear more at D23.
Disneyland Resort
Pandora – The World of Avatar Ride
Following last year’s announcement from Disney CEO Bob Iger that an Avatar “experience” would be coming to Disneyland Resort, we now expect more details as to what that offering will be.
Based on rumors and the released concept art, a new “Avatar” boat ride will be coming to Disney California Adventure, utilizing some existing space in Hollywood Land and other land not currently part of the park. This attraction will reportedly use the same ride system as Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure at Shanghai Disneyland.
Zootopia
Following its opening at Shanghai Disneyland, sources indicate that a Zootopia-themed land may make its way to the domestic Disney Parks, specifically Disney California Adventure as part of DisneylandForward. If rumors are to be believed, this new area will replace another portion of Hollywood Land.
Avengers Multiverse Ride
It has been nearly a year since we last received an update on the Avengers Campus E-ticket attraction, said to transport riders and Super Heroes through the Multiverse to battle King Thanos, a version of the villain who “won” during the Infinity Saga. We expect to either get more concrete details on what this experience will involve, or news of its cancelation.
DisneylandForward/Third Gate
The DisneylandForward saga came to a close in May 2024, when the final approval of the plan was put forward by the Anaheim City Council. After a 30-day waiting period, the plan was put into effect on June 7, 2024, meaning that work could begin on building new lands, resort hotels, retail locations, and more within the existing Disneyland Resort footprint.
It is possible that we could hear about park expansions at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, but we expect the next step for DisneylandForward to be an announcement and planning for a third gate in Anaheim.
70th Anniversary Celebration
With Disneyland’s 70th anniversary coming up in 2025, we expect some sort of reveal for the celebration — at least a logo reveal, if not more. As far as potential offerings go, rumors suggest that “Paint the Night Parade” will return, and also possibly “The Main Street Electrical Parade.” Of course, there could be more to the milestone celebration that can be announced at D23.
Disneyland Paris
“The Lion King” Attraction and Land
A land or attraction themed to “The Lion King” has been rumored for Disneyland Paris since at least 2022. With work already underway on the next immersive world for Disney Adventure World (formerly Walt Disney Studios Park), it’s possible this land or ride could make its way there, or instead be part of an expansion for Adventureland at Disneyland Paris.
Pandora – The World of Avatar
After Disneyland Paris executives confirmed that plans for a Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area at Disney Adventure World were canceled, rumors have swirled that a possible version of Pandora – The World of Avatar area would be added to the park instead. If this is indeed the plan, we expect some form of announcement during the panel.
Disney Adventure World Details
The renaming of Walt Disney Studios Park to Disney Adventure World was first announced in April 2024. While we did get a good amount of details on the reimagining of the park at that time, there are still some details left to reveal:
Nighttime Spectacular
It is possible that we could get new details for a nighttime spectacular at Disney Adventure World. With the park’s renewed focus on immersive worlds and their stories, a new nighttime show would help tie all of these ideas and IP together.
Adventure Bay
The lake that is part of the expansion of Disney Adventure World is known as “Adventure Bay,” first revealed in April 2024. This lake will serve as the gateway to the themed lands around it, and include the Adventure Bay promenade called “Adventure Way.” It will also feature an entertainment stage with fountains, music, lights, and special effects.
Dining
One of the restaurants previously announced for Disney Adventure World is The Regal View Restaurant and Lounge, located on Adventure Way. Another restaurant previously teased is the former Restaurant en Coulisse inside Studio 1, which will become “Hollywood Gardens Restaurant” when the area is transformed into World Premiere.
It is possible we could receive further details about these dining experiences, as well as new reveals of other dining offerings coming to the park.
World of Frozen
One of the “immersive worlds” already announced for Disney Adventure World is World of Frozen. The land will be located on the edge of Adventure Bay, and include a version of Frozen Ever After for Disneyland Paris; the ride currently exists at both Walt Disney World and Hong Kong Disneyland. We expect more details on this land to be shared at D23, or perhaps some footage from inside the land as construction continues.
Front Area Remodel into ‘World premiere’
Disneyland Paris unveiled its plans to remodel the front of the park into a new land called “World Premiere” earlier this year. While we’ve only seen early construction imagery and concept art, it’s possible we could get a deeper dive into the area at D23.
Hong Kong Disneyland
Marvel/Avengers Expansion
Earlier this summer, Hong Kong Disneyland confirmed via a new document that the resort would proceed with its multi-year expansion, which includes plans for a Marvel-themed area. An E-ticket Avengers Quinjet attraction was announced several years ago and was scheduled to be completed in 2023, but was canceled without announcement alongside the California version of the same ride. The question now is what will be built instead; Hong Kong Disneyland has already stated it will be related, whatever the experience may be.
20th Anniversary Celebration
Hong Kong Disneyland will turn 20 in September 2025, so we suspect plans for an anniversary celebration could be announced at D23, which will potentially include a new daytime parade.
Shanghai Disney Resort
Spider-Man Roller Coaster
In March 2024, Shanghai Disney Resort announced to shareholders that construction was underway on a new attraction, fresh off the heels of its Zootopia land opening and during construction of a third resort hotel.
Following rumors of it being a roller coaster, a municipal planning map was uncovered in April 2024, showing a forward and reverse launch. Currently, rumors indicate the IP attached to the project is Spider-Man.
New Resort Hotel Details
Shanghai Disney Resort announced its third themed hotel back in September 2023 with a groundbreaking ceremony. Since then, details have been scarce, as neither a distinct theme nor a name has been revealed. When concept art was released, the resort said that the new hotel would “immerse [guests] in spaces and activities which showcase Disney characters and stories,” as well as include new dining, shopping, and entertainment offerings.
Tokyo Disney Resort
Space Mountain Earthrise
Space Mountain as we knew it closed at Tokyo Disneyland on July 31, 2024 to make way for a new iteration of the experience. Rumored to be named “Space Mountain Earthrise,” we expect to hear more details about this reimagined attraction at D23.
Wreck-It Ralph Attraction
Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters at Tokyo Disneyland is scheduled to close in October of this year to make way for a new shooter attraction themed to Wreck-It Ralph. The technology utilized onboard the ride will be updated, seemingly to the system used for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Nano Battle at Hong Kong Disneyland (which also replaced Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters).
It is possible we could get a name and logo reveal for the new ride, or possibly a ride animatic.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Treasure
The Disney Treasure is set to make its maiden voyage on December 21, 2024. With that date inching ever closer, we’ll likely hear more details about the upcoming Disney Cruise Line ship.
Disney Adventure
The second of Disney Cruise Line’s three new ships, the Disney Adventure, will set sail from Singapore in 2025. We’ll likely get new details and potentially concept art for the ship, which will feature areas inspired by “Big Hero 6,” “Moana,” and more.
Disney Destiny
Disney Cruise Line is currently in the midst of major reveals for Disney Destiny, the third new cruise ship in the fleet. Following its many (and still ongoing) reveals, it’s possible we could hear more about this cruise ship, set to sail on its maiden voyage in 2025.
OLC Ship
In July 2024, Oriental Land Company announced their plans to operate a Disney Cruise Line ship in Japan with the goal year of 2030. Meyer Werft will build the Disney Wish-class ship, though a name and theme have not been announced.
What do you think will be announced during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event? Do you agree with our D23 predictions? Let us know in the comments.
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