There are so many exciting changes and additions coming to Walt Disney World! Destination D23 left everyone not-so-patiently waiting for all that is coming our way! Some things have been on the horizon for quite some time, while others were extremely unexpected surprises! Let's break it down by park!
Magic Kingdom
While we all know that Splash Mountain is in the process of being remodeled into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Frontierland, there is so much more on the horizon in Magic Kingdom. Let's kick it off with Frontierland! The Country Bear Jamboree is receiving an update! Next year, Big Al and his friends will be learning some new songs inspired by Nashville artists with a country spin. Venturing slightly beyond Frontierland, just past Big Thunder Mountain, there is an entire NEW LAND that's been put into “OVERDRIVE.” This new land will have a similar concept to Galaxy’s Edge and Pandora! This new land will feature new attractions at Walt Disney World.
Adventureland will also be seeing a new “local watering hole” that features the macaw from Pirates of the Caribbean. This new Tavern will combine everything we love about Pirates of the Caribbean along with an eatery. Last but certainly not least, we OFFICIALLY have an update on the Hat Box Ghost at the Haunted Mansion. This unhappy haunt will be making his debut for the first time on the east coast in late November! He will be showing up whenever and wherever he wants, but if you’re wondering, he is included in the original 999 happy haunts, so there is always room for one more. Any volunteers?
Animal Kingdom
Previously, there were rumors about Dinoland USA being converted into a Zootopia Land. While that isn’t exactly happening, we did find out more about Dinoland USA and Zootopia! The Tree of Life will have a new Zootopia show that will capture the humor and action seen in the film! Now, let's talk about the long overdue change to Dinoland USA! While yes, we all love the nostalgia of it and the carnival games, it could use a facelift. Dinoland USA is being completely reimagined! This area will become a new region of the world, the Tropical Americas, which is the northern part of South America and Central America. What’s a better way to celebrate the Tropical Americas than with the theming of Encanto and Indiana Jones! For those of you who haven’t been to Disneyland, their version of the ride Dinosaur is Indiana Jones Adventure, and the track is very similar. It seems like the Dinosaur ride would just need a new overlay! We absolutely cannot wait to enjoy the Family Madrigal in an Encanto themed area in Animal Kingdom!
EPCOT
There is so much happening in EPCOT within the next year! Figment officially has a meet and greet with guests in the Imagination Pavilion. These lines are getting LONG, so we highly recommend getting to the park early if this is a priority for your vacation! Next up is something we’ve all been waiting for: an official opening date for Journey of Water inspired by Moana. This interactive walkthrough will open to all guests on October 16, 2023, but Annual Passholders and DVC members can check their email for a chance to experience this attraction earlier! Moana will also be venturing over to EPCOT from Animal Kingdom to meet and greet with guests near Journey of Water. We highly recommend packing small travelers a change of clothes if you plan on experiencing this attraction! While some of us were sad about Epcot Forever replacing Harmonious this past year to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of EPCOT, we are super excited for the new nighttime spectacular coming to EPCOT on December 5, 2023. Luminous: the Symphony of Us will feature projections, lasers, fountains, and fireworks. The final EPCOT announcement is that Test Track, presented by Chevrolet, will be reimagined and updated!
There is so much coming to Walt Disney World, making it the perfect time to plan a visit in 2023 and 2024 to experience all of the new attractions and offerings coming our way.
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