Disney Park Updates

On Aug. 9-11, Disney hosted D23 in Anaheim, California. D23 is a major fan event featuring previews for upcoming media and plans for the future of Disney. D23 has introduced many new changes especially in the Disney parks. These changes will be featured in almost every Disney park in the United States. Although, these changes will be more significant, with new lands, areas, and rides planned for both California and Florida parks.

 Changes in Florida Parks

D23 has generated a lot of excitement about upcoming construction for the Disney franchise, with many updates planned for both Florida and California parks. Notable upcoming lands include Villain’s Land in Magic Kingdom, Monsters Inc. Land in Hollywood Studios, and Pueblo Esperanza in Animal Kingdom.

EPCOT Florida closed the Test Track ride for future construction on a new ride experience, as well as a historical display on the makings of automobiles. Villain’s Land will feature villains such as Maleficent, Jafar, Evil Queen, Ursula, and more. The plan includes a new ride, along with more dining and shopping options. Monsters Inc. Land plans to transport guests into the world of the Monster’s Inc. franchise with a ride inspired by the door scene in the original film.

Animal Kingdom will be welcoming a new ride based on the movie “Zootopia.” This ride will be featured in the Tree of Life, where you can glimpse into the different biomes highlighted in the movie. Currently Disney is not quite finished with Animal Kingdom. D23 announced new renovations and drastic changes to DinoLand in the park. DinoLand has been around for 26 years, this particular area was supposed to present Animal Kingdom as not, your typical zoo. With new envisions for the future, they have concepts for turning the section into Pueblo Esperanza, a tropical inspired park. Disney hopes that this new area will be the base of all new rides, inspired by the movie “Encanto,” and the movie series “Indiana Jones.”

Changes in California Parks 

Current construction in Disneyland, California, consists of renovations to what was previously the ride, Splash Mountain. This ride has been closed for renovation since May 31, 2023 and will reopen in November.

The Avengers Campus will expand, with plans to add two more rides as well as additional shops by the year 2027. Disney California Adventure is planning its first-ever Coco ride, which will be a boat ride based on Pixar’s movie, Coco. 

Another addition is a land based on the movie Avatar, similar to the Avatar land in Animal Kingdom Florida. This new section will include futuristic rides and guest experiences. The ride, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, will be updated to include the Mandalorian and the Child, offering a new adventure for guests.

Fans Reaction to Disney’s New Plans

With these new renovations, Disney park fans have mixed feelings. Some long for their nostalgic childhood rides, while others are eager for the change. “I am a Disney baby. I grew up going to Disney. I was a cast member in college, and I have family members that work for the park. I’m a huge Disney fan. I do love original Disney and I feel that sometimes they’ve gone away from that,” said Wolcott.

 Science teacher, Ms. Trueman, spoke on how these changes to rides and expansions to the land mentioned in D23, make her excited. “I think just new lands and updating current things that they have. I can’t wait to see Splash Mountain turn into Tiana,” said Trueman. “I would love to see a Moana land. I think’s its now becoming a little more encompassing of other cultures, and I think that’s great. I’m super excited to see how Disney does,” said Trueman.

With almost every park featuring a new ride or a land being changed, fans must balance the pros and the cons of the future. In the next few years, these features will be contributing to the childhoods of new generations. Fans will have to keep updated with these new changes from now till the future.