D23

Everything Announced at the 2024 D23 Disney Experiences Showcase

Written by Joshua Posted August 11th, 2024

That’s how you put on a D23 Parks Panel! Before 12,000 anxious Disney fans, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, shared concrete plans for the future of Disney Parks and the Disney Cruise Line. “Everything we have to share with you is in active development. This means dirt is moving. This isn’t blue sky,” he told the crowd. That was welcome news to Disney fans. The last panel, held in 2022, was almost entirely blue sky. A repeat performance would’ve been met with a revolt.

Music played a big part in the Disney Experiences Showcase presentation. Meghan Trainor, John Stamos, Pentatonix, All-4-One, and other acts bridged the gaps between park announcements. Special guests Billy Crystal and Ke Huy Quan were huge fan favorites. A full symphony orchestra performed beautifully all evening.

Deadpool and Josh D'Amaro at D23. Copyright Disney. — Copyright Disney.

But park and cruise ship announcements were the highlights. While some of the news was expected, other announcements were met with stunned approval. Josh D’Amaro delivered the biggest bombshell at the end of the night. As Deadpool (yes, Deadpool) entertained the crowds, D’Amaro said, “I bet you didn’t expect us to close the show with Deadpool, did you?” But he wasn’t the finale. As good as his jokes were, the final announcement was much better.

Magic Kingdom Villains Land concept art. Copyright Disney. — Click or tap for a larger version. Copyright Disney.

A villains land is coming to Magic Kingdom! Details are scarce, but the land includes two major attractions, restaurants, and retail spaces. The concept art is stunning. If villains land looks half as good as this rendering, Disney will have a hit.

Every Parks Panel announcement

We’ll share our thoughts on each of these projects soon.

I’m going to say it again. Magic Kingdom is getting a villains land. No opening timeline was provided.
“Disney Starlight” is coming to Magic Kingdom. The nighttime parade debuts in 2025.
A Monsters, Inc. land is coming to Hollywood Studios. Construction begins in 2025.
A Mandalorian and Grogu mission is coming to Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run in 2026. Thank goodness!
Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland is getting unique Cars attractions. Construction begins in 2025.
Disney World is getting two new themed lounges: Pirates of the Caribbean (Magic Kingdom) and Spaceship Earth (EPCOT) debut in 2025.
Tropical Americas (Encanto, Indiana Jones, and carousel attractions) replace Animal Kingdom’s Dinoland U.S.A. The new land opens in 2027.
Test Track 3.0 will debut in EPCOT in 2025.
We finally have a Walt Audio-Animatronic! “Walt Disney: A Magical Life” will play at the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland starting in 2025.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens in Disneyland on November 15.
An Avatar experience is coming to Disney California Adventure.
DCA’s Avengers Campus gets two new attractions: Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab.
DCA is getting plenty of love, with a Coco-themed attraction starting construction in 2026.
A Lion King flume ride is coming to Disneyland Paris.
World of Frozen is coming to Disney Adventure World in 2026.
Disneyland Paris is getting a nighttime spectacular in January 2025.
Shanghai Disneyland is getting a Spider-Man coaster.
Hong Kong Disneyland is getting a Spider-Man attraction, as well. Could it be a Tower of Terror-type thrill ride?
“Reach for the Stars,” a new nighttime spectacular, debuts at Tokyo Disneyland on September 20.
Disney Cruise Line is set to launch four new ships between 2027 and 2031.
Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel characters are heading to Fortnite. Doctor Doom will be available starting next week.