Name: American Express® Gold Card
Brand: American Express

Quick summary

Disney announced a wide range of new lands, attractions and experiences coming to both Disney World and Disneyland, with all projects confirmed to be in active development.
Highlights include a 'Monsters, Inc.' land and a villains-themed area at Disney World, an 'Avatar'-themed land and new Marvel attractions at Disneyland, and several reimagined rides and themed lounges.
Major updates feature the first-ever suspended coaster at a Disney park, an 'Indiana Jones' ride at Animal Kingdom, and a new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom.
Opening timelines range from late 2024 through 2027, with some projects beginning construction as early as this fall.

What to consider

Some attractions, such as the 'Coco'-themed ride and Avengers Campus expansion, will not open for several years, with construction starting in 2026 or later.
Specific details, such as which villains will be featured or exact opening dates for certain lands, remain unannounced.
Several reimagined experiences, including the new 'Zootopia' show and Test Track update, have defined timelines, but others are still in early development stages.

What you'll miss from the article

A detailed breakdown of every new land, attraction and experience announced for Disney parks, including insider timelines and unique features.

Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.

Every two years, droves of Disney fans descend on Anaheim, California, but not solely to visit Disneyland. They come together to celebrate their shared love of all things Disney with exclusive experiences, behind-the-scenes panels, shopping, cosplaying and so much more at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event that takes place once every two years.

The expo's headliner event is always the Disney Experiences Showcase, and this year was no different. With the help of special guests ranging from Deadpool to Rita Ora to Billy Crystal, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro took the stage at Anaheim's Honda Center to reveal every new land and attraction coming to Disney parks in the near future.

2022's D23 event focused on what Disney refers to as "blue sky" ideas. These are early concepts that Disney may bring to the parks but may grow and evolve before they are built or never even see the light of day. This year, however, Disney pulled those dreams from the sky and planted them firmly in the ground. At the start of the presentation, D'Amaro promised guests that every announcement made throughout the evening was in active development. "Plans are drawn. Dirt is moving. I just want to be clear about this: We are doing everything you’ve heard here tonight," D'Amaro said.

So, what exactly is Disney getting its shovels dirty for? Here's everything that was announced for Disney World and Disneyland that you can experience in the coming months and years.

Walt Disney World announcements

'Monsters, Inc.' land coming to Hollywood Studios

A new land themed to Pixar Animation Studios’ “Monsters, Inc.” is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. DISNEY

The company said it will build a brand-new land themed to Disney and Pixar's "Monsters, Inc." at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The setting for the land will be Monstropolis, home to Mike, Sulley and all of your favorite not-so-scary monsters from the film franchise. The land will also include a visit to the laugh factory that powers the city.

Guests can even ride on a door like Mike and Sulley in the iconic scene from the film with Disney’s first-ever suspended coaster. DISNEY

In addition to meeting the world's most cuddly monsters, the land will have the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park. The coaster will take riders through the door vault, just like what you see in the films. "Remember in the movie how those claws grab the doors and hoist them up into the air to take them away? We’re doing that, too. And you’re going along for the ride," D'Amaro said.

Work on the "Monsters, Inc."-themed land is slated to begin next year.

'Cars'-themed area in Frontierland

A new area themed to Pixar Animation Studios’ “Cars" is coming to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. DISNEY

Disney also shared that a "Cars"-themed area is coming to a reimagined section of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. The area with have two attractions based on the hit animated film franchise. One will be a thrilling rally race through the mountains (hopefully a la Radiator Springs Racers at Disneyland), and the other will be geared toward "fun for the whole family," according to D'Amaro.

Construction on this new area is slated to begin in 2025.

Villains land coming to Magic Kingdom

The new land coming to Magic Kingdom will feature fan-favorite Disney villains and two marquee attractions. DISNEY

Disney has dangled the concept of a villains-themed land for years, but now it has finally confirmed that this land will become a reality. Disney did not reveal exactly which stories or villains will be represented in the land, but D'Amaro did share that the land will have two major attractions, dining and shopping. An opening date will be announced at a later date, but Disney did confirm that preparation is already underway for this villainous new land.

Tropical Americas land coming to Animal Kingdom

The new town Esperanza will be in the Tropical Americas land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. DISNEY

During 2022's D23 event, Disney shared concept art of what could potentially replace DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom. At the time, it shared several concepts, including ones themed to "Moana" and "Zootopia." Then, at the Destination D23 event at Disney World in 2023, we learned that DinoLand U.S.A. would be rethemed to the "Tropical Americas." Now we know exactly which of these worlds we will one day step into at Animal Kingdom.

D'Amaro shared that this 11-acre section of the park would indeed receive the Tropical Americas treatment, with three all-new attractions. One will be themed to "Indiana Jones," and though Disney hasn't expressly stated so, it will likely replace the current land's Dinosaur attraction. The ride uses the same track and vehicles as Disneyland's Indiana Jones Adventure attraction, so it's a natural fit for a retheme.

A new attraction themed after the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Encanto." DISNEY

The land's other major attraction will be themed to "Encanto" and will feature the family's iconic Casita. It will also have a carousel where kids of all ages can go for a spin with their favorite Disney animals.

Construction is set to begin this fall, and Disney will open the new land in 2027.

'Zootopia' attraction coming to Animal Kingdom

A new show inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Zootopia” will debut next winter on Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. DISNEY

Disney also revealed at Destination D23 that the "It's Tough to Be a Bug!" attraction inside Animal Kingdom's Tree of Life would be reimagined with a "Zootopia" theme. Now, we know the new show, called "Zootopia: Better Zoogether!" will officially open next winter.

New lounges coming to Magic Kingdom and Epcot

An all-new lounge themed to Spaceship Earth will open at Epcot in 2025. DISNEY

An all-new lounge themed to Pirates of the Caribbean will open at Magic Kingdom in 2025. DISNEY

If you live for a cool drink in a Disney lounge on a hot day, we have two times the good news for you. Next year, both Epcot and Magic Kingdom are getting new lounges. At Epcot, guests can visit a lounge inspired by Spaceship Earth, and at Magic Kingdom, guests can enjoy "grogs and grub" at a tavern themed to Pirates of the Caribbean.

New nighttime parade coming to Magic Kingdom

A new nighttime parade, “Disney Starlight,” will come to Magic Kingdom in summer 2025. DISNEY

Almost every time Disney makes an announcement, Disney fans hope a new nighttime parade for Magic Kingdom will be included. Their wishes will finally come true next summer when the new parade, "Disney Starlight," debuts at Magic Kingdom. The parade will feature characters from films like "Peter Pan," "Encanto," "Frozen" and more.

New storyline for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Hollywood Studios

New missions featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu will be added to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers run in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. DISNEY

If you've mastered helping Hondo Ohnaka collect coaxium on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Galaxy's Edge, you will soon have a new mission to fulfill. Disney announced that a brand-new adventure featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu will be added to the attraction at Disney World and Disneyland in 2026.

Reimagined Test Track coming to Epcot

A reimagined version of Test Track will open at Epcot in 2025. DISNEY

Disney also shared during last year's Destination D23 event that Test Track would close temporarily for a reimagining inspired by World of Motion, the attraction that was replaced by Test Track. Construction has already begun and the high-speed attraction will reopen in 2025.

Disneyland announcements

'Avatar'-themed land coming to Disney California Adventure

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"Avatar"-themed experience at Disney California Adventure. DISNEY

2 of 3

"Avatar"-themed experience at Disney California Adventure. DISNEY

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"Avatar"-themed experience at Disney California Adventure. DISNEY

Disney recently revealed concept art for an "Avatar"-themed experience it hoped to bring to Disneyland if the resort's ambitious $1.9 billion Disneyland Forward expansion were to be approved. That plan got the green light in May, paving the way for Disney to confirm an "Avatar" attraction is being built for Disney California Adventure. The concept art depicts a slow-moving boat ride inspired by “Avatar: The Way of Water” and the future "Avatar" films.

Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic coming to Disneyland

Guests will be able to see the first-ever Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney in the new show “Walt Disney — A Magical Life." DISNEY

Every Disney park across the globe pays homage to the company's founder with statues, exhibits and more, but Disneyland will soon take that tribute to an all-new level with the first-ever Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney. Walt will be featured in an attraction called “Walt Disney — A Magical Life" in Disneyland's Main Street Opera House. After the show's initial run, it will play in rotation with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln," a show that Walt himself debuted at the 1964 New York World's Fair before bringing it to Disneyland.

Avengers Campus expansion coming to Disney California Adventure

During 2022's D23 event, Disney did reveal that a third attraction was in the works for California Adventure's Avengers Campus. It promised a world-jumping ride that would take guests into the multiverse, facing off against formidable foes like King Thanos.

Avengers Infinity Defense will have guests join in battle across the multiverse alongside the Avengers. DISNEY

We now know the name and opening timeline, and additional details for this ride. Avengers Infinity Defense will find guests jumping through time and space as they face off against King Thanos. During the ride, you'll travel to locations like Asgard, Wakanda and New York City as you fight alongside Marvel heroes to save the day.

If that isn't enough, Disney also revealed that a fourth attraction is being planned for the land, as well. Together, these two rides will double the size of Avengers Campus. The fourth ride, called Stark Flight Lab, will find riders in two-person pods as they take off on a test flight in Iron Man's test facility. This ride will feature a variety of test flights and heroes, so the experience will be different every time you ride.

Construction on this expansion will begin next year.

'Coco' attraction coming to Disney California Adventure

Coming to Disney California Adventure is the first-ever attraction inspired by Pixar Animation Studios’ “Coco." DISNEY

Disney also announced that the first-ever "Coco"-themed attraction at any Disney park is coming to Disney California Adventure. Based on the concept art, the attraction appears to be a boat ride featuring characters and songs from the film. It may be a few years before you can visit the land of the dead because construction is not set to begin on this ride until 2026.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure date announced for Disneyland

Following its opening at Walt Disney World earlier this year, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open Nov. 15 at Disneyland in the newly renamed Bayou Country. DISNEY

Last but very certainly not least, Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Disneyland received an official opening date of Nov. 15. The ride recently opened at Walt Disney World, and construction on the Disneyland version is already well underway. Not only that, Critter Country will be renamed Bayou Country when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens this fall.

When it does open, guests can go "down the bayou" as Tiana prepares for a big Mardi Gras party. As she finalizes the party plans, you'll help her gather a cast of musical critters to perform at the party before you splash on down to the soiree (a 50-foot splash, to be exact).

Bottom line

Every attraction and experience in this story is something you will see at Disney World or Disneyland. This year's D23 event proved that Disney is delivering more than just hopes and dreams ... it is putting shovels in the ground and bringing those dreams to life.

Related reading:

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Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

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Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

So, what exactly is Disney getting its shovels dirty for? Here's everything that was announced for Disney World and Disneyland that you can experience in the coming months and years.

Walt Disney World announcements