At D23 2024, we had some major Disney Parks announcements – including a few that were a complete surprise! We’re sharing the announcements that were the most shocking to Disney fans.

D23 2024 has officially come and gone, leaving in its wake some of the most major Disney Parks announcements we’ve had in quite some time. While past D23 and Destination D23 events have brought plenty of “blue sky” ideas that were still in the planning phases, this year’s panel brought fully formed concepts that are confirmed to be coming to the Disney Parks.

Disney Announcements: Parks, Movies, and More

While some announcements were expected (confirmation of the Tropical Americas land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, an opening date for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Resort), others came as a total shock. We’re sharing some of the most surprising Disney announcements, from Disney Parks to movies and even Disney Cruise Line!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Getting a Land Inspired by Monsters, Inc.

When Billy Crystal hit the stage, we knew we were in for some major news at the Horizons Disney Experiences Showcase. And we were right! The voice of Mike Wazowski was onhand for the reveal that a new Monsters, Inc. themed land would be coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Set after the events of the film, the city of Monstropolis is running on laughter — and you get a chance to visit the factory! Inside is a roller coaster inspired by the hanging doors from the film, which will be the first-ever suspended coaster in a Disney theme park.

Right now, we don’t have a location where the new land will be placed (fingers crossed Muppets Courtyard is spared), but we do know construction will begin in 2025.

A Major Magic Kingdom Expansion

Going in, we knew a big Magic Kingdom expansion would be teased. We had heard Josh D’Amaro talk about “Beyond Big Thunder” at Destination D23, teasing a potential Disney Villains land and more. But, we got more than we bargained for with the announcements! Along with a Disney Villains land (which will include two attractions, shopping, and dining), we learned that we’d be getting the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history.

That will include newness in Frontierland, with the reveal of two new Cars rides that will be coming to the spot where Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America is currently located. Instead of Radiator Springs, the area will take us somewhere new, with a rally race ride through the mountains, with mountain trails, wild terrain, and mudholes. A second attraction will be geared towards younger riders, with more details still to come. Work on the area will begin in phases in 2025, though no date or timeline has been revealed for the Villains land.

A Coco-Themed Attraction for Disneyland Resort

Heading over to Disneyland, we learned that we’ll be getting our first-ever ride themed to Disney/Pixar’s Coco! The new boat ride will be coming to Disney California Adventure, and will feature the latest in Audio-Animatronic technology. Not too many details were shared, but we do know the attraction will break ground in 2026, so don’t expect to see this one for a few years.

A SECOND New Avengers Campus Attraction

Another announcement we expected from the panel was an update on the previously announced E-Ticket attraction coming to Avengers Campus. And that we did! We got a name for the ride, Avengers Infinity Defense, and more details. The ride will y Defense will take recruits to iconic locations like Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City as King Thanos wreaks havoc across worlds. Construction on this attraction will begin in 2025.

However, we were surprised to learn this isn’t the only ride coming to Avengers Campus! Another attraction is planned, Stark Flight Lab, with a completely new ride system for Disney Parks. On the attraction, you will enter Tony Stark’s own lab in two-person pods, deploying to a test station. While there, a robot arm grabs your pod and takes you into a simulated flight. Robert Downey Jr. will reprise his role as Tony Stark just for this attraction. No date was given for this one.

A New Attraction Inspired by The Lion King is Coming to Disneyland Paris

For international Disney Parks, we got an update on the changes are happening at Disneyland Paris, with the renaming and opening of Disney Adventure World. Along with the previously announced Frozen area, we’ll also be getting a new land called Pride Lands! There, guests can enjoy a flume set to The Lion King, featuring characters from the film (particularly the live-action film, judging by the concept art).

Guests can follow Simba’s journey from cub to king when the first-ever attraction inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Lion King” debuts at Disney Adventure World in Paris.

The area will also include dining, shopping, and a chance to meet characters. As for the ride, it will take guests along Simba’s journey from cub to king.

Disney Cruise Line Will Be Expanding With FOUR New Ships

The parks weren’t the only Disney property to get expansion news! Currently, Disney Cruise Line has three new ships in the works: Disney Treasure in 2024, and Disney Adventure and Disney Destiny in 2025. However, we learned that there are four brand-news ships coming along after. These four new ships will set sail between 2027 and 2031. By 2031, Disney Cruise Line’s fleet will feature a total of 13 ships.

Disney Movie News

For movie news, we learned about a few new projects in development. Surprisingly, we learned a new Incredibles is in development. The Incredibles 3 is currently in the works, with Brad Bird returning to lead the project.

Speaking of sequels, we got an update on Frozen III, opening 2027. But, we also learned there will be a fourth film which, combined with Frozen III, will answer fan’s lingering questions about the first two Frozen movies.