The EPCOT transformation still has a ways to go, but soon, the new Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana walkthrough attraction will open! Plus, over in Magic Kingdom, the long-awaited TRON Lightcycle / Run attraction opened earlier in 2023. Let’s face it. Lots of the big projects in Disney World are wrapping up, so what’s next for Disney World?
It’s been a while since Disney has shared any big announcements on new projects, so fans are itching for news. For instance, remember when Disney teased a GIANT expansion for Magic Kingdom at the last D23 Expo? Since then, we’ve been on the edge of our seats, waiting for any sort of update on this BOLD new concept. Well, during the Destination D23 event, Disney shared some new information about the possible Magic Kingdom expansion!
First, let’s give you some background. During the “Blue Sky” presentation at the D23 Expo in 2022, Disney shared some concepts for things that could eventually turn into real projects in the future.
During the panel, a few Disney leaders discussed some potential ideas to expand Magic Kingdom. Disney called these “what if” ideas to really hammer home the point that this was all hypothetical. The team floated a few different ideas, including Coco, Encanto, or Disney villain-themed expansions.
Well, this potentially epic concept came up again at this morning’s Destination D23 panel hosted by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro! During part of the panel, D’Amaro was joined by Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Imagineering, to talk about the “Blue Sky” project.
Bruce Vaughn said that the future expansion plans for Magic Kingdom are the “largest ever” for the park. He shared that Imagineers are looking to tell stories “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain.”
It was also said that these stories will be told on a scale similar to things like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Pandora – The World of Avatar, including the addition of new attractions, restaurants, shows, and more!
There were no specifics announced regarding what types of attractions, restaurants, or shows might be added, but it was said that more details are to come in the future.
We’ll be on the lookout for any major news during Destination D23, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest announcements and updates. We’ll keep you in the loop!
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What would you like to see as part of this expansion? Tell us in the comments!
Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney World to attend the Destination D23 event. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ
Mark says
One thing is for certain, if it is to be built, it will take decades or longer at the pace with which Disney moves! No need for any excitement until the gate’s actually open.
Patty says
I think the three themes will be so much fun.
But with the prices Disney is charging. I will never get to see them.
Code Spyder says
I take Beyond Big Thunder Mountain to mean just beyond Big Thunder Mountain. There is a plot of land to the north, across the river that look promising.
Nanette Stillwell says
Magic Kingdom is the most magical of parks to little people (and lots of us adults)! I’d love to see more family friendly rides in the vein of Seven Dwarfs and its a small world for littles and older people who cannot handle thrill rides. Of course, new thrill rides are always welcome too! All the character interactions that can be squeezed in – ALL of them. We want to see the princes, the princesses, the sidekicks, the bad guys and gals – ALL OF THE CHARACTERS! – not holograms – the real things. And a show or two – maybe a Tiana show – the music is so great!! Just keep taking Disney to all the magical places in MK – of course Mickey and his road racer crew could be fun too.
Pris says
This may come to fruition but I won’t hold my breath. I think it’s more a tease to potentially keep up interest in Disney without having to spend money. Even if it happens it won’t be here until 2028 knowing how slow Disney is to complete anything.
Steven Reposa says
How about a Cars Land here. I can say how many people I heard at Hollywood Studios asking about where can they ride Lighting McQueen and I have to tell them in California.
Greg says
I’m sorry but for the past four years these “Blue Sky” projects for WDW have proved to be nothing burgers. Initially I could understand how the pandemic could upset such plans but now it’s become more obvious that Disney is using these D23 events to do nothing more than create some buzz. Anyone paying attention to Disney’s financial situation will know better than to get excited about any of these things.
Elizabeth says
If the expansion lacks continuity like Disney is currently doing with new Tiana’s attraction I am dreading it. Tiana ‘s attraction takes place in the 1920 ‘s to the 1930’s what is it doing in Frontierland. Tiana is a princess and belongs in fantasyland with rest of the princesses. If Disney does the right thing and creates a comprehensive new land with one theme and one time line I think it could be great. But so far Disney seems more about throwing IP ‘ s together than keeping storyline and continuity the foundation of Walt’s credo.
Essie says
A villain land or attraction out beyond BTMRR would be wonderful!