A MAJOR expansion is being planned for Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World’s original theme park!
At the 2022 D23 Expo, Disney announced a “blue sky” project — “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” — that would potentially bring a NEW land (or possibly lands) to Magic Kingdom. Then, in April of 2024, Disney confirmed that the first steps had been taken to make this massive expansion a reality.
Let’s take a step back before we dive into what lies “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” in Magic Kingdom…
What is a Blue Sky Project?
When Disney initially announced “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain,” it was referred to in a presentation at the 2022 D23 Expo as “Blue Sky” thinking, or a Blue Sky project or concept. (Picture the most epic brainstorming session you can conjure up, complete with Disney Imagineers!)
Imagineering Portfolio Creative Executive Chris Beatty and Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios Jennifer Lee discussed some ideas in the works for Magic Kingdom. Disney has called these “potential expansion opportunities” for Magic Kingdom and “What if…” ideas.
Beatty shared, “Magic Kingdom holds a special place in my heart. I think there are so many amazing stories yet to be told – lands to be explored.”
WHY “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain”?
The project has been dubbed “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” because the expansion will likely be physically located behind the Big Thunder Mountain attraction in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland.
When discussing these potential expansions, Chris Beatty mused: have you ever wondered if you could travel to the other side of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, what would be there? The idea here is basically an exploration of what could be on the other side of Big Thunder Mountain…
What Could Potentially Lie “Beyond” Big Thunder Mountain?
The folks at Disney Imagineering are behind the Blue Sky projects, and often discuss and explore ideas in partnership with Disney Animation. Disney has expressed that, in the Blue Sky stage, ideas are very much subject to change. Below are simply some options that Disney has presented as possibilities for the future.
Coco, Encanto, or Disney Villains-themed expansions and attractions have all been mentioned publicly as possibilities! (It’s worth noting that a major expansion has been confirmed for Disney World’s Animal Kingdom as well; The Tropical Americas is likely to feature Encanto, and you can learn more about that project by clicking here.)
While these ideas were initially floated at the 2022 D23 Expo, there have been further discussions since. For instance, in September 2023, a Destination D23 panel was hosted by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro. During 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 mentioned again 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 major Disney World theme park additions such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Pandora – The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including the addition of new attractions, restaurants, shows, and more!
Magic Kingdom Expansion Timeline
So WHEN is this exciting expansion actually going to happen? No opening date or timeline for the new area has been announced just yet. However, we can say that, in April 2024, Disney shared that work on the transformation is beginning!
At an exclusive media event at Walt Disney Imagineering, we were informed that Disney would soon file permits for storm drainage and other foundational work for the land where the expansion will take place; a small but crucial step. And with that, Disney confirmed that expansion plans are indeed in motion!
Disney had previously announced that they’re planning to invest a LOT into their parks over the next ten years. In fact, they’re going to invest about $60 BILLION in the Parks, Experiences, and Products segment of the company in the coming decade. Part of that budget will include the Magic Kingdom expansion.
We’re excited to keep you posted on ALL the new about what lies “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” as it is revealed! For the latest news on the expansion, click any of the links below:
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!