7 New Rides and Attractions Coming to Disney Parks in 2025 & Beyond (Including a Villains Land and ‘Monsters, Inc.’ Coaster)
One of the biggest park expansions in Disney history
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On a sweltering July day in 1955, Anaheim, California was buzzing. It was opening day at Disneyland, and even with the public skepticism, union strikes and extreme heat, the crowds showed up in droves. Since then, the entertainment juggernaut has revamped the theme park industry more times than I can count, with multiple park openings around the world––from Shanghai to Paris––and annual additions that keep the consumers coming back. Now, Disney’s taking things up a notch, reportedly investing $60 billion over the next 10 years to expand both its theme park and cruise divisions (which is double the amount they spent over the previous decade). It’s one of the biggest park expansion plans in Disney history and, after the 2024 D23 Expo this past weekend, we finally have details on what to expect.
For the uninitiated, D23 is the official Disney fan club founded in 2009, and biannually they host an expo filled with insider experiences including major announcements (like new shows and movies), sneak peeks and celebrity appearances. Here’s every exciting new ride and attraction coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland in 2025 and beyond, from a land dedicated to Disney villains to an Indiana Jones-themed thriller.
Walt Disney World (Orlando, FL)
1. Villains Land at Magic Kingdom
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, villains are at the heart of every iconic Disney story, from Sleeping Beauty to 101 Dalmatians. And now, they’re officially getting their own land in Magic Kingdom. Though few details were shared, the wicked expansion will include dining, shopping and two major new attractions. “This land will be home to the villains that you know, and those that you loathe,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences. “Be prepared, you poor unfortunate souls. It’s going to be a fearless new vision for what a Disney experience can be.”
Opening dates have not been announced, but I’m betting you can expect magic potions and poison apples aplenty.
2. Monsters Inc. Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Next stop, Monstopolis! Pixar’s 2001 hit Monsters, Inc. is finally getting the love it deserves with its very own land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and it's going to feature the park's first-ever suspended rollercoaster. Parkgoers can now join Mike and Sulley on a wild adventure through the scare factory. “Remember in the movie how those claws grab the doors and hoist them up into the air to take them away?” D’Amaro teases. “We’re doing that, too. And you’re going along for the ride.”
Construction on the brand-new land is expected to begin in 2025, and though there’s no official word on where it will be, rumor has it that it will replace the Animation building (which currently houses Star Wars Launch Bay).
3. Encanto and Indiana Jones Rides at New Tropical Americas Land in Animal Kingdom
For the OG Disney World fans, say goodbye to Dinoland. Disney announced that this area in Animal Kingdom will be replaced by a Tropical Americas Land which will be host to two new attractions featuring Indiana Jones and Encanto.
The Indiana Jones ride will follow everyone’s favorite adventurer through a Mayan Temple with a mythical curse. Riders can reportedly expect a different storyline and experience than the existing Indy ride in Disneyland. For the Encanto attraction, parkgoers will arrive on the day Antonio receives his special gift (the ability to talk to animals) as he and the rest of the Madrigal family explore their own magical Casita.
Both attractions and the new Tropical Americas land are expected to open in 2027.
4. Cars Area at Frontierland in Magic Kingdom
Lightning McQueen, Doc Hudson and the whole Cars gang are officially moving into Frontierland at Magic Kingdom with two new attractions for riders big and small. One ride will be a favorite amongst families with young children, while the other will take guests off-road on a thrilling race through the wilderness.
When explaining why the Imagineers chose Frontierland for this project, D’Amaro said, “The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon … believing in yourself, carving your own path, and striving toward success. That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou … or a racecar from the big city.” Construction is expected to begin in 2025.
Disneyland & Disney’s California Adventure (Anaheim, CA)
5. Two New Rides in Avengers Campus: Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab
Avengers assemble! Marvel fans will be happy to hear that two new attractions are being added to Disney’s California Adventure: Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab (yes, as in Tony Stark).
Avengers Infinity Defense will be a multi-world adventure. Parkgoers can follow their favorite superheroes as they travel to different worlds––including Wakanda and Asgard––to battle it out with the evil King Thanos. Riders will also be able to test their flight skills aboard Stark Flight Labs which will feature two-person flight pods and new technology.
Construction will begin in 2025, and the new additions will reportedly double the size of the current Avengers Campus.
6. Avatar Land at Disney's California Adventure
Get ready to join Jake Sully, Neytiri and the rest of the Na’vi in sunny SoCal with the announcement of a brand-new Avatar land coming to Disney’s California Adventure. According to Imagineer Ali Rubenstein, the area will feature a new location on Pandora inspired by the 2022 film Avatar: Way of Water and the newly announced Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025). The land will also include a brand-new boat ride where guests will go on “an excursion in search of majestic natural wonders that can only be found in Pandora,” Rubinstein shares.
Opening dates have not been announced, but I’m looking forward to seeing how it compares to the current Pandora - The World of Avatar in Orlando’s Animal Kingdom.
7. Coco Ride at Disney's California Adventure
Board this musical boat ride and travel to the Land of the Dead to find your Alebrije with Miguel and his whole family. Though exact details are scarce, the attraction is set to open in Disney’s California Adventure in 2026, and it reportedly will draw inspiration from the current Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean rides.
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