Coming out of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event was the annoucement that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will make its debut at Disneyland Nov. 15, 2024. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened this past June in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
D23 also added the announcement of their cruise lines. Disney has four new ships setting sail beginning 2027. And set to sail in 2025, the ship Disney Destiny, will feature the King of Wakanda, Black Panther himself! Presiding over the Grand Hall will be a stunning statue of T’Challa, devoted son and beloved brother sworn to protect his kingdom!
Also, Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King, an all-new family restaurant, and a first-of-its-kind Disney dining experience. Live musicians and storytellers will take Disney Destiny guests on a musical journey through “The Lion King” soundtrack featuring live musicians and storytellers. It’s a musical retelling of Simba’s heroic journey to triumph over his villainous uncle and claim his rightful place as king of Pride Rock. Five ships are currently in the fleet, with four others already in the works. These new, four additional ships will bring the fleet to a total of 13, giving you 13 different opportunities to experience everything that Disney Cruise Line is known for.
During the D23 Expo, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro gave Disney fans a download on upcoming plans for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and more! Here are a few of the exciting events coming up!
AVATAR-THEMED DESTINATION AT CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE EXPLORE MORE OF PANDORA
This new and thrilling excursion will bring all the action, excitement, and wonder of Avatar, taking guests all the way to the wide-open seas of Pandora.
COCO ATTRACTION AT DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS 2026
The attraction will be filled with the characters — and music! — you know and love from the beloved movie, as you join Miguel on a trip to the land of the dead. This marks the first-ever “Coco” ride in a Disney park! Walt Disney Imagineering will draw inspiration for the attraction from beloved classics, like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.
VILLAINS LAND AT MAGIC KINGDOM SOMETHING WICKED BEGINS CONSTRUCTION SOON
The new land will encompass all your dreams-er, nightmares. The space will be home to two major attractions, dining, and shopping on an incredibly twisted grand scale.
MONSTERS, INC. LAND JOKES AROUND AT HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Picking up after the events of Pixar’s beloved film, humans have now been invited to visit the world of Monsters, Inc. — and the monsters need laughter to power the city and keep it running smoothly. But it’s not a true visit without the factory itself. You’ll be able to see the sights, hear the laughs and zoom through the building just like James P. Sullivan (a.k.a. Sulley) and Mike Wazowski — via a door!
NEW NIGHTTIME PARADE TO DEBUT AT MAGIC KINGDOM ARRIVING ON MAIN STREET, U.S.A. IN 2025
“Disney Starlight” will continue the nighttime spectacular legacy started by the “Main Street Electrical Parade” using the latest technology to tell new stories about the characters you love. All of this is brought to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy, in addition to beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios films “Peter Pan,” “Encanto,” “Frozen,” and more.
INDIANA JONES AND ENCANTO AT ANIMAL KINGDOM SPROUTING TO LIFE IN 2027
A new Indy experience is set to arrive in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and will be different from any other Indiana Jones experience around the world.
In this new venture, the man with the hat has recently discovered a perfectly preserved Maya temple, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to explore it. He’s heard rumors about a mythical creature deep within the temple — and he’s got to see it for himself. So, he brings us along on the adventure… but will there be snakes? We’ll just have to wait and see.
If you’re a fan of drawers, floors, and doors, let’s go! The first-ever “Encanto”-themed ride-through attraction is coming to Animal Kingdom, featuring the beloved Madrigal family from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film. Inside the Casita, Antonio has just received his special gift — the ability to communicate with animals — and his room has transformed into a rainforest. It’s time to go explore alongside him, and you never know what member of the family you might bump into…
THE LION KING ROARS INTO DISNEYLAND PARIS
The Lion King — which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year — has long been a beloved Disney story. A new area of the park will be dedicated to the characters and stories from the film, including dining, shopping, and a chance to meet some favorite characters. Then, when you’re ready (you don’t have to wait to become a king for this one), head down to the caverns beneath Pride Rock. The new attraction will bring you alongside Simba’s journey from cub to king — it’s going to feel like you stepped right into the movie.
DISNEY AND EPIC GAMES COLLABORATION UPDATE NEW MARVEL SEASON PREMIERES NEXT WEEK
Disney announced a new collaboration with Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite, to build all-new games and entertainment universe. Later this Fall, Maleficent, Cruella de Vil and Captain Hook will become the first Disney Animation characters to join Fortnite. Pete Docter also shared a glimpse at upcoming content launching later this Fall in Fortnite – the first from Pixar – with The Incredibles. Lucasfilm Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni shared a sneak peek at new Star Wars characters and items coming to Fortnite – IG-11, Moff Gideon and all-new Grogu dynamic Back Bling arrive… next week! From films to gaming, fans of Marvel will recall the very first entertainment gameplay crossover ever in Fortnite – the addition of the Infinity Gauntlet from Avengers: Infinity War in 2018.