Josh D’Amaro Chairman of Disney Experiences has offered big reveals for Disney fans at the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Fest in Anaheim, California — including an all new land based on classic Disney villains headed to Orlando.
According to the Orlando Business Journal ” D’Amaro shared the basic composition of the land: two Villains-themed attractions will anchor the area while dining and shopping will be part of the build-out as well. While specific details about the attractions remain unknown, the other announcements of the day emphasized the technological advancements and immersive experiences guests can expect.
An Aug. 11 official news release described the already-underway project as part of Disney’s “largest expansion” ever.
The planned additions will add more jobs to the company that’s already the region’s biggest employer. Further, the park’s expanding footprint should help the region regain the ground tourism lost in the pandemic. Pre-Covid, Orlando had 75 million visitors and last year’s visitation reached 74 million.
Here are more D23 announcements made this weekend:
- Disney will break ground on two new Cars-themed attractions sited in the redesigned Frontierland, close to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the flume ride that opened on June 28. “Cars” is one of Pixar’s most successful franchises, with the third installment in the film series raking in $383.5 million at the box office. Its popularity should boost the appeal of Frontierland and encourage ticket sales.
- The Test Track attraction at Epcot will undergo a significant upgrade and renovation, with a relaunch planned for 2025. The updated attraction will feature new show scenes that highlight technological advances and the evolving relationship between people and mobility.
- Two new lounge spaces were announced, both set to open in 2025. One lounge will be inspired by Spaceship Earth at Epcot, and the other will be themed to Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom. These additions are expected to enhance guest experiences and drive spending at the parks.
- Animal Kingdom will add an 11-acre section, including two new attractions: one an immersive adventure in Indiana Jones’s Mayan temple and the other a ride-through that traces the “Encanto” storyline in which Antonio Madrigal communicates with animals in the rainforest.
- A new land themed around Pixar’s “Monsters Inc.” will be added to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The land will be designed to immerse guests in the world of Monstropolis, featuring attractions and interactive experiences based on the film. This land will include a suspended coaster attraction — details about the coaster have not yet been shared.
- A bit further afield but still relevant to Central Florida’s tourism market, Disney Cruise Line is growing its fleet with the addition of four new ships — a total of 13. The ships will arrive between 2027 and 2031. This expansion will likely increase demand for cruises originating from Central Florida, contributing to the growth of the local cruise industry and related businesses. “