Whether you’re a well-traveled Mouseketeer or you’re delving into the realm of Disney for the first time, there’s always something new and exciting to experience at the parks’ Orlando location. Many exciting changes are coming to the four parks—Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT—in 2024 and 2025. While some upcoming attractions have only been announced, others are in the final stages of development. You can look forward to these new rides at Disney World when planning your family vacation with Sundance Vacations!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
First announced in 2020, the re-theming of Splash Mountain, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, is officially opening in the summer of 2024. If you’re a fan of the Disney animated film, or if you have little ones that just won’t stop singing Dig a Little Deeper, this wild water adventure is sure to draw you to Frontierland in Magic Kingdom. Video footage of some of the new animatronics in action has been released, and needless to say, the Imagineers have outdone themselves again! The movements of the characters are as fluid as calm bog that you’ll be traversing on your ride through the Louisiana marshland. The best part? We’ll get to hear an all-new original Disney song in collaboration with PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard.
Country Bear Musical Jamboree
Country Bear Jamboree has been attracting guests to Frontierland since 1971, and for the first time in years, this giddy grizzly animatronic show is picking up a new performance! Join Henry, Liver Lips McGrowl, Wendell, and all their friends for a fresh take on their usual hillbilly hoedown that’s sure to have you smiling and singing along to their iconic songs. Though the attraction is currently closed, Grizzly Hall plans to reopen in summer 2024 with new musical styles mimicking those often found in Nashville, Tennessee. Country Bear Jamboree continues to be a popular staple of the park, being one of the few attractions that remain that Walt himself helped to develop.
Star Tours
Speaking of attractions that have been around for eons, Star Tours originally opened the doors to its starcruiser in 1987. This out-of-this-world motion simulator was remodeled in 2010 and our buddies R2D2 and C3PO have been guiding us though Star Tours — The Adventures Continue ever since. Now, after 14 years, new adventures are being added to the Star Tours experience! Guests can expect to meet new characters from popular Star Wars shows, including Ashoka, Andor, and The Mandalorian. Each ride on Star Tours will be a unique galactic escapade. With the new adventures being added, 250+ experiences will now be available to parkgoers. So, if you’re looking for an enthralling, high-flying, space romp, be sure to check out the sweet upgrades coming to this Hollywood Studios ride!
It’s Tough to be a Bug Zootopia Makeover
It’s Tough to be a Bug opened in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom in 1998, a few months before the release of the movie it’s themed after, A Bug’s Life. The 3D short is filled with special effects to make the audience feel like they’re a part of the insect world! If you’ve seen this show previously, you probably have memories of scooching to the edge of your seat to avoid the bee sting to the back—ouch! Well, in 2024, Disney is ditching Flick and friends to replace them with mammals that are a bit furrier… the animals of Zootopia! Though nothing is currently known in terms of the film’s story, we know that this retheme is going to be a huge success, especially looking at other Disney parks’ incorporation of Zootopia recently. We’ll miss seeing Flick’s little antennae poke through his burrow hole, but we’re excited to possibly see a pair of bunny ears popping out instead!
New Lands Being Added to Magic Kingdom
During the D23 Expo, several new lands were teased for Magic Kingdom. To be added beyond Big Thunder Mountain, the new lands discussed include a Coco themed land, a Moana themed land, and a new land to harbor the dastardly Disney villains! Concept images that depict the vision of the parks have been released, but much is still left up to the imagination! The Coco expansion shows off a bright and vibrant land with heavy inspiration from the warm tones of Mexican towns. The Moana expansion offers a lush land with cool tones that truly encompass the Polynesian culture. Though there’s no specific timeframe on when these parks will be open to the public, we’re looking forward to exploring every inch of them once they’re ready!
Potential Planning for a Fifth Park
Yep, you read that right. Don’t be surprised if, in the near future, it’s announced that a new Disney World park is being built. Bob Iger, the current CEO of Disney, hinted at the possibility of a fifth park joining the ranks of Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. Many of the major Disney expansions are set to begin in 2025, so we’re hoping to hear more on the subject during the next D23 Expo. For now, we’ll relish in what’s to come in 2024, like new meet-and-greet opportunities, spectaculars to light up the night sky, and a variety of experience-enhancing updates to rides that we’ve all come to know and love.
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