Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom Adding New Themed Lands, Attractions and Experiences

13.08.2024 - 06:44 / travelpulse.com / North America / Josh Damaro / Brooke McDonald

Massive expansion plans have been announced for Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World.

Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro revealed the plans, which include a confirmed Villains Land, a new “Cars”-themed area, and an opening year for a previously announced Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge.

The announcements were made as part of the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event at the Honda Center in Anaheim.

Following a previous series of “blue sky” brainstorming sessions at recent D23 events, D’Amaro stressed to the audience that these plans are firm. “Everything we’re going to share with you is in active development,” D’Amaro said. Plans are drawn. Dirt is moving. I just want to be clear about this: We are doing everything you’ve heard here tonight.”

We’ll be breaking down the nearly 50 announcements D’Amaro shared across the Disney Experiences portfolio, starting with everything to know about the new plans for Magic Kingdom.

Villains Land rendering. (Photo Credit: Disney)

First presented as a “blue sky” concept “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” at the D23 Expo in 2022, Villains Land is now confirmed for Magic Kingdom. The land will be the “dark and thorny” lair of classic Walt Disney Animation Studios villains and will include two “major” attractions, dining, and retail.

Attractions haven’t been confirmed, but concept art includes a coaster track with thorn embellishments.

A promo video shared by Disney includes a vast lineup of animated villains, including Ursula, Maleficent (who appears in dragon form), Jafar, Scar, the Evil Queen, Hades, Captain Hook, Chernabog, Kaa, Gaston, and more.

No timeline was shared but Disney has confirmed that “preparation is already underway.”

Frontierland Expansion. (Photo Credit: Disney)

Without question, the most surprising announcement for Magic Kingdom was the reveal of a new “Cars”-inspired area with two new attractions coming to a “reimagined section of Frontierland.”

The new Cars area will take the place of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, dramatically changing the appearance of the area into rugged, mountainous terrain, as shown in new concept art.

Cars at the Magic Kingdom. (Photo Credit: Disney)

This first ride is a “thrilling” mountain rally race, with 4x4-style vehicles navigating mountain trails, past geysers and through mudholes. Concept art shows off-roading vehicles racing up and down a hilly dirt track to a finish line packed with familiar Cars friends including Lightning McQueen and Mater.

A second family-friendly attraction will be focused on “smaller racers.”

Construction will begin in early 2025.

Nighttime parade featuring Encanto float. (Photo Credit: Disney)

Drawing inspiration from the iconic “Main Street