Massive expansion plans have been announced for Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World.
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh DAmaro 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, DAmaro stressed to the audience that these plans are firm. Everything were going to share with you is in active development, DAmaro said. Plans are drawn. Dirt is moving. I just want to be clear about this: We are doing everything youve heard here tonight.
Well be breaking down the nearly 50 announcements DAmaro shared across the Disney Experiences portfolio, starting with everything to know about the new plans for Magic Kingdom.
Villains Land rendering. (Photo Credit: Disney)
Villains Land Confirmed
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 havent 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)
'Cars' Area Coming to Frontierland
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)
New Nighttime Parade Will Debut Summer 2025
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Main Street Electrical Parade, Disney Starlight will bring updated technology to a new nighttime parade. The show will be brought to life by the Blue Fairy, alongside popular characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios films including Peter Pan, Encanto, and Frozen.
The parade will debut in the summer of 2025.
Nighttime parade featuring Blue Fairy float. (Photo Credit: Disney)
New Concept Art and Opening Date for Previously Announced Pirate Bar
Disney has confirmed that the previously announced Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern will open in Adventureland in 2025. The watering hole will extend the story of the nearby Pirates of the Caribbean ride and concept art shows a space that appears to be an extension of the rides setting.
The space includes a barred window, broken prison bars and hanging shackles, and even a smoking cannon, suggesting possible effects. The cozy, candlelit tavern is packed with buccaneering bric-a-brac, from hanging lanterns and an anchor chandelier to skull and crossbones decor and flag.
Pirates Tavern. (Photo Credit: Disney)
The Barker Bird that used to appear as an audio-animatronic outside the attraction also appears for the second time in concept art.?A leg and bare foot hangs out of a hammock overhead as well, suggesting a possible pirate audio-animatronic similar to those on the ride.
The art shows both table service and standing guests. Disney hasnt confirmed whether the lounge will serve alcohol, but the art shows what looks to be both beer and wine.?
A sword-wielding pirate standing on the bar suggests immersive Cast interactions that could be similar to Ogas Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxys Edge and Trader Sams Grog Grotto. The size of the space suggests reservations for the tavern will be in high demand and were predicting if the space does serve alcohol, it will follow the same 45-minute, two-drink maximum policy currently in use at Ogas.??
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