I’m calling it: one week from now will be huge for Walt Disney World and Disneyland announcements. August 10, in particular, should be the single biggest news day for both coasts since at least 2017 as “turbocharged” growth stops being a punchline. Here are my predictions as to what’ll be revealed at the blockbuster “Horizons” Disney Parks Panel and on the show floor at the 2024 D23 Expo.
We’ve already shared our D23 Expo Wish List, but this is a different ballgame. That was what I hoped would be announced, this is what I think actually will be revealed. Sadly, that means (spoiler alert) no Journey into Imagination 4.0, Tomorrowland Transformation, or other pie-in-the-sky ideas that should happen, but probably won’t.
With that said, this list of D23 Expo predictions is probably on the conservative side. I fully expect a couple of curveballs–completely out of left field announcements that shock and amaze everyone. But the thing is, they wouldn’t be surprises if we knew they were coming, making them impossible to predict. I’m also uncertain just how much Disney will pull back the curtain, especially given current construction timelines and fact that they could just as easily save some big news for the 2025 Destination D23 in Orlando or the 2026 D23 Expo.
Nevertheless, there’s reason to believe the 2024 D23 Expo will once again reach the same highs as 2017’s event. The last project cycle has now wrapped up, there’s nothing brand-new under active construction at Walt Disney World or Disneyland, and the time is right to share what’s in store for the next development phase. Disney has practically telegraphed all of this. If they resort to more Blue Sky BS, there will be a lot of angry fans.
Thankfully, that shouldn’t happen. The company has $17 billion investment plans for Walt Disney World. With the approval of DisneylandForward, they’ve committed to spending another $2 billion or more at Disneyland. Bigger picture, there’s the SEC filing indicating that the company plans to double investment to $60 Billion in Walt Disney World, Disneyland & beyond.
Fans are understandably skeptical, taking an I’ll believe it when I see it attitude. There has been too much blue sky “what if?” fluff, cancelled projects, and postponed plans. But this time is different. Streaming is almost profitable, cash flow is improving, and other problems have been fixed. Walt Disney World has repaired its relationship with Florida; ditto Disneyland and California. Iger is back in ‘Bob the Builder’ mode to turn things around and grow the company–with an emphasis on Parks & Resorts–to cement a positive and enduring legacy before his time as CEO ends.
And despite what they might say publicly, the elephant in the room for Walt Disney World is Universal’s Epic Universe, the third theme park being built in Central Florida by Comcast. Officially, Disney won’t have any “answer” to Epic Universe. Their public position is a mixture of ‘Universal is answering everything we’ve done in the last decade’ and that ‘a rising tide lifts all boats.’ But as we explain in How Walt Disney World Will “Compete” with Epic Universe, there’s more to it than that. Disney cannot lose park days or–more importantly–hotel stays–to Universal.
The bottom line is that the stage has been set for an absolutely epic D23 Expo. Fans want big news. Investors want big news. The company is finally in a financial position to build, and thus deliver big news. The stakes are high, and we firmly believe that Disney will deliver. No pressure or anything.
In any case, here are the announcements that Josh D’Amaro is most likely to make during his Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase keynote (known to fans as the Disney Parks Panel). None of these predictions are 100%, and some are much closer to 49% than they are 99%. (Also, these are predictions for what will be announced, not necessarily built. If there’s a recession or global pandemic in between, all bets are off–as we’ve seen before.)
Regardless, I think that holistically, this is the kind of Parks Panel we should expect to see. Swap out some of the announcements below that don’t get made for the surprises, and the scale and scope is still more or less unchanged. Despite the disappointments and hard lessons of the last few years, there’s a compelling case for optimism for the long-term future of both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
On with the list of 2024 D23 Expo announcement predictions for Walt Disney World, Disneyland & beyond…
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure News
It would seem like an opening date for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland is a safe bet. That is the big upcoming addition to the California parks, and that’s the home crowd. It would be logical to bundle that with other news about the Critter Country overhaul, such as more details about the Country Bear Jamboree restaurant reimagining of Hungry Bear.
However, I’m honestly hoping this does not happen. It appeared purposeful for Disney to announce Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree before D23, despite it being something for which the home crowd would go nuts. Personally, I’d like Imagineering to take the time to get the second version of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure right, even if that means delaying it until 2025.
Also, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to turn the page and focus on the future rather than the present/past–especially since one version of this ride is already open. This is a chance to focus look forward at the huge decade to come, not fixate on the last one (especially since reactions to this ride have been mixed, at best.) My hopes and preferences aside, an opening date for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is likely.
Reflections Redo
I’ve had a post sitting in my drafts for a while titled “Why We Want River Country Resort.” It didn’t seem like there was any sense of urgency to get written given the likely time horizon for such a project or announcement, but that changed this week with the filing of new permits. (I guess it’s time to get that written this weekend before it becomes obsolete!)
As mentioned in the last update to our main post about Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge, we’ve received credible rumors (plural) that this concept is being revived. I was skeptical at first, given all of the Disney Vacation Club projects that are currently underway and will be actively selling in the next few years. However, I’ve heard enough to be convinced that Disney’s plan is to proceed with developing this parcel. Even with those rumors, I didn’t previously have it on my D23 Expo bingo card–but again, that changed this week.
Ride Reimaginings
I’m convinced this is going to be a blockbuster D23 Expo, with billions of dollars worth of new announcements for Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The problem with those bombshells is that they’re several years into the future–most of what’s revealed could not conceivably open until 2027, even if work started immediately.
There are two years in between, and Disney has nothing major on deck for the domestic parks in terms of actual attractions. The answer to that, necessarily, will be ride reimaginings and entertainment (more on the latter below). This is especially true for Walt Disney World, which needs an indirect “answer” to Epic Universe, even if Bob Iger claims otherwise.
Anything from our list of Top 10 Ride Reimaginings Needed at Walt Disney World would be a good option, although I doubt that some of those could realistically be accomplished within the next year or two. My prediction is that we get Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (it’s not primarily a reimagining but it’ll be closed so long they’ll want to make it one), Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and one more wildcard. Plus new details and concept art of previously-announced or currently underway projects like Test Track 3.0 or the Zootopia Tree of Life show.
Magic Kingdom Night Parade
Even though I’ve been burned time and time again with new night parade rumors for Walt Disney World, I’m going to make this prediction, and as one of the more confident “surprises” for the 2024 D23 Expo. Perhaps I’m like a moth to a flame, but I think this time is different. (Famous last words.)
In the past, it’s just been a couple of credible sources and those rumors revolved around Magic Kingdom getting an existing night parade from Disneyland. It’s a less involved process to ship a parade–it either would or wouldn’t happen–than make one. Negotiations could simply break down between the two coasts, which did occur–more than once.
This time, the wheels are in motion on a new night parade being created for Walt Disney World. I’m honestly surprised it’s been kept under wraps for this long, which is partly why I’m making this a strong D23 Expo prediction. As a practical matter, they can’t really wait much longer to reveal it. There’s also the fact that fans love night parades, so this will be a huge win for Walt Disney World as far as near-term news goes.
It makes complete sense for a brand-new night parade to finally debut at Walt Disney World in 2025. A new night parade could anchor a summer celebration at Walt Disney World and is the best card that can be played at this stage in the game as an “answer” to Epic Universe.
I’ll take this prediction a bit further and bet on a parade name and multiple pieces of concept art. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s tied in with bigger picture entertainment news (see below), either in the form of a global parade update or a coast-to-coast celebration for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary (the latter feels less likely–WDW fans don’t care what’s happening at Disneyland, so save that for the 75th).
Disneyland 70th Anniversary
Speaking of which, another seemingly safe bet is some degree of news about Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary next year. With no new attractions opening and pent-up demand further subsiding, Disneyland will need something to drive attendance next year. That something will be entertainment.
The most likely candidates are a new nostalgia-fueled fireworks show (possibly with the return of Wondrous Journeys before this celebration starts as another driver), Paint the Night parade, OG World of Color, and more. Adding a new float to Paint the Night makes sense–ditto a new scene or pre-show for World of Color. Personally, I’d love to see redux of Remember…Dreams Come True, modernized and enhanced for the 70th.
This is part prediction, part wishful thinking. My fear is that what we’ll actually get will be a return of Pixar Fest or (heaven forbid) Summer of Heroes as a tie-in with all the other Marvel stuff on the horizon. That would be a miscalculation on Disney’s part, but they cannot resist the IP synergy, so who knows.
Asia Updates
Tokyo Disney Resort has had a larger presence at the last couple of D23 events than normal, which I suspect has been due to a lack of better options. Now there are better options, so I’d expect D23 to turn the spotlight away from TDR news. Maybe new concept art for Tomorrowland, but that’s just as likely–if not more so–on the show floor than the Parks Panel itself.
Hong Kong and Shanghai Disneyland are bigger wildcards since Disney has ownership stakes in both, and it appears they’re ready for investment. Based on government filings, it appears that HKDL is on the precipice of resuming its previously-shelved Marvel E-Ticket. It’s hard to say whether this is announced simultaneously with the one for DCA, or if Disney would prefer to put the spotlight on California and not mention both. (My guess is they discuss both–Wall Street watches D23, and HKDL has turned into a bright spot.)
Honestly, Shanghai Disneyland isn’t even on my radar anymore since we have no intentions of visiting. I know that there was the quiet roller coaster announcement earlier this year–perhaps that gets a theme attached? If it’s going to be Marvel, I could see this Parks Panel having a dedicated section that focuses on all of the upcoming Marvel additions. I don’t know what else could be on the horizon for Shanghai; for all I know, there are credible rumors of it getting a $4 billion Brother Bear land. (I think I would’ve heard about that, but you get the idea.)
DCL Updates
If you’re dreading that half the Disney “Parks” Panel will be filler about Disney Cruise Line, fear not. They just unveiled the next ship, the Disney Destiny, in the week before D23 Expo. Shortly before this, the company announced that it was partnering with OLC, owner of Tokyo Disney Resort, on another new Wish-class ship. Not long before that, the Disney Adventure, was teased for Singapore.
All of this might seem like somewhat odd timing given that all or any of this could’ve been “saved” for D23 Expo. But this is actually pretty consistent with past D23 events. I’m not sure whether it’s because Disney Cruise Line wants its own spotlight or Disney has discovered that DCL news doesn’t resonate with the D23 audience (my bet is a mix of both). The whole cruise ecosystem is its own beast that’s different from theme parks, and Disney Cruise Line probably wants to generate actual bookings from the reveal of ships.
Nevertheless, it’s possible that DCL is holding back a nugget or two in order to have a one-two hype punch next week. In this case, something that uniquely appeals to diehard fans would make sense. I’m not sure what that could be, in all honesty. Maybe Rogers: The Musical or some other stage show? Something parks-related like the Haunted Mansion Parlor?
Otherwise, I’d expect high-level updates for DCL on all of the upcoming ships in a brief segment. I’d be surprised with any details about the Asia ships, as Americans aren’t the target audience for those. I’d be even more surprised if Disney announces a further fleet addition.
Emotional Entertainment
Along similar lines, entertainment being a focus on the Parks Panel for the near-term makes sense at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and beyond. I’ve already laid out the case for a return of Summer Nightastic, with the animating idea of turning 2025 into a summer/season of spectaculars, anchored around new and reimagined entertainment on both coasts.
With attendance slowing and Disney needing a promotional push for 2025 (not to mention an indirect “response” to Epic Universe in Orlando), this makes sense. The solution will likely be entertainment–it’s the only thing that can conceivably occur on this tight of a timeline.
In addition to what’s discussed above, I’d expect the lion’s share of entertainment announcements for Walt Disney World. But both coasts are likely to be discussed, as well as the international parks. There are two versions of Paint the Night sitting in storage, both of which could make a return (or be totally reimagined). There are daytime parades, stage shows, projections, and nighttime spectaculars.
I’ve droned on endlessly about a drone show coming to Animal Kingdom and I’m going to double-down on that again. “Disney Dreams That Soar” is just too good to be the final culmination of drone shows at Walt Disney World and Animal Kingdom needs to keep guests later in the day too badly.
David Duffy being promoted to VP of Live Entertainment at Walt Disney World likely wasn’t a coincidence. After years of neglect and stagnation on the entertainment front, here’s hoping that Florida is finally ready to invest big in spectaculars. If Duffy can work the same magic he did for Disneyland Paris, entertainment could prove to be a big draw for Walt Disney World during a time between big development cycles.
Disneyland Paris Expansion
Disneyland Paris fans have been starved of announcements for years at D23 events, like the red-headed stepchild of the Disney Parks. Part of this is bad luck and poor timing, as major expansion plans have been announced…just at other times of the year. Part of it is very real, as DLP has been financially troubled (mild understatement) for much of its existence.
That should change with the 2024 D23 Expo. For one thing, Disney Adventure World is the biggest project currently in the parks pipeline for 2025, and surely they’ll want to highlight that as a near-term addition. It would stand to reason that more new details and concept art are shared, along with perhaps an opening season. Here’s hoping it also includes another new name for the 2nd gate formerly known as the Walt Disney Studios Park. (Seriously Disney, it’s not too late. No one will mind!)
More new announcements also seem likely. The rumor mill has kicked into overdrive, and while a lot of this is likely wishful thinking or overly ambitious, some will happen. For Disneyland Paris, one possibility that we’ve previously discussed is Star Wars expansion. Another is general updates to Discoveryland, including another Space Mountain restoration/redo. (These projects could go hand in hand.) The safest bet is the third land (previously Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge) for Walt Disney Studios Park (or whatever it ends up being called), with Lion King being the odds-on favorite. Speaking of which, that announcement could be ‘bundled’ with another for Florida…
Lion King Ride
Zoom in on the photo above and yell “enhance!” like you’re on CSI. If that somehow works, you should be able to see a Simba silhouette in the Tree of Life. I’m inclined to believe this is a purposeful tease–a breadcrumb for fans who are looking for clues about what’ll be announced at D23 Expo.
Rumors have been swirling for months that two Lion King attractions are on the way: one at Walt Disney Studios Park/Disney Adventure World and another at Animal Kingdom, between the Port of Harambe and Pandora.
I know nothing about the veracity of these rumors, much less the projects themselves. What I have heard “suggested” from credible sources is that Imagineering isn’t just building the trailer park for Tropical Americas, and much more is on the way to Animal Kingdom. That makes complete sense, as that’s the park that desperately needs it. I can’t think of many better options than the Lion King, which is both appropriate for the location and a modern classic movie that still doesn’t have a ride at Walt Disney World.
There’s only likely to be one water ride announced at this year’s D23 Expo, so it’s this over Moana in Magic Kingdom. Maybe this is partly wishful thinking on my part, as Animal Kingdom needs way more help than Magic Kingdom, and the focus should be placed on DAK during the next 5 years.
Tropical Americas Full Reveal
This Dino-Rama replacement and expansion is already confirmed. It’s happening. At Destination D23 last year, Disney announced that Imagineering will transform this into a new land inspired by a region sometimes referred to as “Tropical Americas.”
Imagineers have taken research trips to biodiverse areas of South America, stretching up into Central America for inspiration on the expansion. Construction permits have already been filed, and Imagineering is going to have a large trailer park campus backstage. So we know Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom is really-for-real, and not just blue sky daydreaming.
What’s not yet official is what, exactly, Tropical Americas will entail. It’s been suggested that an Encanto dark ride and Indiana Jones Adventure replacing DINOSAUR, along with a new carousel and refreshes of the entrance and restaurant are on the way.
What I think we’ll get is a scale model on the show floor that raises more questions than it answers, followed by a Parks Panel presentation with multiple pieces of concept art and details that answer the aforementioned questions. A closing date for DINOSAUR would also make sense, so fans can say their goodbyes…as well as their “good riddances” to Dino-Rama.
Beyond Big Thunder Phase 1
Back in April, Imagineering indicated that initial water management permits for Beyond Big Thunder would be filed in the coming weeks. That still hasn’t happened, but that little tidbit alone suggests that plans for the massive Magic Kingdom project have firmed up. If permits are being filed, plans will be shared to some extent.
My expectation is that Beyond Big Thunder will be carried out in phases, and that Disney won’t be ready to divulge full details for the entire expansion. That’s understandable. At the very least, I’d expect to hear about the first phase of the project, including which characters and concepts will be represented. This should come during the Parks Panel, not on the show floor.
My bet is that either Animal Kingdom or Magic Kingdom receive the lion’s share of the spotlight at the 2024 D23 Expo. While it’s conceivable that internal jockeying makes Magic Kingdom win out, I’m skeptical. That park needs less and most of those big announcements could just as easily be saved for the 2026 D23 Expo (or if they really wanted, Destination D23 next year…at Walt Disney World). There’s more urgency with DAK, as it’s the park that’ll be hurt most by Epic Universe.
Avatar Attraction Announced
This is a given. Bob Iger already shared the above concept art for what the Avatar attraction that’s possibly coming to Disneyland Resort could look like earlier this year. The only reason he hedged so hard was because DisneylandForward had not yet been approved.
This art suggests that the Avatar experience is actually Pandora land, and will feature a boat ride along with immersive environments that are similar to and different from the land at Walt Disney World. Which makes sense given Disneyland’s unique space constraints and the release of Avatar: The Way of Water since the Animal Kingdom incarnation of the project.
It’s safe to say we’ll get James Cameron up on stage, more concept art reflecting what is going to be built, where it’ll be located, and what all it’ll entail. More concept art would be lovely, too. Unless plans have changed in a major way over the last couple months, this is an incredibly safe prediction.
Avengers Campus Phase 2
Fingers crossed that this is the third consecutive D23 Expo with an Avengers Campus E-Ticket attraction announcement. Will it still be the King Thanos family-friendly ride? Will it be a revival of the Quinjet concept? Will it be something brand new? Nobody knows!
It’s probably safe to say that the ride vehicle shared at Destination D23 is still accurate. That suggests the ride system will be similar to or the same as Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure (or Spider-Man at Universal), which makes sense. It also means that there are a number of possibilities for the ride itself.
Disney should want to continue improving DCA to increase its drawing power. The first phase of Avengers Campus is underwhelming, and is getting worse with recent entertainment cuts. Which is why this isn’t just listed as an Avengers E-Ticket reveal–they also need to announce entertainment or something near-term so the land doesn’t just limp along for the next few years.
Hong Kong Disneyland has already signaled that its long-delayed Marvel E-Ticket is finally moving forward. It’s safe to expect news about that at D23 Expo, and whatever the plans are to be fairly similar at HKDL and DCA. A couple of ‘reiterated’ announcements for Disney California Adventure would also open the door for something brand new at its nextdoor neighbor…
New Land at Disneyland
Disney has backed itself into a corner with the “pitch” for DisneylandForward. The aggressive campaign has locals believing that this is a big project that’ll massively expand the footprint of Disneyland Resort–maybe even adding a third gate! There’s absolutely no reason to believe that’s the case, or even that the plots of land discussed in the pitch have any near or medium term prospects.
Accordingly, a lot of Disneyland fans are going to leave the D23 Expo disappointed no matter what, but downright heartbroken if all of the news for California is a rehash of what we already know. Disney hopefully recognizes this, which is why I strongly believe one of the big surprises is going to be a new land for Disneyland Resort.
I’d put Arendelle as a Fantasyland expansion at Disneyland and Zootopia in Disney California Adventure as the front-runners, with World of Frozen being the heavy favorite. These are two IPs that Bob Iger loves, and ones with future films. Although DCA needs more help, it’ll presumably also be getting that. Arendelle is awesome and I suspect Disney knows they “need” a domestic version of that land, like yesterday.
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Your Thoughts
Care to make it interesting by placing your own predictions about what will be announced at the 2024 D23 Expo? Do you think it will be a time for big attraction announcements, or will mostly focus on details about projects that are already underway? Any surprise announcement predictions? Obviously, none of us know what the future holds (unless you’re a Disney executive or Imagineer…in which case, please let us know what’s going to be revealed! 😉 ), but it’s fun to take some guesses and see who ‘wins’ just the same. We’ll revisit this post in a week or so and whoever got the most right will win…bragging rights!
