Things are always changing in Walt Disney World, and there are A LOT of things to experience in 2024…and beyond, including new rides in Disney World and more!

From new roller coasters that reach speeds of almost 60 mph, the chance to meet some of your favorite Disney characters, and the completion of the long-awaited EPCOT Transformation, there are so many new things to do in Disney World. And, we don’t want you to miss a thing!

We’ve compiled a FULL LIST of new rides & attractions that opened (or are coming soon) to Disney World in all four theme parks! So, whether this is your first or 50th time visiting, here are all the new things you need to check out on your next visit.

New Disney World Rides & Attractions Opening In 2024 & Beyond

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom – NOW OPEN!

Disney World’s (and Disneyland’s) Splash Mountain is getting a MAJOR overhaul in 2024! The ride is being transformed into a brand new attraction featuring characters and an original storyline based on The Princess and the Frog. Disney has shared that the attraction will pick up “after the final kiss, and join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure – featuring some of the powerful music from the film – as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.”

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will officially open on June 28th, 2024 in Magic Kingdom.

Updates to Country Bear Jamboree in Magic Kingdom – NOW OPEN!

The classic country bears are learning a brand new show to perform for guests at the Country Bear Jamboree in 2024! Disney announced that the updated show will feature all the same music we’ve come to know and love, with a twist.

According to Imagineers, the new Country Bear Musical Jamboree will take inspiration from classic variety shows found in Nashville, Tennessee. Several Nashville musicians have worked with Disney to update the music in new styles like country, rockabilly, and bluegrass. See the updated show and all the bears in the latest fashion starting July 17th, 2024 in Magic Kingdom.

“Smellephants on Parade” in Magic Kingdom – NOW OPEN!

A new interactive experience is now available in Storybook Circus in Magic Kingdom called “Smellephants on Parade.” The new family-friendly “search and sniff” is presented by Scentsy and features a variety of elephant statues that are decorated (and smell) like different things. For example, there’s a popcorn-scented elephant, a candy corn-scented elephant, and more.

“Smellephants on Parade” officially debuted in May 2024. You can pick up a free scavenger hunt map from the ticket booth in front of Big Top Souvenirs. Then, hunt down all the statues and scents across Storybook Circus!

The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure — Opening Summer 2025

Disney may have permanently closed Voyage of the Little Mermaid at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but fans of Princess Ariel have a new show to look forward to! The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is a brand new show coming to the recently updated Animation Courtyard Theater in Hollywood Studios. According to Disney, the theatrical retelling of The Little Mermaid will feature “stunning new set pieces, cutting-edge effects, and a bold new design.”

The show will open sometime in Summer 2025 and will include fan-favorite songs like “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and a brand new “Kiss The Girl” scene.

New “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” Stage Show — Opening Summer 2025

The Disney Villains are getting their very own show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” will replace Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy in summer 2025. Expect to see all your favorite Disney baddies including the Magic Mirror, Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent.

Test Track Reimagined in EPCOT – Opening Late Summer 2025

Disney has announced that the fan-favorite ride, Test Track, will be getting a major overhaul sometime in the future. The updates will take inspiration from EPCOT’s original World of Motion attraction which was an opening day attraction that closed in 1996 to make way for what we now know as Test Track.

Chevrolet will continue to work with Disney throughout these changes to bring a completely reimagined ride to fans. The attraction officially closed on June 17th, 2024 for the updates and is expected to open late summer 2025. Learn more about what’s coming here!

Zootopia: Better Together in Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Opening Winter 2025

The 4D show based on the characters from Disney’s It’s a Bug’s Life that takes place in the theater under the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom won’t feature the loveable (and sometimes terrifying) bugs for much longer! Disney announced that they are currently developing a new show based on the movie Zootopia to replace the long-time show.

The show will take guests to the different biomes from the movie with Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other fan-favorite characters. It is set to open in winter 2025. Disney has not yet announced when It’s Tough To Be A Bug will permanently close for construction.

Dinoland U.S.A. Reimagined at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Opening 2027

Disney will soon reimagine Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom into a land themed to the Central Americas. It will be called Pueblo Esperanza and will feature three new attractions and one of the largest quick-service restaurants in Disney World.

Disney has confirmed that the land will include a carousel…

…an Indiana Jones-themed attraction that is unique to Disney World…

…and an Encanto-themed attraction that will take guests inside Antonio’s rainforest room as he learns about his magical gift to communicate with animals.

Work will begin with the permanent closure of TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Games on January 13, 2025. The land is projected to be completed in 2027.

Monsters Inc. Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios — TBD

A brand-new Monsters Inc. Land is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and will feature Disney’s first-ever suspended roller coaster. The ride will take you inside the doors room from the scene in the 2001 movie.

Outside of the factory, you’ll be able to walk the streets of Monstropolis.

Disney has not revealed an opening timeline but expects to begin construction in 2025.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Re-Themed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios — TBD

The monsters from Monsters Inc. will be taking over the area that is currently dedicated to all things The Muppets in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But, they’re not going far! Disney announced that Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and friends will be bringing their shenanigans to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

The ride will feature new music and an entirely new theme when it reopens. More details will be announced in 2025.

TWO Pixar Cars Attractions in Magic Kingdom — TBD

Disney announced at D23 that Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom will soon be replaced with TWO brand-new Cars-themed attractions. The first will be a thrill ride that invites guests on a rally race through the mountains. The other will be geared towards younger guests.

Disney hasn’t revealed more about these new rides just yet, but they plan to begin work in Frontierland in early 2025.

Disney Villains Land in Magic Kingdom — TBD

TWO brand new rides in Disney World are coming to Magic Kingdom in the future that will be inspired by Disney Villains. Both attractions will be part of the new Disney Villains Land coming to the park as part of a major expansion beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Disney has not yet revealed any details about the rides, but we do know that construction is already underway!

New Disney World Rides & Attractions That Opened in 2023

TRON Lightcycle / Run in Magic Kingdom 

The long-awaited roller coaster is finally open in Magic Kingdom, taking guests onto “the grid” from the TRON franchise! Located in Tomorrowland, the roller coaster first gained popularity in Shanghai Disneyland (where the original attraction is located). And, it’s now made its way to Disney World.

What makes this ride so unique is that the ride vehicles are like nothing you’ve been on before. Guests board a two-wheeled Lightcycle and launch into a partially indoor and outdoor ride through the digital world reaching speeds of up to 59 miles per hour. 

It’s important to note that TRON Lightcycle / Run is also available for purchase as a Lightning Lane Single Pass in the My Disney Experience App.

Meet Mirabel at Magic Kingdom 

Welcome to the family Madrigal! You can now meet Mirabel from Disney’s Encanto in Magic Kingdom every day.

Mirabel currently greets guests in Fairytale Garden (which is located on a pathway to the right of Cinderella Castle). Just look for the whimsical decor inspired by the movie!

Hatbox Ghost Added To The Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom 

There’s a new happy haunt inside the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World! The iconic Hatbox Ghost has finally made his way to Disney World’s version of the ride. Previously, the ghost was only in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion attraction.

The Hatbox Ghost has been part of the Haunted Mansion ride history since it first opened in Disneyland in 1969. However, Disney quickly removed it because it didn’t function appropriately. But, 46 years later, Disney found a way to make it appear as though the ghost’s head goes between his body and into the hatbox and brings him back to the original attraction. And, now he’s in Disney World too!

You can see the Hatbox Ghost when you pass the Endless Hallway towards the beginning of your Doom Buggie ride.

Happily Ever After Fireworks in Magic Kingdom 

In 2023, Disney welcomed back one of the most loved nighttime fireworks shows of all time in Magic Kingdom – Happily Ever After!

The show received some updates including new projections that display all the way down Main Street, U.S.A. So, we suggest getting a spot somewhere closer to the entrance to enjoy the show. You’ll understand why Disney fans were so sad to see it go in 2021.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana at EPCOT

A brand new interactive attraction based on Disney’s Moana is now open in EPCOT! The attraction, which is known as Journey of Water, is located in the World Nature pavilion at the center of the park. It takes you through a “lush exploration trail” filled with magical, living water that comes to life when you interact with it in different ways.

In the immersive walk-through attraction you’ll encounter some of your favorite characters from the movie. This includes a huge Te Fiti model, the Kakamora, and more! While there is a chance you’ll get wet, there’s also a dry walk-through experience.

CommuniCore Hall and Communicore Plaza in EPCOT 

Now there’s even more to experience when you’re visiting during an EPCOT festival! The brand new CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza are the entertainment hubs for the four festivals that take place on an annual rotating basis – the EPCOT Festival of the Arts, the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, and the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.

The CommuniCore Plaza is an outdoor space where you’ll find live music and areas to relax while you enjoy all the eats and drinks from the festival. And, at the CommuniCore Hall, you can find more food, art, live music, and more with everything from kitchen demonstrations, a mixology bar, and an exhibition and gallery space.

Meet Mickey & Friends in EPCOT 

Inside the CommuniCore Plaza, you can finally meet Mickey and Friends in EPCOT! 

Mickey and his pals were absent from EPCOT for nearly three years, so it’s nice to have them back. Be sure to bring your cameras!

Meet Figment in EPCOT

The little purple dragon has a lot of fans, and now you can meet him yourself! Figment now greets guests daily at the Imagination Pavilion.

Luminous The Symphony of Us Nighttime Spectacular in EPCOT

As the home of the Disney 100 celebrations (which celebrates 100 years of The Walt Disney Company), EPCOT welcomed a brand new nighttime fireworks show in 2023 – Luminous The Symphony of Us.

The show celebrates the “commonalities of the heart” with a soundtrack full of Disney hits. Plus, there’s an original song just for the park. So, be sure to stay late and gather around World Showcase before the park closes to enjoy a breathtaking combination of fireworks, lasers, music, and light that only Disney could pull off.

Meet Moana at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and EPCOT

Moana officially started greeting guests for the first time EVER in Disney World last year. And, she’s been one of the most popular characters to meet since! You can find her at Character Landing near Isle of Java (which is the path when you’re heading toward Dinoland USA) at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or in her very own greeting location near the new Journey of Water attraction at EPCOT.

New Disney World Rides & Attractions That Opened in 2022

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT 

The Marvel Universe has officially made its way to Disney World with the debut of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Located in World Discovery at EPCOT, the new ride is one of the longest indoor roller coasters ever built in the world and takes you on an adventure as an honorary Guardian of the Galaxy.

When you ride, you board a Starjumper vehicle, which spins a full 360 degrees on the track, all while reaching high speeds. Plus, you’ll even get to experience a reverse launch into “space” and it’s all set to a unique soundtrack of one of six rotating songs (so you never know what you’ll get!).

It’s important to note that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is currently operating with a Virtual Queue meaning that you’ll need to secure a virtual Boarding Pass through the My Disney Experience app at 7AM or 1PM to ride. The attraction is also available for purchase as an Individual Lightning Lane (or Lightning Lane Single Pass starting July 24th, 2024) through Disney Genie.

DuckTales World Showcase Adventure in EPCOT

After a three-year wait, DuckTales World Showcase Adventure is finally open in EPCOT! The new scavenger hunt game takes you around World Showcase to help solve cases with the DuckTales characters.

To play the game, just download the Play Disney Parks app on your phone. Then, be sure to turn on your Bluetooth in EPCOT. After you click play, the game will direct you around World Showcase to find different clues hidden in the pavilions.

The game is a great activity that the whole family can enjoy and makes the day at the park even more fun.

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond at Disney’s Animal Kingdom 

In 2022, Disney opened a new version of the stage show based on Pixar’s Finding Nemo – Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond. Located in the Theatre of the Wild at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the show is a more abbreviated version of the previous one that ran from 2007-2020. So, you’ll have more time to enjoy all the other rides and attractions in the park.

Luckily, all your favorite characters are still around for the fun retelling of the Finding Nemo story. This includes Nemo, Marlin, Dory, and Crush, of course! And, some of the original songs even stuck around!

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond performances take place daily at select times, so be sure to check the times guide at the park when you arrive so that you don’t miss it!

As you can see, there’s a lot to keep you busy during your Disney World trip…and these are just the new rides and attractions! There’s so much more to explore. So, be sure that you’ve secured your Park Pass Reservations (if applicable), tickets, and get ready to have some fun!

Comments

Have you been on any of these new rides in Disney World? What new attraction are you most looking forward to coming in 2024? Leave us a comment below and let us know!