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What's Coming to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando in 2024 and Beyond

by Tad on March 21, 2024 846 Orlando   Video

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'Sup! Welcome to Tad's toadally awesome list of what's coming to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and the other Florida theme parks in 2024 and beyond! As the Frog Family’s resident thrill seeker, tech junkie and head frog videographer — thank you very much — I love to keep tabs on all of the attractions and experiences heading to the Orlando theme parks, and I've been doing it for a few years. This year, we've got much to look forward to, so let's break it down!

What's Coming to Disney World and Universal Orlando in 2024 - Happily Ever After

 

We're so frogcited about the new rides and experiences coming in 2024, including Tiana's Bayou Adventure (coming summer 2024) and a new DreamWorks-themed land at Universal Studios Florida.

If you're curious about all of the Universal Orlando and Disney World construction around the parks, you're at the right place. Be sure to bookmark this page because I add to it as new rides, shows and other hoppenings are announced! (Hop here to see what opened in 2023 and previous years.) And of course, openings bring excited fans to the parks, so if you're wondering about the best times to visit Disney World and Universal Orlando, this post should help as you plan your trip, whether you want to be first in line or avoid the elevated crowds.

What's Coming to Disney World and Universal Orlando in 2024 and Beyond

Magic Kingdom Park

What's Coming to Disney World - Tiana Animatronic

Tiana's Bayou Adventure — summer 2024 — Splash Mountain will be getting a total makeover as it transforms into “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure,” debuting in summer 2024 at Magic Kingdom (along with Disneyland Park later in the year). Inspired by "The Princess and the Frog," the popular log flume ride's new storyline will pick up after the final kiss, and follow Princess Tiana, Naveen and Louis on a musical adventure. Enjoy lively Mardi Gras celebrations with familiar faces as guests travel through the bayou with original music inspired by the film. Splash Mountain permanently closed Jan. 23, 2023, to prepare for this retheming.

Country Bear Musical Jamboree — summer 2024 — The beloved bears will be performing a new act, featuring favorite Disney songs in different genres of country music. The last day to see the original show was Jan. 26, 2024, before it reopens later in the summer.

What's Coming to Disney World - New Pirates of the Caribbean Lounge

Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge — TBD — A new lounge will extend the story from Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

What's Coming to Disney World - Zootopia Show

Zootopia show — TBD — A new show based on "Zootopia" is in the works for the Tree of Life theater, replacing It's Tough to be a Bug. You'll visit different biomes from the film along with Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and more furry friends from the movie.

30th Anniversary of "The Lion King" — June 10 to Sept. 6, 2024 — Celebrate the iconic film with limited-time merchandise (including a Pumbaa popcorn bucket) and a special Timon and Rafiki meet and greet at Rafiki's Planet Watch.

EPCOT

CommuniCore Plaza and CommuniCore Hall — June 10, 2024 — This new multi-use facility and outdoor event space will support EPCOT's festivals. The plaza will have an outdoor stage to host musical performances, and the hall will be an exhibition and gallery space, featuring experiences that highlight art, live music and food (complete with a demonstration kitchen). Also, a permanent Mickey & Friends location will find its home in CommuniCore Hall.

¡Celebración Encanto! — June 10-Sept. 6, 2024 — For a limited time, at the all-new CommuniCore Plaza Stage, join the family Madrigal in an "Encanto" sing-along.

Test Track refresh — TBD — The fan-favorite attraction will undergo a reimagining. Imagineers and teams from Chevrolet are drawing inspiration from the original World of Motion attraction to bring "that spirit of optimism" to the ride.

PLAY! pavilionpostponed Originally slated to open in time for Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary, this new pavilion in the former Wonders of Life location will showcase first-of-its-kind experiences devoted to play and fun, including an interactive city where guests will be able to interact with characters. Help Edna Mode on a fashionable quest to rid the world of uninspired style, or compete in a water balloon fight with Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby.

"Wondrous China" film — postponed — This World Showcase pavilion will receive a new film that is presented in a seamless 360-degree format.

Mary Poppins Attraction — postponed — At this time, development for this attraction has been postponed indefinitely. The United Kingdom pavilion was set to host the first attraction inspired by Mary Poppins, allowing guests to stroll along Cherry Tree Lane, past Admiral Boom's house, and enter Number 17, the Banks family's home.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

What's Coming to Disney World and Universal - Star Tours

New Star Tours Adventures — April 5, 2024 — Get ready to make the jump to lightspeed because frog favorites Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, Din Djarin and Grogu will appear in new adventures at the Star Tours attraction beginning on April 5. With these additions, you'll have the opportunity to experience one of more than 250 variations aboard your Starspeeder 1000, including a visit to the planet of Peridea from the "Ashoka" series. This is the Way.

Meet Joy at Pixar Plaza — June 10, 2024 — Just in time for the release of "Inside Out 2," Joy will make her way to Pixar Plaza to greet guests.

"The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure" show — fall 2024 — A reimagined "Little Mermaid" show is coming to the Animation Courtyard Theater in fall 2024 with new scenes.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

The Cabins at Fort Wilderness — July 1, 2024 — The Cabins at Fort Wilderness are undergoing refurbishment to become a new Disney Vacation Club property, with a projected opening date of July 1, 2024. You can become a member at this resort starting Feb. 27, 2024, and you can book a stay as early as March 12, 2024.

Disney Springs

"Disney Dreams That Soar" — May 24 to Sept. 2, 2024 — An all-new drone show is coming to Disney Springs! This summer, guests can enjoy a late-night show over Lake Buena Vista, showcasing Disney stories that celebrate the "joy of flight." The show will run nightly on the West Side.

Universal Orlando Resort

What's Coming to Universal Orlando Resort - DreamWorks Land

DreamWorks Land — summer 2024 — The former Woody Woodpecker's KidZone area will transform into a family-friendly space inspired by DreamWorks Animation. Hop on the caterpillar, Caterbus, and join Poppy, Branch and more as you try to escape from spooky spiders on Troll's Trollercoaster. Visit Panda Village and learn the ways of the Dragon Warrior at Po's Kung Fu Training Camp. Hang out with Shrek, Fiona and Donkey at Shrek's Swamp Meet. Sit back, relax and enjoy a new live show at DreamWorks Imagination Celebration and prepare to meet some of your favorite characters at DreamWorks Character Zone. Feeling famished? Silence your roaring stomach at Swamp Snacks and Trolls Treats. And don't froget to grab some fun souvenirs at High Five Hideaway!

What's Coming to Universal - Stella Luna and Terra Nova Resorts

Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort January 2025 and February 2025, respectively — Two new hotel properties are coming to Universal Orlando! Each featuring 750 guest rooms in the resort's Prime Value Category, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort will be located adjacent to the future site of the new Universal Epic Universe theme park. Universal Stella Nova Resort will be inspired by distant galaxies, new stars and mysterious black holes, while Universal Terra Luna Resort will be inspired by the massive and diverse planetary elements of the universe.

What's Coming to Universal and Disney World - Universal Epic Universe concept art

Universal Epic Universe — summer 2025 — Universal Orlando Resort announced that it's building a brand-new theme park called Universal Epic Universe. Universal says it will be its most immersive and innovative theme park yet. And now, in exciting news, Universal has announced the five worlds we'll be transported to! Celestial Park will be the gateway to explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk and Dark Universe, home to classic Universal monsters. Located about 12 minutes away from its existing properties, Universal Epic Universe will nearly double Universal's total available acreage and contain over 50 attraction, entertainment and shopping experiences.

Shigeru Miyamoto with Nintendo - What's Coming to Disney World and Universal

Super Nintendo World at Universal Epic Universe summer 2025  — Universal has partnered with Nintendo to bring to life experiences based on Nintendo's games, characters and worlds. It has been confirmed that Super Nintendo World will be one of the themed lands at Universal Epic Universe. The very first Super Nintendo World opened at Universal Studios Japan on March 18, 2021.

New Nighttime Spectacular — date TBD  Universal Orlando's Cinematic Celebration has ended its run at Universal Studios Florida. Universal has announced that a new nighttime show experience will be taking its place. No further details have been shared.

What's Coming to Other Florida Theme Parks in 2024 and Beyond

SeaWorld Orlando

What's Coming to SeaWorld - Penguin Trek

Penguin Trek — spring 2024 — A new family-friendly launch coaster is coming to SeaWorld Orlando! Penguin Trek will take guests on an Antarctic adventure with two launches along a 3,020-foot indoor and outdoor track, reaching speeds up to 43 mph on their snowmobile-style vehicles. Once riders complete their penguin rescue mission, they'll end up in SeaWorld's very own penguin habitat.

Aquatica Orlando

Tassie's Underwater Twist — spring 2024 — The newest addition will be an immersive waterslide that journeys through Australia's Shark Bay seagrass meadow. The reimagined slide will measure 129 feet long and feature a unique super-bowl element, a synchronized video display and an orchestral score.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay & Adventure Island

Phoenix Rising — spring 2024 — The newest roller coaster coming to Busch Gardens Tampa will feature family-friendly thrills with speeds up to 44 mph. The suspended coaster will swing riders from side to side above the Serengeti Plain, and feature on-board audio with a one-of-a-kind soundtrack.

Castaway Falls — spring 2024 — This all-new, multi-level interactive water-play attraction at Adventure Island will have four exciting waterslides, soakers, jets, water shooters, sliding buckets and more, doubling the size of the former splash area.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort 

LEGO Ferrari Build & Race — spring 2024 — Start your engines! You'll get to see a life-size Ferrari made from LEGO bricks, enter a "build zone" to create your own LEGO Ferrari race car, test it out on obstacle courses and digitally customize your car in a virtual race.

SEA Life Florida Resort — fall 2024 — This new aquarium will feature interactive exhibits centered on marine life and exploration.

I hope you've enjoyed this look at what's coming to Disney World and Universal in 2024 and beyond. Make sure to come back to see what's been added as you get closer to your visit. Hop on over to our When to Visit Orlando page for more planning tips, part of our Orlando Planning Timeline!

Related: Best Time To Visit Disney World

Related: Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando Resort

Stay cool!

Keep hopping, Tad!
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601–650 of 793 comments
Jun 23, 2018 at 1:08 p.m. Kimberly Bradshaw Says...

Fingers crossed my family can win a trip to this!! It would be a wonderful treat.

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Jun 23, 2018 at 12:48 p.m. Joseph Palminteri Says...

Sooo much to do in Orlando this Summer. We'll never have time for it all!

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Jun 23, 2018 at 12:44 p.m. Sandy Green Says...

Never been to Universal....I’m in for a treat!

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Jun 23, 2018 at 12:31 p.m. Staycee Says...

Toy Story Land, Star Wars, Ninetendo. Wooah!

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Jun 23, 2018 at 12:06 p.m. Ann Says...

Can not wait to take our family to Orlando!

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Jun 23, 2018 at 10:45 a.m. Stephanie F Says...

Love that there is constant changes...will give us something new to look forward to for our next trip

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Jun 23, 2018 at 4:57 a.m. Looan Says...

Yeah STAR WARS!!

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Jun 24, 2018 at 5:03 a.m. Tiffany Bowsee Says...

I think this is going to be awesome and when I heard shout it and shared with my family they were so excited

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Jun 23, 2018 at 4:41 a.m. Heather S. Says...

Great precise update of awesome things to come! Can't wait to experience it all.

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Jun 23, 2018 at 4:34 a.m. Kathy M Webb Says...

Thank you for the sweepstakes!

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Jun 23, 2018 at 3:57 a.m. George Says...

Wow! So many fantastic things! Disney always provide excellent food and snacks beyond fun facilities. Missed the Epcot last time going there and really look forward to the Guardians of the Galaxy!

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Jun 23, 2018 at 3:50 a.m. Kristi Says...

Great updates, thanks for the info!

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Jun 23, 2018 at 2:10 a.m. Dustina Says...

Looks awesome!!!

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Jun 23, 2018 at 2:07 a.m. Donna W. Says...

So many exciting changes. Can't wait for Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land!

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Jun 23, 2018 at 1:46 a.m. Maria Says...

This looks amazing!

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Jun 23, 2018 at 1:21 a.m. Vikki R. Says...

100% die hard Universal & Disney fan. Now that my kids are older, they prefer Universal, but we still go to both.

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Jun 23, 2018 at 12:04 a.m. disneynan Says...

Love going to Disney, wish we were plannig a trip.

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Jun 22, 2018 at 10:53 p.m. Sam Spieller Says...

I'd love to take my soon-to-be girlfriend to Disneyland. It's her favorite place in the world!

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Jun 22, 2018 at 9:39 p.m. ESK Says...

So many great things to do with Disney and Universal!

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Jun 22, 2018 at 9:32 p.m. ESK Says...

So many great things to see and do! Universal and Disney here we come!

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Jun 22, 2018 at 8:39 p.m. Kelly Says...

Would love to win!!

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Jun 22, 2018 at 7:43 p.m. tjurnak Says...

I can not wait for Toy Story Land and anything Univeral does!!!!

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Jun 22, 2018 at 6:51 p.m. sarah k Says...

These new additions look great. We haven't been there is 4 years. would love to go to see all the updates!!

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Jun 22, 2018 at 4:56 p.m. htepaige Says...

can’t wait for all the new star wars attractions!

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Jun 22, 2018 at 4:13 p.m. Ashley Says...

It all sounds amazing!!!! Looking forward to my next visit!

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Jun 22, 2018 at 4:11 p.m. Mickey fan Says...

Can't wait for all the new things to be completed. I'm trying to hold off on going until it's all done, but I don't know if I'll be able to!

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Jun 22, 2018 at 3:49 p.m. Rachel Penner Says...

Looking forward to going to disney

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Jun 22, 2018 at 3:07 p.m. amanda thomas Says...

can't wait till Star Wars land opens. We are huge fans, and the kids and husband are so excited for it.

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Jun 22, 2018 at 2:29 p.m. Christine Searle Says...

Will be heading to Disney World in the fall!

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Jun 22, 2018 at 2:26 p.m. Patty Anderson Says...

Great to have new restraunts and Sat Wars will be amazing!!!1

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Jun 22, 2018 at 2:05 p.m. Karla Garner Says...

Can’t wait for our next visit in 2020!!

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Jun 22, 2018 at 1:56 p.m. Tom Buckner Says...

I hope to see Star Wars - Galaxy's Edge in 2019

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Jun 22, 2018 at 12:58 p.m. LOVELACE FAMILY Says...

Love all the new and EXCITING things that are happening at the parks !

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Jun 22, 2018 at 12:42 p.m. Karen F Says...

I love Disney and undercover tourists

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Jun 22, 2018 at 12:04 p.m. Mohamed Alli Says...

Great updates, looking forward to enjoy these new additions.

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Jun 22, 2018 at 11:04 a.m. Teounna Davis Says...

This is so helpful and exciting too know thanks!

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Jun 22, 2018 at 10:36 a.m. Patience Moultine-Slinker Says...

Wonder park and tons to do for every age will have to visit soon

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Jun 22, 2018 at 9:08 a.m. Mbpilsner Says...

Universal looks amazing. It’s been years since we’ve been there.

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Jun 22, 2018 at 9:06 a.m. Mbpilsner Says...

We’ve been diehard Disney goers for years but our next trip will be Universal. They seem to have done better in recent years keeping up with popularity, demand, and interest.

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Jun 22, 2018 at 7:37 a.m. kt Says...

This looks like a lot of fun!

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Jun 22, 2018 at 6:54 a.m. J_Pil Says...

Need to visit a diff. park in FL... need to take the family to Universal

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Jun 22, 2018 at 6:20 a.m. Morrow Long Says...

I really want to see the latest additions at Disney World and Universal Studio -- I haven't been back to Orlando for so long.

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Jun 22, 2018 at 4:49 a.m. Juanita Says...

We purchased tickets with undercover tourist and they were amazing!!! Not to mention car rental deals!!!!!! We will use you guys again

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Jun 22, 2018 at 4:23 a.m. cid3 Says...

I love all action rides.

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Jun 22, 2018 at 4:21 a.m. cid3 Says...

I love all action rides.

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Jun 22, 2018 at 4:20 a.m. cid Says...

Love all action rides.

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Jun 22, 2018 at 4:11 a.m. Trish smith Says...

I want to ride the new wizardry coaster!

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Jun 22, 2018 at 3:45 a.m. Margie Says...

Can’t wait!

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Jun 22, 2018 at 3:40 a.m. Colleen P Says...

I can't wait to visit all of these attractions!

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Jun 22, 2018 at 3:25 a.m. laura t Says...

can't wait to go to universal this year!

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Jun 22, 2018 at 2:54 a.m. Tracy Z Says...

We're going in October. Thanks for compiling this list!

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