'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!
We're so frogcited about the new rides and experiences hoppening this year, including Tiana's Bayou Adventure (opened June 28, 2024) and a new DreamWorks-themed land (opened June 14, 2024) 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
Tiana's Bayou Adventure — June 28, 2024 — Splash Mountain transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which debuted 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 picks up after the final kiss, and follows 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 — July 17, 2024 — The beloved bears are 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.
Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge — 2025 — A new lounge will extend the story from Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland.
"Disney Starlight" — Summer 2025 — This brand-new nighttime parade will feature new technology, pixie dust from the Blue Fairy and characters from "Frozen," "Encanto" and more.
New villains land — TBD — While there's not an exact timeline yet, plans are in active development for a dark and sinister land that will house our favorite Disney villains and include two major attractions, dining and shopping. Reminder, just don't eat any apples while you're there!
New "Cars"-themed area — TBD — This land will replace Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island and include two new attractions. One attraction is set to be a thrilling race through the mountains, while the other will be a family-friendly ride. There is no known opening date — however, work will begin in 2025.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Zootopia show — Winter 2025 — 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.
Tropical Americas — 2027 — Tropical Americas is a brand-new land that will replace Dinoland, U.S.A., and will be home to two new attractions (see below!). Construction starts later this year, with the area set to open in 2027. The village will feature a large central fountain, one of Disney World's biggest quick-service restaurants and a carousel with fan-favorite Disney animals.
New "Encanto"-inspired attraction — 2027 — A new ride where you can step right into the Family Madrigal's Casita! The first-ever "Encanto" ride begins after Antonio receives his gift, transforming his room into a rainforest. Join him as he explores his new space, and you might even run into other family members along the way.
New "Indiana Jones" attraction — 2027 — This new ride will replace the Dinosaur attraction and features Indy in an entirely new storyline. Indiana Jones has heard rumors of a mythical creature that inhabits an ancient Mayan temple, so he's off to explore it and take riders along for the adventure.
EPCOT
CommuniCore Plaza and CommuniCore Hall — June 10, 2024 — This new multi-use facility and outdoor event space supports EPCOT's festivals. The plaza has an outdoor stage to host musical performances, and the hall is 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 has a new home in CommuniCore Hall.
¡Celebración Encanto! — June 10 to Oct. 15, 2024 — For a limited time, at the all-new CommuniCore Plaza Stage, join the family Madrigal in an "Encanto" sing-along.
Test Track refresh — 2025 — The fan-favorite attraction will undergo a reimagining after closing on June 17, 2024. Imagineers and teams from Chevrolet are drawing inspiration from the original World of Motion attraction to bring "that spirit of optimism" to the ride.
Spaceship Earth lounge — 2025 — This family-friendly lounge will replace the former corporate lounge and will be designed using the geometric sphere as inspiration, metallic tones and rich textures.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
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.
New Disney Villains show — summer 2025 — In an all-new live production, enter the mysterious realm of the Magic Mirror and encounter the most infamous Disney Villains, including Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent. Lightning McQueen Racing Academy will close Oct. 7, 2024, to make way for this new show.
New "Monsters, Inc." land — TBD — A new "Monsters, Inc."-themed land is in the works and will feature Disney Parks' first-ever suspended coaster. The coaster will send you through the door vault and zoom through the monster factory. The land's story will pick up after the events of "Monsters, Inc." Work is scheduled to begin on this project in 2025.
New Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run story with Mando and Grogu — 2026 — New adventures are coming to a galaxy far far away that will feature Mando and his youngling once "The Mandalorian and Grogu" film kicks off in the theaters in 2026.
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness — July 1, 2024 — The Cabins at Fort Wilderness underwent refurbishment to become a new Disney Vacation Club property. You can become a member at this resort starting Feb. 27, 2024, and you can book a stay as early as March 12, 2024. Save extra green on your stay when you book through Undercover Tourist!
Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows — Island Tower is projected to open Dec. 17, 2024, and will be the new Disney Vacation Club property at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. The tower will transport you to the Polynesian Islands and offers rooms that sleep two to nine guests in either duo studios, one- and two-bedroom villas or even new two-bedroom penthouse villas. Reservations are open for booking as of June 4, 2024, for Disney Vacation Club members, June 5, 2024, for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders and June 6, 2024, for all other guests. (Psst ... your favorite frogs offer these new villas at a discount! Ribbit!)
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
Wicked: The Experience — Late October 2024 — Get ready to "defy gravity" as Universal Orlando celebrates the upcoming cinematic event based on the beloved Tony Award-winning musical. Starting in late October, you'll be able to step into the fantastical land of Oz in the most magical way! Wicked: The Experience (housed in the former location of the UNIVRS store and adjacent retail locations in Universal Studios Florida) will whisk you along the yellow brick road and into a variety of memorable moments and iconic locations film, from Shiz University to the Emerald City. Here you'll find fanciful costumes and props created by the designers of the film alongside a frogciting variety of merchandise including elevated apparel, home goods, accessories, toys and more.
Universal Epic Universe — 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. Let's jump into a few more details on each of these incredible worlds!
Celestial Park — 2025 — The heart of Epic Universe, Celestial Park is the world between worlds and the gateway to the four additional worlds. Celestial Park puts the "park" back in theme park, with sprawling gardens, fountains and most importantly, the Chronos device: a giant machine that uses the power of the universe to power Celestial Park and its portals that transport you to these additional worlds. In addition to shopping and dining stops, Celestial Park is also home to three attractions: Stardust Racers, Constellation Carousel and Astronomica.
How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk — 2025 — Enter the portal and step into an eighth-century Viking village that may look familiar to fans of the heartwarming "How to Train Your Dragon" films. (Isle of Berk is set between the second and third films, to be exact.) Explore a world literally built for Vikings, by Vikings: nine-foot-tall doors, chainsaw-carved benches, and Viking ships docked in the breathtaking lagoon. Aspiring dragon riders can get their training started on Hiccup's Wing Gliders, Dragon Racer's Rally and Fyre Drill attractions, or get the wiggles out at the Viking Training Camp play area. Quench your thirst (and appetite) from all of that hard work at Mead Hall, or check out the breathtaking "The Untrainable Dragon" show, where Toothless soars above the audience. And of course, you can even meet dragons (Toothless included) in Isle of Berk.
Super Nintendo World — 2025 — Wahoo! Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe will take visitors into the iconic world of Nintendo, in two distinct areas: Super Mario Land, and for the first time in the U.S., Donkey Kong Country. Attractions will include Yoshi's Adventure, Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge and Mine-Cart Madness. Throughout the world, you'll find interactive experiences, including opportunities to earn digital coins, stamps and keys with a Power-Up Band, dining in Toadstool Cafe and meeting your favorite Nintendo characters such as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and more..
Dark Universe — 2025 — Enter a world where mystery fills the air and monsters lurk in the shadows. In the village of Darkmoor, the stories are real ... and you're about to come face-to-fang with some of the most famous creatures ripped from the silver screen. Help Dr. Victoria Frankenstein and her monster stop Dracula from unleashing a horde of enraged monsters in Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment — one of the scariest rides Universal has ever created. Outrun gnashing teeth and razor-sharp claws in Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning family coaster inspired by "The Wolf Man." Undergo your own terrifying transformation in the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. Sink your teeth into delicious fare at Das Stakehaus and The Burning Blade Tavern.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic — Get ready to travel through space and time when you enter the third installment of Universal Orlando's Wizarding World. Upon passing through the Phoenix Arch, you'll arrive at Place Cachée, a hidden pocket of 1920s Paris inspired by the "Fantastic Beast" films. Here you'll be able to step right up to Le Cirque Arcanus where a greedy ringmaster has stolen Newt Scamander's famed suitcase, procure your own wand at Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique and cast spells on enchanted objects, indulge in French-inspired cuisine at Café L'air De La Sirène, a charming cafe serving breakfast lunch and dinner and mingle with other Dark witches and wizards at Le Gobelet Noir, a timeworn auberge in the shadowy corners of Place Cachée.
While you're here, though, don't froget to stop by the Paris Métro-Floo and travel to the British Ministry of Magic in the late 1990s. Dolores Umbridge is on trial and has wicked plans to repair a broken Time-Turner and restore Voldemort's reign. I have quite the feeling Harry, Ron and Hermione might need your help to stop her from escaping.
Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort — January 21, 2025, and February 25, 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.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel — 2025 — How about a new hotel located inside Epic Universe?! Named after the Greek god of the sun, Helios Grand Hotel continues Epic's celestial theming, with over 500 rooms, incredible views of the new theme park and its very own entrance into the park.
WHAT'S HAPPENED IN 2024
DreamWorks Land — June 14, 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!
Universal Mega Movie Parade — July 3, 2024 — Get ready to witness the biggest daytime parade at Universal Orlando to date. Featuring 13 brand-new floats and nearly 100 performers — including dancers, skaters, stilt walkers, poi performers and more — this spectacular celebration at Universal Studios Florida will let you relive classic moments from beloved movies, such as "E.T.," "Back to the Future," "Jaws," "Ghostbusters," "Jurassic World," Illumination's "Minions" and "Sing" and DreamWorks' "Trolls" and "Kung Fu Panda," in a whole new way. Watch in awe as the massive 16-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man towers atop the "Ghostbusters" float, the colorful Caterbus and giant rainbows shimmer on the vibrant "Trolls" float, a live marching drum line performs the iconic movie score of "Jaws" alongside a float themed to the film and Raptors and the fierce Tyrannosaurus rex stalk their prey beside a Gyrosphere aboard the "Jurassic World" float — the largest figure ever featured in a Universal Orlando daytime parade.
Hogwarts Always — June 14 to Aug. 25, 2024 — An all-new nighttime extravaganza apparated into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure. On select nights, wizards, witches and Muggles alike gathered around the famed School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for a visually stunning experience that took them on a journey through iconic moments of a Hogwarts school year. Get ready to go supply shopping in Diagon Alley, hop aboard the Hogwarts Express, participate in the Sorting Ceremony, crown the House Cup winner and so much more. This show had four different endings that celebrated each Hogwarts house and culminated in a colorful pyrotechnic display above the castle. Keep your ears open for dialogue from beloved characters, such as Professor Dumbledore, Hagrid, the Sorting Hat and more!
CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular — June 14 to Aug. 25, 2024 — A brand-new nighttime show debuted at the Universal Studios Florida lagoon. Featuring 288 fountains that reach heights up to 131 feet, incredible 4K projection mapping, an original composition and more than 600 drones(!!!), this next-level lagoon show celebrated the emotional power of music by leveraging iconic scores and scenes that have inspired attractions from Universal Orlando's past, present and future. Prepare to get swept up in the stunning sonic landscapes of Warner Bros. Pictures "Harry Potter" and "Fantastic Beasts" films, "Jurassic World," "Jaws," "Shrek," "Ghostbusters," "Trolls," "Back to the Future," "Universal Monsters," "Transformers," "How to Train Your Dragon," "E.T.," "Fast and Furious," "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," "Minions," "The Mummy" and "King Kong."
What's Coming to Other Florida Theme Parks in 2024 and Beyond
SeaWorld Orlando
NOW OPEN
Penguin Trek — July 7, 2024 — A new family-friendly launch coaster has landed at SeaWorld Orlando! Penguin Trek takes 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
NOW OPEN
Tassie's Underwater Twist — March 15, 2024 — The newest addition is an immersive waterslide that journeys through Australia's Shark Bay seagrass meadow. The reimagined slide measures 129 feet long and features a unique super-bowl element, a synchronized video display and an orchestral score.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay & Adventure Island
NOW OPEN
Phoenix Rising — July 21, 2024 — The newest roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa features family-friendly thrills with speeds up to 44 mph. The suspended coaster swings riders from side to side above the Serengeti Plain and features on-board audio with a one-of-a-kind soundtrack.
Castaway Falls — May 3, 2024 — This all-new, multi-level interactive water-play attraction at Adventure Island has four exciting waterslides, soakers, jets, water shooters, sliding buckets and more, doubling the size of the former splash area.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort
SEA Life Florida Resort — fall 2024 — This new aquarium will feature interactive exhibits centered on marine life and exploration.
LEGO Ferrari Build & Race — now open — 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.
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
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