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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.

 

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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51–100 of 793 comments
Jun 30, 2018 at 6:31 p.m. Chuck Says...

Undercover Tourist, my Disney go to website. The most reliable and least expensive Disney websiteout there!

Reply
Jun 30, 2018 at 6:21 p.m. Jaz Says...

Wow the Ratatouille attraction looks beautiful

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Jun 30, 2018 at 5:44 p.m. Sheila Says...

A Star Wars theme park sounds great.

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Jun 30, 2018 at 5:42 p.m. Pat Says...

Cool

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Jun 30, 2018 at 4:58 p.m. Katie Says...

Great article! I can't wait for my next vacation!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 4:32 p.m. Tonya Revell Says...

You always have the best tips and tricks. I always visit your site when planning my Orlando vacay!! Keep up the good work!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 4:25 p.m. GMartin Says...

Heading to Universal this October. First time for my family.

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Jun 30, 2018 at 3:59 p.m. amanhart Says...

Can’t wait to take my family to Universal!!!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 3:50 p.m. Leslie Fitzgibbon Says...

Thank You so much! Got a trip planned using you guys for Next Year!!! So excited

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Jun 30, 2018 at 3:29 p.m. Mohammed Nasser Says...

I cannot wait to enjoy these events

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Jun 30, 2018 at 2:58 p.m. Ginger Liberatore Says...

We can’t wait for a Universal/Disney Adventure in August 2019!!!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 2:57 p.m. Haley Skinner Says...

Going to Disney in November, can’t wait to see all of the changes!!!!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 2:44 p.m. Anna B Says...

Thanks for keeping us up to date on all the Orlando happenings!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 2:22 p.m. Yvonne Lugo Says...

I love Disney! Can't wait till I go back.

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Jun 30, 2018 at 1:42 p.m. Dorie Says...

So many great deals!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 1:14 p.m. Mary Essman Says...

So much exciting stuff going on! Can’t wait to experience it all.

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Jun 30, 2018 at 12:50 p.m. EE Says...

My son can’t wait to go to Universal for Fast & Furious!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 12:24 p.m. Eileen Fernandez Says...

So excited to see all the new attractions/entertainment.

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Jun 30, 2018 at 12:22 p.m. ERIN YORKER Says...

So many fun things to see and do!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 12:21 p.m. Annette Says...

All the changes are awesome, the only not negative is that the Great Movie Ride is gone!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 12:08 p.m. Mac Says...

So many fun additions

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Jun 30, 2018 at 12:02 p.m. Mom of 2 Says...

Can't wait to see the Incredibles dance party and the Guardians of the Galaxy stuff!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 11:54 a.m. Paulette Says...

Thank you for this information! Looking forward to exploring these exciting places.

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Jun 30, 2018 at 11:18 a.m. victoria6798 Says...

I LOVE ORLANDO... I HOPE WE WIN

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Jun 30, 2018 at 11:10 a.m. melissa Says...

OMG, can not wait to meet all new stuffs!!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 11:01 a.m. Erin M. R. Says...

Looking forward to checking out the Edison!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 10:47 a.m. shirley boothe Says...

Thank you for keeping us updated..!!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. Kathleen Farrell Says...

Would love to bring my family here, we’ve never been!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 10:20 a.m. Jessica W Says...

Looking forward to the new HP ride!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 9:05 a.m. Kim N Says...

We have never been to Universal in Orlando. Love your crowd calendars for the parks. Thanks for the contest. Would love to win!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 9:02 a.m. Fred Says...

What great updates! Just got back from first ever trip and want to go back already! So much to look forward to!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 7:14 a.m. m Says...

hi

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Jun 30, 2018 at 6:55 a.m. Diana Lingar Says...

Awesome info! And I always view your crowd calendar on the website when trying to decide when to visit.....very helpful

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Jun 30, 2018 at 5:48 a.m. ALClark Says...

I desperately want to get to Universal. Never been and my teens would LOVE it!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 4 a.m. Emi Says...

The dinosaur costumes for Donald's celebration in the animal kingdom are hilarious.

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Jun 30, 2018 at 3:56 a.m. Jolene Jacoby Says...

My daughter wants to go to universal for her birthday!!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 3:36 a.m. Gina M Allen Says...

I will be there soon!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 3:12 a.m. vansks Says...

Loving Pandora, missing the Great Movie Ride, waiting for Star Wars

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Jun 30, 2018 at 2:56 a.m. Mumush Says...

Excellent deals for get good value.

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Jun 30, 2018 at 2:54 a.m. Mares C. Says...

My youngest son is now tall enough to do all the rides; can’t wait to visit again!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 2:21 a.m. Chad Brown Says...

What a great time to be a amusement/theme park fan...Orlando is like the world's playground!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 2:19 a.m. Janet Says...

Thanks for the information.

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Jun 30, 2018 at 1:44 a.m. NatP Says...

So many exciting things coming! It's making hard to decide whether to skip a year and see more things in 2019 or 2020...nah, who am I kidding?! We'll be there soon!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 1:42 a.m. Katey O’Connor Says...

Wowzers!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 1:02 a.m. James Davis Says...

Need to get back to Orlando

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Jun 30, 2018 at 12:52 a.m. Nancy Says...

So much fun new stuff coming!

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Jun 30, 2018 at 12:39 a.m. Jjjjjj Says...

Sounds exciting

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Jun 30, 2018 at 12:16 a.m. Tracy Parker Says...

Looking forward to seeing Toy Story Land

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Jun 30, 2018 at 12:15 a.m. JO2018 Says...

Can’t wait for all the new Star Wars adventures!

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Jun 30, 2018 at midnight JayK Says...

The Edison thing almost sounds like the one at The Henry Ford.

Reply
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