Expanding the wonder of Disney World
Animal Kingdom to undergo largest expansion project since park opened in 1998
Many areas of Walt Disney World Resort spent months of 2014 and early 2015 under construction.
Construction of some kind is ongoing at all four theme parks and Downtown Disney, which is undergoing its largest expansion in history as it transforms into Disney Springs.
Areas of Disney Springs, such as the Landing, are nearly complete, while three other “neighbourhoods” which make up the new theme will be complete in 2016. The expansion will double the shopping, dining and entertainment experiences at Downtown Disney.
Each of Disney’s four theme parks have new attractions or expansions in the works, the largest of which is the Avatar- themed expansion coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2017.
Here’s what’s on tap for Walt Disney World in the coming months and years.
Coming to Walt Disney Walt Disney Imagineering is teaming up with filmmaker James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment to bring Pandora — the moon featured in Avatar — to life. The land will be part of the largest expansion of Animal Kingdom since the park opened in 1998.
According to reports, the land will feature a 3D ride where guests ride on the backs of banshees, along with aboat-based attraction. The land will feature Pandora’s floating mountains and bioluminescent plants, along with shopping and dining options.
The expansion is part of Animal Kingdom’s transition into a true fullday park. The park plans to extend hours on par with the other three parks and will debut a nighttime spectacular event called “Rivers of Light.”
Finally, Animal Kingdom is rumoured to be getting a Starbucks just outside the entrance to the Africa section in the former location of Creature Comforts. Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom already have Starbucks locations.
Coming to Epcot “Frozen Ever After” is heading to Epcot, replacing Maelstrom at the Norway pavilion.
The slow boat ride attraction will feature scenes from the hit animated movie, including one where Elsa sings “Let It Go.”
Disney plans to open the new attraction in early 2016.
Soarin’, one of the park’s most-popular attractions, will receive an addi- tional theatre and upgrades to its screen and projection system.
The attraction debuted at Epcot 10 years ago and still routinely sees wait times exceeding 90 minutes.
Coming to Hollywood Studios Like Soarin’, one of the most-popular attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is getting an update and expansion.
Toy Story Midway Mania, a 3D ride and arcade game combo attraction, will be getting an additional track in an effort to shorten wait times.
The park recently debuted updates to the Great Movie Ride and is bring- ing back its “Frozen Summer Fun Live!” event that features a Frozen-themed parade, singalong and more.
The park has been in a transition for a while now.
The American Idol Experience closed last year and the sorcerer’s hat centrepiece of the park was removed earlier this year.
Disney executives have also referenced more Star Wars attractions coming to the park, which would be a logical fit at Hollywood Studios with the existing Star Tours ride and its annual Star Wars Weekends event.
Nothing official has been announced, however. Coming to Magic Kingdom The smallest changes are coming to Disney World’s most-popular theme park. The area known as “the hub” in front of Cinderella Castle continues to undergo improvements, including renovated walking paths and viewing areas for stage shows and nightly fireworks. Disney refers to the area as “Central Plaza.”
Also, new turrets are being added, flanking Cinderella Castle and expanding the royal look. There are no plans for new attractions at Magic Kingdom, but the Pirates of the Caribbean ride is closed for refurbishment until Sept. 25.