Imagine going to a rock concert, but between songs, the lead singer tells you news about new rides at the theme parks. That’s exactly what happened Saturday night at D23 2024. In front of 12,000 people at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro revealed what’s coming to Disney parks, cruises and more over the next few years. And when he announced something, there was a song about it. Or sometimes the song came first and then the news. This got pretty drawn out, making the whole thing about three hours long, but don’t worry. We’ve got the highlights for you.
But since we’re io9, we’ve already written about two of them. First, Robert Downey Jr. is back as Iron Man in new Disney Marvel rides, of which there are four worldwide. Read more about them here. Also, the popular star Wars Drive Millennium Falcon: Smuggler Run will have a new mission in the future that will feature The Mandalorian and Grogu. You can read more about it here.
But what about things that aren’t Star Wars or Marvel? Read on.
A land of villains
Perhaps the biggest news was that the Magic Kingdom in Orlando would soon have a huge area dedicated to villains. This is something fans have been asking for for a long time. Read more here.
A Monsters Inc. Roller coaster. Oh, and also a country
Hollywood Studios in Orlando will not only receive a completely new site, which will be Monsters Inc.This land will feature an attraction that fans have been dreaming about for over two decades: a roller coaster based on the finale of the first film. That’s a concept image above, read and see more about it here.
A lion king Wild water ride
I mean, what else can you say? It’s a damn Lion King Log flume. It’s coming to Disney Adventure World in Disneyland Paris. Read and see more here.
New Avatar country
Avatarland at Animal Kingdom in Orlando is magical. And now we’re getting a second one at California Adventure. There will be a brand new attraction inspired not only by the locations and characters of the second film, but also the third film and beyond. Read and see more here.
More Cars Trips
Two new attractions from the world of Cars are on the way. One for children and one that is a bit more exciting. Read and see more here.
Indiana Jones And Magical together
A new area called Tropical Americas will be created in Dinoland at Animal Kingdom in Orlando. It will feature a brand new Indiana Jones ride, a new carousel and a ride through the Madrigal House of Magical. Read and see more about it here.
The first coconut Drive
The Oscar-winning film coconut is getting a brand new attraction at California Adventure, the first ever from the film. Read and see more here.
Animatronics Walt Disney
This could be cool or it could be scary. Next year, Disneyland in Anaheim will have a new show about the life of Walt Disney, featuring an audio-animatronic figure of the man himself. Read and see more here.
These are just our favorites, and for more information on all the announcements during the event, check out the Disney Parks blog.
Want more io9 news? Find out when you can expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next in the DC Universe in film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
