Walt Disney World Will Be Unrecognizable By 2030 Due To These Major Changes

If you haven't quite figured out your 5-year plan yet, don't worry; Disney has. After more than 50 years of trailblazing rides, parks, and attractions, Disney World in Orlando, Florida, has no plans to slow down anytime soon. At the massive D23 Expo in 2024, Disney unveiled some grand plans for 2030 that will completely transform Disney World from how it looks today. With new lodging, shows, and themed lands planned to be built before the decade closes out, Disney has a busy five years ahead of it.

Disney has already made immense changes over the past few years, with the reimagining of Tiana's Bayou Adventure, the introduction of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and the thrilling Tron Lightcycle / Run. Disney is always trying to improve upon their previous Imagineering achievements, and the new developments announced at D23 will present many new destinations for fans to add to their Disney bucket lists. While these upcoming attractions mean saying goodbye to some beloved Disney icons, these new installments will only bring more life and excitement to the parks.

There are four new "lands" or themed areas coming to various Disney World parks over the next five years. The first new land coming to the park will replace DinoLand U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom. The dinosaur-themed area will be superseded by Pueblo Esperanza, a South American-inspired land focused on the Tropical Americas and featuring a historical village atmosphere, which is projected to open in 2027. Disney has said that it plans to build two signature attractions there, one based on the iconic Indiana Jones, and one on the hit movie "Encanto." Next on the list, scheduled to launch in 2028 in Hollywood Studios, is a land based on "Monsters, Inc." Guests will be immersed in the knee-slapping city of Monstropolis, and even get a chance to ride on the iconic scare factory doors on Disney's first suspended roller coaster.

In the latter half of this legendary expansion, Magic Kingdom will receive two new lands to add to its sprawling collection. Expected around 2029, Piston Peak is a "Cars"-themed area complete with woodsy wilderness charm. Out of all these exciting developments, fans are arguably most excited for Villains Land. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro teased the new land during the D23 Expo in 2024 (via Disney Parks Blog), saying, "Be prepared, you poor unfortunate souls, it's going to be a fearless new vision for what a Disney experience can be." This utterly sinister land is set to open likely in 2030 and, of course, is designed to host all of your beloved — or detested — Disney villains.

Disney World has also set its focus on some smaller but still impactful projects for the park and beyond. Another addition to Animal Kingdom's Tree of Life Theater is Zootopia: Better Zoogether, a 4D show centering on the lovable cast of characters from "Zootopia," opening as soon as November 2025. In 2026, guests can expect to see the refurbished Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a longtime favorite coaster in Frontierland in Magic Kingdom. Some more rides are expected to get some refreshments over the next couple of years, including Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

Every good Disney trip starts with atmospheric accommodations. Guests can look forward to the new Disney Lakeshore Lodge, an ambitious renovation to the formerly-named Reflections Lakeside Lodge. The resort is set to be a tribute to Disney's love of nature, with lush treehouse suites and A-frame cabins. The Cabins at Fort Wilderness and Island Tower at Polynesian resort are also receiving some well-deserved upgrades to their hotel space.

Disney goers know that the parks aren't the only place you can go to have fun. In fact, some of the best things to do at Disney World are outside of the theme parks. Disney Springs most recently welcomed Level99 to its list of family fun activities. Level99 hosts an array of interactive challenges and games to conquer solo or battle out with your friends, maximizing the fun both in and outside of the parks.