A future Magic Kingdom expansion and a retheming of Animal Kingdom's Dinoland U.S.A. were among the announcements made Saturday at Destination D23, Disney's fan event held in Orlando.
Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, made the announcements.
Magic Kingdom: Stories beyond Big Thunder Mountain
The Magic Kingdom will be expanded with new attractions, restaurants and shows in the future. Disney said its expansion plans "are the largest ever for the park." The scope of the expansion will be similar to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom's Pandora -- The World of Avatar, Disney said.
Disney wants to tell stories "Beyond Big Thunder Mountain," a concept Disney has talked about for about a year now. Disney didn't give more specifics.
Over at the Haunted Mansion, the storied Hatbox Ghost animatronic will come to the Magic Kingdom's version of the attraction in late November. The Hatbox Ghost is already at the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland.
In Florida, the Hatbox Ghost will materialize as guests pass the attraction's Endless Hallway.
Next year, the Country Bear Jamboree attraction will get new songs and a new act.
And, in Adventureland, a new lounge themed to the Pirates of the Caribbean will open.
Moana debut scheduled at Epcot
Starting on Sept. 10, Figment will begin greeting guests at the park. The beloved purple dragon is featured in the Epcot attraction Journey Into Imagination.
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will open on Oct. 16, when Moana will start greeting guests near the walkthrough attraction.
Beloved purple dragon Figment will do meet-and-greets at Epcot. Photo Credit: Matt Stroshane/Disney
Nearby, the World Celebration neighborhood will open to guests in December.
On Dec. 5, a new nighttime spectacular, "Luminous: The Symphony of Us," will debut.
The attraction Test Track will be rethemed in conjunction with Chevrolet. Disney said Imagineers and Chevrolet's team will look to history to inspire the attraction's new iteration.
Indiana Jones in Animal Kingdom?
Dinoland U.S.A. will be rethemed in Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Disney didn't offer specifics but said the film "Encanto" and the Indiana Jones franchise are being considered as inspirations for the reimagined land.
The Tree of Life Theater, currently home to 3D short "It's Tough to be a Bug," will get a new show based on "Zootopia."
Dinoland U.S.A. will be rethemed in Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Disney didn't offer specifics but said the film "Encanto" and the Indiana Jones franchise are being considered as inspirations for the reimagined land.
The Tree of Life Theater, currently home to 3D short "It's Tough to be a Bug," will get a new show based on "Zootopia."