Walt Disney World is setting its sights on a major expansion at Magic Kingdom. This expansion, which Disney is calling the “largest ever” at the park, will be located beyond the existing Big Thunder Mountain Railroad attraction. Despite this announcement, many key details about the expansion remain shrouded in mystery. Disney has disclosed that the new space will be comparable in size to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, spanning 14 acres. Michael Hundgen of Disney has characterized this expansion as potentially the biggest in Magic Kingdom’s history. However, Disney has yet to reveal the theme of this new area or when construction will begin. The project, known as “Beyond Big Thunder,” is currently in the permit-seeking phase. However, Disney CEO Bob Iger has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the expansion, hinting that they will only disclose information when they are fully prepared to do so.
Rumors and Speculations
Rumors circulating speculate that the theme of the expansion could be connected to Disney’s animated film Encanto. Many are theorizing that Disney is saving a grand reveal for the D23 event in August. Ultimately, time will tell what Disney has in store for this ambitious expansion. In 2023, Disney unveiled plans for a $60 billion investment in its parks and other experiences over the next decade. A significant portion of this investment, $42 billion, will be allocated towards new attractions, while $18 billion will go towards technology and maintenance. This decision comes amidst the news that Universal Orlando Resort will be opening a new park, Epic Universe, in 2025, featuring areas based on Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World.
Upcoming Attractions
While details about the Magic Kingdom expansion are still under wraps, Disney fans have exciting new attractions to look forward to in the near future. The beloved Splash Mountain ride at Disney World has been decommissioned and is set to be re-imagined as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure later this year. Animatronics for the new attraction have recently been revealed in a sneak peek video. In addition to this transformation, the Rock N’ Rollercoaster at Hollywood Studios is currently closed for refurbishment, and the Test Track ride at Epcot will temporarily shut down in June for a reimagining by Disney’s Imagineers.
As Walt Disney World celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2021, the future looks bright with the promise of new attractions and expansions on the horizon. While details about the Magic Kingdom expansion are still scarce, Disney’s commitment to investing in innovative experiences for its guests remains unwavering. Fans of Disney can anticipate thrilling adventures and magical experiences yet to come at the world-renowned theme park.
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