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Walt Disney World has big plans to grow. The company has confirmed plans for the “largest expansion ever” at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park, though many of the key details remain a mystery for now.
Disney is planning to expand beyond the existing Big Thunder Mountain Railroad attraction for a new space that will be about the same size as Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, which is 14 acres. “It’s probably the largest expansion ever at Magic Kingdom,” Disney’s Michael Hundgen said, as reported by CNN.
Importantly, though, Disney has not yet disclosed what the theme of this new area might be, or when the expansion could break ground. The expansion is in the works under the name “Beyond Big Thunder,” and Disney is now reportedly seeking permits to kick things off.
Pressed for specifics about the expansion, Iger declined to discuss things further. “We disclose these at a cadence and when we really feel we’re ready, and we have something more tangible to show people,” he said, according to Deadline. The website also reminds us that Disney management previously suggested that the future expansion could be themed in part around Encanto.
Some are theorizing that Iger is being coy because Disney has a grander announcement to make at D23 this August. Time will tell.
In 2023, Disney said it was planning a $60 billion investment into its parks, cruises, and other experiences in the next 10 years. 70% of this, or $42 billion, will be spent on new attractions, with the other $18 billion allocated for technology and maintenance to support the expansions.
Disney’s planned Magic Kingdom expansion comes amidst the news that Universal Orlando Resort will open a third park, Epic Universe, in 2025, featuring a new Harry Potter area and Super Nintendo World.
Disney CEO Bob Iger said Disney’s recent settlement with Florida will “enable us to pursue the kind of significant investment in our Florida parks…”
While Disney fans will have to wait a while longer to learn more about the expansion to Magic Kingdom, new attractions are on the much closer horizon. The iconic Splash Mountain ride at Disney World was decommissioned in 2023 and is preparing to re-open as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure later this year. The official animatronics for this ride were just revealed this week, and you can see them in action in the video below.
Additionally, the Rock N’ Rollercoaster featuring the band Aerosmith at Hollywood Studios is now temporarily closed for refurbishment. And the Test Track ride at Epcot is shutting down in June so Disney’s Imagineers can conduct a reimagining of the aging attraction.
Disney World celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021.
