Disney's theme parks are gearing up for a major expansion in 2027, with a lineup of new rides and attractions that will thrill fans of all ages. From classic characters to modern favorites, these additions promise to take guests on thrilling journeys and immersive experiences. Here's a breakdown of the exciting new attractions coming to Disney's theme parks around the world, along with commentary and analysis.
The Wreck-It Ralph Ride: A Family-Friendly Adventure
The Wreck-It Ralph ride, coming to Tokyo Disneyland, is a family-friendly interactive adventure that takes guests into the world of Sugar Rush, the candy-themed racing game from the movie. With concept art depicting riders using blasters to restore glitches in the game's coding, this ride promises to be a fun and engaging experience. The reimagining of Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters, which closed in 2024, is a clever move by Disney, as it allows them to create a new experience while keeping the original ride's essence.
Encanto Ride: A Magical Journey
Disney's first ride based on Encanto is set to open at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. This family-friendly experience, inspired by the modern Fantasyland dark ride style, will take guests on a journey through the story of Antonio receiving his gift of talking to animals. The addition of the Tropical Americas land, replacing DinoLand, U.S.A., is a strategic move to create a cohesive and immersive experience for guests.
Carousel of Progress Reimagining: A Classic Updated
A reimagining of Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress is coming to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. The updated version will include an Audio-Animatronics figure of 1964-era Walt Disney, adding a touch of nostalgia to the classic attraction. The refresh of the ride's portions, especially the 'present day' finale, is a welcome change and a chance to modernize a beloved classic.
Avengers Infinity Defense: A Multimedia Thrill Ride
Avengers Infinity Defense, coming to Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort, is a big-budget, multimedia ride based on the Marvel superheroes taking on King Thanos. With a ride system similar to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, this attraction will combine screen-based imagery with physical sets. The involvement of Walt Disney Imagineering executive Scott Trowbridge, who worked on the groundbreaking Spider-Man ride at Universal, adds a layer of excitement and anticipation.
Indiana Jones Ride: A Thrilling Adventure
A new Indiana Jones ride is coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World, taking guests on a thrilling journey through an ancient Mayan temple. The reimagining of DINOSAUR, with its Jeep ride vehicles and path, is a clever way to create a new experience while paying homage to the original attraction. The Indiana Jones attraction, part of the Tropical Americas land, will tell a new story and offer a unique thrill ride experience.
New Space Mountain: A Fresh Look
A completely new Space Mountain is coming to Tokyo Disneyland, with a fresh look and an entrance plaza makeover. The construction of a new ride track and show building from the ground up is a significant undertaking, and the demolition of the old Space Mountain is a necessary step for this transformation. The new version will offer a unique and exciting experience for guests.
Spider-Man Roller Coaster: An Outdoor Adventure
A new Spider-Man roller coaster is coming to Shanghai Disneyland, with an outdoor track and a new Spider-Man land. This marks a departure from Disney's usual practice of concealing roller coasters inside buildings. The addition of an outdoor coaster is a bold move, and the construction progress suggests a 2027 opening.
Animal Carousel: A Disney Animal Adventure
A new carousel is coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World, featuring favorite Disney animal characters. The ride will be built from the ground up, offering a unique and charming experience for guests. The addition of the Tropical Americas land, with its Encanto and Indiana Jones rides, creates a cohesive and immersive experience.
Stark Flight Lab: An Avengers Adventure
Stark Flight Lab, a ride that flings guests around on a robotic arm, is coming to Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort. With different Avengers superheroes narrating the onboard audio, this ride promises to be a dynamic and engaging experience. The addition of Stark Flight Lab to the Avengers Campus expansion is a natural fit and will further enhance the immersive world of the Avengers.
Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings: A Traditional Swing Ride
Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings, a traditional swing ride, is coming to Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris. The attraction's backstory, where riders earn their aviation badge, adds a layer of storytelling to the classic swing ride. The addition of Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings to the Adventure Way land is a strategic move to create a cohesive and immersive experience.
Soarin' Expansion: A Flight Simulator Adventure
An expansion of Soarin' is coming to Shanghai Disneyland, with possible changes at EPCOT in Walt Disney World and Disney California Adventure. The addition of an additional building to increase the ride's capacity and manage crowds is a smart move. The new version of Soarin' Across America, a limited-time engagement, will offer a unique and exciting experience for guests.
More Attractions in 2027: Hotels, Shows, and Cruises
In addition to the new rides, Disney is opening hotels, restaurants, and shows, as well as launching a new cruise ship, the Disney Believe. These attractions and experiences will further enhance the Disney theme park experience and provide guests with a wide range of options to enjoy.
Opening in 2028 and Beyond: New Lands and Attractions
Beyond 2027, Disney has exciting plans for new lands and attractions. Magic Kingdom will introduce Piston Peak National Park with new Cars rides and Villains Land. Disney's Hollywood Studios will debut Monstropolis, a land themed to Monsters, Inc., with a roller coaster based on the movie's climactic doors chase. Disneyland Resort will open a Coco ride and an Avatar land, while Disney Adventure World will construct a Lion King ride.
In conclusion, Disney's theme parks are set to undergo a remarkable transformation in 2027, with a diverse range of new rides and attractions that will delight fans of all ages. From classic characters to modern favorites, these additions will create immersive and thrilling experiences, further solidifying Disney's position as a leader in the theme park industry.
