Credit: Disney Disney World has never been shy about evolving, but the next decade is shaping up to be unlike anything fans have seen before. While updates and refurbishments are part of the normal cycle of theme park life, what’s happening now feels different.
One park in particular is about to undergo a sweeping transformation that, by 2035, longtime visitors might struggle to recognize. But before we get to that park, it’s worth looking around the resort to see how much change is underway everywhere else.
Hollywood Studios Steps Into the Future
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the focus is shifting once again. The days of Frozen sing-alongs and random live-action tie-ins dominating the schedule appear numbered. Instead, Disney has started laying the groundwork for new, immersive experiences. Disney has confirmed a full-fledged Monsters, Inc. land, where fans could step through Monstropolis doors and explore scenes from the beloved Pixar universe.
That’s not the only shift. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, the long-standing adrenaline rush tied to Aerosmith, is slated for a retheme. Word is, Disney plans to bring in the Muppets—yes, you read that right. Imagine Kermit and Animal blasting you through a high-speed track filled with gags and humor instead of rock anthems. It’s a bold move that could breathe new life into a ride that many agree needed fresh energy.
Animal Kingdom Finds Its Wild Side
Animal Kingdom isn’t being left behind either. The park is preparing for its most significant shift since Pandora opened in 2017. First up is Tropical Americas, a land that will bring Central and South American cultures and ecosystems to life. Guests can expect lush environments, new dining, and likely a major attraction that ties into Disney storytelling.
Meanwhile, the It’s Tough to Be a Bug theater under the Tree of Life is being reimagined into a Zootopia show. Instead of bugs poking you in the back, you’ll join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde in a fresh adventure that leans into comedy, music, and high-tech visuals. With both Tropical Americas and Zootopia on the horizon, Animal Kingdom is heading into a new era where animals and Disney stories connect more dynamically.
The Park With the Biggest Overhaul
As exciting as those updates sound, nothing compares to what’s happening at Magic Kingdom. This park is the crown jewel of Walt Disney World, and Disney has made it clear that its future will look dramatically different. The transformation has already started with ride closures.
Once a quiet escape in the middle of Frontierland, Liberty Square Riverboat, Tom Sawyer Island, and Rivers of America have been drained and walled off. Splash Mountain, of course, closed permanently to make way for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which is already reshaping the skyline of Frontierland.
These removals are just the tip of the iceberg. By 2030, guests can expect an expansion unlike anything Magic Kingdom has seen since New Fantasyland. The question is not if the park will change, but just how much of its current identity will remain.
Refurbishments With a Twist
In addition to closures, some refurbishments hint at more profound changes than simple maintenance. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is slated for a makeover, and insiders speculate that the ride may get new scenes or even cosmetic updates that bring it closer in style to newer Pixar properties.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, another classic, is also due for refurbishment. While Disney has been vague, the chatter suggests there may be subtle scene changes and even storyline tweaks that align with the overall expansion of Frontierland.
Not everything is about rides, though. New dining is making waves, too. The Beak and Barrel Tavern recently opened, giving guests a brand-new themed spot to relax and grab a drink. It’s already becoming a fan favorite and signals Disney’s commitment to creating spaces as immersive as the attractions themselves.
The Arrival of Piston Peak
One of the most intriguing additions rumored for Magic Kingdom is Piston Peak, inspired by the Planes: Fire & Rescue spinoff from Pixar.
While details are scarce, the concept points to a mountainous landscape filled with aviation theming, rescue missions, and maybe even a high-energy ride that mixes thrills with storytelling. Piston Peak could become the park’s next big anchor, giving families something new to rally around for years to come.
The Long-Awaited Villains Land
Perhaps the most talked-about addition, though, is Villains Land. Fans have begged for a space devoted to Disney’s darker side for decades, and it seems Disney is finally listening. Concept art and whispers point to a land where Maleficent’s castle looms in the distance, villains host meet-and-greets, and attractions embrace a more sinister edge.
While Disney hasn’t shared all the details yet, the hype is already sky-high. If Villains Land lives up to half the speculation, it could easily become the most popular expansion Magic Kingdom has ever seen.
A Slow Reveal, but a Certain Future
Disney tends to play the long game regarding new park projects. Some of the changes mentioned are already underway, while others are still in the concept or planning phases. But little by little, the picture becomes clearer: by the time 2035 rolls around, the Magic Kingdom of today will be history.
The park will still hold onto its role as the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” but the landmarks, rides, and atmosphere may look completely different.
Tomorrow’s Magic Will Look Very Different
Disney World has always been where change is expected, but the next 10 years will be an actual turning point. Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom are getting fresh energy, but Magic Kingdom stands to become almost unrecognizable.
From refurbishments that feel more like reinventions to entirely new lands like Piston Peak and the long-awaited Villains Land, the park is gearing up for its boldest decade yet.
The Magic Kingdom we know today is fading away, piece by piece, and in its place a new version is slowly taking shape. Whether fans see that as exciting or unsettling, one thing is certain: ten years from now, a visit to Disney World’s flagship park will feel like stepping into an entirely different world.