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Credit: Christian Lambert, UnsplashIt’s official.
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The Disney theme parks are always changing, though the last few years have been especially transformational for Walt Disney World Resort specifically. From new rides to major renovations, Walt Disney World acts as the heart of the company’s theme park business and sets the tone for all the other resorts.
Currently, several projects are in the works, including the complete transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom, as well as upgrades to Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios. Magic Kingdom is getting upgrades of its own, with a classic location recently being replaced on the official app.
The former Cool Ship snack stand in Tomorrowland is officially gone, and has been repalced with a new location, AstroFizz.
Before it closed, Cool Ship specialized in classic theme park snacks like popcorn and soda. It’s unknown if its menu will change once it reopens.
The original Cool Ship opened at Magic Kingdom during the park’s Tomorrowland refurbishment in 1994.
Related: Confirmed: Disney Unveils Plans To Change Classic Magic Kingdom Ride
This has been one of the more interesting developments at Magic Kingdom lately, though the park is set to change in many bigger ways soon.
During Disney’s D23 event in August 2024, the company revealed that Magic Kingdom would be getting new rides, attractions, and entirely new areas to explore. One of these areas is Piston Peak, an outdoor hub inspired by Pixar’s Cars franchise.
Much like Radiator Springs at Disneyland, Piston Peak will immerse visitors in the world of the Cars series, only this time in a more rugged setting. Piston Peak will feature one “E-ticket” ride, an off-roading racing adventure similar to Radiator Springs Racers.
To make room for Piston Peak, several classic attractions closed, namely, Tom Sawyer Island. The artificial island closed permanently this summer, as did the Rivers of America and Liberty Square Riverboat.
Magic Kingdom will also eventually be home to its own Villains land, something that’s been rumored for the park for decades. This was also announced during Disney’s D23 event, but came as a much bigger surprise than most of the other projects.
Very little is known about the land, other than the fact that it will feature various iconic Disney villains. Concept art shows a large, grim fantasy world full of places to explore and at least one major thrill ride.
Are you excited for Magic Kingdom to change?