Disney’s Theme Park Expansion: Bob Iger Talks The Lion King, Avatar, Monsters Inc., Coco, and More

Disney CEO Bob Iger just laid out the company’s ambitious roadmap for the future of their theme park during the annual shareholder meeting. With a massive $60 billion investment planned over the next decade, Disney is set to expand in ways fans have only dreamed of. They will be introducing new lands and attractions based on Cars, The Lion King, Monsters Inc., Coco, Avatar, and more.Iger said: “Last year, we talked about our plans to turbocharge growth in this segment through strategic investments. Right now, we have more projects underway around the world than at any time in our history.”Among the most exciting announcements is the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom’s history. That includes a new Cars-themed area and the long-rumored Villains-themed land, which has been a dream for a lot of fans. Over at Hollywood Studios, a Monsters Inc. land is in the works, bringing the beloved Pixar universe into a dedicated section of the park.Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also getting a significant update with the addition of Tropical Americas, a new land featuring attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones. While specifics weren’t detailed, this will bring fresh life to the park, which has been in need of new attractions for some time.Avatar, and AvengersOver on the West Coast, Disney California Adventure is getting a major upgrade. “We’re doubling the size of Avengers Campus with two new attractions,” Iger revealed. He also confirmed a Coco-themed ride-through attraction and finally made it official: a long-awaited Avatar destination is coming to Disneyland Resort.As forDisneyland Paris, it will be home to the first-ever Lion King ride. Iger showcased a model from Imagineering, describing how “the majestic Pride Rock will serve as the gateway to an adventure-filled water attraction that will follow Simba on his journey from cub to king.”Beyond just growing its parks, Disney also emphisized the economic impact these projects will have. “We’re proud of the positive economic impact these projects will have in the communities in which we operate, including creating thousands of new jobs in Florida and California,” Iger said. The timing of these expansions is no coincidence, as Universal prepares to launch its Epic Universe park in Florida this May. The theme park wars are heating up, and Disney is making sure it stays ahead of the curve.While theme parks are the headline attraction, Disney isn’t slowing down on the high seas either. The company is doubling its Disney Cruise Line capacity, with seven new ships in development. Following the launch of the Singapore-based Disney Treasure, new ships like Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure will set sail later this year.For those hoping for entirely new Disney parks, Iger made it clear that’s not the plan… for now. In response to shareholder questions, he stated that Disney’s focus remains on expanding its existing parks and resorts, rather than building new locations.Between Magic Kingdom’s biggest expansion ever, the arrival of Avatar at Disneyland, and the first-ever Lion King ride, fans are sure to be excited for the future of Disney Parks.

Mar 21, 2025 - 16:17

Disney CEO Bob Iger just laid out the company’s ambitious roadmap for the future of their theme park during the annual shareholder meeting. With a massive $60 billion investment planned over the next decade, Disney is set to expand in ways fans have only dreamed of.

They will be introducing new lands and attractions based on Cars, The Lion King, Monsters Inc., Coco, Avatar, and more.

Iger said: “Last year, we talked about our plans to turbocharge growth in this segment through strategic investments. Right now, we have more projects underway around the world than at any time in our history.”

Among the most exciting announcements is the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom’s history. That includes a new Cars-themed area and the long-rumored Villains-themed land, which has been a dream for a lot of fans.

Over at Hollywood Studios, a Monsters Inc. land is in the works, bringing the beloved Pixar universe into a dedicated section of the park.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also getting a significant update with the addition of Tropical Americas, a new land featuring attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones. While specifics weren’t detailed, this will bring fresh life to the park, which has been in need of new attractions for some time.Avatar, and Avengers

Over on the West Coast, Disney California Adventure is getting a major upgrade. “We’re doubling the size of Avengers Campus with two new attractions,” Iger revealed.

He also confirmed a Coco-themed ride-through attraction and finally made it official: a long-awaited Avatar destination is coming to Disneyland Resort.

As forDisneyland Paris, it will be home to the first-ever Lion King ride. Iger showcased a model from Imagineering, describing how “the majestic Pride Rock will serve as the gateway to an adventure-filled water attraction that will follow Simba on his journey from cub to king.”

Beyond just growing its parks, Disney also emphisized the economic impact these projects will have. “We’re proud of the positive economic impact these projects will have in the communities in which we operate, including creating thousands of new jobs in Florida and California,” Iger said.

The timing of these expansions is no coincidence, as Universal prepares to launch its Epic Universe park in Florida this May. The theme park wars are heating up, and Disney is making sure it stays ahead of the curve.

While theme parks are the headline attraction, Disney isn’t slowing down on the high seas either. The company is doubling its Disney Cruise Line capacity, with seven new ships in development.

Following the launch of the Singapore-based Disney Treasure, new ships like Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure will set sail later this year.

For those hoping for entirely new Disney parks, Iger made it clear that’s not the plan… for now. In response to shareholder questions, he stated that Disney’s focus remains on expanding its existing parks and resorts, rather than building new locations.

Between Magic Kingdom’s biggest expansion ever, the arrival of Avatar at Disneyland, and the first-ever Lion King ride, fans are sure to be excited for the future of Disney Parks.