Walt Disney World is set to undergo its largest expansion ever at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park. The company has confirmed plans for a new area that will be about the same size as Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, totaling 14 acres. While the specifics of the expansion remain a mystery, Disney’s Michael Hundgen mentioned that it will likely be the biggest expansion at Magic Kingdom to date.
Disney has kept the theme of the new area under wraps, leaving fans to speculate about what it could entail. The project, known as “Beyond Big Thunder,” is currently in the permit-seeking stage. Disney CEO Bob Iger has remained tight-lipped about the specifics, hinting that the company will reveal more information when they are ready. Some have theorized that the expansion may be themed around Disney’s upcoming film “Encanto.”
In 2023, Disney announced a $60 billion investment into its parks, cruises, and experiences over the next decade. The majority of this investment, $42 billion, will go towards new attractions, while the remaining $18 billion will be allocated for technology and maintenance. The expansion at Magic Kingdom comes at a time when Universal Orlando Resort is also gearing up to open a new park, Epic Universe, in 2025.
While details about the Magic Kingdom expansion are still scarce, Disney fans have plenty to look forward to in the meantime. The iconic Splash Mountain ride is set to reopen as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure later this year, complete with new animatronics that were recently revealed. Additionally, the Rock N’ Rollercoaster and Test Track rides at Hollywood Studios and Epcot, respectively, are undergoing refurbishments to enhance the guest experience.
As Disney World celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2021, the park continues to evolve and expand to offer new and exciting experiences for fans. While the specifics of the Magic Kingdom expansion remain a mystery for now, Disney’s commitment to investing in its parks bodes well for the future of the beloved theme park destination. Fans will have to stay tuned for more updates as Disney continues to grow and innovate in the years to come.
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