Disney World’s New Era: 2 Major Franchise IPs Entering the Parks, and 2 More Fans Want Next

Disney World is entering a period where intellectual property is driving more of the resort’s biggest decisions than ever before. From entire themed lands to attraction reimaginings, Disney continues looking to its most popular films and franchises when planning the future of its parks.

That trend is becoming increasingly apparent as two major intellectual properties prepare for significant expansions at Walt Disney World. At the same time, fans continue campaigning for several other beloved franchises to receive attractions and lands of their own.

With major projects already underway and plenty of rumors still circulating, the next decade of Disney World could look dramatically different from the version guests know today. The resort’s long-term vision is becoming clearer with every major announcement Disney makes. Some of those projects are already moving forward, while others remain firmly on fans’ wish lists for the future.

Villains Are Finally on the Way

For years, Disney fans have asked for a dedicated villains-themed land. Disney finally made that wish a reality when it officially announced Villains Land for Magic Kingdom.

The new area will be built beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and is expected to feature two major attractions along with dining, shopping, and immersive environments inspired by Disney’s most notorious villains.

Disney has not revealed every detail yet, but concept art suggests a darker and more dramatic atmosphere than anything currently found in Magic Kingdom.

While an opening date has not been announced, many fans expect Villains Land to debut sometime around 2030. After years of speculation and fan requests, it is among the most anticipated projects currently in development at Walt Disney World.

Fans Continue Asking for Coco

One of the most frequently requested additions at EPCOT remains Coco (2017).

For years, fans have speculated that the franchise could eventually replace Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros inside the Mexico Pavilion. Disney has never announced such plans, but the rumors continue to surface whenever conversations turn to future EPCOT projects.

There are already small references to Coco throughout the pavilion, but many guests would like to see Disney go much further.

A ride following Miguel through the Land of the Dead feels like a natural fit for the Mexico Pavilion. The colorful settings, music, and storytelling from the film could translate beautifully into a dark ride, and many fans believe the pyramid’s interior would be the perfect home for it.

Whether Disney ever moves in that direction remains unknown, but Coco continues to be one of the most requested IPs for EPCOT.

Monsters, Inc. Is Getting a Major Upgrade

Unlike Coco, Monsters, Inc. (2001) is officially on the way.

For years, the franchise’s biggest presence at Walt Disney World was Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor in Tomorrowland. Soon, however, guests will be able to step into an entire Monstropolis-themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney has already confirmed several major elements for the project, including a suspended roller coaster inspired by the famous door vault sequence from the film. The company has also announced that Harryhausen’s restaurant will be recreated in the land.

Additional dining, attractions, and themed experiences are expected as Disney brings the world of Monstropolis to life.

The project represents one of the most exciting additions currently planned for Hollywood Studios and gives Pixar fans something substantial to look forward to over the next few years.

Marvel Remains the Biggest Wish List Item

Even though Disney owns Marvel, Walt Disney World still lacks the Marvel presence many guests expected years ago.

Disneyland Resort continues expanding Avengers Campus, while Disney World fans frequently wonder if Florida will ever receive something similar.

The biggest obstacle remains the existing agreement with Universal Orlando Resort, which limits Disney’s ability to use many Marvel characters in its Florida theme parks.

That hasn’t stopped fans from dreaming about what could eventually happen.

While fans love Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, many fans would love to see a larger superhero presence. Fans have talked about a major Spider-Man roller coaster, expanded Marvel character experiences, or interactive training areas designed for younger guests. Even a modest expansion of Marvel offerings would likely generate significant excitement among Disney World visitors.

For now, Marvel remains one of the most requested future additions that Disney has yet to deliver in a meaningful way.

Disney’s Future Is Becoming Clear

Villains Land and Monstropolis show exactly where Disney’s priorities are headed. The company continues investing in recognizable franchises that already have passionate fan bases and strong connections with guests.

At the same time, ongoing demand for Coco and Marvel demonstrates that fans still have plenty of ideas about what should come next.

Whether those requests ever become reality remains to be seen, but one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Disney World’s next generation of growth will likely be defined by some of the company’s biggest franchises.

The question now is which intellectual property Disney decides to bring into the parks next.

Which IP would you most like to see receive its own ride, attraction, or themed land at Walt Disney World?