Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Walt Disney World is heading into one of its biggest years in recent memory.
New rides, major transformations, entertainment experiences, entire lands, and even a new hotel are all part of Disney’s plans for 2027.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom will introduce its new Tropical Americas land, while Disney’s Hollywood Studios will begin welcoming guests into Monstropolis. Magic Kingdom will bring back a longtime attraction with major changes, and a massive new resort will open along Bay Lake.
Here are seven additions Disney has confirmed for 2027, along with what guests need to know.
Animal Kingdom Debuts Massive Encanto Ride
One of the biggest pieces of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s new Tropical Americas land will be Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto.
The attraction will take guests inside the Casita from Encanto (2021), expanding the Madrigal family’s world into a major theme park experience.
The story takes place on the day Antonio receives his special gift of communicating with animals. His family prepares to celebrate the occasion, and guests will join the festivities.
Guests will ride aboard vehicles inspired by furniture from the Madrigal home as Casita helps bring the experience to life.
Indiana Jones Joins Animal Kingdom’s Lineup
Pueblo Esperanza will also bring Indiana Jones to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The former DINOSAUR attraction is being transformed into Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent. Although it will use the existing ride system and building, Disney has made clear that this isn’t simply a copy of another Indiana Jones attraction.
The original adventure will send Indy and guests into an ancient Maya temple as they search for the mythical Jade Serpent, Tsukán.
Disney has also confirmed that Harrison Ford will serve as the model for the Indiana Jones Audio-Animatronic figure featured in the attraction.
Tropical Americas Features an Exciting Carousel
Not every Tropical Americas addition will be a massive ride.
El Carrusel de los Animalitos will give families another attraction in Pueblo Esperanza. The carousel will feature 22 hand-carved animals inspired by Disney and Pixar stories.
Disney has described it as a gathering place for the community, with its collection of colorful creatures helping bring the village to life.
Together, these three attractions will help turn the former DinoLand U.S.A. area into a completely different destination.
The Glob Theater Brings Monsters to the Stage
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is getting a transformation of its own.
Monstropolis, the new land inspired by Monsters, Inc. (2001), will begin opening in phases in 2027. While work will continue on the suspended door-vault coaster, other portions of the land will begin welcoming guests.
The Glob Theater will feature a new live show called Welcome to Monstropolis, hosted by Mike and Sulley.
The theater takes inspiration from the building seen in Monsters, Inc. (2001), giving Disney another way to bring the movie’s world to life.
New Monsters, Inc. Dining and Merch
Monstropolis will also feature new dining and shopping experiences themed around Mike, Sulley, and their monster-filled world.
Disney has confirmed Harryhausen’s Restaurant, inspired by the restaurant from Monsters, Inc. (2001), will become part of the land.
Another food location, Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza, will expand the dining lineup.
Guests will also be able to shop at The Scareporium, a new merchandise location that will add even more to explore throughout Monstropolis beyond its attractions and entertainment.
A Classic Returns With Major Changes
Magic Kingdom isn’t being left out.
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress closed in July 2026 for a major transformation and is expected to reopen in late spring 2027.
The attraction will retain its familiar journey through technological progress while receiving significant updates to the eras represented throughout the show.
Disney previously revealed that Walt Disney himself will appear as an Audio-Animatronic figure in a new introductory scene.
The updated attraction will move through the 1960s and 1980s before reaching New Year’s Eve 1999 and eventually offering a look at a possible future.
For an attraction with roots stretching back to the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair, the project represents a major moment for Magic Kingdom.
A Brand-New Resort Opens
The changes won’t stop at the park gates.
Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge will officially open July 1, 2027, along Bay Lake, adding another major place to stay at Walt Disney World.
The nature-inspired resort will feature 967 rooms and several accommodation types, ranging from studios to larger villas and waterfront Lake Houses. That variety will give couples, families, and larger groups several options to choose from, depending on their vacation needs.
Disney is incorporating characters and stories from its animation history throughout the property, including inspiration from Bambi (1942), Pocahontas (1995), Fantasia (1940), and Brother Bear (2003).
With its waterfront setting and extensive Disney theming, Lakeshore Lodge will become one of the resort’s biggest additions of 2027.
What Does This Mean for Disney World Guests in 2027?
All these additions make 2027 an exciting year to visit Walt Disney World, but guests should prepare for the challenges that come with major openings.
New attractions and lands typically bring significant crowds. Tropical Americas and Monstropolis could especially affect attendance patterns at Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
Vacation costs could look different by then, too. Disney regularly adjusts ticket, hotel, dining, and other vacation prices, meaning guests planning around these openings should leave extra room in their budgets for potential increases.
Still, 2027 is shaping up to deliver something Disney World hasn’t experienced in years: major additions spread across multiple parks and resorts at roughly the same time.
For guests willing to navigate the crowds and potentially higher costs, it could become one of the most interesting years to visit Walt Disney World in a long time.
