Disney is planning to double its investment in its theme parks to $60 billion over the next decade, with the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida introducing a range of attractions and experiences for visitors in 2024. The company is facing pressure from fans who feel the 10-year framework is vague and unwieldy, especially compared to rival NBCUniversal’s plan to open its third park in 2025. The recent release of new experiences, which features a lot of robots, could give an idea of what’s to come for anxious visitors and competitors in the industry.
Disney has announced new attractions and experiences, including intergalactic tours based on the “Star Wars” saga featuring child-sized, semi-autonomous droids. These droids have an uncanny human-like quality, communicating with humans through expressions and movements controlled by remote controls. The Magic Kingdom in Disney World will feature a new Bayou Adventure inspired by the movie “Princess and the Frog”, which includes life-like automatons who can talk, wave, and sing. EPCOT has also been expanded with a water-based exploration trail based on the film “Moana” and new adventures from “Encanto”.
In addition to the new attractions, Disney will be hosting the Department of Defense Warrior Games, a sporting event to honor U.S. veterans, at the Disney World ESPN complex this summer. The games are open to public participation. Disney has also announced the expansion of rustic cabins at Fort Wilderness Resorts, providing additional lodging options for visitors starting in July. Media outlets who attended Disney’s tour of new projects reported that there could be a new area based on the “Avatar” movies at Disneyland, although it is still in the early planning stages and would require zoning approval.
The new lineup of experiences and attractions at Disney’s flagship resort signals the company’s priorities and investment plans for the future. With a focus on expanding its theme parks and introducing new attractions based on popular films and franchises, Disney is aiming to attract more visitors and maintain its position as a leader in the entertainment industry. The addition of new experiences such as the intergalactic tours and Warrior Games shows Disney’s commitment to providing diverse and engaging entertainment options for guests of all ages.
As Disney continues to invest in its parks and expand its offerings, competitors in the theme park and attractions industry will be closely watching for clues and signals. The introduction of new technologies such as robots and life-like automatons in attractions like the Bayou Adventure and intergalactic tours could set a new standard for immersive experiences in theme parks. Disney’s dedication to honoring U.S. veterans through events like the Department of Defense Warrior Games also showcases the company’s commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.
Overall, Disney’s new lineup of experiences at its flagship resort reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to innovate and expand its offerings for visitors. With plans to double its parks investment over the next decade, Disney is positioning itself for continued growth and success in the competitive theme park industry. The introduction of new attractions based on popular films and franchises, as well as the incorporation of new technologies and interactive experiences, demonstrates Disney’s commitment to providing unique and engaging entertainment options for guests from around the world.
