With so many exciting announcements shared during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase, Disney Imagineers couldn’t miss an opportunity to give our biggest fans a closer look at what we’re working on. This morning, guests attending D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event can visit the show floor to see new additions to the Imagineering: Behind The Dreams pavilion.
Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated projects in development.
Welcome to Pueblo Esperanza
A new adventure awaits at Pueblo Esperanza at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with a new addition themed around Tropical Americas, the area just north and south of the equator in the Western Hemisphere — from the northern part of South America stretching up into Central America. This exciting location gives Imagineers so much to play with when bringing timeless stories to life, like Indiana Jones exploring a recently excavated, ancient Maya temple or magical Casita of the Madrigal family from Walt Disney Animation Studios Oscar award-winning film “Encanto.”
Imagineers created a model of Casita, including a magical candle and nods to the home’s vibrant personality with fluttering shutters.
To ensure the authenticity of the Tropical Americas, Imagineers conducted numerous research trips, drawing inspiration from various places, including Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, to authentically reflect the region’s people, architecture, and more. Their efforts are reflected in a stunning model of the land, featuring a large fountain in the center where the villagers like to gather and tell stories. The model even features a special lighting effect around the fountain!
Additionally, a woodcarver has created a giant working carousel featuring his favorite animals from Disney stories like Kevin from the Pixar Animation Studios film “Up,” who’s displayed showcasing the woodcarver’s expert craftmanship. It’s a new take on a classic attraction that young families are going to love!
First Suspended Coaster in a Disney park
During D23 Event 2024, Josh D’Amaro revealed plans to build a Monsters, Inc.-inspired area, including an attraction that lets you take a look inside the factory from the Pixar film. To ideate the layout of the attraction, the project team created a study model of the attraction, enabling them to fine-tune every detail.
If you’ve ever dreamed of riding through the door vault, as Sulley and Mike did in the film, this is what you’ve been waiting for! As the first suspended coaster in a Disney park, this attraction will put you right in the middle of the action and have you roaring with laughter.
Ideating New “Avatar” Experiences
We’re venturing further into Pandora with a new destination at Disney California Adventure. Within the pavilion, Imagineers have created a “working desk” display, showcasing the inspiration and creative tools the project team is using to brainstorm future developments.
Bringing the Pride Lands to Disneyland Paris
Guests at Disneyland Paris will get to experience the classic Walt Disney Animation Studios film “The Lion King” unlike ever before! Dedicated to the characters and stories from the film, Pride Lands, a new park area in Disney Adventure World will include themed dining, shopping, and the opportunity to meet some favorite characters, along with a new attraction.
Imagineers have created a model that beautifully showcases both the area’s development and the new attraction. The level of detail in this model is truly breathtaking! Eagle-eyed fans may notice some familiar markings on rocks throughout the model.
These new additions to “Imagineering: Behind the Dreams” are just a glimpse of the work Imagineers are doing!
As Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro said, “At Disney Experiences, Imagineers dream, create, design and build these stories into real places. And we have Imagineers in place right now all around the world because everything we’re going to share with you is in active development. Plans are drawn. Dirt is moving. I just want to be clear about this: We are doing everything you’re going to hear tonight.”
The future is bright for Disney Experiences! Follow along every step of the way on the Disney Parks Blog and get a behind-the-scenes peek at what we’re dreaming up by following Imagineering on Instagram. We can’t wait to share more with you!