Disney has officially announced that Josh D’Amaro will become Disney’s next CEO, replacing Bob Iger on March 18, 2026.
That’s a major moment for the company, but it’s an even bigger deal for Walt Disney World. D’Amaro has been a driving force behind Disney’s theme park strategy for years, and now he’s about to lead the entire company. That kind of shift almost always comes with significant changes in the parks.
And right now, Disney World already feels like it’s in the middle of a transformation that’s only going to accelerate.
Disney May Keep Updating Classic Attractions
Disney has spent the last several years proving that “classic” doesn’t mean “protected.”
D’Amaro has pushed Disney toward modern storytelling and experiences that appeal to new generations. That strategy often comes with ride updates, scene changes, and rethemes that longtime fans don’t always see coming.
The biggest sign is the planned update to Carousel of Progress, which will add a scene featuring a Walt Disney animatronic. If Disney is willing to adjust something that historic, other classics could easily be next.
Rides like It’s a Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight, Haunted Mansion, and Jungle Cruise could all see refreshes that improve effects, pacing, or overall presentation. Even Mission: SPACE could get an overhaul if Disney decides it needs a smoother ride system.
And if Disney wants a complete transformation, it has already shown it will go all-in, just like it did when Splash Mountain became Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
New Attractions Will Keep Reshaping the Parks
At the same time, Disney isn’t slowing down on new rides. Several major projects are already confirmed, and they’ll continue to move forward under D’Amaro’s leadership.
Animal Kingdom is preparing for its Tropical Americas additions, including Encanto and Indiana Jones. Hollywood Studios will also see major changes once Monstropolis arrives, including a suspended roller coaster.
Hollywood Studios is also set for a major shakeup with the Muppets retheme of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster. Meanwhile, Magic Kingdom is moving forward with Piston Peak, which will bring two Cars attractions and permanently reshape that section of the park.
Disney is also leaning into limited-time event experiences, including Soarin’ Across America, which is coming to EPCOT for America’s 250th anniversary. That announcement shows Disney still wants to create temporary offerings that bring fans back for something new.
The overall message is clear: Disney World is still in expansion mode, and it doesn’t look like that’s changing anytime soon.
Coco Is Becoming Disney World’s Next Big Question
The Coco rumor keeps growing, and Disney’s latest announcement has only fueled it more.
Disney California Adventure is getting a Coco attraction, and once Disney builds something that popular, fans naturally start wondering whether Walt Disney World will follow suit.
Disney has a long track record of adapting successful ideas across resorts, and that’s why many fans believe EPCOT could eventually get its own Coco ride.
If it happens, the most likely spot would be the Mexico Pavilion, with Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros being replaced. That possibility has already divided fans, especially those who see Gran Fiesta Tour as one of EPCOT’s most underrated classics.
At the same time, Villains Land remains a huge topic of discussion, with rumors like a Maleficent coaster continuing to keep fans excited.
More Entertainment Could Change the Feel of the Parks
Disney World doesn’t just evolve through rides and construction. Entertainment can shift the entire vibe of a park.
That’s why talk of Bluey and Bingo potentially arriving at Animal Kingdom has sparked so much excitement. If Disney brings them in, it could become one of the most popular character experiences in the resort.
Hollywood Studios is also expected to continue adding family-friendly entertainment like Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!. Disney has been leaning into stage shows again, and it’s a strategy that helps keep crowds balanced while giving families more options.
Under D’Amaro, this kind of entertainment expansion could become even more common.
New Lands Will Define Disney World’s Next Chapter
The biggest Disney World changes rarely come from one ride. They come from full land expansions that reshape the parks.
Tropical Americas will shift Animal Kingdom in a major way. Monstropolis will add another huge franchise-based land to Hollywood Studios. Piston Peak will change the look and feel of Magic Kingdom.
Villains Land remains the biggest wildcard, but also the most significant potential win if Disney decides to commit to it fully.
A Park in Motion
Josh D’Amaro stepping into the CEO role doesn’t mean Walt Disney World will change overnight.
But it does mean the future direction feels obvious. More classic rides will evolve, new attractions will keep coming, and massive land expansions will reshape the parks in ways guests won’t be able to ignore.
Disney World is already changing. Under D’Amaro, it may only speed up.
