Disney's theme park division used this year's D23 Expo in Anaheim to lay out an ambitious, multi-park expansion roadmap, reinforcing the company's stated strategy of prioritizing capital investment in Disney Experiences.
During the division's Horizons showcase, Chairman Thomas Mazloum outlined new project details spanning both domestic and international properties, including confirmed attraction names at Walt Disney World and expansion specifics for the Avengers Campus at Disneyland Resort.
The announcements reflect a broader capital allocation trend for the segment, which continues to post strong revenue growth. At Walt Disney World, Magic Kingdom's next development phase centers on Piston Peak National Park and Villains Land, while Disney's Animal Kingdom will see a Tropical Americas expansion featuring new Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions.
Internationally, Tokyo Disneyland's Space Mountain: Earthrise announcement generated significant attention, while Disneyland Paris also received a substantial update. The French resort continues to benefit from the multi-billion-dollar investment initiated under former CEO Bob Iger, most visibly through the debut of Disney Adventure World and the resort's second Frozen-themed land.
Frozen IP Continues to Drive Attendance
Disney's most recent fiscal Q3 earnings call attributed measurable performance gains at Disneyland Paris to the franchise, with the company reporting “strong attendance growth at Disneyland Paris following the opening of the World of Frozen.” With additional Frozen films in production, the company appears positioned to continue leveraging the IP across its international parks portfolio.
Beyond Frozen, Disney Adventure World's roadmap includes further expansion alongside the existing Avengers Campus. The most significant addition disclosed at D23 is a large-scale land based on The Lion King (1994), one of the studio's most commercially enduring properties, with a franchise footprint spanning sequels, television series, a long-running stage production, live-action adaptations, and sustained merchandise revenue.
Attraction Details and Construction Timeline
The Lion King land will introduce a new water-based attraction positioned as Disneyland Paris's counterpart to Tiana's Bayou Adventure, the attraction that replaced Splash Mountain in the domestic parks. Some industry observers have noted the property might have been a more conventional fit for Animal Kingdom in Florida, though Disney has opted to debut the concept internationally first.
Disneyland Paris News confirmed construction is already underway, stating, “This attraction will be the centerpiece of the first immersive world based on The Lion King. Construction began in Fall 2025, with foundation work completed next to the banks of Adventure Bay, near World of Frozen.”
Additional technical details on the ride experience were also provided: “At the heart of this immersive world, a spectacular new water-based attraction will invite families on a thrilling journey through iconic scenes from The Lion King. Brought to life through state-of-the-art visual effects, Audio-Animatronics figures – Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, Scar, and more – and the film's beloved soundtrack, this adventure will navigate an exciting path with three exhilarating drops, including an impressive 16-meter-high descent from the iconic Pride Rock.”
Scope and Investment Scale
Disney confirmed the land will encompass approximately 30,000 square meters (7.4 acres), including the flagship attraction, a retail location, and a dining venue. The inclusion of an Audio-Animatronic Scar was specifically highlighted in Disney's press materials as a key technical and creative investment.
Michel den Dulk, Vice President Portfolio Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering Paris, commented on the project's creative direction: “The teams at Walt Disney Imagineering, Disneyland Paris, and Disney Animation are hard at work bringing to life the beloved world of The Lion King, which has captivated audiences for more than three decades. We believe this epic story was also embraced thanks to its unforgettable villain, so we are excited to lift the curtain on Scar's presence in this major attraction.”
Creative Direction: Animated Style Confirmed Over Photorealistic Remake
Early concept art for the land depicted character designs modeled on the photorealistic style of Jon Favreau's 2019 live-action remake. Disney has since confirmed that the attraction will instead use traditional 1990s-era animated character designs, a decision reflected in updated artwork shown at the D23 Expo.
Broader Context: Disney Adventure World's Performance
Disney Adventure World opened in late March, replacing the underperforming Walt Disney Studios Park, and functions as a companion park to Disneyland Park. The investment is intended to drive incremental overall attendance growth at the Disneyland Paris resort.
Current headline offerings at the park include Frozen Ever After and Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, along with the Disney Cascade of Lights show over Adventure Bay. No opening date has been set for the Lion King land or its centerpiece attraction. Based on the precedent set by the phased rollout of Monstropolis at Disney's Hollywood Studios, a similarly staggered opening schedule is plausible.
What are your thoughts on this Lion King land coming to Disneyland Paris and not Disney World? Let us know in the comments down below!
