Big changes are in store for Walt Disney World Resort, as Disney prepares to revamp key areas of its Florida theme parks.
The Walt Disney Company has unveiled a slate of updates during recent Destination D23 and D23 Expo events, with Walt Disney World Resort taking center stage. With Universal Epic Universe set to open in May, Disney is clearly aiming to make a statement with these ambitious plans.
At Magic Kingdom, the iconic Rivers of America will be filled in as part of a major Frontierland transformation. This update will introduce elements from Pixar's Cars, while the nearby “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” expansion will bring the Disney Villains to life.
Over at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Grand Avenue will be reimagined, resulting in the departure of the Muppets from that section of the park.
Animal Kingdom is also undergoing significant changes, with DinoLand U.S.A. set to be replaced by the Tropical Americas. Inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones, this new area will immerse guests in Antonio Madrigal's enchanting world, while a brand-new Indiana Jones attraction will replace the existing DINOSAUR ride. Disney has confirmed this ride will be entirely original, rather than a copy of Disneyland's Indiana Jones Adventure.
The overhaul of DinoLand U.S.A. began in mid-January, with attractions like TriceraTop Spin closing to make way for construction. Disney has stated that the DINOSAUR ride will continue operating through the end of the year before closing for good.
Disney has shared that the Tropical Americas area is expected to debut by 2027, but it remains unclear whether the new attractions will open all at once or in phases. Fans are also waiting to learn whether these rides will be included in the Lightning Lane system. With Disney's virtual queue system now retired at Animal Kingdom, guests are eager to know what new measures might be introduced.
Animal Kingdom's Lightning Lane Multi Pass currently includes DINOSAUR, Expedition Everest, and several stage shows such as Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! Once DINOSAUR closes, the Multi Pass lineup will shrink, yet Disney has not indicated any plans to lower its current pricing, which ranges from $15 to $29.
Similarly, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, priced between $119 and $199, will also be impacted–however this does include the park's e-ticket Avatar Flight of Passage ride. Even as popular attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Astro Orbiter remain closed at Magic Kingdom, Disney's spring break Premier Pass is still priced at a record-high $449.
For many guests, the shows at Walt Disney World Resort remain a key highlight. With ample seating capacity, attractions like Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! rarely require Lightning Lane reservations. However, with fewer rides available, some visitors may question whether the current pricing structure offers enough value.
What do you think about Disney's decision not to adjust Lightning Lane pricing despite upcoming attraction closures? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
