Josh D’Amaro’s first day as Disney CEO won’t come with a honeymoon period. It comes with expectations — and a project list that’s already pushing the company forward at full speed.
By the time D’Amaro officially takes the reins in March, Disney Parks are deep into one of the most aggressive build-out cycles in their history. Across multiple continents, 13 new attractions, lands, and park experiences are moving toward reality, and many of them will open on his watch. That alone shapes how fans will judge his leadership from the start.
The clearest symbol of this overhaul is happening in Paris. In 2026, Walt Disney Studios Park becomes Disney Adventure World, a long-awaited reimagining that aims to elevate the resort’s second gate. The opening lineup is substantial. World of Frozen introduces a full Arendelle environment anchored by Frozen Ever After. Raiponce Tangled Spin expands the ride roster with another animated favorite. Disney Cascade of Lights transforms the park’s nighttime atmosphere with a purpose-built lagoon show. This isn’t an expansion around the edges — it’s a reset.
In the U.S., the strategy looks more surgical but no less intentional. Hollywood Studios welcomes back Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster with a Muppets theme, blending thrill rides with classic Disney characters in a way fans have long asked for. EPCOT’s Soarin’ Across America temporarily replaces the global version, tying the park to a major national celebration. Animal Kingdom adds a Bluey and Bingo experience, reinforcing Disney’s focus on younger families and modern IP.
Where the overhaul truly takes shape, though, is after 2026. Tropical Americas permanently replaces DinoLand U.S.A., introducing Indiana Jones and Encanto attractions while closing the book on an entire era of the park. Magic Kingdom prepares for its most sweeping expansion yet, as Cars Land and Villains Land claim space once reserved for Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. These aren’t small changes — they’re statements.
Internationally, Tokyo Disneyland rebuilds Space Mountain entirely, while Disneyland Paris moves ahead with a Lion King land as part of its second-phase expansion. Meanwhile, Monsters, Inc. Land finally takes shape at Hollywood Studios, and an Avatar experience heads to Disney California Adventure, extending that franchise beyond Animal Kingdom.
Together, these projects reveal what D’Amaro’s Disney looks like in practice: larger worlds, recognizable stories, and a willingness to retire even beloved spaces to make room for what comes next.
He isn’t being asked to decide whether Disney should change. That decision has already been made. His job now is to prove that this overhaul was worth it — and that the future Disney is building still feels like Disney when the gates finally open.
