Disney Announces Upcoming Projects At Destination D23 Conference

Disney’s annual Destination D23 conference is underway, and the Mouse House has announced some exciting new projects in the parks.

Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro took the stage Saturday morning, outlining some upcoming changes. One of the most sweeping changes revealed that Dinoland U.S.A. would be rethemed to a “tropical Americas” to encompass Central and South America near the equator. While still in the research phase, there were hints that elements of Encanto and Indiana Jones could be included. 

A retheme for this area was teased at last year’s conference and presented as a “blue sky” development, meaning there were no concrete plans. But this year, plans for an update to Dinoland seem more definitive. Deadline reports that Disney filed building permits indicating some upcoming construction at Dinoland. However, it’s unclear what the construction will entail. 

Staying within Animal Kingdom, it was announced that a new Zootopia show is being developed for the Tree of Life Theater. That is the current location of “It’s Tough To Be a Bug.”

JUST ANNOUNCED: A new show based on “Zootopia” is being created for the Tree of Life theater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park! #DestinationD23
Imagineers are currently finalizing the concept and more details will be coming in the future. pic.twitter.com/LOdXAUgwu4

— Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) September 9, 2023

In addition to the construction update at Animal Kingdom, it was announced that Magic Kingdom will see the addition of a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge. Disney revealed it will be an extension of the Pirates of the Caribbean story, but no other details were released. 

A new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge is coming to Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park.

This first-of-its-kind experience will extend the story of Pirates of the Caribbean. Imagineers are in the design process now—more details to come in the future! #DestinationD23 pic.twitter.com/xeMLwMZJBg

— Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) September 9, 2023

The Country Bear Jamboree is also slated to get a refresh, which will see the bears reimagine Disney songs into Country songs. The update is slated for some time in 2024.

At @WaltDisneyWorld, the Country Bear Jamboree is getting new songs and the bears will be performing a new act in 2024! The bears will be reinterpreting favorite Disney songs in different genres of country music. #DestinationD23 pic.twitter.com/JtRVPikcT1

— Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) September 9, 2023

Imagineers are working alongside Chevrolet in EPCOT to reimagine the wildly popular Test Track ride. The updated attraction will draw inspiration from the original World of Motion, which closed in 1996. No timeframe was given for when the ride will close or when the update will begin.

At EPCOT, Test Track will be reimagined!
Imagineers along with teams from Chevrolet are reaching back into history for inspiration—from the original World of Motion—and bringing that spirit of optimism to the next iteration of the Test Track attraction! #DestinationD23 pic.twitter.com/sKGFs9ZJ9o

— Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) September 9, 2023

Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle announced a new nighttime spectacular will debut in December. The show is called Luminous the Symphony of Us and includes “fireworks, fountains, lasers, and lighting effects.”

A new nighttime spectacular at EPCOT called “Luminous The Symphony of Us” will debut on Dec. 5, 2023! #DestinationD23 pic.twitter.com/GIpPu6ksRC

— Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) September 9, 2023

And beginning tomorrow, guests will be able to meet Figment at the Imagination! Pavilion. The Figment meet and greet was announced during last year’s D23 and replaces the already closed Venellopee meet and greet.