UPDATED September 6, 2024
A MAJOR expansion is in the works for Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World’s original theme park!
Magic Kingdom
At the 2022 D23 Expo, Disney announced a “blue sky” project — “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” — that would potentially bring a NEW land (or possibly lands) to Magic Kingdom. Then, in April of 2024, Disney confirmed that the first steps had been taken to make this massive expansion a reality. And, in August 2024, Disney shared exactly what the expansion will entail!
Let’s take a step back before we dive into what lies “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” in Magic Kingdom…
What is a Blue Sky Project?
When Disney initially announced “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain,” it was referred to in a presentation at the 2022 D23 Expo as “Blue Sky” thinking, or a Blue Sky project or concept. (Picture the most epic brainstorming session you can conjure up, complete with Disney Imagineers!)
D23
Imagineering Portfolio Creative Executive Chris Beatty and Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios Jennifer Lee discussed some ideas in the works for Magic Kingdom. Disney has called these “potential expansion opportunities” for Magic Kingdom and “What if…” ideas.
Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
Beatty shared, “Magic Kingdom holds a special place in my heart. I think there are so many amazing stories yet to be told – lands to be explored.”
WHY “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain”?
The project was dubbed “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” because the expansion will be physically located behind the Big Thunder Mountain attraction in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom
The folks at Disney Imagineering are behind the Blue Sky projects, and often discuss and explore ideas in partnership with Disney Animation. When discussing these potential expansions in 2022, Chris Beatty mused: have you ever wondered if you could travel to the other side of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, what would be there? The idea here is basically an exploration of what could be on the other side of Big Thunder Mountain…
Then, in September 2023, a Destination D23 panel was hosted by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro. During the panel, D’Amaro was joined by Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Imagineering, to talk about the “Blue Sky” project.
Josh D’Amaro at Destination D23, 2023 ©Disney
Bruce Vaughn said that the expansion plans for Magic Kingdom are the “largest ever” for the park. It was also said that these stories will be told on a scale similar to major Disney World theme park additions such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Pandora – The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including the addition of new attractions, restaurants, shows, and more!
So… what IS coming “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain”?
What’s Coming “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain”
BEWARE… there is something wicked on the way to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. In August 2024, Disney officially announced that Magic Kingdom is expanding the theme park with a brand new Villains Land! It was in August 2024 when Disney confirmed that the previously-hinted-about Villains Land is indeed becoming a reality!
Villains Land Concept Art
©Disney
The “dark and thorny” new land — or perhaps we should say, new LAIR — will be home to those famously evil Disney Villains and might just make happily ever “feel like just a distant dream,” according to Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro. Disney also confirmed the area of the expansion. According to the Disney, “guests will be able to venture Beyond Big Thunder Mountain into an all-new land dedicated to Disney Villains. Inspired by the wicked characters fans know and loathe, the multi-acre expansion will include two major attractions, plus dining and shopping. Walt Disney Imagineering is pushing creative boundaries to dark and mysterious levels to bring this new, first-of-its-kind land to life.”
EXPLORE everything coming to Magic Kingdom’s Villains Land HERE!
Cars-Themed Area Coming to Magic Kingdom
Along with Villains Land, Disney announced another addition to Magic Kingdom: a Cars expansion coming to the park’s Frontierland.
©Disney
When making the announcement about this new Magic Kingdom area, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared that “The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon … believing in yourself, carving your own path, and striving toward success. That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou … or a racecar from the big city.”
Cars Area Concept Art ©Disney
Guests can look forward to two NEW Cars attractions coming to the area!
The Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into this brand-new land coming to the park. Though this area does not technically lie “beyond Big Thunder Mountain,” the massive new Villains-themed land, together with the Cars expansion will make up the largest expansion in the history of Disney World’s original theme park.
EXPLORE everything coming to Cars-themed expansion HERE!
Magic Kingdom Expansion Timeline
Disney has not shared a timeline for the opening of Villains Land; however, the company has confirmed that preparation is already underway at Magic Kingdom. In April 2024, Disney had confirmed that permits were going to be filed for storm drainage and other foundational work. This means that work is officially happening NOW on this new land!
Preparations are already underway at Magic Kingdom where Villains Land will join the existing Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Liberty Square, Frontierland, and Adventureland!
Disney has shared, however, that construction on the new Cars area in Frontierland will begin early in 2025. That is also when the existing Liberty Square Riverboat (which sails down the Rivers of America) and Tom Sawyer Island will close to accommodate construction.
Disney had previously announced that they’re planning to invest a LOT into their parks over the next ten years. In fact, they’re going to invest about $60 BILLION in the Parks, Experiences, and Products segment of the company in the coming decade. Part of that budget will include the Magic Kingdom expansion.
We’re excited to keep you posted on ALL the new about what lies “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” as it is revealed! For the latest news on the expansion, click any of the links below:
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