From new Avatar, Coco and Avengers rides at Disneyland to Cars, Encanto and Indiana Jones at Walt Disney World, there was no shortage of major announcements for domestic Disney theme parks during Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. But one of the most exciting announcements was a new Lion King ride at Disneyland Paris. Here, we take a closer look at the details and everything else that was announced for Disneyland Paris.
(Image credit: Disney)
World of Frozen opens and the new night show debuts in 2026
Disney announced in April that Disneyland Paris’ second park, Walt Disney Studios Park, would be renamed Disney Adventure World as part of its massive expansion and transformation. In the not-too-distant future, the park’s highly anticipated World of Frozen will open in 2026. Also in 2026, a new nighttime show will combine water screens, fountains, special effects and first-of-its-kind water drones to light up the water and skies above Adventure Bay, which has been described as a gateway to all the different worlds in the park.
“The Lion King” attraction (Photo credit: Disney)
The Lion King ride is coming to Disney Adventure World
Disney Adventure World will unveil the first Lion King-themed attraction. The water attraction will retell the story of the film and follow Simba’s journey from lion cub to king through the caves beneath King’s Rock. According to a press release from Disneyland Paris, the attraction will combine a “spectacular water experience with cutting-edge audio-animatronics technology.”
The new Lion King-themed area also includes character experiences, shopping and immersive dining.
We were also able to see an impressive concept model of the Lion King attraction in the Imagineering: Behind the Dreams pavilion at D23.
Construction will begin in 2025.
New nighttime spectacles (Photo credit: Disney)
New nighttime spectacles will debut in 2025 at Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland
A new nighttime spectacular featuring Disney Animation and Pixar stories is coming to Disneyland Paris in January 2025. The nighttime show will combine lighting effects, fountains, an original soundtrack and projections onto Sleeping Beauty Castle and – for the first time ever at Disneyland Paris – Main Street, USA.
“Reach for the Stars” is a new evening spectacular premiering at Tokyo Disneyland on September 20th and will feature “some of your favorite superheroes for the first time in the park.”
Spider-Man attraction (Image credit: Disney)
New Spider-Man attractions coming to Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is adding a new attraction to its Marvel-themed area: the third pavilion of Stark Expo, a place where the Avengers showcase their latest developments. Here, Peter Parker, Stark Industries’ newest intern, demonstrates a groundbreaking innovation. But his presence attracts a fearsome villain, and Spider-Man must protect the new technology – and the visitors.
Shanghai Disneyland will also debut its first Marvel attraction, a Spider-Man-themed roller coaster that follows Spidey as he attempts to get out of trouble while guests race alongside him at high speeds.
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