I was very excited to attend Saturday’s Disney Experiences Showcases at D23! While my 2 year old was asleep back at the hotel, all I could think about was how excited he’s also going to be to see some of these new attractions in real life!
Before I get too hyped for these upcoming kid-friendly parks experiences, we must first mourn what we’re losing… two of the greatest playgrounds in all of Walt Disney World. The Boneyard in Dinoland and Tom Sawyer Island in Frontierland. The Boneyard especially has been an oasis for my toddler and I so wish it could have been re-themed for Indiana Jones. Oh hey, Walt Disney Imagineering, please give us a themed playground in any of these new lands!
On to the good stuff, Monsters, Inc. Land and Cars Land! Not only am I excited about both of these areas, but I know my son is going to love them, too. Even though he likely wouldn’t be tall enough for the Monsters’ door coaster or the Magic Kingdom version of Radiator Springs Racers, I’m sure he will be by the time these attractions open.
Both Monsters Inc. and Cars also lend themselves to great character interactions and hopefully dining. I would love to see Monsters, Inc. character dining and a Lightning McQueen and Mater meet and greet. The more over-the-top and literal the theming, food, and merchandise is for these lands, the more it’s going to draw families from all over the world.
With Monsters Inc. released in 2001 and Cars released in 2006, this also means many parents will be able to relive their childhood alongside their children. Both of these films have had sequels and shows/shorts that have kept them relevant and timeless. I’m so happy these two films get to live on in Disney Parks in a way that is long overdue.
I also see the potential for Villains Land to appeal to families. While I’m assuming the “E-ticket” attraction might be scary for little ones, kids like villains too! My son is currently in love with Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas and would love the chance to interact with him or other fun Disney villains. The family-friendly attraction should be themed after some of our favorite witty villains like Yzma from The Emperor’s New Groove.
Honorable mention for families is the nighttime parade coming to the Magic Kingdom next summer – Disney Starlight! My kid LOVES a parade and has never been able to experience a nighttime Disney parade. I also hope this means later park hours for the Magic Kingdom – remember the good ol’ days of midnight closures plus Extra Magic Hours? While late nights may not appeal to babies and toddlers, I’m all in favor of a mid-day break with a nap making late night hours possible for me… and my child too.
The Disneyland Resort is also getting great additions for families! Specifically, more Pixar in the form of a Coco boat ride attraction. I am so happy to see the legacy of rides like Pirates of the Caribbean living on in future attractions with technologically-advanced animatronics. Coco’s story about family plus its beautiful imagery will make for the perfect new “classic attraction.”
While it may not be at the top of families’ minds, I’m also looking forward to introducing my son to Walt Disney through Walt Disney – A Magical Life. Walt’s story of growing up in the Midwest with a strong work ethic and a dream, is inspiration for generations to come and is a rare chance to feel connected to the dreamer himself.
I’m happy to hear some of these announcements have opening dates as soon as next summer. I’m just hoping my kid isn’t in college when some of these new lands open… Josh D’Amaro promised all of these projects are in active development. Let us know in the comments what your children are most looking forward to from the D23 announcements!
Hannah Anderson is a Dreams Unlimited Travel Agent, DIS Contributor, former Disney Cast Member, and Orlando local. Mostly importantly, she is a mom and loves spending time in the Disney Parks each week with her family.
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