If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation for 2027, you can expect to see some major changes across the resort. During the 2026 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro and other park leaders shared new details about several projects already in development, including a few that are now confirmed for 2027.
While Disney has not announced specific opening dates for most of these projects, park leadership confirmed that each is expected to open sometime in 2027.
Carousel of Progress Returns to Magic Kingdom
One of Walt Disney’s most personal projects will return to Magic Kingdom in late spring 2027, when the Carousel of Progress reopens following a significant update.
The beloved attraction has been entertaining guests since its debut at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, eventually making its permanent home at Walt Disney World in 1975. The updated version will continue following the same family through changing eras while bringing the scenes into new decades. Disney has also confirmed that Walt Disney himself will be added to the attraction.
The attraction temporarily closed July 6, 2026, to allow work on the update, with Disney previously confirming a 2027 reopening.
Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge Opens
Over at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge is expected to welcome guests in summer 2027. Importantly for Disney Vacation Club members, the new resort is a Disney Vacation Club property.
Located along the southern shore of Bay Lake, Lakeshore Lodge will be a nature-inspired resort drawing from Disney stories and artwork centered around the natural world. Its design will include nods to films including Bambi, Pocahontas, and Brother Bear.
The resort will also feature The Wetlands, an outdoor recreation area with play spaces inspired by Pocahontas, as well as spaces overlooking Bay Lake.
Tropical Americas Takes Shape at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
One of the biggest changes coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the arrival of Tropical Americas, a new 11-acre land also known as Pueblo Esperanza. Disney has confirmed the land will open in 2027, replacing the former DinoLand U.S.A. area.
The land will introduce three new attractions and experiences, including Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto, and El Carousel de los Animalitos.
The Indiana Jones attraction will take guests on an adventure involving an ancient temple, while Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto will bring guests into the world of the Madrigal family. El Carousel de los Animalitos will offer a whimsical take on the classic carousel, featuring hand-carved Disney animal characters.
Monstropolis Comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will also gain an entirely new land in 2027 with Monstropolis, inspired by Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
There is an important distinction, however: Disney’s 2027 announcement refers to the opening of the land, not necessarily every attraction within it.
Eventually, Monstropolis will be home to Disney’s first suspended roller coaster, inspired by the iconic door vault sequence from Monsters, Inc. Guests will also find Harryhausen’s, the sushi restaurant featured in the original film, along with The Glob Theater and other themed locations.
So while guests can look forward to entering Monstropolis in 2027, Disney has not provided firm opening dates for the individual attractions and dining locations within the land.
With all of these projects moving forward, 2027 is shaping up to be a particularly significant year at Walt Disney World — blending major new additions with updates to some of the resort’s most nostalgic experiences. And with Disney continuing to keep specific dates under wraps, there is still plenty more to learn as construction progresses.
Written by
Izi K
From hunting for Hidden Mickeys to trading pins with anyone who had a lanyard, Izi grew up finding joy in the little details of Walt Disney World. That love for the parks eventually led to roles as a Cast Member on both coasts – at Disneyland and across several teams in Florida. These days, you’ll often find Izi wandering Disney resorts, diving into bits of park history, or finding the perfect spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere in the parks.
