Walt Disney World is stacking up an ambitious 2027 calendar, with three officially confirmed projects spanning a brand-new theme park land, a waterfront hotel, and a thoroughly redesigned legacy attraction.
The headliner is Tropical Americas at Disney's Animal Kingdom, anchored by the 11-acre community of Pueblo Esperanza. Inspired by Central and South American culture, the land will feature two major rides: an Indiana Jones adventure set inside a Maya temple and Disney's first Encanto ride, which follows Antonio through the Casita after he receives his animal-communication gift. Beyond the attractions, guests can expect a large fountain plaza, a carousel featuring carved Disney story animals, a family play area, and a sprawling hacienda quick-service restaurant — one of the largest at Walt Disney World.
Near Magic Kingdom, Disney's Lakeshore Lodge is slated to open along Bay Lake in summer 2027. The nature-themed waterfront resort will connect guests to Magic Kingdom via boat and will include a large outdoor recreation space called The Wetlands just beyond the lobby. Disney has described the property as designed around family time and reconnecting with the outdoors.
The third confirmed project gives a familiar Tomorrowland staple a dramatically different story. Carousel of Progress closed in July 2026 for its transformation and is expected to reopen in 2027 with entirely new acts. A new opening scene will feature an Audio-Animatronics Walt Disney, echoing a 1964 television introduction he gave before the New York World's Fair. The family's journey will then move through 1969 and the moon landing, Halloween 1985, New Year's Eve 1999, and finally a speculative distant future — all while retaining the show's signature song.
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Two additional projects — Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios and the Cars-themed Piston Peak National Park at Magic Kingdom — are under construction but do not yet have official opening years, with outside observers speculating on timelines ranging from late 2027 to 2029. Visitors planning a trip around the new additions can explore Walt Disney World tickets and planning options ahead of confirmed openings. This reporting is based on coverage from Disney Fanatic.
