In newly released graphics, Walt Disney World is providing a snapshot in time of what investments have been made in the past decade, and new projects that are coming soon!
Walt Disney World Investments Over the Past Decade
Over the past decade, Walt Disney World has undergone a tremendous amount of change. An infographic released by Walt Disney World today highlights just how much has been added to the resort since 2016, illustrating the pace of change across all four theme parks, as well as Disney Springs and resort hotels.
The timeline begins in 2016 with the debut of Frozen Ever After in EPCOT and the sweeping transformation of Disney Springs. The following year brought a landmark addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom with Pandora – The World of Avatar, anchored by Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey. That same year, Miss Adventure Falls opened at Typhoon Lagoon.
2017 also saw the debut of the Happily Ever After fireworks show – a show so popular that Disney brought it back in 2023 following a lackluster reception to the new Disney Enchantment fireworks show.
2018 was defined by Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers quickly became family favorites. The pace accelerated even further in 2019 with the debut of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, complete with Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. That year also saw the opening of Gran Destino Tower, Disney’s Riviera Resort, and the Disney Skyliner gondola system — transforming both guest transportation and accommodations.
In 2020, EPCOT’s transformation began to show with updated shows like Canada Far and Wide, Awesome Planet, and Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway also opened, marking the first attraction to star Mickey Mouse. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure followed in 2021, along with the debut of Drawn to Life at Disney Springs.
More recently, EPCOT has seen the addition of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (2022) and Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana (2023). The Tron Lightcycle / Run roller coaster opened at Magic Kingdom in 2023, while the new nighttime spectacular Luminous: The Symphony of Us corrected EPCOT’s nighttime entertainment offerings following the short-lived Harmonious.
In 2024, Disney highlights Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, as well as a reimagined (and renamed) Country Bear Musical Jamboree. New resort options like The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort also opened in 2024. Earlier this year, entertainment was on the docket with The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, the debut of Disney Dreams That Soar drone show, and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. Recently, the updated Test Track presented by General Motors opened at EPCOT.
In addition to these marquee projects, Disney notes nearly 30 new dining locations and more than 20 entertainment offerings added across the resort.
Walt Disney World Upcoming Projects
Walt Disney World is preparing for one of its most ambitious decades yet. Disney Experiences has announced plans to nearly double capital expenditures over 10 years, committing roughly $60 billion to theme parks, resorts, and cruise line capacity. That vision comes into focus with a slate of projects revealed in the new “On the Horizon” snapshot, highlighting additions that will reshape every corner of the resort.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Tropical Americas project is officially in development. Replacing DinoLand USA, the new land will draw inspiration from the lush regions of Central and South America. The artwork hints at a vibrant environment filled with rich landscaping, cultural architecture, and storytelling opportunities that aim to breathe new life into the park. Also coming to Animal Kingdom is Zootopia: Better Together, a replacement for the former It’s Tough to Be A Bug attraction on Discovery Island.
Over at Magic Kingdom, expansion continues with not one, but two highly anticipated projects. A Cars–inspired area will immerse guests in a world of racing, humor, and natural landscapes. Also coming to Magic Kingdom is Villains Land – a long-requested addition that promises to bring iconic Disney evildoers into the spotlight. Together, these expansions underscore Disney’s commitment to ensuring the world’s busiest theme park remains fresh with all-new experiences.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also set to benefit from multiple additions. A new Monsters Inc.-inspired land will bring Monstropolis to life, offering colorful environments that lean into the franchise’s mix of comedy and heart. In 2026, The Magic of Disney Animation will debut, giving guests an opportunity to explore Disney’s creative legacy and animation history.
Resort expansion remains a key part of the long-term plan as well. Disney Lakeshore Lodge has been announced, offering another deluxe-level resort option with lakefront theming. Meanwhile, Disney Springs continues its evolution with the addition of Level99, an immersive entertainment venue where guests can challenge themselves with physical and mental games inside a massive interactive arena. Level99 will take over the former NBA Experience on the West Side of Disney Springs.
Taken together, these projects build upon an already bustling decade at Walt Disney World. The combination of new lands, new attractions, and new resorts demonstrates Disney’s ability to “turbocharge” investment in Orlando.
Walt Disney World: By The Numbers 2025
A new look at Walt Disney World “by the numbers” highlights the scale of the largest and most visited theme park destination in the world. As you may have heard by now, Walt Disney World property stretches nearly 30,000 acres, making it almost twice the size of Manhattan. Within that footprint are four theme parks, two water parks, a sports complex, and Disney Springs, giving guests countless ways to experience the resort.
The magic is powered by people, with approximately 80,000 Cast Members bringing the resort to life each day. That workforce makes possible the incredible range of offerings spread across Walt Disney World. Guests looking for a place to stay have more than 25 resort hotels to choose from, offering nearly 29,000 rooms across value, moderate, and deluxe categories.
For attractions, the numbers are just as impressive. Walt Disney World is home to more than 115 attractions, a lineup that has steadily grown to include new experiences each year since 2017. Alongside the rides, guests can enjoy over 40 entertainment offerings, from nighttime spectaculars to parades and live performances.
Character experiences are another major draw, with more than 50 opportunities to meet beloved Disney characters. In addition to these scheduled appearances, surprise character meet-and-greets pop up throughout the parks and resorts – something that Walt Disney World has improved upon lately.
Getting around such a large destination requires unique infrastructure, and Walt Disney World delivers with four free modes of transportation. Guests can travel by bus, boat, monorail, or the Disney Skyliner, creating a transportation system that is as much a part of the vacation as the parks themselves.
Dining and shopping options stretch across the property, with more than 675 shops and eateries available. That scale translates into some remarkable food numbers. Each year, Walt Disney World serves over 35 million quick-service meals, along with more than 3 million Mickey pretzels and nearly 3.7 million Mickey’s Premium Bars. These snacks and treats are part of the traditions that guests enjoy year after year.
The numbers also highlight the resort’s ability to deliver a complete vacation experience. With its vast acreage, thousands of rooms, hundreds of dining and shopping locations, and an entertainment lineup that includes rides, shows, and character encounters, Walt Disney World offers something at nearly every scale imaginable.
Taken together, these figures demonstrate the immense scope of the resort. From its nearly 30,000 acres of land to the 80,000 Cast Members who make the magic happen, Walt Disney World continues to operate on a level that is unmatched in the theme park industry. Whether measured in attractions, shops, meals served, or simply acres of fun, the numbers show why Walt Disney World stands apart as the largest and most visited destination of its kind in the world.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!