People come together to celebrate their favorite franchises and Disney is no exception. In this year’s D23, Disney announced several film and park-related announcements for the upcoming future.
Upcoming films
Moana 2, announced in early 2024 was given a few details regarding its plot and release date. The first thing that is shown is three years after Moana’s journey with Maui across the sea, she has come home. When her father tells of a time of people uniting together across the sea, a voice calls to find the island. She must sit across the sea where she meets familiar faces, but can she make it alive?
In addition, Moana is being centered as Disney’s flagship princess with the announcement of the live-action Moana set to be released in 2026. Moana is one of many Disney’s live-action films for the future.
Snow White, another Disney classic, has been through production delays and is set to release in 2025. A trailer has been released showing the magical land in a new light.
Lilo and Stitch are set to release a live-action in 2025. However, other details have not been announced and will be released at a later date.
Avatar: Fire and Ash is set to be the third movie in the Avatar franchise. While no official details were released, they provided a screenshot of the logo, the movie is currently set to release on December 29th, 2025.
Villains form their own land at Magic Kingdom. No release date has been set, but it was announced it will feature two main attractions, shops, and dining.
Meanwhile, in Disney Hollywood studios, Monsters Inc. land is set to arrive in 2025. Their main attraction is set to take the traveler on a quest through the factory of doors just as Mike and Sulley had done in the original film.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, inspired by “The Princess and the Frog” is coming to Disneyland California. Set to be released on November 15th, 2024, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be located in Critter Country now renamed Bayou Country in the upcoming holiday season.
As Animal Kingdom expands its horizons with new land, Pueblo Esperanza is set to host two main attractions. The land will consist of an “Indiana Jones” and “Encanto” land. The land will have a grand fountain to share stories from villagers. In addition, a woodcarver has worked on a carousel featuring classic Disney animals from stories over the years.
In Magic Kingdom, a new land is formed based on the films of “Cars.” Set up to be the largest expansion of Magic Kingdom, it will reimagine an area of Frontierland featuring two new attractions based on the Cars franchise.
While Disney has many upcoming plans for the future, the fans are their source of power and thought. While executives make rash choices, fans decide through feedback and viewership what comes next. Fans express their thoughts back to Disney.
“I really like Star Wars and enjoy seeing the movies! They only have one attraction in Disneyland so I’m excited for the two new ones they’re making!” Lyla Salerno, a sophomore said. Edward Lafmann, another sophomore, had this to say about his thoughts on Toy Story 5, “I feel like they’re adding too many new movies. I thought Toy Story 4 was fine but they didn’t really need it. I don’t want them to make too many since it ruins the magic of it.”
While Disney often makes foolish choices from time to time, it seems the company is trying to support itself after its slump era of films of recent years. While sequels will be made for viewership, Disney is still keen on making original films and expanding their attractions and land.
While Disney will try to support itself, the feedback of the fans keeps the flame of the company alive. As long as the fans, new and old, enjoy the classics and modern films the future seems to be bright for Disney. The question that repeats time and time again is continued to be asked: “How long can Disney keep their streak?”
