Why Disney World in 2027 Could Feel Like a Different Resort Entirely
Disney World has outlined seven 2027 additions, spanning Encanto, Indiana Jones, Monsters, Inc., a reworked Carousel of Progress and a new hotel.
Walt Disney World has sharpened its 2027 picture, and the headline is not just one big opening. The resort is lining up changes across Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom and Bay Lake, giving visitors multiple reasons to rethink what a Disney World trip could look like next year.
What is changing in 2027
The biggest cluster of additions is headed to Disney's Animal Kingdom, where Tropical Americas will remake much of the former DinoLand U.S.A. space. One anchor attraction, Antonio's Fiesta de Encanto, is set inside the Casita on the day Antonio receives his animal gift, with riders joining the Madrigal family's celebration in vehicles inspired by the home's furniture.
The same area will also bring in Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent. That attraction is taking over the former DINOSAUR building and ride system, but Disney is not simply duplicating another Indy ride. The story sends Indiana Jones and riders into an ancient Maya temple in search of Tsukán, the Jade Serpent, and the Audio Animatronic figure will be modeled on Harrison Ford.
A third Tropical Americas addition, El Carrusel de los Animalitos, rounds out the land with a family ride in Pueblo Esperanza. Disney says the carousel will include 22 hand carved animals inspired by Disney and Pixar stories.
What it means for other parks and resort stays
Hollywood Studios is also due for a notable start to Monstropolis in 2027, though not all of it at once. Disney says the land will open in phases while work continues on the suspended door vault coaster. Early offerings are set to include Welcome to Monstropolis, a live Mike and Sulley stage show at the Glob Theater, plus Harryhausen's Restaurant, Archie's Scare Pig Pizza and a merchandise location called the Scareporium.
Magic Kingdom's change is a return rather than a brand new land. Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress, closed since July 2026, is expected back in late spring 2027 after a major overhaul. The updated version will move through the 1960s and 1980s, then New Year's Eve 1999, before ending in a possible future. A new opening scene will add an Audio Animatronic of Walt Disney.
The hotel side is changing too. Disney's Lakeshore Lodge is scheduled to open July 1, 2027, on Bay Lake with 967 rooms that range from studios to larger villas and waterfront Lake Houses. The resort's design will draw on Disney animation, including Bambi, Pocahontas, Fantasia and Brother Bear.
For travelers planning 2027 vacations, the shift touches three parks and a new place to stay. Disney also suggests the year could be busy and more complicated to navigate, with the potential for bigger crowds at Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios and different vacation pricing by the time these additions arrive.
