Walt Disney World Update: DAS Crackdown, Expansions & Ride Reimagined

Even though Walt Disney World is gearing up for the busy summer season—not to mention the grand opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure—they are on a roll with new projects. Below, we’ll tell you about two massive expansions, two new shows, and yet another reimagined attraction.

But first, there’s important news about disability services at Walt Disney World Resort.
(We’ve updated this article with new news on DAS, Splash Mountain testing, and new travel offers)

Big Changes to Walt Disney World’s DAS

Walt Disney World (as well as Disneyland) has updated its Accessibility website to clarify exactly which services and resources are available to guests based on their needs.

The most notable changes involve the Disability Assistance Service (DAS), which has become the most requested service at both Walt Disney World at Disneyland (more than tripling in the last five years). This service is intended only for guests who can’t wait in extended queues due to specific developmental disabilities, but unfortunately, many guests have been using DAS for other reasons.

To address that, Disney is requiring all guests who believe they need DAS to be evaluated by a new Disney accessibility services team before arrival via virtual video chat. They may also need to speak with a health professional from Inspire Health Services who will be assisting cast members in assessing guests’ needs and recommending the appropriate services to accommodate them.

If guests are not able to complete the evaluation before arrival, they can also access the video chat from the resort, but (unlike at Disneyland) there will be no in-person option at Walt Disney World.

 

In addition, the number of days DAS is valid has been extended from 60 days to 120, and the DAS party size will be limited to immediate family members only, up to four people. These updates go into effect at Walt Disney World on June 18, 2024.

Guests may or may not be issued DAS during the video chat; if not, cast members and/or medical professionals will share information about the other accessibility services available.

For a complete rundown of Disney’s updated accessibility policies, check out our article:

DAS: Big Disability Access Changes for Disneyland & Walt Disney World

Now, let’s look at what’s in the works at “The Most Magical Place on Earth!”

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom

Before it opens at Disneyland later this year (opening date TBD), Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will take Disney World guests down the bayou this summer (date also TBD), but even though specific opening dates aren’t official yet, we are starting to hear from a number of sources that a potential early June official opening with previews before that is likely.

We snapped a few photos of the construction progress at Walt Disney World, which seems to be “almost there,” including a colorful mural at the ride’s entrance.

The ride is consistently testing. It also looks like something… or someone… is waiting to be unwrapped.

And Imagineers have rolled Tiana’s new delivery truck into the Magic Kingdom queue.

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The attraction will feature jazz-loving alligator Louis and a (getting larger every week) collection of musical critters.

So far, we know who’s in the Zydeco band at the beginning of the ride, and in the group of Rara musicians playing at Princess Tiana’s “grand finale” Mardi Gras party, but according to Imagineering, there are still even more musical critters to come.

For now, we know the six members of the zydeco band are Timoléon the Otter, Rufus the Turtle, Gritty the Rabbit, Byhalia the Beaver, Beau the Opossum, and Apollo the Raccoon.

And we’ve met the six Zara musicians: Bobcats Octavia and Pawpaw; Louisiana Black Bears Claude, Bernadette, and Sebastián; and Phina the Gray Fox.

Claude, Bernadette, and Sebastian also made the cut for the Walt Disney World attraction poster, along with Beau and Apollo from the Zydeco band, Louis, and Mama Odie.

During our recent visit to Walt Disney Imagineering, we got a look at Tiana, Louis, and Mama Odie animatronics, as well as Prince Naveen, Ralphie, Eudora, and Charlotte figures that will be featured in the ride.

Michael-Leon Wooley, the voice of Louis the Aligator, recently got to see his animatronic in person. His reaction is priceless: 

Check out our complete guide to the attraction coming to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World here:

🐸 Tiana’s Bayou Adventure NOW OPEN at Disneyland – Guide & Tips 👑

Two Big Walt Disney World Expansion Projects on the Horizon

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure isn’t the only news from Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney Imagineering has hinted at a possible “big” expansion “beyond Big Thunder Mountain,” but now we’ve heard that the project is absolutely happening! 

Another project is also confirmed for the reimagination of DinoLand USA in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. And we can now see some more definitive concept art for the area.

On the heels of Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro repeatedly saying they’re going to “turbocharge” investment in the parks and put $60B behind it, we finally got some news.

In a short video clip shared by Imagineering on Instagram last week, we saw 3D models of what definitely looks like the Casa Madrigal, reinforcing that “Encanto” will be part of the Tropical Americas expansion at Animal Kingdom (along with Indiana Jones, which is expected to take over the Dinosaur ride).

We also learned Imagineers have already traveled to Mexico to study Mayan culture, art, and archeology to “bring the fantastical and magical to life” (a clear reference to “The Family Madrigal” lyrics).

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As for Beyond Thunder Mountain, which Disney calls “the most significant expansion ever at Magic Kingdom Park” and which we’ve been told is about the size of Galaxy’s Edge (meaning approximately 14 acres), it seems we’ll have to wait until D23: The Ultimate Fan Event in August to find out exactly what’s going into all that space.

Thankfully, we don’t have to wait for news about what’s coming to the resort this summer, so let’s take a spin around the parks.

Reimagined Test Track at Epcot

Disney previously announced Test Track will close on June 17 but reminded fans of the attraction that first opened in 1999 (and then again in 2012) to get in their last rides on the current version by dropping new concept artwork for the re-reimagined experience (dubbed Test Track 3.0).

Although no re-opening date has been announced (no surprise there), Disney has said the new experience will integrate the “spirit of optimism” from World of Motion (the opening day attraction Test track replaced) and will feature a new, modern look.

From this concept artwork, it also looks like trackless vehicles may be involved, as there are similarities to the vehicles for Zootopia: Hot Pursuit in the new Zootopia-themed land at Shanghai Disneyland, which also employs a trackless ride system.

CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza at Epcot

Can I get an Amen? After several years of construction at Epcot, guests will be rewarded for their patience with the June 10 opening of CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza in the new World Celebration neighborhood, which opened last year with the Walt the Dreamer statue.

Disney promises this will be the place for “a new era of festivals, exhibits, and entertainment,” which they’re kicking off with a new meet-and-greet location for Mickey & Friends next to CommuniCore Hall (starting June 10).

In addition, a new limited-time “¡Celebración Encanto!” sing-along show featuring the songs and story of “Encanto” will be performed several times daily from June 10 through Sept. 6 on the CommuniCore Plaza stage, including appearances by Mirabel and Bruno (who we won’t talk about).

Lion King 30^th Anniversary at Animal Kingdom

From June 10 through Sept. 6, a celebration for the 30^th anniversary of “The Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom includes a new merch collection, special menu items, and (you knew it was coming!) a collectible Pumbaa popcorn bucket.

The anniversary also features the return of meet-and-greets with Timon and Rafiki at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

Revamped Country Bear Musical Jamboree at Magic Kingdom

The Country Bears will be singing a new tune this summer—actually, many of them—in a new Opry-style show called “The Country Bear Musical Jamboree” (opening date TBD).

During the new show, beloved bears will perform classic Disney tunes with a country twist, featuring music genres such as bluegrass, pop-country, Americana, rockabilly, and more.

“We’re imagining a new take on the jamboree as an homage to the classic musical revues of Nashville,” Imagineer Chris Beatty said during a presentation at Destination D23. “And we’re working with some fantastic Nashville musicians to get the authentic sound just right.”

Great news for lovers of the OG show is that Disney promises Easter eggs a-plenty, including “one particular tune Disney fans may remember.”

More News From Across the Resort

Walt Disney World has recently revealed new bus wraps, which will be rolling out throughout 2024. The wraps feature characters from “Ratatouille” and “Zootopia,” with “101 Dalmatians,” plus Chip ‘n’ Dale, Orange Bird, and Figment still to come.

The new character wraps adorn some of the 90 brand-new electric buses Disney World is adding to its fleet this year. These buses are also outfitted with updated accessibility features for guests using mobility devices.

From May 24 through Sept. 2, drones will take to the skies above the West Side of Disney Springs with “Disney Dreams That Soar,” a summertime experience showcasing Disney stories that celebrate flight with choreographed state-of-the-art drones, a “soaring” musical score, and memorable movie quotes.

No specific details have been announced, but if this show is anything like the “Disney Electrical Sky Parade” drone show at Disneyland Paris, we can’t wait to see it!

Let’s Hear From You!

Will the change in DAS rules help with abuse of the system? Are you looking forward to all the new experiences coming to Walt Disney World—especially the last of the Epcot construction walls coming down? What do you think is coming Beyond Thunder Mountain? And are Encanto and Indiana Jones good fits for Animal Kingdom, or is Disney jumping the shark by trying to squeeze more character IP into the park? Let us know your thoughts and wishes in the comments below!