Disney World is changing in BIG ways.

While there are so many exciting projects to look forward to in the years to come, there were eight Disney World announcements that really rocked the boat for Disney fans. Let’s take a look back at some of the most controversial Disney World announcements.

It’s hard for us to believe that all of these things are happening at once!

‘Cars’ Expansion in Frontierland

At D23, it was announced that the world of ‘Cars’ would be coming to Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom. This new expansion is set to include two brand-new rides. Sounds great, right? Well, at the initial announcement, Disney did not share where these new rides would go. Instead, it was announced later during the weekend that it would take the place of Tom Sawyer Island.

This announcement confirmed the permanent closure of Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America on which the Liberty Square Riverboat sails. Work is set to begin in 2025, and construction permits have already been filed.

The New Country Bear Jamboree

Although the initial announcement was made in 2023, the original Country Bear Jamboree closed its doors in January 2024. The show re-opened later in the summer of 2024. While the bears did need some extra love, many fans were sad to see an original part of Disney World be changed.

The show opted to get rid of the classic songs like “Blood on the Saddle” as the bears now sing Disney tunes. We must say that the new show is cute, but we understand that fans were upset by the news about the new setlist.

Big Thunder’s Lengthy Refurbishment

Frontierland really cannot catch a break! While Tiana’s Bayou Adventure recently opened, and we finally have the train back, another Frontierland attraction is about to close. It was announced that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close on January 6th and won’t re-open until 2026. It is said that there will be new touches to the attraction, but we have a feeling that this is being done to accommodate the construction of the Villains Land that is set to live “Beyond Big Thunder.”

The Closure of Muppets Courtyard

Another huge announcement that came out of D23 was the addition of Monsters, Inc. Land coming to Hollywood Studios. The announcement featured concept art and confirmed that a suspended door coaster would be part of the land.

Unlike the ‘Cars’ expansion announcement, fans were left in the dark for months, wondering where this new land would go. Many hoped that it would take over the Animation Courtyard and prayed that it would not replace Muppets Courtyard. Well, unfortunately, the news came that Muppets Courtyard, along with Muppet*Vision 3D will close to make way for this new land. Construction on Monsters, Inc. Land is set to start this year.

Re-theme of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

When the news dropped that Muppets Courtyard would be replaced, Disney figured that fans of the Muppets would be disappointed by the decision. On the same day, it was announced that the Muppets will still have a home in Hollywood Studios.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, which currently stars Aerosmith, will soon star the Muppets.

Bye, Bye Genie+

Over the summer, Disney announced that Genie+ would cease to exist. After three years of learning the service, Genie+ became Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and Individual Lightning Lane became Lightning Lane Single Pass.

Besides the name change, this new version of Disney’s pay-to-skip-the-line service mimics its predecessor, FastPass+. Rides are now divided into tiers and can be booked and purchased in advance. If you still need help figuring out the new service, you can download our cheatsheet below!

Hello, Lightning Lane Premier Pass

Even more Lightning Lane changes happened in 2024. It was announced that Disney would offer a new type of skip-the-line service that came with a hefty price tag. Premier Pass would allow you to enter the Lightning Lane of each ride in a park one time without having to make a reservation selection.

Many fans were not happy with this. At first, Premier Pass could only be purchased by those staying at a Disney World Deluxe Resort, but now anyone staying at a Disney World hotel can purchase it.

The Closure of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

While Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy in Hollywood Studios may not have been its most popular attraction, it was a good show to take little ones to, as well as fans of the movie ‘Cars.’

The attraction closed in October of 2024 to make way for a brand new Disney Villains stage show called Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. The show is set to open in the summer of 2025.

Well, there you have it! A look back into all the Disney World announcements that rocked the boat in 2024. While these announcements are changing the current landscape of the parks and resorts, we are excited to see these new projects that are on the horizon! To stay up to date on all the latest Disney news, make sure to stay tuned and keep following along with DFB!

The Big Changes Coming to Florida and Disney World Travel in 2025

What was your favorite or least favorite announcement that was made for Disney World in 2024? Tell us in the comments!