Disney teases new attractions and updates at Play & Preview showcase.
Disney enthusiasts were recently treated to a sneak peek at the exciting updates and new attractions coming to Walt Disney World during the Play & Preview showcase. This event showcased the unveiling of upcoming shows, revamped rides, and interactive experiences scheduled to launch in the upcoming year.
EPCOT and Hollywood Studios were in the spotlight earlier on, with previews of updates to Test Track and glimpses of new shows to be featured at the Studios. However, the main focus of the showcase was on the future plans for the parks, which included an exciting reimagined roller coaster inspired by the popular Muppets franchise. Animal Kingdom also had a major reveal with news of the Zootopia: Better Together attraction, set to open on November 7, 2025, inside the iconic Tree of Life.
Senior creative director Danny Handke provided insights into the storyline of this new attraction, which features a citywide celebration known as “Together Day.” Guests will don “carrot vision” 3D glasses and embark on a journey through various biomes, such as a predator-prey ice ballet and a marshland water pageant. The experience culminates in a live concert at Sahara Square, featuring Gazelle. A new host character, Heidi Howler the wolf, and an original song, We Are Zunited, will also be introduced. Additionally, popular characters from Zootopia, Judy Hopps, and Nick Wilde, will be part of both the show and a new interactive meet-and-greet area called the Together Day Gathering Spot.
Magic Kingdom is gearing up for an enhanced version of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, complete with handheld blasters, updated ride vehicles, and real-time scoring. Guests can expect to encounter illuminated targets and new gameplay modes for an even more engaging experience. Another exciting update comes to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland, where a refreshed storyline featuring new effects like a bat-filled cave, rainbow caverns, and a dramatic thunderstorm will breathe new life into the popular attraction.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will see the addition of The Magic of Disney Animation, an immersive area inspired by Once Upon a Studio, allowing guests to explore animation-themed spaces and participate in hands-on activities within an indoor play zone. Additionally, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will be reimagined with a Muppets theme, with The Electric Mayhem band taking over the ride and incorporating psychedelic elements and nods to the band’s unique style.
Star Wars fans can look forward to a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, featuring beloved characters Mandalorian and Grogu. This mission will have guests tracking a bounty across the galaxy, with engineers taking on a new role in guiding the mission. The showcase concluded with a surprise appearance from Captain Jack Sparrow, hinting at a new pirate-themed experience called “Beacon Barrel” coming soon to Magic Kingdom.
Disney leaders emphasized their commitment to storytelling and reimagining classic experiences. Imagineer Michael Hundgen highlighted the upcoming period of growth, promising that Walt Disney World is about to become even more magical for visitors.