Disney Experiences announced last year it would invest $60 billion over the next decade, significantly enhancing both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World. Yet amid this expansive development, a beloved area at both resorts—Tomorrowland—is likely to remain overlooked.
Major Expansions on Both Coasts
At Walt Disney World, substantial transformations are underway:
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Grand Avenue, including the Muppet Courtyard, will be converted into a new land themed around Monsters, Inc.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Dinoland U.S.A. will be replaced with a “Tropical Americas” area, featuring attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones.
Disneyland Resort in California also faces extensive changes:
- Disney California Adventure will introduce an Avatar land replacing most of Hollywood Land, alongside a new Coco ride at Pixar Pier.
- The first phase of DisneylandForward, a significant resort expansion, begins later this year, dramatically reshaping the resort’s landscape, including a revamped entrance area.
Concerns About Tomorrowland
While these developments promise excitement, there’s growing concern that Tomorrowland, a land at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom focused on futuristic concepts, will remain outdated.
The problem is well-known: Tomorrowland, originally envisioned as a glimpse of the future, inevitably becomes dated. Apart from Magic Kingdom’s recent Tron: Lightcycle Run, Tomorrowland attractions at both parks now seem antiquated. To remain relevant, Tomorrowland requires more than new attractions—it needs a complete visual and thematic refresh.
A Decade Wait for Tomorrowland?
Rumors about revamping Tomorrowland, particularly at Disneyland, have surfaced repeatedly but failed to materialize. A proposed update to Space Mountain themed around Pixar’s Lightyear movie was reportedly abandoned after the film’s poor box office performance.
At Magic Kingdom, resources are already allocated to the Frontierland “Piston Peak” project and the future Villains Land expansion, potentially delaying Tomorrowland updates by five years or more.
At Disneyland, the massive scope of DisneylandForward—planned to span a decade—could mean Tomorrowland improvements will remain delayed for years.
Could the Fantastic Four Revitalize Tomorrowland?
A potential bright spot for Disneyland’s Tomorrowland is the upcoming film Fantastic Four: First Steps, releasing July 25. Inspired by a retro-futuristic aesthetic, the Fantastic Four characters will debut in Tomorrowland instead of the Avengers Campus.
If the film is a success—unlike Lightyear—it may encourage Disneyland to integrate Tomorrowland updates into current expansion plans.
Tomorrowland urgently needs revitalization. For Disney parks to fully thrive, every section should feel fresh and exciting. Fans and enthusiasts hope that Disney Experiences will allocate part of its massive investment toward reimagining Tomorrowland sooner rather than later.