Disney unveils ‘Avatar’, ‘Monsters, Inc’ and ‘Cars’ attractions in big parks & resort push

Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) announced on Saturday plans for four new cruise ships and details about six new themed lands, as the company pushes to expand its resorts business.

The company made the announcements at its biannual D23 fan convention, with this year's event taking place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Last year, the company announced a $60 billion investment in its park segment over a 10-year period, nearly double that in the previous 10-year period. Its latest announcements provide investors with insight into how it's going to spend that money.

The company's experiences segment, consisting of its parks and consumer products, accounts for just over half of its profit. That figure has become more important as Disney (DIS) struggles with its traditional television and streaming businesses.

During its third-quarter earnings call, finance chief Hugh Johnston said that Disney (DIS) saw a “slight moderation” in demand for its parks. New attractions could help the company pull in more visitors.

Disney's (DIS) upcoming plans include the doubling of its Marvel-themed Avengers campus at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, California, and a new villains land at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida.

The Avengers campus will see two new attractions named Avengers: Infinity Defense and the Stark Flight Lab. California Adventure will see a new “Avatar”-themed attraction based on the latest “Avatar: The Way of Water” film.

Walt Disney World’s new villians land will boast a size similar to the Star Wars-themed land, and will be home to two major attractions, dining and shopping.

The company also announced two new attractions for its Animal Kingdom park in Orlando, Florida. The first attraction will be based on Indiana Jones' discovery of a Maya temple. The second attraction will be inspired by Disney's animated hit “Encanto.” Tropical Americas is anticipated to open in 2027.

Disney (DIS) also announced a new land themed around Pixar's “Monsters, Inc.” at its Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. The land will feature a coaster and an area where visitors will be able to walk the streets with “monsters” from the movie.

Pixar will see another iconic franchise, “Cars”, get a new area in a reimagined section of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. The area will feature two new “Cars”-themed attractions.

Disney's (DIS) parks in Shanghai and Hong Kong will see the addition of new Spider-Man attractions. The Paris park will receive a new ride based on The Lion King.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of California’s Disneyland next year, the park will feature an animatronic version of co-founder Walt Disney.

The company also expects to add four new ships to its fleet between 2027 and 2031, bringing the fleet to a total of 13.

Disney (DIS) also revealed additional details on its collaboration with video-game maker Epic Games. In February, the company announced a $1.5 billion stake in Epic to work with on new experiences: a “games and entertainment universe connected to Fortnite”

“Everything we’re going to share with you is in active development. Plans are drawn. Dirt is moving. I just want to be clear about this: We are doing everything you’ve heard here tonight,” said Disney (DIS) Experiences chairman Josh D’Amaro.