Pixar shares new ‘Toy Story 5' details — and who'll replace a beloved character
Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the characters in Pixar's most beloved franchise will face their ultimate challenge yet in ' Toy Story 5 ': children who'd rather stare at their screens than play with action figures.
Pete Docter, chief creative officer of Disney's Emeryville-based Pixar Animation Studios, revealed the opening sequence and behind-the-scenes footage for what is expected to be one of the biggest movies of 2026 on Friday, June 13.
'It's toy meets tech,' Docter told the Annecy Animation Festival crowd in France.
The plot of 'Toy Story 5' will feature the cast of miniatures dealing with a tech tablet named Lillypad, the new favorite plaything of their 8-year-old owner, Bonnie Anderson.
Docter confirmed the return of franchise regulars Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Buzz) and Joan Cusack (Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl), and said that Ernie Hudson will voice Combat Carl, taking over for the late Carl Weathers.
Docter then showed the first scene, in which a bunch of Buzz Lightyears are in an abandoned container awake on a deserted island, struggling to reconnect with 'Star Command.' 'Toy Story 5,' directed by Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris and produced by Jessica Choi, is scheduled for release on June 19, 2026.
But Docter was not done. He revealed a new film, 'Gatto,' an original film to be directed by ' Luca ' filmmaker Enrico Casarosa. Set for release in 2027, it follows Nero, a water-hating black cat living in Venice, Italy, who befriends Maya, a lonely street musician.
Docter also showed the first footage for the previously announced 'Hoppers,' due out March 6, about Mabel (Piper Curda), a young woman trying to stop a local mayor (Jon Hamm) from building a highway that will destroy woodlands. Using a secret brain-swapping technology, Mabel becomes a robot beaver to lead a revolt.
The first ' Toy Story,' Pixar's first feature-length film that revolutionized animation, showed at Annecy in 1995. Since then, the festival has become the Cannes of animation — or, as Docter calls it, 'the greatest festival in the world.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Thrill Geek
3 hours ago
- Thrill Geek
Flavors of Florida Returns to Disney Springs with Sunshine-Inspired Bites and Sips
Summer is heating up at Disney Springs as the beloved Flavors of Florida culinary event returns from June 27 to August 10, 2025. With over 40 participating locations, this celebration showcases the freshest Florida-grown ingredients across savory dishes, decadent desserts, and refreshing beverages. Beyond the menus, this year's event features exciting extras like the weekly culinary series hosted by Kroger Delivery. Held on select Fridays, these complimentary demos offer a behind-the-scenes look as Disney Springs chefs share how they prepare featured dishes. Registration for the June 27 kick-off demo is now open. Foodies can also elevate their experience through exclusive pairing events, including paella-making at Jaleo and cocktail classes at The Edison. Led by culinary and beverage experts, these hands-on sessions explore the perfect harmony of flavors and sips. Spots are limited—register now to claim your place. Orange Mousse : Orange mousse, orange jam, citrus chiffon, and a Grand Marnier-soaked hazelnut financier (New) : Orange mousse, orange jam, citrus chiffon, and a Grand Marnier-soaked hazelnut financier Tropical Dream Colada: Minute Maid Passion Fruit Orange Guava Juice, piña colada smoothie mix, and your choice of Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum or Malibu Coconut Rum garnished with whipped cream and passion fruit purée drizzle (New) Frita Cubana Dog: All-beef quarter-pound hot dog served with chorizo, Cuban-style ketchup, Swiss cheese, crispy potato sticks, and Cuban bread (New) Citrus Berry Salad : Fresh greens, strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, and feta topped with house-made citrus vinaigrette dressing (New) : Fresh greens, strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, and feta topped with house-made citrus vinaigrette dressing Funky Buddha Floridian Wheat Beer: A smooth and flavorful German-style wheat beer from Boca Raton with a refreshing wheat body followed by bright notes of tropical fruit and spice (New) Yellowtail Ceviche: Yellowtail tossed in a mango-lime salsa with red pepper, jalapeño, jícama, and cucumber topped with hearts of palm, micro cilantro, and chile oil served with tostadas and avocado (New) Tupelo Chicken and Biscuits : Chicken biscuits dressed with fresh dill and parsley-ranch slaw lightly drizzled with Tupelo honey from our friends at Savannah Bee Company (New) : Chicken biscuits dressed with fresh dill and parsley-ranch slaw lightly drizzled with Tupelo honey from our friends at Savannah Bee Company The Honey Bee: Tom Cat Gin, honey syrup, and fresh-squeezed lemon topped with house-made honey foam (New) Key Lime Shake: Creamy vanilla ice cream blended with Key lime custard and graham cracker crumbs topped with whipped cream (Non-alcoholic) (New) Cuban Sandwich: Pork lechon, ham, Swiss cheese, sweet pickles, and mustard on pressed Cuban bread served with plantain chips and avocado dip (New) South Florida Conch Fritter Cakes: Fritter cakes flavored with Key lime zest and topped with mango-chili sauce, mojo aïoli, crispy fried papaya, and micro cilantro (New) Tangy Watermelon Sunrise: Minute Maid Lemonade, watermelon purée, and Chamoy sauce topped with Simply Lemonade and pickle juice foam (Non-alcoholic) (New) St. Augustine Datil Pepper Frites : Crispy pork with Datil Pepper Sauce, Florida hearts of palm slaw, and beer cheese sauce made with Sunshine Stroll Orange Pilsner : Crispy pork with Datil Pepper Sauce, Florida hearts of palm slaw, and beer cheese sauce made with Sunshine Stroll Orange Pilsner Blueberry Vodka Lemonade: Three Olives Blueberry Vodka, blue curaçao syrup, Simply Lemonade, and Minute Maid Cranberry Juice garnished with blueberries and a lemon wheel (New) The Glowing Oak Burger : Two-pressed signature blend beef patties, pimento cheese, fried green tomato, bacon, and jalapeño jam on a cheddar-chive biscuit (New) : Two-pressed signature blend beef patties, pimento cheese, fried green tomato, bacon, and jalapeño jam on a cheddar-chive biscuit Key Lime Gelato Shake: Vanilla gelato blended with Minute Maid Lemonade and graham cracker crumbs topped with whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs, and a lime wedge (non-alcoholic) Key Lime Freeze: A frozen blend of Don Julio Reposado Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, Key lime juice, and toasted marshmallow syrup garnished with a graham cracker rim and lime wheel (New) Earl's Big Flounder Sandwich : Breaded flounder fillets, tartar sauce, and dill pickles topped with Earl's Signature Coleslaw (New) : Breaded flounder fillets, tartar sauce, and dill pickles topped with Earl's Signature Coleslaw Key Lime Cheesecake Danish: Oven-baked pastry with a light Key lime cheesecake filling (New) Hot Honey High Voltage Chicken Sandwich : Buttermilk fried chicken drizzled with St. Augustine-native datil pepper-infused petal honey served on a brioche bun with hatch pepper gouda, arugula, and tomato (New) : Buttermilk fried chicken drizzled with St. Augustine-native datil pepper-infused petal honey served on a brioche bun with hatch pepper gouda, arugula, and tomato The Everglader: A 1920's cocktail reimagined with Florida's St. Augustine Distillery New World Gin, Florida orange liqueur, pineapple juice, orange juice, and absinthe spritz (New) Cobia Bites with a Masala Santra Gastrique : Cobia coated in panko breadcrumbs and dusted with chaat masala topped with a masala Santra gastrique made with navel oranges, mustard seeds, cumin, garam masala, and Kashmiri chili powder (New) : Cobia coated in panko breadcrumbs and dusted with chaat masala topped with a masala Santra gastrique made with navel oranges, mustard seeds, cumin, garam masala, and Kashmiri chili powder Crispy Flounder Sandwich with Santra BBQ Sauce: Deep-fried flounder with chaat masala on a toasted hoagie with tikka butter, Zesty Santra BBQ sauce, kachumber, and pickled red cabbage served with chips (New) Deep-fried flounder with chaat masala on a toasted hoagie with tikka butter, Zesty Santra BBQ sauce, kachumber, and pickled red cabbage served with chips Hank's Gulf Coast Sunset: Vodka, orange juice, candied orange syrup, and a splash of grenadine (New) Bruschetta Calabrese : Grilled ciabatta topped with 'Nduja and Florida-sourced Fioretta stracciatella, petal honey, and micro arugula (New) : Grilled ciabatta topped with 'Nduja and Florida-sourced Fioretta stracciatella, petal honey, and micro arugula Southeastern Sangria : Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Florida orange liqueur, apricot brandy, hibiscus, orange, and cinnamon (New) : Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Florida orange liqueur, apricot brandy, hibiscus, orange, and cinnamon Funky Buddha Floridian Wheat Beer: A smooth and flavorful German-style wheat beer from Boca Raton with a refreshing wheat body followed by bright notes of tropical fruit and spice (New) Pineapple Upside Down Cake: A delicious gluten free, vegan, and kosher vanilla cake topped with caramelized pineapple slice (New) Chicken Tenders with Florida Habanero Mango Sauce : Three jumbo, hand-battered crispy tenders gently tossed in a tropical blend of hot peppers, sweet fruit flavor, and luxurious honey (New) : Three jumbo, hand-battered crispy tenders gently tossed in a tropical blend of hot peppers, sweet fruit flavor, and luxurious honey Strawberry Jelly Donut : Yeast Bismarck confection tossed in sugar and stuffed with a mix of fresh, chopped strawberries, and jelly (New) : Yeast Bismarck confection tossed in sugar and stuffed with a mix of fresh, chopped strawberries, and jelly Mango-Dragon Fruit Refresher: A refreshing fruity combination of mango and dragon fruit poured over ice (Non-alcoholic) (New) Cóctel de Camarones : Florida pink shrimp with a tangy, spicy Mexican cocktail sauce, avocado, jícama, cucumber, cilantro, and lime (New) : Florida pink shrimp with a tangy, spicy Mexican cocktail sauce, avocado, jícama, cucumber, cilantro, and lime Camarones al Coco: Grilled Florida pink shrimp, creamy coconut sauce studded with roasted white onion, jalapeño, sun-dried tomatoes, yuca al mojo, and green chile adobo (New) Grilled Florida pink shrimp, creamy coconut sauce studded with roasted white onion, jalapeño, sun-dried tomatoes, yuca al mojo, and green chile adobo Chocolate Sugar Skull: Chocolate shell filled with white chocolate and Florida Key lime mousse, raspberry compote, and vanilla sponge cake soaked with Florida Key lime syrup and graham cracker crumbles (New) Chocolate shell filled with white chocolate and Florida Key lime mousse, raspberry compote, and vanilla sponge cake soaked with Florida Key lime syrup and graham cracker crumbles Florida Groves Margarita: Lalo Blanco Tequila, Florida citrus juice, orange liqueur, and pink grapefruit soda with a hint of Aperol Liqueur (New) Fruit Ganache Pop: Ganache pop with flavors of passion fruit, orange, and guava covered in 65% dark chocolate (New) Ganache pop with flavors of passion fruit, orange, and guava covered in 65% dark chocolate Lime Ganache Square: Fresh limes blended with white chocolate and enrobed in 65% dark chocolate (New) Fresh limes blended with white chocolate and enrobed in 65% dark chocolate Orange Ganache Pop: Vanilla-orange ganache enrobed in 65% dark chocolate Key Lime Pie Shake: Vanilla ice cream blended with Key lime juice, vanilla sauce, and graham crackers topped with whipped cream, green sprinkles, and crushed graham crackers (Non-alcoholic) Key Lime Ice Box Pie: Layers of Key lime curd with a Key lime cream filling and graham cracker crust (New) Layers of Key lime curd with a Key lime cream filling and graham cracker crust Lemon Cold Brew: Locally roasted coffee beans and house-made lemonade (Non-alcoholic) (New) Florida Gulf Shrimp Étouffée : A hearty Cajun dish with shrimp sourced from the Florida Gulf in a rich, thickened sauce served over rice (New) : A hearty Cajun dish with shrimp sourced from the Florida Gulf in a rich, thickened sauce served over rice Key Lime Pie Milkshake: Vanilla ice cream and tangy fresh-squeezed Key lime juice topped with a miniature Key lime pie tart (New) Vanilla ice cream and tangy fresh-squeezed Key lime juice topped with a miniature Key lime pie tart Green Gator Mocktail : Orange, lime, pineapple, Seagram's Club Soda, simple syrup, and mint served in a gator souvenir cup (Non-alcoholic) (New) : Orange, lime, pineapple, Seagram's Club Soda, simple syrup, and mint served in a gator souvenir cup (Non-alcoholic) Green Gator Cocktail : Siesta Key Toasted Coconut Rum, Midori Melon Liqueur, pineapple, orange, and mint served in a gator souvenir cup (New) : Siesta Key Toasted Coconut Rum, Midori Melon Liqueur, pineapple, orange, and mint served in a gator souvenir cup Sixth Man Lager from Crooked Can Brewing Co .: This light and crisp beer brewed with All-American barley, corn, and hops is the perfect way to celebrate the vibrant community of Orlando (New) .: This light and crisp beer brewed with All-American barley, corn, and hops is the perfect way to celebrate the vibrant community of Orlando St. Augustine Distillery Bourbon Flight : A flight of four 1-oz pours of St. Augustine favorites including Florida Straight Bourbon, Port Finished Bourbon, Toasted Finish Bourbon, and a fourth pour of your favorite (New) : A flight of four 1-oz pours of St. Augustine favorites including Florida Straight Bourbon, Port Finished Bourbon, Toasted Finish Bourbon, and a fourth pour of your favorite Three Wishes Hazy IPA from D3 Brewing Co: Made with galaxy hops and crafted in the heart of Orlando, this brew has notes of passion fruit, white peach, and a deep citrus flavor (New) Key West Shrimp Gazpacho : Traditional Spanish chilled tomato soup with pink Key West shrimp (New) : Traditional Spanish chilled tomato soup with pink Key West shrimp Cheesy Fungi Jon Mushrooms : Local wild mushrooms from Fungi Jon sautéed in extra virgin olive oil and topped with shaved Idiazábal cheese and Iberian ham (New) : Local wild mushrooms from Fungi Jon sautéed in extra virgin olive oil and topped with shaved Idiazábal cheese and Iberian ham Agua de Valencia: Crafted in Valencia and made with freshly squeezed Florida orange juice, vodka, and gin topped with Spanish Cava sparkling wine Gulf White Shrimp Fritters: Sunshine Stroll Orange Pilsner-battered Gulf white shrimp fritter, grilled sweet peppers, and Datil pepper aïoli (New) Sunshine Stroll Orange Pilsner-battered Gulf white shrimp fritter, grilled sweet peppers, and Datil pepper aïoli Palm Paradise : Lyre's Pink London Non-Alcoholic Spirit, strawberry purée, cream of coconut, lime juice, and simple syrup garnished with a strawberry half (Non-alcoholic) (New) : Lyre's Pink London Non-Alcoholic Spirit, strawberry purée, cream of coconut, lime juice, and simple syrup garnished with a strawberry half (Non-alcoholic) Passion Fruit Spritz: Aperol Liqueur, prosecco, and passion fruit purée garnished with a dehydrated orange (New) Buzzin' Honey Latte: Espresso, milk, honey, and vanilla syrup topped with whipped cream and honey graham cracker crumbs (Non-alcoholic) (New) Florida Orange Sweet and Sour Grouper : Flash-fried grouper with onion, bell pepper, and Florida orange served with a sweet-and-sour orange sauce (New) : Flash-fried grouper with onion, bell pepper, and Florida orange served with a sweet-and-sour orange sauce Sparkling Shiso Orange Mocktail: House-made shiso orange shrub, yuzu, and sparkling green tea (Non-alcoholic) (New) Serenade Bliss: Patrón Silver Tequila, Malibu Coconut Rum, guava syrup, lemon juice, and simple syrup garnished with an edible flower (New) Florida Gulf Shrimp : Florida Gulf Coast Shrimp served with a crispy rice grit cake and green chili sauce (New) : Florida Gulf Coast Shrimp served with a crispy rice grit cake and green chili sauce Orange Paradise: Wicked Dolphin Vanilla Bean Rum shaken with orange juice (New) Pargo a lo Macho: Crispy fried locally caught yellowtail snapper paired with a seafood mix of clams, mussels, octopus, calamari, and shrimp finished with pickled red onion and served with crispy tostones (New) Fra Diavola : Spicy salame calabrese, petal honey, chili, and Pecorino Romano (New) : Spicy salame calabrese, petal honey, chili, and Pecorino Romano Hidden Springs Ale Works Orange Crush Wheat Beer: American wheat beer made with wildflower honey and sweet orange peel brewed by Tampa's Hidden Springs Brewery (New) Smoked Mahi-Mahi with Summer Vegetable Ragoût : Mahi-Mahi rubbed with orange and herb oil, cold-smoked then baked, accompanied by marinated portabella mushrooms, leeks, and a summer vegetable ragoût infused with Ravenous Pig Brewing Co. Lone Palm Golden Ale (New) : Mahi-Mahi rubbed with orange and herb oil, cold-smoked then baked, accompanied by marinated portabella mushrooms, leeks, and a summer vegetable ragoût infused with Ravenous Pig Brewing Co. Lone Palm Golden Ale Old Fashioned Remedy : Munyon's Paw-Paw Florida Liqueur, Buffalo Trace Bourbon and a touch of grapefruit bitters (New) : Munyon's Paw-Paw Florida Liqueur, Buffalo Trace Bourbon and a touch of grapefruit bitters Mesquite Margarita: Munyon's Paw-Paw Florida Liqueur with mezcal, fresh lemon juice, and agave syrup (New) Watermelon Margarita: Don Julio Blanco Tequila, triple sec, sour mix, and watermelon purée (New) Panko Salmon: Breaded salmon fillet, pickled fennel, blood orange, cured cucumber, and beetroot with a lime and avocado purée (New) La Tropical's La Original Lager with Guava: Tropical ice cream with notes of honey and guava flan made from a historic recipe with Miami's La Tropical La Original Lager (New) Orange Blossom Honey aged in port wine barrels that once held Angel's Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, delivering sweet citrus and vanilla notes with a smooth Madeira-style finish (New) Florida Sunshine White Tea : A mix of citrus and floral notes with a gentle caffeine lift, hot or iced : A mix of citrus and floral notes with a gentle caffeine lift, hot or iced Blood Orange Smoothie Herbal Tea: A creamy, caffeine-free tea with sweet orange and vanilla flavors Fish Camp Smoked Fish Dip : Mahi-mahi, wahoo, and white fish served with saltine crackers, tortilla chips, cucumbers, and jalapeños on the side (New) : Mahi-mahi, wahoo, and white fish served with saltine crackers, tortilla chips, cucumbers, and jalapeños on the side Take-Me-to-the-Beach Fish Tacos : Mahi-mahi, blackened or fried, topped with Asian slaw, house-made pickled red onion, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges (New) : Mahi-mahi, blackened or fried, topped with Asian slaw, house-made pickled red onion, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges Key West Coconut Breeze: Papa's Pilar Blonde Rum, guava purée, cream of coconut, fresh lime, orange and pineapple juices accented with a toasted coconut rim and an orange wheel garnish (New) Crab Fritters : Served with spicy lime aïoli and lemon (New) : Served with spicy lime aïoli and lemon Jerk Swordfish Steak : Swordfish steak rubbed with a spicy, smoky seasoning served with mango slaw, Scotch Bonnet aïoli, and mojo fries (New) : Swordfish steak rubbed with a spicy, smoky seasoning served with mango slaw, Scotch Bonnet aïoli, and mojo fries Coconut Rum Cake : A light and airy cake accented by pineapple jam, rum caramel, and toasted coconut (New) : A light and airy cake accented by pineapple jam, rum caramel, and toasted coconut Piña Rita: Don Julio Reposado Tequila, ginger liqueur, Coconut Reàl, fresh lime juice, and DOLE Pineapple Juice garnished with a dehydrated pineapple wheel (New) Devil Crab Croquettes : Deviled crab cakes made with sweet, flaky blue crab and topped with a bright, garlicky mojo aïoli (New) : Deviled crab cakes made with sweet, flaky blue crab and topped with a bright, garlicky mojo aïoli 8th Street Frita Burger : Prime beef chorizo and served with crispy potatoes and salsa de tomate (New) : Prime beef chorizo and served with crispy potatoes and salsa de tomate Florida Strawberry Refresher: A bright, tropical blend of Florida vodka, Aperol Liqueur, lime juice, DOLE Pineapple Juice, and strawberry purée (New) Orange Jelly Churro Donut: A churro donut shaken in sugar, topped with orange marmalade jelly, a dollop of whipped cream, and an edible orange gummy slice (New) Key Lime Sundae : DOLE Whip Lime in a waffle bowl topped with whipped cream and a lime garnish : DOLE Whip Lime in a waffle bowl topped with whipped cream and a lime garnish Orange Bird Cone: DOLE Whip Orange in an orange cone with sprinkles and a chocolate piece Pizza alla Vodka topped with locally sourced burrata from Dicuru Mozzarella, locally farmed basil from Orlando, and vodka sauce (New) topped with locally sourced burrata from Dicuru Mozzarella, locally farmed basil from Orlando, and vodka sauce Florida Shrimp and Grits: Fresh Florida Shrimp with Florida-sourced cheddar grits made in Jacksonville by Congaree & Penn, with a Cajun beer reduction featuring local Crooked Can Brewing Company Beer (New) Fresh Florida Shrimp with Florida-sourced cheddar grits made in Jacksonville by Congaree & Penn, with a Cajun beer reduction featuring local Crooked Can Brewing Company Beer Terralina Sunburst: Creamy frozen cocktail served in a souvenir cup (New) Key Lime Martini: Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Patrón Citrónge Orange Liqueur, Coco Reàl Cream of Coconut, and Key lime juice (New) Citrus Orange Cannoli : Sweet orange ricotta cream in a crispy Italian pastry shell topped with chocolate chips (New) : Sweet orange ricotta cream in a crispy Italian pastry shell topped with chocolate chips Orange Blossom Honey Affogato : Creamy orange blossom honey gelato topped with rich freshly brewed espresso and finished with a crunch of sweet golden honeycomb (Non-alcoholic) (New) : Creamy orange blossom honey gelato topped with rich freshly brewed espresso and finished with a crunch of sweet golden honeycomb (Non-alcoholic) Dragon Fruit Mimosa: Fresh orange juice and tropical dragon fruit sorbetto mixed with a splash prosecco (New) Grilled Corn on the Cob dressed in tangy Key lime crema topped with crumbled cotija cheese and chile-lime seasoning (New) Friend Snapper Sandwich: Locally sourced snapper served with a Valencia citrus slaw and french fries (New) Key Lime Pie Marshmallows : Fluffy house-made marshmallows infused with Key lime juice and rolled in crushed graham crackers : Fluffy house-made marshmallows infused with Key lime juice and rolled in crushed graham crackers Orange Chocolate Marshmallows: Orange-chocolate flavors and topped with orange-chocolate and mini chocolate chips Fresh Shaved Ice: Japanese shaved ice topped with tangy lemon syrup and juicy mandarin orange slices (New) When it comes to food, there's always something for the kids – and the kids at heart – at Disney Parks! Take a peek at just a few delicious options from this Foodie Guide the whole family is sure to love. Key Lime Gelato Shake: Vanilla gelato blended with Minute Maid Lemonade and graham cracker crumbs topped with whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs, and a lime wedge (non-alcoholic) Cuban Sandwich: Pork lechon, ham, Swiss cheese, sweet pickles, and mustard on pressed Cuban bread served with plantain chips and avocado dip (New) Key Lime Ice Box Pie: Layers of Key lime curd with a Key lime cream filling and graham cracker crust (New) Orange Bird Cone: DOLE Whip Orange in an orange cone with sprinkles and a chocolate piece Citrus Orange Cannoli: Sweet orange ricotta cream in a crispy Italian pastry shell topped with chocolate chips (New) Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she's been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she's not at a theme park, she's probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.
Thrill Geek
3 hours ago
- Thrill Geek
Disney's Animal Kingdom to Permanently Close The Boneyard Play Area
Big changes are on the horizon for Disney's Animal Kingdom as The Boneyard, the beloved dinosaur-themed play area in DinoLand U.S.A., is officially set to close. Disney has announced that this family-friendly attraction will welcome its final guests on July 1, 2025. A longtime favorite among younger visitors, The Boneyard offered a shaded, interactive space where kids could climb, slide, and dig for 'fossils' in a play excavation site. Designed to resemble a working paleontological dig, the area was both entertaining and educational, allowing children to explore in a hands-on environment while parents took a break in the surrounding shaded seating areas. The closure of The Boneyard marks another significant step in the evolution of DinoLand U.S.A., which is expected to undergo a major transformation in the coming years. During the 2023 Destination D23 event, Disney teased potential plans to reimagine the land with new experiences inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones. While official details have not yet been confirmed, fans are eagerly speculating about what's next for this corner of the park. Guests hoping to experience The Boneyard one last time still have a few weeks to do so before its July 1 closure. As always, Disney encourages visitors to check the official Walt Disney World website or app for the most up-to-date information. Stay tuned for further announcements about what's coming next to Disney's Animal Kingdom Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83
Thrill Geek
3 hours ago
- Thrill Geek
Disney Announces Cars-Themed Expansion at Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom is gearing up for a transformative expansion as Disney officially unveils plans for a Cars-themed land set to roll into Frontierland. This bold development marks one of the most significant updates to the park in decades, bringing Pixar's beloved automotive universe to life in a wholly original way. A Journey Into the 'Wheeldernesst' The new land, inspired by the Cars franchise and themed around an all-new location called Piston Peak National Park, will combine the spirit of Route 66 with the grandeur of the American frontier. Drawing visual and thematic inspiration from real-life national parks such as the Rockies, the expansion will transport guests to a rustic, nature-filled retreat designed especially for Cars. Disney Imagineers have emphasized a unique blend of storytelling and landscape architecture, with flowing rivers, towering pines, waterfalls, and geysers surrounding immersive structures built to accommodate car-sized inhabitants. Classic western parkitecture meets Pixar charm in a land that feels both fresh and organically tied to Frontierland's storytelling roots. Attractions & Experiences While full attraction details are still under wraps, Disney has confirmed the land will feature two major rides: Off-Road Rally Adventure – Guests will board custom 'off-road' vehicles in an adrenaline-pumping race through rugged terrain. The experience will include an interactive queue inside a park lodge and feature an all-new original character, Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore, a comedic, animatronic park ranger who introduces the park's lore. Family-Friendly Experience – A second, yet-to-be-named attraction will offer a more relaxed experience suitable for all ages, likely housed in the park's ranger station area. In addition to attractions, the land will feature walking trails, scenic overlooks, themed retail, and food & beverage locations inspired by the great outdoors—infused with Cars-style humor and design. A Massive Transformation To make way for the expansion, Disney has announced that several long-standing Magic Kingdom offerings will close permanently: Rivers of America Tom Sawyer Island Liberty Square Riverboat These closures will take effect on July 7, 2025, allowing construction to begin immediately. Disney has stated that key walkways and guest flow areas along the Frontierland promenade will remain accessible, with thoughtful redesigns to preserve the park's charm. A New Era for Frontierland This Cars expansion represents not only a physical transformation but also a thematic evolution for Magic Kingdom's Frontierland. While maintaining the land's adventurous spirit and western identity, this addition introduces new characters, environments, and storytelling techniques that align with Disney's vision for the future of its parks. The expansion is part of a broader $60 billion investment plan to enhance Disney Parks worldwide. Though no official opening date has been confirmed, industry speculation points to a multi-year construction timeline, with a likely debut in the late 2020s. Bringing together the scenic splendor of the American wilderness and the high-octane personality of Pixar's Cars, this expansion promises to deliver a uniquely Disney experience—one that honors tradition while racing full speed into the future. For fans and first-time visitors alike, this new destination will redefine what it means to explore the frontier at Magic Kingdom. Stay tuned for updates as Disney reveals more details about Piston Peak National Park and its cast of four-wheeled adventurers. Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83
