Walt Disney Presents Turns into Disney World Preview Center for Carsland, Monsters Inc Retheme and More

First Look! Disney World Previews Cars Land, Monsters, Inc., etc. Updates at Walt Disney Presents

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has transformed Walt Disney Presents into a new preview center showcasing exciting additions coming to Walt Disney World, including a Monsters, Inc. land, the Cars area, and the reimagined Tropical Americas land.

The display case previously used by Walt Disney Imagineering Presents to showcase the Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Wish, has been updated. Since 2021, it featured the cruise ship, but the exhibit closed last month. It now holds models and concept art (“assets”) for exciting new park projects: Monstropolis, Tropical Americas, and Piston Peak.

Monstropolis is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, anchored by the long-anticipated Monsters, Inc. door coaster. This new land will replace the former Muppets Courtyard, including MuppetVision 3D, which closed this past summer. Here is the official description of the land from the current display:

“Monstropolis

After years spent scaring us, monsters are finally welcoming humans into Monstropolis with an all new themed land inspired by the beloved Monsters, Inc. film franchise. Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the land will feature shopping, dining, and the first-ever suspended coaster in a Disney park. As in the film, guests will first be hoisted into the air — via a unique vertical-lift system — before zooming off on a thrilling ride through the iconic Door Vault.”

The exhibit features full-color maquettes of Sulley and Mike, which are actually repurposed models from Monsters University. On the surrounding walls, you’ll find all the previously released concept art for Monstropolis. This includes several key pieces: a detailed look at the scream canister-inspired ride vehicles speeding past Mike, Sulley, and Boo with her door; a clear view of the new Monsters, Inc. façade; the wide aerial concept art that has already been displayed on the construction walls around Muppets Courtyard; and a piece showing Sulley interacting with human guests on the ground in the town.

While other specific attractions haven’t been officially announced, the concept art strongly suggests a reimagining of the MuppetVision 3D theater and PizzeRizzo. The current Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano is also slated to become Harryhausen’s. Although many of the Muppets Courtyard buildings will be reused in the new land, the Stage 1 Company Store was completely demolished.

Tropical Americas is set to replace DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The new land will feature several major additions, including the world’s first Encanto ride and a carousel showcasing Disney animals. A headlining attraction will be an Indiana Jones ride, which is a reimagining of DINOSAUR, the attraction scheduled to close permanently next February. The detailed model of the land currently in the display case was originally unveiled at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

The display sign reads:

“Tropical Americas

A vibrant new land is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, transporting guests into the lush rainforests and exciting stories of the Tropical Americas. Extensive Imagineering research has produced a sprawling land, rich with detail and authenticity. It will feature a central fountain, a quick-service restaurant, a hand-carved carousel and two signature attractions — the first-ever Encanto-themed ride-through experience and a new Indiana Jones adventure unlike any other in the world.”

The Tropical Americas land will feature the fictional, “lived-in” village of Pueblo Esperanza, centered around a fountain where villagers gather to share stories. According to the lore, a local woodcarver created the land’s carousel, with seats representing beloved animals like Kevin from Up.

Like Monstropolis, Tropical Americas will reuse several existing DinoLand buildings, including Restaurantosaurus, while guests enter the land through an archway and pass a clocktower. The area will also introduce a new playground to replace The Boneyard.

The headlining Encanto ride will focus on the day Antonio received his gift of speaking to animals. Guests will enter the magical Casita and board furniture-themed ride vehicles. This attraction will occupy the former site of Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama at the back of the land.

The Indiana Jones ride, expected to be similar to the iconic attractions at Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea (since it uses the same ride system and track as the current DINOSAUR attraction), will feature a brand-new story. The ride will be set in a Mayan temple (complete with a new façade shown on the model) where Indy investigates rumors of a mythical creature. Previously released concept art on the back wall showcases the temple, Indiana Jones, the carousel, Casita, and Encanto characters. Tropical Americas is slated for completion in 2027.

Piston Peak is an expansion coming to Frontierland in Magic Kingdom. This Cars-themed area will occupy the former site of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, which permanently closed this past July.

The sign at this display reads:

“Frontierland – Piston Peak

Get those all-terrain tires ready, because Piston Peak National Park is coming to Magic Kingdom. Inspired by the Disney and Pixar Cars universe, this reimagined area of Frontierland will invite guests to explore the natural wonders of the American “wheelderness.” In addition to stunning views and iconic characters, the area will feature two all-new original attractions — a thrilling rally race around the park and a second experience that will be fun for the whole family.”

Piston Peak, an extension of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom, is inspired by the Rocky Mountains and designed to represent a distinct American landscape, carefully crafted with strategic sightlines by Imagineers. A “fun map” of the area reveals planned water features and a barrel bridge, paying tribute to the former Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island.

The exhibit includes two pieces of previously released concept art for the area’s off-road rally race ride, showing cars speeding through a wilderness setting. On display are concept sketches of the ride vehicles, each designed to have a unique personality.

The area will also feature maquettes of Lightning McQueen and Mater, as well as an original character, Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore, who is based on Ranger J. Audubon Woodlore from classic Disney cartoons. While specific details about the family-friendly attraction have yet to be announced, the artwork confirms its thrilling racing theme.

Which new area are you most looking forward to at Disney World?