Disney Parks constantly evolve, blending nostalgia with innovation to create immersive, unforgettable experiences. From the lush wilds of Pandora to the sleek thrills of TRON Lightcycle / Run, Imagineering continues to push the boundaries of what a theme park can be. And yet, for Disney fans, the dream never stops. Beloved stories still await to leap off the screen and into the parks.
Here are five Disney attractions we dream of seeing brought to life, each inspired by unforgettable films, rich worldbuilding, and the boundless magic of imagination.
5. Treasure Planet: Solar Surfer Adventure
Treasure Planet may be one of Disney’s most underrated films, but its steampunk-meets-space setting offers incredible possibilities for a next-gen attraction. With soaring visuals, high adventure, and deep emotional stakes, the movie’s core themes of exploration and self-discovery are ideal for a modern park experience.
Guests could join Jim Hawkins aboard his solar surfer, navigating cosmic storms, black holes, and alien outposts using motion simulator technology or a trackless ride system. 4D effects, starry projections, and encounters with characters like Morph and B.E.N. would add richness to the experience, creating an attraction that feels both epic and intimate. For fans of sci-fi and swashbuckling alike, it would be a dream come true.
4. Step Into Wakanda: A Marvel Adventure Like No Other
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is brimming with potential for immersive attractions, but none feel more urgent than a journey to Wakanda.
Introduced in Black Panther, this futuristic African kingdom combines cutting-edge technology with deep cultural heritage. It’s a setting unlike any other, and Disney has already proven, with lands like Pandora and Batuu, that they can bring entire worlds to life with jaw-dropping detail.
Guests could walk through a bustling re-creation of Birnin Zana, Wakanda’s capital, where tribal traditions meet vibrant Afro-futurism. A high-speed coaster powered by “vibranium” could race through dramatic landscapes, while interactive training sessions with the Dora Milaje offer empowering experiences for all ages.
More than just thrilling, a Wakanda land would be a powerful celebration of Black heritage, blending education, entertainment, and inspiration into one unforgettable destination.
3. Hercules: Journey to Olympus
Few Disney films are as ideally suited for a theme park attraction as Hercules. The 1997 animated classic brims with mythology, heart, and humor, yet it remains strangely absent from Disney Parks. With its colorful aesthetic, larger-than-life characters, and unforgettable gospel-style soundtrack, Hercules is overdue for its moment in the spotlight.
A dark ride adventure could start in the Underworld with a fiery welcome from Hades, then sweep guests through key scenes, training with Phil, battling the Hydra, and rescuing Meg, culminating in a soaring ascent to Mount Olympus, complete with a rousing musical finale from the Muses. With the emotional beats of Rise of the Resistance and the theatrical flair of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, this attraction could deliver the perfect blend of spectacle, heart, and nostalgia.
2. Lilo & Stitch: Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride
Fast-paced, funny, and full of heart, Lilo & Stitch is a fan favorite that has long deserved more than a breakfast meet-and-greet. The story’s combination of sci-fi chaos and Hawaiian charm is tailor-made for a thrilling rollercoaster that weaves through alien chases and crashing waves.
Imagine a high-speed coaster where guests board Stitch’s stolen spaceship, zipping through island settings, underwater scenes, and the skies above Hawaii, all while being pursued by Captain Gantu. With a soundtrack led by Lilo and Stitch themselves, this could be a joyfully chaotic ride full of splashy visuals and wild turns. It’s time this blue alien got a ride worthy of his galactic reputation.
1. Yzma’s Lab Coaster: The Emperor’s New Groove Comes to Life
It’s one of Disney’s quirkiest and most quotable films, yet The Emperor’s New Groove remains criminally underrepresented in the parks. The eccentric humor, vibrant visuals, and fast-paced action make it a perfect candidate for an indoor coaster that leans fully into its absurdity.
Set within a new Peruvian pavilion, perhaps as part of a reimagined World Showcase, guests could explore the mountains and villages of Kuzco’s world. After sampling Kronk’s spinach puffs and dodging llama-related delicatessens, they’d enter Yzma’s secret lab and, naturally, pull the wrong lever.
The coaster itself could feature randomized track routes, neon lighting, and surprise effects, keeping riders guessing and laughing with every visit. Ridiculous? Absolutely. And that’s precisely why it would be unforgettable.
The Magic of What Could Be
Walt Disney Imagineering has repeatedly shown that no idea is too big, and no world is too far. As new expansions unfold across Walt Disney World and Disneyland, fans remain hopeful that forgotten favorites and bold new frontiers will find a home among the classics.
Whether you’re dreaming of a rollercoaster through Yzma’s lab, a flight over a nebula, or a stroll through the streets of Wakanda, one thing is sure: the magic of Disney is in its ability to make dreams feel real.
And while we wait for these dream attractions to (hopefully) become a reality, we can still revel in the wonders of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the tastefully curated Connections Eatery, and EPCOT’s dazzling Luminous: The Symphony of Us.
The future is as boundless as the imagination, and we can’t wait to see what Disney builds next.
Do you agree with our picks, or did we leave out your favorite? Join the conversation and tell us what Disney should build next.
