5 Major Moves That Will Reshape Disney World Under Josh D’Amaro’s Leadership

Disney has officially announced that Josh D’Amaro will become Disney’s next CEO, taking over from Bob Iger on March 18, 2026.

For Walt Disney World fans, that’s not just a business update. D’Amaro has been one of the most visible leaders the park’s division has had in years, and he’s helped steer Disney toward a more modern, expansion-heavy direction. When Disney changes leadership at the top, the parks usually change right along with it.

And with Disney entering a new era, Walt Disney World already feels like it’s on the edge of something bigger.

The real question isn’t whether changes are coming. It’s how quickly Disney will move once D’Amaro officially takes control.

More Classic Attractions Could Be Updated or Replaced

Disney has already proven it will touch rides that fans once thought were untouchable. D’Amaro has leaned heavily into storytelling and modernizing the brand, and that usually comes with a cost.

The clearest sign is Carousel of Progress, which is set to get a major scene update featuring a Walt Disney animatronic. That alone shows Disney isn’t afraid to adjust even its most historic attractions if it fits the company’s current direction.

If that’s happening, it’s easy to imagine other classics like It’s a Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight, Haunted Mansion, and Jungle Cruise eventually seeing similar refreshes. Some could be minor upgrades, but others might be bigger changes meant to keep the experience feeling modern.

Even Mission: SPACE could see major updates if Disney decides the ride needs a smoother system or a more dramatic overhaul. Disney has already shown it will retheme rides when it believes it’s worth it, just like Splash Mountain becoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

New Rides Will Keep Moving Forward

At the same time, Disney World isn’t slowing down when it comes to new attractions. Several significant projects are already confirmed, and they’re going to keep progressing no matter what.

Animal Kingdom is preparing for its Encanto and Indiana Jones additions, which will help reshape the park’s future. Hollywood Studios is also moving forward with its Monstropolis expansion, including a major suspended roller coaster.

Disney is also retheming Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster with the Muppets, which will give Hollywood Studios another big shift in identity. And Magic Kingdom has Piston Peak coming, which will bring two Cars-themed attractions and dramatically reshape the park’s layout.

Disney is also leaning into temporary overlays, including the confirmed arrival of Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT for America’s 250th anniversary.

All of it points to Disney staying in expansion mode, and that mindset may only grow stronger under D’Amaro.

The “Coco Rumor” Is Finally Fulfilled

One rumor that refuses to go away is a Coco ride coming to Walt Disney World. That speculation has grown even louder now that Disney has announced a Coco attraction for Disney California Adventure.

Once Disney builds something like that, fans naturally start asking if Florida will be next. Disney has a long history of successfully adapting concepts for other resorts.

If Coco ever arrives at Disney World, many fans believe it would replace Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros in EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion. That would be a considerable change, instantly splitting fans between those who love the classic ride and those who want something newer.

And while that rumor keeps circulating, Villains Land remains another major obsession. Fans have wanted it for years, and rumors of a Maleficent coaster only keep the hype growing.

Entertainment Could Expand Beyond Rides

Not every key Disney World change involves a new coaster or land. Live entertainment and character experiences can reshape a park just as much.

That’s why Bluey and Bingo potentially coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom has sparked so much attention. If Disney brings them in, it could become one of the most popular character offerings on property.

Hollywood Studios is also expected to keep expanding its family entertainment lineup, including Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!. Disney has been leaning into stage shows again, and it’s a smart move for both guest satisfaction and crowd flow.

Under D’Amaro, entertainment may become a bigger part of Disney’s strategy, especially as crowds continue to grow.

New Lands Will Define the Next Disney World Era

If there’s one thing that will truly reshape Walt Disney World under D’Amaro, it’s the land expansions already in motion.

Animal Kingdom’s Tropical Americas expansion will change the park’s identity. Hollywood Studios will feel different once Monstropolis becomes reality. And Magic Kingdom’s future will shift dramatically once Piston Peak arrives.

Villains Land also remains the biggest wildcard. Disney knows how badly fans want it, and if D’Amaro wants to define his CEO era with one massive statement, that expansion could easily be it.

Disney World’s Future

Josh D’Amaro becoming Disney’s CEO doesn’t mean Walt Disney World will change overnight.

But it does mean the direction is clear. Disney will modernize more classics, build new rides, chase major IP expansions like Coco, and keep pushing massive land transformations across the parks.

Whether fans love these changes or hate them, Disney World is moving forward fast. And the next few years may look very different than what longtime guests are used to.