Disney's Global Expansion: From Mexico City to Maya Temples and Beyond

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Fresh from the headlines and the grapevine alike Disney dazzles short and long with a blend of ambition nostalgia and new frontiers. In late August the company opened its very first Disney Store in Latin America right in Mexico City drawing over 8000 fans for the grand reveal according to Inside the Magic. The event was more than just a retail milestone sporting an oversized Toy Story experience reimagining Andys bedroom and stirring speculation that this could be a stepping stone for bigger Disney moves in Latin America. Disney’s Vice President of Global Retail Amanda Dhalluin celebrated the launch on LinkedIn and excitement in Mexico City has ripple effects as Disney hints at future expansions in the region.

Theme parks are keeping fans swirling rumors and concrete plans. Disney is already deep into tearing down the classic DinoLand USA at Animal Kingdom to make room for the colossal new Tropical Americas zone. Construction permits confirm the behind-the-scenes work has started ahead of the DINOSAUR rides closure in February 2026 with Indiana Jones ready to swing in as the new headliner. Think a pulse-racing trek through a Maya temple plus Encanto and Zootopia attractions joining the adventure. The new land is scheduled for 2027 promising a complete era shift at Animal Kingdom and marking one of the boldest updates in park history report Inside the Magic and DisneyFanatic. Meanwhile Disneyland is busy with plans for more renovations as Monsters Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue will depart in 2026.

On screens big and small Disney is in release overdrive. The return of Dancing With the Stars for its 34th season lights up Disney Plus along with the debut of Electric Bloom and new content drops like Marvel Zombies and a highly anticipated fifth season of Only Murders in the Building. The big cinematic celebration this week is all about Toy Story. The beloved original is heading back to theaters September 12 for its 30th anniversary Pixar surprised fans by screening Toy Story 5’s opening minutes with Conan OBrian revealed as the voice behind Smarty Pants according to an official company announcement. TRON fans get a treat as remastered versions of the 1982 cult hit and TRON Legacy drop in 4K on September 16 coinciding with a limited time Nine Inch Nails music overlay in TRON rides worldwide. And if musical magic is your thing a new animated feature Hexed will cast its spell in 2026.

Behind the curtain there is drama too. Variety disclosed that Thomas Schumacher longtime president and Chief Creative Officer of Disney Theatrical Group is stepping down and transitioning to a consulting role another marker of change at the top. And the companys overall strategy is to double down on global expansion with theme park chairman Josh D’Amaro promising more new projects in the next decade than ever and in the shadow of competition from Universals Epic Universe Disney is keen to hold the crown for creative dominance. Online the buzz is split as fans debate the new directions for the parks and reminisce over old favorites. For Disney the spotlight never dims.

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