We’ve had some big Disney Parks and entertainment announcements coming out of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event! We’re sharing the D23 reveals you need to know.
D23 2026 has officially arrived! The major fan event kicked off in Anaheim, California, with special shopping events, exhibits, and presentations. Throughout that time, each panel has brought exciting updates on some of the most highly anticipated projects at the Disney Parks and beyond. To help keep you updated, we’re sharing some of the big news you may have missed that came from D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
The Big D23 Announcements You Need to Know
We’re sharing the biggest announcements you’re going to want to know about the Disney Parks and beyond that have come out of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. News will be coming in fast and furious beginning August 14, with the Entertainment Showcase that will give an overview of Disney+ series, as well as movies from the Disney, Pixar, Marvel, 20th Century, and Lucasfilm umbrellas.
Then, on August 15, we’ll be getting some of our big park and cruise news for the weekend at the Horizons Showcase. At past D23 events, we’ve learned about upcoming lands such as Monstropolis, Piston Peak, and the forthcoming Villains land, so expect major announcements oand updates on what’s to come!
Click below to jump to the news you need to know:
- General Disney Parks News Announced at D23
- Walt Disney World News Announced at D23
- Disneyland News Announced at D23
- International Disney Parks News Announced at D23
- Disney Cruise Line News Announced at D23
- Movies Announced at D23
- Disney+ Series Announced at D23
General Disney Parks News Announced at D23
We’ll be sharing general Disney Parks news announced that applies to multiple parks!
Walt Disney World News Announced at D23
Here we’ll be sharing any Walt Disney World news, whether that’s updates on Piston Peak, Monstropolis, and the Villains land, or completely new updates!
Piston Peak model. Photo Courtesy of Disney
Here’s a bit of what we have our eye on below:
- Piston Peak (coming to Magic Kingdom)
- Monstropolis (coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
- Villains Land (coming to Magic Kingdom)
- Tropical Americas (coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
New Details Revealed for Villains Land
Disney has revealed major new details about Villains Land, the massive new area coming to Magic Kingdom beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The land will feature an original story centered around a corrupted Wishing Well whose dark magic has drawn Disney Villains to the area, where they’ve conjured their own palaces, fortresses, and lairs. Disney says the scale of the new land will be comparable to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
We also now know more about Villains Land’s two headlining attractions. One will be a thrilling coaster that sends guests through enchanted briars surrounding Maleficent’s mountaintop fortress, while the other will be a dark ride hosted by the Magic Mirror, transporting guests into a mysterious Mirror Realm filled with Disney Villains. Disney has not yet announced an opening timeframe. Read everything we know about Villains Land here.
Parts of Monstropolis to Open in 2027
Disney has confirmed that parts of Monstropolis will officially open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2027, giving guests their first opportunity to explore the new Monsters, Inc.-themed land. Learn more about what’s coming to the land here.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Ride Names Revealed for Magic Kingdom Cars Area
Disney has revealed major new details about Piston Peak National Park, the Cars-themed area currently under construction in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland. The expansion will feature two new attractions: Cars Ridge Run Rally, an off-road racing adventure that will take guests up a snow-covered Piston Peak, through geyser fields, and across rugged terrain using an innovative new ride system, and Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along, a family-friendly demolition derby experience featuring a massive Miss Fritter Audio-Animatronic.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Disney has not yet announced an opening date for Piston Peak, but construction is now fully underway. Read everything we know about Piston Peak National Park here.
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent
Disney has revealed that the new Indiana Jones attraction coming to Tropical Americas will be called Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent. The original adventure will send guests alongside Indy into an ancient Maya temple, where they’ll be pulled through a portal to the Underworld and encounter bats, giant scorpions, fire, snakes, and the massive serpentine Tsukán.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Harrison Ford will serve as the model for the Indiana Jones Audio-Animatronic, marking the first time his likeness has been used for an Indy figure in a Disney attraction. Imagineers are also working with archaeologists, anthropologists, and Maya experts to bring authentic cultural details to the experience. Learn more on the Tropical Americas expansion here.
Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto
Disney has revealed the official name and plenty of new details for the first-ever Encanto attraction: Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto. The family-friendly ride will invite guests inside the Madrigal family’s Casita to celebrate the day Antonio receives his gift of communicating with animals.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
And good news for families with young kids: the attraction will have no height requirement. Learn more on the Tropical Americas expansion here.
El Carrusel de los Animalitos and New Play Area
Disney has also revealed new details about the family-friendly experiences coming to Tropical Americas. El Carrusel de los Animalitos will feature 22 hand-carved animals inspired by Disney and Pixar characters, including Scuttle, Squirt, Pua, Pascal, Simba, Eeyore, Kuzco, Heimlich, and more.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Nearby, families will find a Maya-inspired play area where kids can unearth artifacts and explore the natural wonders of the rainforest through hands-on activities. Learn more on the Tropical Americas expansion here.
Carousel of Progress Opening Season
Along with a new concept art image from the 1980s, it was also revealed that the updated Carousel of Progress will open in late spring 2027. Plus, it was shared that Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston will be voicing Mother and Father, respectively. Learn more about the Carousel of Progress updates here.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Spaceship Earth Updates
Spaceship Earth will be updated, a new chapter focusing on human connection with new changes made to scenes. Dates and more details were not announced, so stay tuned for further updates!
Expedition Everest Yeti Is Coming Back to Life
Disney announced that it plans to bring the Yeti back to life inside Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The massive figure has operated with limited movement for years, but Disney has not yet revealed exactly what the updated Yeti will be capable of or when the changes will debut. You can read more about the Expedition Everest Yeti here.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Dreamfinder and Figment Are Returning to EPCOT
Chairman Thomas Mazloum announced that Dreamfinder and Figment will reunite for a new journey into imagination at EPCOT. Details are extremely limited for now, but Disney confirmed that Figment isn’t going anywhere — and his original companion Dreamfinder is finally coming back.
Disneyland News Announced at D23
For Disneyland, we’re hoping to hear updates on the Avatar-inspired experience coming to the resort, as well as the Coco attraction planned for California Adventure.
Coco ride showcase. Photo courtesy of Disney
Here’s what we have our eye on:
New Coco Attraction Coming to Disney California Adventure
Construction is officially underway on the first-ever Coco attraction at a Disney park, coming to Disney California Adventure near Pixar Pier and Paradise Gardens Park. The family-friendly boat ride will take place one year after the original film, beginning in a “casa museo” dedicated to Héctor Rivera before sending guests through Miguel’s memories of the Land of the Dead.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
The attraction will feature characters including Miguel, Dante, and Héctor, use the latest Audio-Animatronics technology, include nods to the upcoming Coco 2, and have no height requirement. Read everything we know about the new Coco attraction here.
Disneyland Entertainment Updates
Several fan-favorite entertainment offerings are returning to Disneyland Resort in 2027. Beginning in February 2027, “Remember… Dreams Come True” will once again light up Disneyland Park with music, projections, and fireworks on select nights. The refreshed show will feature projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle, Main Street, U.S.A., “it’s a small world,” and Rivers of America.
Also returning in February 2027 is an updated version of the original “World of Color” at Disney California Adventure, featuring scenes from Disney and Pixar favorites including The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Toy Story.
Then, in summer 2027, Magic Happens” will return to Disneyland Park. The daytime parade features Mickey Mouse and friends alongside characters and stories from Cinderella, The Sword in the Stone, Coco, and more.
Avengers Campus Expansion Opening in 2028
Disney has confirmed that Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab will both open at Disney California Adventure in 2028, as part of an expansion that will double the size of Avengers Campus. Avengers Infinity Defense will send guests across locations including Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City to battle King Thanos, while Stark Flight Lab will let recruits train like a flying Avenger aboard two-person gyro-kinetic pods.
Disney also confirmed that Marvel stars including Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Mackie, Chris Hemsworth, Brie Larson, Jeremy Renner, and Iman Vellani will reprise their roles across the new experiences. Read more about the Avengers Campus expansion and new attractions here.
Tomorrowland to Be Reimagined at Disneyland
During the closing moments of the Horizons: A Carousel of Progress presentation at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum announced that a major reimagining of Tomorrowland is officially in the works.
While Disney isn’t ready to reveal many specifics just yet, Walt Disney Imagineering has already begun developing plans for the transformation.
International Disney Parks News Announced at D23
Internationally, we know there are major updates coming to Disneyland Paris, such as a new log flume inspired by The Lion King. But we’ll be updating this space with anything else that’s announced!
New Space Mountain design model from Tokyo Disney. Photo courtesy of Disney
Space Mountain Updates
Two Space Mountain updates are coming! Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain will close at the end of 2027, making way for Space Mountain – De la Terre a la Lune at Disneyland Paris. Plus, Space Mountain Earthrise will be coming to Tokyo Disneyland in 2027.
New Marvel Attractions Coming to Hong Kong and Shanghai Disney Resorts
Disney also shared updates on major Marvel expansions underway internationally. At Hong Kong Disneyland, a new Avengers pavilion featuring Avengers Research Testing Labs will transform the Tomorrowland skyline with a tower standing more than 120 feet tall. The experience will take guests alongside Spider-Man and other Marvel heroes through locations including Wakanda and Asgard. A new Quinjet landing platform nearby will also provide opportunities to encounter Super Heroes, with construction already underway on the project.
Coaster at Shanghai Disney Resort. Photo Courtesy of Disney
Meanwhile, Shanghai Disney Resort is building the world’s first land dedicated entirely to Spider-Man, centered around a new division of the Worldwide Engineering Brigade (W.E.B.). The land will include a new Spider-Man thrill attraction and coaster, with a story involving Peter Parker, his friends, and Spider-Bots created to help with their experiments. Imagineers are also working with local artists on more than 20 murals for the land, and Disney confirmed that the final piece of track for the new attraction has now been installed.
The Lion King Attraction Coming to Disney Adventure World
Construction is now underway on the first-ever immersive land themed to Disney Animation’s The Lion King at Disney Adventure World in Disneyland Paris. At its center will be a major new water attraction taking guests beneath a 120-foot-tall Pride Rock for a retelling of Simba’s journey from cub to king, complete with iconic songs, Audio-Animatronics, special effects, and memorable scenes including Simba’s final confrontation with Scar.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
The attraction will use a new flume system featuring three slopes and a thrilling 52-foot drop, making it one of the resort’s largest attractions. The surrounding Lion King area will also feature dining, shopping, and opportunities to meet characters from the film.
Disney Cruise Line News Announced at D23
We expect plenty of Disney Cruise Line news, with four new ships set to sail between 2027 and 2031. You can read more about the planned progress for Disney Cruise Line here.
First Look at the Disney Believe
Disney shared the first major details about the Disney Believe, Disney Cruise Line’s ninth ship, which will set sail in late 2027. The ship’s Grand Hall will be inspired by Moana, featuring a bronze statue of Moana alongside Pua and Heihei, while Woody and Buzz Lightyear will appear on the stern and Tinker Bell will be featured in the bow artwork.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Disney has also confirmed that experiences aboard the ship will draw inspiration from stories including Encanto, Frozen, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Moana, and The Little Mermaid. Read everything we know about the Disney Believe here.
New Disney Movies Announced at D23
The Disney Entertainment Showcase is being hosted by two of the stars of Zootopia 2, Ginnifer Goodwin and Key Huy Quan. They’re joined by Walt Disney Company CEO Josh D’Amaro for a night of major announcements. Here’s everything we’ve learned so far.
An Update on Incredibles 3
Pixar’s CCO Pete Docter spoke to the upcoming Incredibles 3, sharing that it will see children Violet and Dash take the spotlight to try and prove to their parents they can be real superheroes. Frozone and Edna will also be back for the third film in the trilogy, which will be out in the summer of 2028.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
New Concept Art and Update on Coco 2
We also got our first look at Coco 2, which will be coming to theaters in November 2029. The film will pick up a few years after the original, with Disney providing a first look at an older Miguel and Dante. It was also confirmed that Benjamin Bratt will return to voice Ernesto de la Cruz. Additionally, it was revealed that the world of Coco will be part of the upcoming Kingdom Hearts 4 (coming in 2027).
Photo Courtesy of Disney
New Pixar Movie Ghost Market Announced
A new original film from Pixar has been revealed! Ghost Market (which will be released in spring 2028) follows a young content creator named Kyle, and has been described as Pixar’s very first ghost movie!
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Bluey Movie Teaser
Along with a short teaser for the film, we also learned that the first-ever Bluey movie will be coming to theaters in August 2027.
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Ice Age: Boiling Point Announcement
The latest in the Ice Age series, Ice Age: Boiling Point, will be in theaters on February 5, 2027. The voice cast will include Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Simon Pegg, and Queen Latifah.
Release Date for Tangled Live Action Film
A release date was announced for the Tangled live-action film, currently in production. The movie will release on March 31, 2028, starring Teagan Croft as Rapunzel, Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider, and Kathryn Hahn as Mother Gothel.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Cast of X-Men Movie Revealed
In one of the most highly anticipated announcements of the night, Marvel has confirmed the new cast of X-Men for the upcoming film. The film will be released in May 2028, with the following cast: Sadie Sink as Jean Grey (leader and founder of the X-Men), Kit Connor as Cyclops, Christopher Abbott as Xavier, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, Inde Naverette as Rogue, May Boyd as Storm, and Adam Driver as Mr. Sinister. The movie will be directed by Jake Schreier, who previously worked with the MCU on Thunderbolts. This will be the first X-Men film under the Marvel Studios banner.
The cast of X-Men #D23 pic.twitter.com/ZKYIubDRUx
— LaughingPlace.com (@laughingplace) August 15, 2026
Zootopia 3 Confirmed
Disney has confirmed that Zootopia 3 is in the works! While no other details were given, we can expect a third film in the beloved franchise after Zootopia 2 hit theaters last year.
New Film Clay Announced
Additionally, a new film has been announced from Disney Animation for 2028: Clay, starring Kieran Culkin. While no details were given, we do know Kieran Culkin will voice one of the characters.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Concept Art for Frozen 3
Along with the reveal of the logo, we also got new concept art for Frozen 3, the highly anticipated follow up to the Frozen franchise. The new movie will be coming to the theaters in fall 2027.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
New Disney+ Series Announced at D23
Finally, Disney+ will take the stage, when we get any news about what is in store for the streaming platform. Watch this space for any major updates!
Kingdom Hearts Animated Series Coming to Disney+
It was confirmed that a Kingdom Hearts anime series will be coming to Disney+! The original series will be “inspired by the globally beloved video game franchise,” and is being developed in partnership with Tetsuya Nomura and the creative team at SQUARE ENIX. Disney shared that the series will reimagine the adventure with a new story expanding on the universe of Kingdom Hearts, while celebrating the characters beloved by fans.
Kingdom Hearts animated series coming to Disney+ #D23 pic.twitter.com/seaUThbqia
— LaughingPlace.com (@laughingplace) August 15, 2026
New Oswald Mini Series
Jon Favreau was on hand to share a first look at a brand new 3- part mini series starring Oswald, coming to Disney+ in February 2027. The series was created using only hand drawn animation.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
First Trailer for Vision Quest
The first trailer for Vision Quest was unveiled as part of the showcase. The series will debut on October 14, 2026, following the story of Vision and Ultron from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Kevin Feige described the series as the third in the trilogy of WandaVision, Agatha All Along, and now Vision Quest.
Ahsoka Season 2
Rosario Dawson will return as Ahsoka Tano, with the second season of Ahsoka set to premiere on Disney+ in February 2027.
Second Season of The Imagineering Story Announced
During the Horizons panel, it was announced that director Leslie Iwerks is currently working on a second season of The Imagineering Story, set to debut in early 2028. The new season will focus on projects currently in progress at the parks.
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