EVERYTHING Announced on Day One of Destination D23!
The first day of Destination D23 is finally coming to a close, with D23 Kuzcotopia Night at Typhoon Lagoon wrapping up the day.
Destination D23
If you haven’t been keeping up with all of today’s announcements–or if you tried to and got lost in the chaos–don’t worry. We’ve compiled a list of everything announced today at Destination D23!
Day One Destination D23 Announcements
For a brief look at today’s announcements, check out this video we posted on Instagram:
View this post on Instagram
If you’re like us, however, then you’re probably wanting all the details. Scroll down to learn more about each announcement!
Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic and Carousel of Progress Update
Disney World’s Carousel of Progress will receive an update, which includes a brand-new introductory scene featuring Walt Disney!
Yes–Disney World will get its own Walt Disney audio-animatronic! But don’t worry–the family we all know and love will remain in the attraction.
Learn More About the Carousel of Progress Update Here!
Tron Lightcycle / Run Limited-Time Overlay
Disney World and the Shanghai Disney Resort will get a limited-time Tron: Ares overlay!
The overlay celebrates the film with a new color scheme featuring orange hues and an updated soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails.
Photo: Disney
The overlay will land in the parks on September 16th with no end date identified.
Learn More About This Overlay Here!
Haunted Mansion Holiday Gingerbread Display
We got the first look at this year’s Gingerbread House display in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion Holiday! The theme is “Murder Most Fowl.”
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The house pays homage to ravens and crows, using 200 pounds of gingerbread dough.
Learn More About the Haunted Mansion Holiday Gingerbread House Here!
New Souvenirs
New souvenirs are coming soon to Disney Parks and the Disney Cruise Line!
There’s a pickup truck popcorn bucket, a Trader Sam’s Holiday Zombie Mug, a Poseidon Mug, a Siren Mug, and a Monsters, Inc. Scream Canister Bucket.
Photo: Disney
Click Here to See Where These Souvenirs Will Debut!
New Drinks and Lounges Aboard the Disney Destiny
New themed drinks will debut with the Disney Destiny at The Sanctum, Haunted Mansion Parlor, and Cask & Cannon this November!
We got a peek at some of the drinks landing in the locations, like The Chilling Challenge: My Way at Haunted Mansion Parlor, the Mirror Dimension at The Sanctum, and the Dead Man’s Chest at Cask & Cannon.
Photo: Disney
Click Here to See ALL the Drink Previews!
First Look at Hong Kong Disneyland’s Moana Restaurant
Disney revealed the first look at the new Moana-inspired restaurant coming soon to the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort!
Photo: Disney
After studying the concept art very closely, it looks like the location may be called “Wayfinders’ Table.”
Guests can dig in when the location opens on September 12th!
Click Here to Learn More About This Restaurant!
Hexed
Hexed, a new Disney film, will release in theaters in Fall 2026!
The movie follows a teenager and his “Type – A” mom, whose lives are turned upside down after discovering he might have magical powers.
Learn More About Hexed Here!
New Zootopia 2 Characters
Two new characters debuting in Zootopia 2 were revealed! (Don’t forget–Gary the Snake will be introduced to audiences in this film, too.)
Mayor Winddancer is one of those new characters. He’s the charismatic leader of Zootopia, voiced by Disney icon Patrick Warburton.
Photo: Disney
Baronees Bear is the other new character, voiced by Yvette Nicole Brown! (She’ll voice both EMT Otter and Baroness Bear.)
Photo: Disney
Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and Clawhauser joined the stage for the announcement, marking this as the first time we’ve seen a Clawhauser walk-around character. (Could this mean we’ll see him in the parks sometime soon?)
Click Here to See More About Their Debut!
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw
The animated feature, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw, will debut exclusively on Disney+ this December 5th!
The film is based on the bestselling series and follows Greg Heffley as he struggles to meet his father’s expectations while venturing through hilarious scenarios.
Photo: Disney
Learn More About Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw Here!
Ice Age: Boiling Point
The next installment in the Ice Age franchise will release in theaters on February 7th, 2027! The film will follow Manny, Sid, Diego, Ellie, and Scrat as they journey into new areas of the Lost World.
Photo: Disney
Learn More About Ice Age: Boiling Point Here!
Disneyland Handcrafted
This winter, the new documentary, Disneyland Handcrafted, will debut on Disney+ and Disney’s YouTube channel!
The documentary follows the creation of Disneyland, using “ASMR moments,” rarely-seen footage from the Walt Disney Archives, and more behind-the-scenes peeks.
Learn More About the Documentary Here!
Toy Story Reveals
Buzz Lightyear will fly–not fall with style–in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
Photo: Disney
Our reporters also got a peek at Toy Story 5! The storyline takes on the ultimate fight: toys vs. technology. Electronics will join the franchise, with Smarty-pants played by Conan O’Brien!
Learn More About the Toy Story Reveals Here!
D23: The Ultimate Fan Event 2026
Disney announced that D23 will take place in Anaheim, California, on the weekend of August 14th through August 16th, 2026. As always, the expo will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center.
The weekend will have exciting festivities, huge announcements, entertainment, and more!
Tickets will go on sale this Spring!
Click Here to Learn More About the 2026 D23 Expo!
First D23 FAN-bassador
Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel from The Little Mermaid, was announced as D23’s first official FAN-bassador!
Jodi Benson
As the FAN-bassador, she will make appearances with D23 throughout the year, up until the D23 Expo in August 2026.
Learn More About Her Role As a Fan-bassador Here!
D23: On the Road: Home Alone
In honor of the 35th anniversary of the holiday classic, Home Alone, D23 will bring the film back to theaters this holiday season!
D23 on the Road will bring interactive and immersive screenings of Home Alone to 19 cities across the country.
Photo: Disney
Moviegoers will receive:
- A big-screen presentation of Home Alone (1990) with host-led, dynamic, fan-powered moments.
- An exclusive holiday tote filled with surprises and themed goodies to make your holiday movie experience extra magical.
- An ornament-shaped credential inspired by the film.
- An event-exclusive Home Alone 35th Anniversary-inspired collectible pin.
- Photo opportunities inspired by scenes from the film.
- Exclusive content, group holiday-themed games, and more!
Tickets go on sale on September 4th!
Learn More About D23: On the Road: Home Alone!
Napa Rose Concept Art
Disney revealed concept art for the Napa Rose renovation!
The restaurant will have an “elevated” dining experience, with a blend of Craftsman design (a common theme throughout the Grand Californian) and modern Californian sophistication.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
The outdoor patio will welcome guests for al fresco dining. Here, diners will be surrounded by greenery, soft lighting, and two fireplaces.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Learn More About Napa Rose’s Renovation Here!
Phew–that wraps up our recap of today’s announcements!
Stay tuned to MickeyBlog.com as we’ll bring you all of tomorrow’s exciting reveals, too!
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