Here’s Literally Everything Disney Announced at D23 2026

The Walt Disney Company hosted the 2026 D23 Expo this weekend.

New CEO Josh D’Amaro relished this unique opportunity to preach to the choir.

D’Amaro chose Disney superfan Neil Patrick Harris to host the event, and the changed worked well.

For the most part, Disney had fans eating from the palm of its hands.

Here’s literally everything Disney just announced at D23 2026.

Walt Disney World News

Okay, I’m breaking this down by theme park. So, you can skip around to what interests you.

I’ll say in advance that this year’s event wasn’t like D23 2024 nor D23 2022.

Four years ago, Disney teased us with blue sky ideas but confirmed VERY little.

In 2024, D’Amaro promised everyone that “dirt is moving,” confirming countless projects.

As expected, this year’s event was light on new project announcements.

Disney rolled out a host of luminaries such as Glenn Close and Harrison Ford.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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They entertained guests in between meat-and-potatoes presentations.

If 2024 was about a better tomorrow, this year’s event showed that tomorrow isn’t far away.

Imagineers are currently working diligently on Disney’s biggest theme park expansion ever.

Much of what we learned fills in the blanks, although Disney definitely tossed in some shockers.

The Animal Kingdom Updates

When DinoLand USA at the start of the year, all eyes turned toward the Tropical Americas.

Imagineers will redefine Disney’s Animal Kingdom with this expansion.

We’d known the three rides coming to this themed land, but Disney just gave us specifics.

Let’s start with the Indiana Jones attraction, which park officials had promised would be unique.

Sure enough, Harrison Ford himself announced Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent.

As a concept, I love everything about this premise, as it returns Indy to his roots.

“Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?” That’s the quote that defines the character.

Now, Indy will face the mythical Jade Serpent, the largest snake imaginable.

Disney has set the story in the 1950s, and for the first time ever, Ford himself is being used as the character model.

Can Indy survive an encounter with Sukon, the guardian of a Mayan temple?

If that sounds too stressful, another ride may be more your speed.

The previously promised carousel ride is called El Carrusel de los Animalitos.

Guests will ride on one of 22 unique animals based on classic Disney characters.

More Animal Kingdom Announcements

Speaking of animals, the most exciting project at the Tropical Americas is Encanto.

Disney detailed the signature attraction here, Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto.

Fans of the film know that Mirabel’s cousin can talk to animals.

This ride is set on his Gift Day, the time when he first uses his power.

Obviously, for a child his age, it’s a bit overwhelming to communicate with animals.

So, an adventure ensues as the other characters try to assist Antonio.

All the voice actors from Encanto will return for this ride, which looks adorable.

Even better, Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto won’t have a height requirement!

No matter your child’s age, they can safely ride the Encanto attraction!

Kids will adore this experience, which features more than 50 (fake) animal encounters!

Some would argue that Encanto wasn’t the biggest Animal Kingdom reveal, though.

Disney has finally decided to bring the Yeti back to life inside Expedition Everest!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Yes, the days of the Disco Yeti, the Audio-Animatronic’s B-mode, are apparently coming to an end.

When Expedition Everest opened, an unfortunate calculation forced Disney to improvise.

The Yeti proved too large to move as originally intended. He literally shook the foundation.

Since Disney didn’t want an artificial mountain collapsing, the Disco Yeti was born.

Now, we’re getting an update that will fundamentally change the climactic moments of this thrill ride.

The Hollywood Studios Updates

Notably, Disney didn’t announce an opening date for the Tropical Americas.

However, the company DID confirm that parts of Monstropolis will debut in 2027.

During the presentation, we learned a great deal about this upcoming themed land.

For starters, Randy Newman has written his first song ever for the theme parks!

That’s the title track from the Glob Theater’s show, Welcome to Monstropolis.

The way the show is described sounds like a joy:

“Sulley has been working on a small, homespun show, but Mike – ever the showman – has a few surprises up his sleeve that he thinks will bring down the house. Hopefully not literally.”

Of course, the thrill ride here will be the so-called “doors roller coaster.”

Unfortunately, this part of Monstropolis may not be ready to open with the rest of the area. Still, Disney told excited fans that the coaster lifts guests 40 feet into the air before LAUNCHING them!

As expected, park officials also told us about the new restaurants here. Sure enough, Harryhausen’s Restaurant, complete with octopus sushi chef, will anchor the area.

An Imagineer promised that it “will be a great place to bring your Schmoopsie-poo for a romantic meal.”

Should you prefer something non-romantic, Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza will be your best bet. So, Disney has swapped out PizzeRizzo at Muppets Courtyard for Archie’s place at Monstropolis.

In honor of Monsters University, Monstropolis will also feature an alumni club.

Its name is…Monsters University Alumni Club, which is a bit on the nose, but there’s a surprise! “Inside the Alumni Club is the elite Scarer’s Club, honoring the school’s legendary scarers from years past.”

For H.U.M.A.N. Day shoppers, you’ll want to visit the Scareporium. It’s “a shop where all of us human tourists can grab a great souvenir to remember our visit.”

The EPCOT Updates

We only got two EPCOT announcements, but they’re both massive. Disney will modify Spaceship Earth with a new version focused on “human connections.

Imagineers indicate that “the next chapter begins” with “new magic added to every scene.” The underlying idea is that “progress (is) made possible through human connection.”

Disney didn’t provide a timeline for when the changes to Spaceship Earth would begin.

Similarly, we know one other big change will happen at the park, just not when.

Dreamfinder is returning! This is not a drill! It’s finally happening after all this time. I’d previously said that Journey Into Imagination with Figment and Dreamfinder would be an easy win.

Although Disney didn’t say that’s the ride’s name, it’s the specific idea. The Dreamfinder will finally rejoin Figment on an entirely new Journey into Imagination.

For diehard EPCOT fans, this is one of the best project announcements imaginable. Pun intended.

The Magic Kingdom Updates

Here’s the theme park where we learned the most about what’s coming next. Excited Disney executives told us about the next version of Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.

During the presentation, we got a first look at a scene set on Halloween Night in the 1980s. We also found out that Jamie Lee Curtis will voice the mother, while Bryan Cranston will voice the father.

The new version of this iconic attraction will debut in “late spring 2027.”This is one of the few dates Disney confirmed for its expansion-era attractions.

The Imagineers primarily focused on specific details about upcoming projects. For instance, we learned a lot about Piston Peak, the Cars themed area.

The family-friendly ride here will be Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along. The popular yellow school bus from Cars 3 will host the “wildest demolition derby yet.”

Judging from the pictures, I suspect this is a calmer ride than the description implies, though.

For those who prefer thrill rides, you’ll adore Cars Ridge Run Rally. Disney describes it as “the widest racer in the wilderness.” It’s the most dad joke-y one, too.

For example, you’ll drive pass Old Tankful, a Cars-themed play on Old Faithful.

This off-road ride will cover plenty of terrain, including snow-capped mountains and the geyser field.

Best of all, Lightning McQueen and Mater will provide play-by-play of the race’s climax.

Based on what Disney has shown, Piston Peak looks like a massive addition. Families are going to love all the activities available here.

The Biggest Magic Kingdom Update

Still, we all know this isn’t the biggest project at Magic Kingdom. That honor belongs to Villains Land, which Disney just revealed is the actual name.

I’m all for this sort of simplification, as it’s what we’ll all call the place anyway. Apparently, Imagineers have crafted an entirely new story just for this themed land.

A Villain visits a wishing well and makes a request so malevolent that it poisons the land.

Naturally, all the other villains are drawn to this place, which overflows with dark magic.

Their destination is the Dark Forest, home to the “broken, twisted wishing well.”

This isn’t the only place to visit at Villains Land, though, as Disney revealed the two new rides.

The next dominant attraction at Magic Kingdom will be the Maleficent roller coaster.

This ride’s description indicates a “race through enchanted briar surrounding her frightening mountaintop fortress.”

The Disney Parks Blog suggests that this thrill ride will feature “elements they’ve never attempted before on similar attractions.” So, it’s supposedly groundbreaking, which has become a running theme for Disney coasters.

Remember that nobody had ever attempted a storytelling coaster before Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. For those who don’t love roller coasters, you can try the “Mirror Realm Dark Ride.”

Disney didn’t provide names for either attraction yet, which is understandable. The announcement suggested that the dark ride will highlight countless Disney Villains.

Apparently, the Magic Mirror will conjure them to life, a fascinating idea.We already have Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After at Hollywood Studios.

That show has hinted that the Magic Mirror possesses near-limitless power.The story for this ride apparently confirms it and makes me wonder whether they’re connected in some way.

Whatever the case, this ride will carry guests to the catacombs beneath the Evil Queen’s palace.

Disneyland News

The Happiest Place on Earth couldn’t match Walt Disney World in terms of volume.

Instead, fans received a handful of high-quality updates, one of which is a game-changer.

The Disneyland Park Updates

The Disneyland 70 celebration ends in just a few days. Fans understandably wondered what would come next at the parks.

After all, most of the nighttime presentations currently feature a Disneyland 70 theme. Well, I’ve got excellent news on this front, as a new wave of exhibitions are right around the corner.

In February 2027, a “refreshed version” of Remember… Dreams Come True will debut.

This updated show will include several new projections at Rivers of America.

Others will appear throughout Main Street, U.S.A. and the It’s a Small World facade. We’re also getting back the Magic Happens Parade, and that’s not all!

The original World of Color will return to Disney California Adventure. While this show will take the basic name, it will be an updated presentation.

This World of Color will utilize a modern rendition of the television theme to Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color.

Technically, this one’s a DCA update, but I’m mentioning it with the other upcoming nighttime presentations.

Beyond the shows, Disneyland Park will receive one huge update. Imagineers will reimagine Tomorrowland for the next generation!!!

The updated theme park will introduce entirely new attractions and experiences. Disney was sparse on details on this one, but it’ll be the biggest story at the park from now on.

The Disney California Adventure Updates

Robert Downey Jr. appeared onscreen to discuss Avengers Campus.

As you know, Disney will double the size of this themed land. Two more rides will also debut, and Disney added context about each one.

Avengers Infinite Defense will include appearances by MCU actors.

Imagineers name-dropped Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, and Jeremy Renner.

Also, Ms. Marvel herself, Brie Larson, will brief the new recruits of Infinity Defense.

That’s you! On this ride, you’ll cycle through several alternate universes to stop King Thanos.

Larson and Mackie will also join Downey Jr. on Stark Flight Lab.

They’ll play the flight instructors on this ride, which is coming relatively soon.Disney confirmed that both new rides at Avengers Campus will debut in 2028.

Then, Imagineers discussed the upcoming Coco ride in detail. As with Encanto, this ride won’t have any height requirements. Everyone’s welcome!

As for the setting, this story takes place a year after the movie, Coco.

Miguel will reminisce about the events of that film, carrying guests along for the ride.

This attraction will take place in Coco’s mind as he returns to the Land of the Dead.

Guests will enter through the museum dedicated to Hector Rivera, Miguel’s great-great grandfather.

Disney’s doing a great thing during D23 by encouraging guests to write down their favorite Disneyland memories. Imagineers will plant them as roots of a tree on the Coco attraction.

Disney previously described this attraction as Pirates of the Caribbean meets Haunted Mansion.Every new update makes it sound that much better. People are going to love the Coco ride.

The Disney International Park Updates

Early in the show, Disney dropped a bombshell about Disneyland Paris.

This park’s version of Space Mountain will get a new name while returning to its original look.

We’re talking full Jules Verne steampunk style for the roller coaster.From now on, we’ll call this ride Space Mountain de la Terre a la Lune.

It’ll even feature the original ride soundtrack, making it the perfect kind of retro. Hyperspace Mountain will close in 2027, in case that affects your vacation plans.

Disney also showed off the upcoming Lion King ride, which sounds delightful.

Imagineers will tell a variation of The Lion King’s story, showing Simba’s journey from cub to king.

Best of all, the ride includes Simba’s final encounter with Scar.Circling back to Space Mountain, Tokyo Disneyland’s version got a new name, too.

Space Mountain Earthrise will anchor this park’s reimagined Tomorrowland. Based on the D23 news, I’m guessing Disneyland fans will pay close attention to this ride.

We could be witnessing some foreshadowing here, although Disney’s didn’t say anything.

The other new ride here will be Sugar Rush Sweet Rescue, based on the Wreck-It Ralph franchise.

Riders will help Ralph and his buddy, Vanellope, restore sugar buds to their original form. Oh, and King Candy will be there, too! This ride opens in spring 2027.

At Hong Kong Disneyland, Imagineers went behind the scenes at the Stark Expo. We learned a bit more about the Quinjet Landing Pad and the pavilion’s new tech.

Disney teased fans with some glimpses of the upcoming Spider-Man Land and roller coaster.

This place will tie into the Worldwide Engineering Brigade storyline already at the park. It’s the basis for part of the story of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Nano Battle!

Disney did NOT announce a second theme park here, though some rumors suggested it.This park’s announcements leaned heavily on Marvel updates instead.

The Disney Cruise Lines Updates

On the Disney Cruise Line front, we learned a bit more about upcoming itineraries.

Disney will double the number of cruises sailing from San Diego.

Next summer, the Wish will host some European itineraries for the first time. Meanwhile, the Magic and the Wonder will return to Alaska.

Those itineraries are always among the most popular (and revered) among DCL fans. After discussing a few upcoming voyages, the conversation turned to the Disney Believe.

The bow character on this ship will be none other than Tinker Bell.

Meanwhile, Woody and Buzz will draw “Believe” in crayon on the stern.

This visual is utterly charming and sets a whimsical tone for the Believe. In the ship’s Grand Hall, Moana will serve as the icon, which is quite fitting.

This character’s belief in herself and her purpose allows her to save her people. Plus, an entire generation of kids adore Moana, which makes this theme brilliant.

Once fans learn they can sail on the Moana ship, those itineraries will book quickly.

DCL also confirmed a new class of ships debuting in 2029.

However, Disney didn’t actually list the name of the new class, simply describing it instead.Apparently, these ships will be smaller than the Wish-class but larger than the rest of the fleet.

DCL appears to be seeking a balance between incredible amenities and excessive walking. For this reason, I’d expect this new class of ships to prove extraordinarily popular.

Miscellaneous Disney Announcements

Finally, since I promised to cover literally everything, I’ve got two Disney+ updates.

Disney revealed a second season of The Imagineering Story coming in 2028.

That’s not even the best part. The upcoming season will be quite different.

Imagineers have invited Leslie Iwerks to chronicle Disney’s expansion era. So, these episodes will show what is happening behind the scenes right now at Walt Disney Imagineering.

Oh, and we’re getting a new animated series called Cars: Lightning Racers.

MickeyBlog already told you about this one, but Disney included it during the presentation.

And that brings me to the end of this year’s D23 theme parks panel.

Obviously, Disney parks around the world are about to overflow with new experiences.

You will definitely want to plan a Disney vacation soon, with new stuff coming in less than six months.

I’d warmly encourage you to contact MickeyTravels to learn your best vacation options. Remember that MickeyTravels never charges for its services.

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