🏰 D23 2026: The Disney Parks Updates You Need to Know

D23 2026 Disney Parks news: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event took place August 14–16 in Anaheim, and Saturday night’s Disney Experiences Showcase brought a TON of news for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland! 🏰✨

There were brand-new announcements, updates to projects we already knew about, and a few surprises that definitely got Disney fans talking.

And because Disney loves to give us just enough information to get us excited and then make us wait for the rest 😂, I’ve broken it all down for you.

One important thing to know: Not everything below is a brand-new announcement from D23. Some projects were already announced, but Disney revealed new attraction names, story details, opening timelines or other important updates during the event. I’ll point out what’s actually new as we go.

So, let's get into it! 👇

🌟 Walt Disney World

All four Walt Disney World parks received news at D23, ranging from completely new announcements to major updates on projects already in the works.

🏰 Magic Kingdom

🖤 Villains Land

Already announced: Villains Land has been in development since 2024.

NEW at D23: Disney officially confirmed the name Villains Land and gave us our first look at the two headline attractions — a roller coaster starring Maleficent and a dark ride hosted by the Evil Queen’s Magic Mirror.

The Evil Queen, Cruella de Vil and Dr. Facilier will each have their own space within the land.

No opening date has been announced yet.

🚗 Piston Peak National Park

Already announced: The Cars-themed land replacing Rivers of America has been in the works for a while.

NEW at D23: We finally got official names and details for both attractions:

• Cars Ridge Run Rally — a thrill ride sending guests up a mountain and through a geyser field • Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along — a family-friendly demolition derby starring a school-bus-sized Miss Fritter animatronic Still no opening date has been announced.

🎠 Carousel of Progress

Already announced: The attraction was already closed for its overhaul, including a new 1980s scene, with a target reopening in late spring 2027.

NEW at D23: We learned who will be voicing Mother and Father — Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston! 🎬

Honestly… iconic. 😂

🌐 EPCOT

🌍 Spaceship Earth

NEW at D23: Disney announced the first major story change for Spaceship Earth in nearly 20 years.

The attraction will shift its focus from communication to human connection, while still taking guests on that familiar journey through history.

No closure or reopening dates have been announced.

💜 Journey Into Imagination with Figment

NEW at D23: Dreamfinder is officially coming back! 🎉

Disney confirmed that the attraction is being reimagined and that Dreamfinder will return, but that's about all we know right now.

No concept art, timeline or details about the current attraction have been announced.

🦁 Disney’s Animal Kingdom

🌴 Tropical Americas

Already announced: Tropical Americas is the land replacing DinoLand, U.S.A., and it remains on track for 2027.

NEW at D23: We now have official names and story details for all three attractions:

🐍 Indiana Jones and the Magic of the Jade Serpent 🎉 Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto 🐾 El Carrusel de los Animalitos

The Indiana Jones attraction will even feature an Audio-Animatronics figure modeled after Harrison Ford!

👀 Expedition Everest’s Yeti

NEW at D23 — and this one was a surprise!

Disney confirmed that the legendary Yeti animatronic is finally being repaired.

After nearly 20 years of operating in its “B-mode,” we may eventually get to see the Yeti in full motion again.

No timeline has been announced.

🎬 Disney’s Hollywood Studios

👾 Monstropolis

Already announced: The Monsters, Inc. land replacing Muppets Courtyard has been in development for some time.

NEW at D23: Parts of the land will begin opening in 2027, ahead of its headliner attraction.

The suspended door-chase coaster won't be ready when the rest of the land opens, but Harryhausen’s restaurant, the Glob Theater and the Scareporium gift shop are expected to open in 2027.

And yes — there will be a brand-new Randy Newman song called “Welcome to Monstropolis.” 🎶

✨ Disneyland Resort

Disneyland’s D23 news leaned more heavily on updates to projects we already knew about — with one BIG exception: a certain land that Disney fans have been waiting to see reimagined for quite some time…

🏰 Disneyland Park

🌟 Tomorrowland

NEW at D23: Tomorrowland is getting a full reimagining!

Disney confirmed that the area will receive more attractions and more open space.

That's about all we know for now. No timeline has been announced.

But hey… it's happening! 🚀

🎆 Remember… Dreams Come True

NEW at D23: The beloved nighttime spectacular returns with refreshed projections in February 2027.

🎉 Magic Happens

Already announced: The fan-favorite daytime parade is returning.

NEW at D23: It will return as part of a new “Calling All Dreamers” celebration.

No specific return date has been announced yet.

🌴 Disney California Adventure

💀 Coco

Already announced: The new Coco boat ride has been in development for some time.

NEW at D23: Disney shared more story details. The attraction takes place one year after the events of the movie, and guests will travel through the Land of the Dead.

The entrance will feature Miguel’s great-great-grandfather, Hector Rivera, and there is no height requirement.

No opening date has been announced.

🌌 Avatar Experience

Already announced: The Avatar experience is still planned for Hollywood Land.

NEW at D23: Disney confirmed that the project has NOT been canceled, despite rumors leading into the event.

Disney also showed a new model of the boat attraction. However, the project is being pushed further out while Disney prioritizes the Tomorrowland reimagining at Disneyland Park.

The upside? Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! will remain open longer, with no new closure date announced.

🦸 Avengers Campus

Already announced: Avengers Campus is doubling in size.

NEW at D23: We now have a confirmed 2028 timeline for the two new attractions:

• Avengers: Infinity Defense • Stark Flight Lab

Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie and Brie Larson are all reprising their roles.

🌊 World of Color

NEW at D23: Disney is bringing back the original World of Color name and retiring “World of Color – One.”

The updated show will include new segments featuring favorites like The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Finding Nemo and Toy Story.

It returns in February 2027.

🗓️ What Does This Mean for Your Disney Vacation?

Here's the good news: you don't need to rearrange your vacation plans around every single one of these announcements.

A LOT of these projects are still years away, and several don't have opening dates yet.

But if you're considering a 2027 Disney vacation, there are definitely some updates worth watching — and that's where having a travel advisor in your corner can make a BIG difference. 😉

I keep my eyes on Disney's announcements, opening dates, booking windows, resort offers and all those little details that can impact your vacation — so you don't have to. 💙

And when something changes that could actually matter to YOUR trip?

I'll let you know.

That's part of what having a travel advisor is all about. You don't have to spend your vacation planning time scrolling through Disney news and trying to figure out what matters. That's my job. 😉

Thinking about a Disney vacation for 2027 or beyond? Let's talk about it! 🏰✨

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ing you Get Out & Play! 🎢✈️