Well, it happened. D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event wrapped its Disney Experiences Showcase in Anaheim, and if you’ve been holding off on Disney trip planning waiting for real answers instead of vague “someday” promises, we finally have some.
Neil Patrick Harris hosted the showcase, appropriately titled Horizons: A Carousel of Progress, alongside Walt Disney Imagineers and executives. And while D23 2024 was full of huge “here’s what’s coming someday” announcements, D23 2026 felt much more like Disney saying, “Okay, here’s what all of that is actually going to look like.”
Honestly, as someone who plans trips around these timelines, I prefer that.
We got attraction names. We got storylines. We got ride details. We got reopening windows. We got a Yeti coming back to life. Dreamfinder is returning. Indiana Jones is fighting a giant serpent. And somehow Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston are now part of Carousel of Progress.
There’s a LOT to cover.
So grab a coffee, because I’m breaking down the D23 announcements that actually matter for your family’s next Disney trip.
Why D23 Actually Matters for Trip Planning
If you’ve never paid much attention to D23 before, it’s worth understanding why this event matters beyond being fun content for Disney fans.
D23 has become one of Disney’s biggest opportunities to officially confirm and expand on projects that have previously existed as concept art, construction walls, permits, rumors, or very vague “coming soon” announcements.
And that distinction matters when you’re actually planning a vacation.
There’s a big difference between saying:
“Disney is building something Cars-themed somewhere around Frontierland.”
and:
“You’re eventually going to race through the mountains on Cars Ridge Run Rally, while a second attraction gives younger kids something they can ride too.”
The second one actually helps us make decisions.
And this year, we got a lot more of those details.
Magic Kingdom Is About to Look Very Different
Let’s start with Magic Kingdom because this is easily one of the biggest transformations happening at Walt Disney World.
The western side of Magic Kingdom is changing dramatically with two major projects: Piston Peak National Park and Villains Land.
And these aren’t tiny additions tucked behind existing attractions.
This is a fundamental reshaping of this side of the park.
Piston Peak National Park
The Cars-themed expansion first announced at D23 2024 is officially taking over the former Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island area.
That means a piece of Magic Kingdom that has existed for decades is permanently changing.
Piston Peak is inspired by America’s national parks, with Imagineers pulling inspiration from places like the Rocky Mountains, Yosemite and Yellowstone.
Expect mountains, rivers, waterfalls, geysers, a visitor lodge and Ranger HQ.
And thankfully, Imagineers are also thinking about sightlines. The goal is to keep Piston Peak from visually taking over neighboring Liberty Square, so you shouldn’t be standing near Haunted Mansion staring at giant Cars mountains in the background.
Cars Ridge Run Rally
The headliner attraction is Cars Ridge Run Rally, an off-road rally race through the “wheelderness.”
You’ll climb mountain trails, race through snowy peaks, bounce across rough terrain, fly past erupting geysers and eventually race toward the finish line while Lightning McQueen and Mater provide commentary from the sidelines.
But here’s one of the coolest details Disney revealed at D23:
This isn’t just Radiator Springs Racers moved to Florida.
Imagineers are developing new ride technology that allows the vehicles themselves to physically react to the terrain underneath them. The tires and suspension will respond as you travel over rocks, bumps and drops.
So when your vehicle is bouncing across an off-road trail, you’re actually going to feel it.
As someone who immediately wondered whether we were just getting another version of the Disneyland Cars ride, this makes me much more interested.
Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along
The second attraction is Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along, featuring everyone’s favorite slightly terrifying demolition derby school bus from Cars 3.
This attraction is expected to offer a gentler experience geared more toward younger racers and families.
And I actually love that Disney is doing this.
One of my biggest considerations when looking at new lands for families is always: Okay, but what can the little kids actually do?
Having the big off-road attraction paired with something designed for younger kids gives families a much better reason to spend time in the entire land.
There is still no opening date for Piston Peak.
Villains Land Is Going to Be HUGE
Right next door is the project Disney fans have been begging for forever: Villains Land.
And Disney isn’t treating this like a small themed corner of Magic Kingdom.
The land is being designed on a scale comparable to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, with two major attractions plus dedicated dining and shopping.
We also finally know why all of these villains are together.
The story revolves around a corrupted Wishing Well.
Someone made a wish so evil that it shattered the well and spread poisoned magic throughout the surrounding forest. Disney villains are drawn to that remaining power and have created their own fortresses and domains throughout the land.
Which, honestly, is a pretty clever way to put villains from completely different Disney stories together without just saying, “Look! Villains!”
The Maleficent Coaster
The first major attraction will send riders racing through Maleficent’s briar-covered mountain fortress.
This is the thrill ride of the land: fast, dark, dramatic and centered around one of Disney’s most iconic villains.
The Magic Mirror
The second attraction takes guests into the Mirror Realm, centered around the Evil Queen’s Magic Mirror from Snow White.
But the Evil Queen isn’t the only villain you’ll encounter.
Disney has teased a rotating cast of classic villains, including Cruella de Vil, with more still to be revealed.
If your family is firmly in its Disney Villain era, this land is basically being built for you.
Like Piston Peak, Disney has not announced an opening date for Villains Land.
What This Means for Your Trip
If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom anytime soon, you’re going to see construction.
A lot of it.
That doesn’t mean I’d postpone a Disney vacation. There is almost always something being built, refurbished or reimagined somewhere at Walt Disney World.
But I do think families should know ahead of time that this section of Magic Kingdom won’t look the way it did on your childhood vacations.
Set expectations before you arrive and those construction walls become much less disappointing.
EPCOT Is Getting Some Major Updates Too
Magic Kingdom may have gotten the flashiest announcements, but EPCOT quietly had some of my favorite news from the entire showcase.
Spaceship Earth Is Getting Its First Major Update in Nearly 20 Years
Yes, our giant golf ball is getting some love.
Spaceship Earth will receive its first major update in nearly two decades.
The attraction currently tells the story of human communication. The new version will expand that idea into the broader story of human connection, while keeping the optimism and wonder that make Spaceship Earth feel like Spaceship Earth.
The story will also move further into our modern world and how humans continue connecting with one another.
Disney hasn’t announced refurbishment dates yet, so don’t start moving your vacation around this one.
But if Spaceship Earth is a must-do for your family, this is absolutely something I’ll be watching because eventually we’re going to have a closure window to plan around.
Figment AND Dreamfinder Are Getting a New Journey
Figment fans, rejoice.
Disney confirmed that Figment and Dreamfinder are preparing for a new journey into imagination at EPCOT.
And yes.
Dreamfinder is coming back.
If you’ve got a parent or grandparent traveling with you who remembers the original Journey Into Imagination, this is a BIG nostalgia announcement.
I also really love that Disney seems to be leaning into what people already love about EPCOT instead of simply replacing everything with something new.
There isn’t an opening date yet, but this is definitely one I’ll be following closely.
Expedition Everest’s Yeti Is Coming Back to Life
I genuinely didn’t have this one on my D23 bingo card.
Disney confirmed that the legendary Yeti Audio-Animatronic inside Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom is being restored to working order.
If you’re not deep in Disney park lore, the Yeti has been stationary for years because of issues with its original mechanism. Disney added a strobe effect to create the illusion of movement, earning it the fan nickname “Disco Yeti.”
But now?
Disney says the Yeti is coming back to life.
For longtime Animal Kingdom fans, this is HUGE.
And I love seeing Disney invest money into fixing something guests already love instead of only focusing on shiny new attractions.
Tropical Americas Is Getting Much More Interesting
Animal Kingdom also gave us a much better look at what’s replacing DinoLand U.S.A.
And I’m much more excited about this area after D23.
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent
The new Indiana Jones attraction officially has a name:
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent.
And this isn’t going to be a copy of the Indiana Jones attraction at Disneyland.
This is an entirely new story.
Guests will join Indiana Jones on an expedition into an ancient Maya temple, encountering supernatural dangers, legendary creatures and eventually a massive serpent inspired by Maya mythology.
Disney is also using Harrison Ford’s likeness for the Indiana Jones Audio-Animatronic.
So yes, we’re getting actual Indy.
Between bats, scorpions, fire, an ancient temple and a gigantic supernatural serpent, this sounds considerably more intense than the vague “Indiana Jones ride” description we started with.
And I am here for it.
Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto
For families with younger kids, this may be the bigger Animal Kingdom announcement.
The new Encanto attraction is officially Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto.
Guests will enter Casita on Antonio’s special gift day and explore rooms created specifically for the attraction, with Antonio’s animals, music and plenty of Madrigal magic along the way.
This is being designed as a family-friendly attraction, which gives Tropical Americas a nice balance between Indy adventure and something younger children can enjoy.
The area will also include El Carrusel de los Animalitos, featuring hand-carved animals, along with a Maya-inspired children’s play area.
And THAT is exactly the kind of thing I look for when planning Animal Kingdom with toddlers and preschoolers.
Sometimes the playground ends up being just as important as the $200 million attraction. 😂
Carousel of Progress Is Getting a Major Update
We already knew Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress was undergoing a major overhaul, but D23 gave us our first real look at what’s changing.
And here’s the unexpected part:
Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston are voicing Mom and Dad.
Disney also showed off the newly updated 1980s scene.
The updated Carousel of Progress is expected to debut in late spring 2027.
So if Carousel of Progress is one of your family’s must-do attractions, keep that timeline in mind when planning an upcoming trip.
And yes, I fully understand that calling Carousel of Progress a “must-do” immediately identifies a very specific type of Disney family.
We’re my people.
Monstropolis Is Coming in 2027
Over at Hollywood Studios, Monstropolis is still moving forward for 2027.
Guests will eventually be able to explore locations inspired by Monsters, Inc., spend time with Mike and Sulley, grab a slice at Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza and see a new theater show.
And legendary composer Randy Newman has written an original song for the land.
The fact that we’re getting an actual Monsters, Inc. world instead of just one attraction is what makes me excited about this project.
Tomorrowland at Disneyland Is Getting Reimagined
Heading over to California, Disneyland’s Tomorrowland is getting a full reimagining.
Instead of trying to predict exactly what “the future” will look like, Disney wants to return the land to Walt’s original ideas of optimism, wonder and the possibilities of tomorrow.
The reimagining will include new attractions, more open space and new gathering areas.
No opening timeline has been announced yet, so this is very much a “watch this space” project rather than something I’d plan a Disneyland trip around right now.
Avengers Campus Is Doubling in Size
We did get a more concrete Disneyland timeline elsewhere.
Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab are both scheduled to open in 2028, essentially doubling the size of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure.
Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Mackie and Brie Larson are among the actors returning to their Marvel roles for the attractions.
So Marvel families planning a big Disneyland trip a few years out may actually have a reason to circle 2028.
Disney Cruise Line Had Some BIG News
Cruise families, I did not forget about you.
Disney Cruise Line had two separate ship announcements at D23, and they’re easy to mix up.
Meet the Disney Believe
First up is the Disney Believe, which will begin sailing in 2027.
Moana will be front and center in the ship’s Grand Hall, alongside Pua and Heihei, while Tinker Bell will adorn the bow and Buzz and Woody will appear on the stern.
I already know the Moana Grand Hall is going to be gorgeous.
A Completely New Class of Disney Ships Is Coming
This is separate from the Disney Believe.
Disney also announced an entirely new class of Disney Cruise Line ships arriving in 2029.
These ships will sit between Disney’s classic ships and its newest, larger ships in size.
And that smaller footprint is intentional.
It will allow Disney Cruise Line to reach additional destinations and ports around the world that aren’t necessarily accessible to its largest ships.
For me, THAT is the interesting part of this announcement.
A bigger Disney Cruise Line fleet doesn’t just mean more cruises. Smaller, more flexible ships potentially mean completely different itineraries.
And for families who love Disney but also want to actually see the world, I’m very interested to see where Disney sends them.
The Imagineering Story Is Coming Back
If you loved The Imagineering Story on Disney+, good news.
A second season is officially in production and will debut in 2027.
The new season will follow Imagineers during this massive period of development as many of the projects we’ve been talking about move from concept art into actual attractions.
Basically, Disney is giving us behind-the-scenes footage of them building the things we’re currently obsessing over.
I’ll be watching.
What This Means If You’re Planning a Group Trip
A lot of the families I work with aren’t just booking a standard park vacation.
They’re extending a trip around a cheer or dance competition, adding Disney days onto another Central Florida trip, traveling for a conference or coordinating a larger family or sports group.
And all of this matters for those trips too.
Over the next several years, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom in particular are going through major changes.
Once these projects are complete, groups with mixed ages should actually have a really nice range of experiences.
Piston Peak will have a larger attraction plus something geared toward younger kids. Tropical Americas will combine Indiana Jones with Encanto, a carousel and a children’s play area. Villains Land will offer major thrill experiences.
That’s useful when you’re trying to entertain a toddler, a teenager, Grandma and Grandpa all on the same vacation.
And Disney Cruise Line’s new smaller ship class is something I’m watching closely for groups too.
More potential ports could eventually make Disney cruises an option for families and groups who don’t want every cruise vacation to start with a flight to Florida.
The Questions I Expect to Get From Families
“Should we wait until Villains Land or Piston Peak opens?”
No.
Neither project has a firm opening date.
“Waiting” could mean delaying your vacation for years based on a timeline Disney hasn’t actually announced.
Book based on your family’s schedule and budget.
When we have real opening dates, THEN we can start having the “should we wait six months?” conversation.
“Will construction ruin our trip?”
No, but you will see it.
Especially around Magic Kingdom.
Disney is generally very good about hiding active work behind themed construction walls, but I always prefer families know what to expect before they arrive.
“When does Carousel of Progress reopen?”
Disney says the updated attraction will debut in late spring 2027.
“Should we wait for the new Figment attraction?”
Not yet.
We don’t have an opening date or refurbishment timeline.
“What about Spaceship Earth?”
Same answer.
Updates are officially coming, but Disney hasn’t announced when the attraction will close for the work.
“Should we consider a Disney cruise instead?”
Always. 😂
But seriously, Disney Cruise Line is in a massive growth period.
Between Disney Believe arriving in 2027 and an entirely new class of ships beginning in 2029, there are going to be significantly more Disney cruise options over the next several years.
If you’ve never considered one before, this is a good time to start looking.
So…Should You Wait to Book Disney?
Here’s the biggest thing I want families to take away from D23:
There is always something new coming to Disney.
Always.
If you’re planning a trip in the next 6–12 months, I would not change your vacation because Villains Land, Piston Peak, the new Figment experience or the Tomorrowland reimagining are coming.
None of them have firm opening dates.
Go enjoy Disney as it exists now.
If you’re looking at 2027 and beyond, however, these announcements become much more useful.
We know Carousel of Progress is targeting late spring 2027. Monstropolis is coming in 2027. Disney Believe begins sailing in 2027. Avengers Campus has major additions arriving in 2028. And then Disney Cruise Line’s new ship class starts arriving in 2029.
Those are actual planning markers.
But I would never recommend delaying a family vacation indefinitely because you’re waiting for Disney to finish building everything.
Because here’s the secret:
Disney will never be finished building everything.
There will always be another attraction coming.
Another land.
Another ship.
Another refurbishment.
Another announcement that makes you think, Okay, maybe we’ll just wait one more year.
Meanwhile, your kids keep getting older.
Book the trip that makes sense for your family now, and let the new attractions give you an excuse to come back.
And if you’re trying to figure out whether your family should go now, wait until 2027, plan around one of these new attractions or skip the parks entirely and try a Disney cruise, that’s exactly the kind of planning I help with.
You don’t need to spend hours digging through D23 announcements, construction updates and Disney fan forums trying to figure out what’s actually confirmed.
I’ll do that part.
You just have to decide where you want to go next.
Leave a Reply