D23 brought a HUGE amount of Disney news this year, and there is so much to look forward to over the next few years. From brand-new lands and attractions at Walt Disney World to major changes at Disneyland, a new Disney Cruise Line ship, and an exciting lineup of movies and Disney+ projects, Disney gave fans plenty of reasons to start counting down.
Here’s a recap of some of the biggest announcements from D23 2026.
Walt Disney World
Monstropolis Opens at Hollywood Studios in 2027
We finally have an opening year for Monstropolis, the new Monsters, Inc.-themed land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 2027!
Disney also confirmed that Harryhausen’s, the restaurant featured in Monsters, Inc., will be part of the new land.
A new stage show titled “Welcome to Monstropolis” is also planned, giving guests another way to experience the world of Mike, Sulley and their monster friends.
Villains Land Will Feature Three Attractions
We received major new details about the highly anticipated Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom, including plans for three attractions.
Guests can look forward to a thrilling Maleficent-themed coaster, an Evil Queen dark ride, and a third attraction themed to Cruella.
The entire land will immerse guests in a world taken over by Disney Villains, from the attractions and shops to the surrounding landscape and architecture.
Expedition Everest’s Yeti Is Being Restored
Animal Kingdom fans have been waiting a LONG time for this one!
Disney announced plans to restore the massive Yeti Audio-Animatronic inside Expedition Everest. For years, the Yeti has remained stationary as riders pass beneath him, but Disney plans to bring this iconic part of the attraction back to life.
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent
We also learned the official name of the new Indiana Jones attraction coming to Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent.
The new adventure will feature an original story with a snake theme, and Harrison Ford’s likeness will be used for the Indiana Jones Audio-Animatronic.
The attraction is expected to open in 2027.
Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto
The new Encanto attraction coming to Animal Kingdom also has a name: Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto.
Guests will journey through the magical world of Casita aboard ride vehicles similar in style to those used for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. More than 50 animals are expected to appear throughout the attraction as guests experience Antonio’s rainforest-filled world.
One of the best details for families is that the attraction will have no height requirement, allowing everyone from little ones to grandparents to ride together.
Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto is scheduled to open in 2027.
El Carousel de los Animalitos
Tropical Americas will also welcome El Carousel de los Animalitos in 2027.
Instead of traditional carousel horses, guests will be able to ride beautifully designed animals inspired by characters from favorite Disney stories. It should be a wonderful addition for families looking for an attraction everyone can enjoy together.
Figment and Dreamfinder Are Returning!
One of the most nostalgic announcements of D23 came from EPCOT: Figment and Dreamfinder are returning!
The beloved pair played a major role in EPCOT’s original Journey Into Imagination and remain fan favorites decades later. We can’t wait to see them together again.
Two Cars Attractions Coming to Piston Peak
We learned more about Piston Peak, the new Cars-themed area planned for Magic Kingdom.
The land will feature two attractions: Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along and Ridge Run Rally.
The two experiences will give families different ways to enter the world of Cars, with Ridge Run Rally providing a larger adventure through the mountainous Piston Peak landscape.
Spaceship Earth Is Getting an Update
Another EPCOT classic is getting some attention.
Disney announced that Spaceship Earth will be updated to bring its story into the present day, continuing the attraction’s journey through the history and evolution of human communication.
Carousel of Progress Gets New Voices
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is also being reimagined, with two major stars joining the attraction.
Bryan Cranston and Jamie Lee Curtis will provide the voices of Dad and Mom in the updated experience.
The reimagined Carousel of Progress is expected to debut in spring 2027.
Disneyland Resort
Tomorrowland Is Being Reimagined
Big changes are also coming to Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park.
Disney announced plans to reimagine the land with new attractions, more open spaces and new experiences, bringing fresh life to one of Disneyland’s most recognizable areas.
The Original World of Color Returns
Disney California Adventure will welcome back the original “World of Color” in February 2027.
Fans who have missed the classic version of this nighttime spectacular will once again be able to experience its combination of fountains, projections, music and Disney storytelling.
Remember… Dreams Come True Returns
Another beloved nighttime spectacular is returning in February 2027.
“Remember… Dreams Come True” will receive a refreshed presentation featuring projections and fireworks while bringing back a show longtime Disneyland fans know and love.
Magic Happens Returns
The colorful Magic Happens parade is officially returning to Disneyland Park in summer 2027!
Guests will once again be able to see the parade’s elaborate floats, Disney characters and memorable soundtrack make their way through the park.
Disney Cruise Line
Meet the Disney Believe
Disney Cruise Line continues to grow, and the Disney Believe is scheduled to take its maiden voyage in late 2027.
Disney revealed several details that will give the ship its own identity:
- Tinker Bell will appear on the bow.
- Woody and Buzz Lightyear will be featured on the stern.
- Moana will serve as the icon of the Grand Hall.
An Entirely New Class of Disney Ships
Disney also announced plans for a new size class of ships.
These vessels will fall between the size of Disney’s original ships and the larger Wish-class ships, adding another option to Disney Cruise Line’s rapidly expanding fleet.
Disneyland Paris
The World’s First Lion King Attraction
One of the biggest international announcements was another Disney first: a ride-through attraction dedicated to The Lion King is coming to Disneyland Paris!
Guests will finally have the opportunity to experience the Pride Lands and Simba’s story through a major Disney attraction.
Space Mountain Is Returning
Disneyland Paris is also preparing for a major change to one of its most recognizable attractions.
Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain will close in 2027 as Disney prepares to transform the attraction back toward its original Space Mountain theme.
Disney Movies & Entertainment
D23 wasn’t just about the parks. Disney also shared an enormous lineup of movies and streaming projects planned for the next several years.
Frozen 3
Anna, Elsa and the rest of Arendelle return when Frozen 3 arrives on November 24, 2027.
The Bluey Movie
Bluey is heading to the big screen, with The Bluey Movie planned for August 2027.
Live-Action Tangled
Rapunzel is getting the live-action treatment! Disney’s live-action Tangled is scheduled for March 31, 2028.
Lilo & Stitch 2
The live-action world of Lilo & Stitch will continue with a sequel planned for summer 2028.
The Incredibles 3
The Parr family will return for another adventure when The Incredibles 3 arrives in summer 2028.
Coco 2
We’re heading back to the Land of the Dead! Coco 2 is planned for November 2029.
Zootopia 3
Disney also confirmed that Zootopia 3 is in development, meaning there are more adventures ahead for Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and the residents of Zootopia.
The Princess Diaries 3
Another long-awaited sequel is moving forward, with The Princess Diaries 3 currently being worked on.
Kingdom Hearts Disney+ Series
The worlds of Disney and Kingdom Hearts are heading to Disney+ with a new series based on the popular franchise.
Oswald Disney+ Miniseries
One of Disney’s earliest characters is getting his time in the spotlight. Oswald the Lucky Rabbit will star in a three-part Disney+ miniseries arriving in February 2027.
Ahsoka Season 2
Star Wars fans also have more to look forward to, with Season 2 of Ahsoka officially announced.
A New X-Men Movie
Disney revealed the cast for an upcoming X-Men movie, currently scheduled to arrive on May 5, 2028.
New Original Film: CLAY
Disney also announced a brand-new original film titled CLAY, which is expected to hit theaters in November 2028.
Pixar’s Ghost Market
Pixar has another original story on the way with Ghost Market, currently planned for 2028.
The Next Few Years Are Going to Be HUGE for Disney Fans
If there’s one thing we took away from D23, it’s that Disney fans are going to have plenty of reasons to travel over the next few years.
At Walt Disney World alone, 2027 is shaping up to be a massive year with Monstropolis, Tropical Americas, Indiana Jones, Encanto, the Disney Animal Carousel and an updated Carousel of Progress all on the horizon.
Add in Villains Land, Piston Peak, Disneyland’s transformation, new Disney Cruise Line ships and an enormous entertainment slate, and there is a lot to keep on your Disney radar.
Planning to visit when one of these new experiences opens? Join our waitlist by subscribing to our newsletter! We’ll keep you updated as opening dates and additional details are announced so you can be among the first to start planning your vacation.
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