Gian Steinbusch
This year’s D23 brought a wide range of news for Disney Parks around the world. During the Horizons showcase, Disney unveiled new attractions and themed lands while also sharing further details about numerous projects that had already been announced. Some of the biggest updates focused on Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort in California, but Disneyland Paris also received several major announcements.
D23 is Disney’s official fan event and takes place every two years. This year’s edition was held from August 14 to 16, 2026, in Anaheim, California. Alongside news about upcoming films and series, Disney regularly uses the event to reveal new attractions, themed lands and future plans for its theme parks and resorts around the world.
Disneyland Paris: Space Mountain, The Lion King and a New Parade
D23 brought several major announcements for Disneyland Paris. Alongside new details about the Lion King-themed land currently under construction at Disney Adventure World, Disney announced the return of Space Mountain’s original theme as well as a new daytime parade for Disneyland Park.
Space Mountain Returns to Its Roots
One of the most surprising announcements concerns the Discoveryland classic Space Mountain. The current Star Wars version, “Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain,” will close in late 2027. Following a refurbishment lasting several months, the roller coaster will reopen as “Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune.”
However, Disney is not planning to simply recreate the original 1995 attraction. Instead, the Jules Verne-inspired story will be reimagined for a new generation, with new sets, a redesigned queue and additional special effects.
Several elements from the original Space Mountain will also return. These include the “Space Walk,” which allowed guests to watch the trains pass by at close range. Steve Bramson’s original soundtrack will also return in a fully remastered version.
Technical improvements made to the roller coaster in recent years will remain in place. Disney has not yet announced an exact opening date for the new version.
New Details About The Lion King-Themed Land
Disney also revealed further details about the Lion King-themed land currently under construction at Disney Adventure World. Alongside new concept art, the company presented the design of the boats for the land’s major attraction for the first time.
The new water ride will retell the story of the 1994 animated film, from Simba’s childhood to his return as king. The journey begins inside the caves beneath the approximately 36-meter-high Pride Rock and takes guests through several key scenes from the story, accompanied by familiar songs from the film.
Among the newly revealed scenes is the final confrontation between Simba and Scar. The scene will feature a dedicated Scar Audio-Animatronic figure.
Disney describes the water ride as one of the largest attractions at the entire resort. It will use a newly developed flume system alongside numerous Audio-Animatronics and special effects. The ride will feature three drops, with the largest reaching a height of around 16 meters.
Surrounding the attraction will be a fully themed land featuring restaurants, shops and opportunities to meet characters from “The Lion King.”
New Daytime Parade Coming in 2028
Disney also announced an entirely new daytime parade for Disneyland Park. The production is scheduled to debut in 2028 and is being developed exclusively for Disneyland Paris.
The parade will travel along Main Street, U.S.A. and combine classic Disney stories with characters and films from more recent generations. Its central theme will focus on the power of big dreams.
Disney has already released the first pieces of concept art. However, the company emphasized that the parade is still in an early stage of development.
Magic Kingdom: Villains Land, Cars and Carousel of Progress
At Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Disney provided further details about several major projects that had previously been announced. The main focus was on the new Villains Land and the Cars-themed area in Frontierland. Major changes to Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress were also revealed.
New Details About Villains Land
The backstory of the new Villains Land begins with a wishing well where an exceptionally evil wish was once made. The wish shattered the well and released poisoned magic into the surrounding forest, eventually attracting several famous Disney villains who built their own fortresses and palaces there.
In terms of scale, the new land is expected to be comparable to “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” and will feature two major attractions.
The first will be a thrill roller coaster centered around Maleficent. Guests will race through the enchanted thorns surrounding her fortress. Disney Imagineering has also teased elements that it says have never been implemented on comparable roller coasters before.
The second major attraction will be a large boat-based dark ride centered around the Evil Queen’s Magic Mirror. The mirror transports guests into the so-called “Mirror Realm,” where numerous well-known Disney villains will appear. The attraction will combine large physical sets with special effects.
Cars Ridge Run Rally and Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along
Disney also shared further details about the new Cars-themed area in Frontierland. The previously announced main attraction will be called “Cars Ridge Run Rally.”
Disney is developing an entirely new ride system for the attraction, allowing the vehicles to physically travel across uneven terrain, rocks and drops using their own tires and suspension. The surrounding landscape will take inspiration from American national parks.
A second attraction called “Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along” is also planned. Its centerpiece will be a large Miss Fritter Audio-Animatronic, approximately the size of a school bus, hosting a wild demolition derby party.
Carousel of Progress to Receive Major Update
“Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress” in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland is also receiving a major update. The attraction has already closed and is scheduled to reopen in late spring 2027.
Its individual scenes will be moved to different decades. The journey will begin in 1969 during the Moon landing, followed by Halloween in 1985 and New Year’s Eve in 1999. The finale will present a possible future featuring robots and space travel.
Another major addition will be a new opening scene featuring Walt Disney himself as an Audio-Animatronic figure.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Indiana Jones, Encanto and Expedition Everest
Work continues on the approximately 11-hectare “Tropical Americas” land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney revealed new details about its two major attractions based on Indiana Jones and Encanto, as well as additional elements of the land. There was also news regarding Expedition Everest.
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent
The new Indiana Jones attraction now has an official name: “Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent.” The completely original story will take guests alongside Indiana Jones into an ancient Maya temple, where they are pulled through a portal into the underworld.
Along the way, guests will encounter giant bats, scorpions, fire and snakes before eventually coming face-to-face with the enormous Tsukán, which will be brought to life as a large Audio-Animatronic figure.
Indiana Jones himself will also appear as an Animatronic in the attraction, with Harrison Ford personally serving as the model for the character for the first time.
To create the temple as authentically as possible, Walt Disney Imagineering is working with archaeologists, anthropologists and Maya experts.
Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto
The second major attraction will be called “Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto.” Its story takes place on the day Antonio receives his magical gift of being able to communicate with animals.
Guests will first enter Casita before boarding ride vehicles that travel through the magical house. The vehicles appear to be assembled from different pieces of furniture and will be able to react to their surroundings.
The journey eventually leads into Antonio’s enormous rainforest room. More than 50 different animals are expected to appear throughout the attraction. Disney is working with its own Animals, Science and Environment team to ensure that the species featured are appropriate for Colombia.
The attraction will have no minimum height requirement, making it accessible to the entire family.
More Additions to Tropical Americas
Tropical Americas will also feature the carousel “El Carrusel de los Animalitos,” with 22 hand-carved animal figures inspired by characters from various Disney and Pixar films.
Other additions include a Maya-inspired play area and a large hacienda that is expected to become one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World.
Expedition Everest’s Yeti to Move Again
Disney also shared news about an existing Animal Kingdom attraction. The massive Yeti Audio-Animatronic inside “Expedition Everest” is expected to move again after remaining largely stationary for years.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Monstropolis and New Door Coaster
The new Monsters, Inc.-themed land “Monstropolis” continues to take shape at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The first parts of the land are expected to open to guests as early as 2027, while construction continues on its major roller coaster.
New Details About Monstropolis
Among the newly announced additions is the “Glob Theater,” home to the show “Welcome to Monstropolis,” hosted by Mike and Sulley.
The land will also feature several restaurants and shops, including “Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza,” the “Scareporium” and “Harryhausen’s Restaurant.” The latter will feature a new Audio-Animatronic version of the sushi chef seen in the film.
The land’s backstory also explains why humans are able to visit the monster world in the first place. Now that Monstropolis is powered by laughter rather than screams, humans are officially invited into the city for the first time as part of the so-called “H.U.M.A.N. Day.”
EPCOT: Spaceship Earth and Journey Into Imagination
Disney announced changes to two of EPCOT’s best-known dark rides. Both Spaceship Earth and Journey Into Imagination are set to receive updates in the coming years.
Spaceship Earth Receives New Overarching Theme
“Spaceship Earth” is set to receive its first major update in almost 20 years.
Rather than focusing primarily on the history of human communication, the attraction will now be built around the broader theme of “Human Connection.” Its story will also be expanded to include the internet age and beyond.
Dreamfinder Returns to Journey Into Imagination
Figment will remain part of “Journey Into Imagination” and will once again be joined by Dreamfinder, who was a central character in the original 1983 version of the attraction.
Disney has not yet revealed further details about the new experience or when it will debut.
Disneyland Park Anaheim: New Tomorrowland and Entertainment in 2027
One of the biggest new announcements from D23 concerns the original Disneyland Park in Anaheim. Tomorrowland is set to undergo a major transformation in the coming years. At the same time, Disney announced the return of several familiar entertainment offerings.
Tomorrowland to Be Completely Reimagined
Disney intends to preserve the history and character of Tomorrowland while reimagining the land for a new generation.
Plans explicitly include new attractions, additional open spaces and new locations centered around different visions of the future.
Specific attractions and a timeline have not yet been revealed. The project is currently still in an early stage of development.
Familiar Shows and Parade Return in 2027
Several familiar entertainment offerings will also return to the Disneyland Resort in 2027. An updated version of the nighttime spectacular “Remember… Dreams Come True” is scheduled to return to Disneyland Park in February.
The “Magic Happens” parade will also return to Disneyland in summer 2027.
Disney California Adventure: Coco, Avengers and World of Color
Disney also shared several updates for Disney California Adventure. Alongside further details about the upcoming Coco attraction, opening dates were announced for the two new Avengers Campus attractions. An updated version of “World of Color” will also return.
New Details About the Coco Attraction
The story of the attraction, first announced in 2024, takes place one year after the events of the film. The queue begins in Pixar Pier next to “Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind” and initially leads guests into a museum dedicated to the music of Héctor Rivera.
Guests will then board boats and travel with Miguel through his memories of the Land of the Dead. Walt Disney Imagineering is drawing inspiration from classic Disney attractions such as “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Haunted Mansion,” while the film’s skeleton characters will be brought to life using modern Audio-Animatronics technology.
The attraction will have no minimum height requirement.
Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab Opening in 2028
The Avengers Campus expansion is expected to open its two new major attractions in 2028.
In “Avengers Infinity Defense,” guests will travel to locations including Wakanda, Asgard and New York, joining various Avengers in a battle against King Thanos. Large physical sets will be combined with expansive media surfaces throughout the attraction.
“Stark Flight Lab,” meanwhile, will use two-person “gyro-kinetic pods.” These will initially travel along a track before being picked up by enormous robotic arms that simulate different flight maneuvers.
World of Color Returns in Updated Form
Disney California Adventure will also receive an updated version of the original “World of Color” show in 2027.
Hong Kong Disneyland: Avengers Expansion
Hong Kong Disneyland is also continuing to expand its Marvel offerings.
Avengers Research Testing Labs
The “Avengers Research Testing Labs” area is currently being built inside a new tower that will become a prominent part of Tomorrowland’s skyline.
The attraction will transport guests to locations including Wakanda and Asgard and feature Spider-Man alongside other Marvel characters. A new Quinjet landing platform will also be built nearby for meet-and-greets with various Marvel superheroes.
Shanghai Disneyland: New Spider-Man Roller Coaster
Shanghai Disneyland is currently developing the world’s first fully Spider-Man-themed land.
Roller Coaster Reaches Major Construction Milestone
The centerpiece of the new land will be a thrill roller coaster based around W.E.B.’s Shanghai branch.
The project has now reached an important construction milestone, with the final piece of roller coaster track installed.
Tokyo Disneyland: Sugar Rush and Space Mountain: Earthrise
Disney also shared new details about two upcoming attractions at Tokyo Disneyland. Alongside revealing the name and first new glimpses of “Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue,” Disney unveiled the official name and logo of the new version of Space Mountain.
Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue
Tokyo Disneyland’s new “Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue” attraction is based on Disney’s animated film “Wreck-It Ralph.” The official name of the previously announced attraction was revealed during D23, along with the first new glimpses of the ride.
Together with Ralph and Vanellope, guests will enter the racing game “Sugar Rush.” Their mission is to help transform rogue Sugar Bugs back into their original forms while staying one step ahead of King Candy.
Along the way, guests will encounter several familiar characters from “Wreck-It Ralph” as well as other surprises from the colorful world of “Sugar Rush.”
“Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue” will replace the former “Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters” attraction in Tomorrowland.
Space Mountain: Earthrise
The completely new version of Space Mountain now also has an official name. The attraction will open as “Space Mountain: Earthrise.” During D23, Disney revealed its logo for the first time and shared further details about its thematic direction.
The new roller coaster will send guests on a journey into space, with the experience placing particular emphasis on viewing Earth from an entirely new perspective. Through this concept, Disney aims to celebrate the beauty of the planet while inspiring guests to look optimistically toward the future.
“Space Mountain: Earthrise” will form part of the extensively reimagined Tomorrowland at Tokyo Disneyland.
Disney Cruise Line: New Disney Believe Cruise Ship
Disney Cruise Line will also continue to expand its fleet over the coming years.
Disney Believe Sets Sail in Late 2027
The next new ship will be called “Disney Believe” and is scheduled to set sail for the first time in late 2027.
Its central Grand Hall will be inspired by “Moana” and feature a bronze statue of Moana, Pua and Heihei. Large figures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear will adorn the ship’s stern, while Tinker Bell and other characters from “Peter Pan” will decorate the bow.
New Class of Ships Launching From 2029
During D23, Disney also offered a first glimpse at the next generation of Disney Cruise Line ships. An entirely new class of vessels is scheduled to debut from 2029.
Three ships of the new class are currently planned. In terms of size, they will sit between Disney’s classic cruise ships, such as the “Disney Wonder,” and the newer Wish-class vessels. This intermediate size is intended to provide Disney with greater flexibility when planning future itineraries and destinations while also allowing the cruise line to reach new markets.
Disney has not yet revealed the names, itineraries or further details about the facilities aboard the three ships. However, the presentation included the first brief preview of the design of the new class.
The three ships are part of Disney Cruise Line’s previously announced expansion to a total fleet of 13 vessels.
With its D23 2026 announcements, Disney has provided significantly more detail about many of the major projects first revealed two years ago while also offering an initial look at further developments for the years ahead. Several entirely new themed lands are coming to Walt Disney World, while major expansions are also planned for the resorts in California and Asia. At Disneyland Paris, the return of “Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune,” the new Lion King-themed land and the upcoming parade are set to become some of the resort’s most significant projects in the coming years.
Images: Disney
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next theme park adventure, be sure to check out our web app: https://themeparkgenius.app/
