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The second day of D23 The Ultimate Disney Fan Event brought fans from across the globe together for another massive celebration of unparalleled storytelling and exclusive reveals. From a sprawling, immersive show floor at the Anaheim Convention Center to a spectacular evening presentation packed with surprises at the Honda Center, fans experienced the cutting-edge innovation that continues to drive The Walt Disney Company forward.
Neil Patrick Harris Kicks Off the Horizons Showcase
Saturday evening culminated with the highly anticipated Horizons Disney Experiences Showcase. Fans packed the Honda Center arena for an unforgettable look at the future of Disney Parks and Experiences, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris.
The incredible spectacle started with Harris delivering a show-stopping musical tribute to classic Disney Audio-Animatronics. The energy stayed high all night with surprise performances from Grammy Award-winning artists including Sheryl Crow, Beck, Los Lobos, and Gloria Gaynor, alongside celebrity cameos that kept the sold-out crowd cheering from start to finish.
Throughout the presentation, Imagineers and Disney Experiences leaders unveiled exciting new details and behind-the-scenes stories about what is on the horizon. Thomas Mazloum, Chairman of Disney Experiences, noted that fans remain at the heart of everything Disney creates as the company expands its global destinations.
Massive Theme Park Announcements
The showcase was packed with headline-making updates for transformative projects at Disney destinations worldwide. Fans were treated to massive reveals, including highly anticipated updates to both Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort.
The Imagineering Story Returns for a New Season on Disney+
A second season of The Imagineering Story is officially in production from Leslie Iwerks, and will debut on Disney+ next year. With unprecedented access to Imagineers as major new developments move from blue sky to reality, the new season promises to pull back the curtain on one of the most ambitious eras in Imagineering history.
Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston are Just a Dream Away at Magic Kingdom
It’s a great big, beautiful tomorrow for Disney Legend Jamie Lee Curtis and Emmy-winning Bryan Cranston. The two join Carousel of Progress as the mom and dad for the show, along with a peek at a newly updated 1980s scene, starting late spring 2027.
Beloved Entertainment Returns to Disneyland Resort in 2027
A refreshed version of the “Remember… Dreams Come True” nighttime spectacular will light up Disneyland park once again, beginning in February 2027.
An updated version of the original “World of Color” will perform at Disney California Adventure park starting in February 2027.
And just in time for summer 2027, dancing its way down Main Street U.S.A., once again, magic will happen with the “Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland park.
Space Mountain Returns to Its Origins at Disneyland Paris
Hyperspace Mountain will make way for Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune, a reimagined experience inspired by the beloved Jules Verne story that originally shaped the attraction. Along with a return to its iconic name, you can look forward to the attraction’s original musical score and a refreshed experience that made this version of Space Mountain a fan favorite.
Space Mountain: Earthrise Launches a Bold New Future at Tokyo Disneyland
A brand-new Space Mountain adventure is on the horizon at Tokyo Disneyland. In Space Mountain: Earthrise, guests will launch into the cosmos and experience the wonder of Earth from a perspective unlike anything seen before in a Disney attraction. Part of a reimagined Tomorrowland, the new experience is designed to celebrate the beauty of our planet while inspiring guests to look toward the future.
Here’s to the Next 30,000 with Updated Spaceship Earth at EPCOT
One of the most iconic attractions at EPCOT is preparing for its next evolution. For the first time in nearly two decades, Spaceship Earth will receive updates that expand its story from human communication to the broader theme of human connection, while retaining the optimism and wonder that have defined the attraction for generations. With new magic planned throughout the journey, the future of Spaceship Earth looks brighter than ever.
Expedition Everest’s Yeti Will Roar to Life Again in Animal Kingdom
Yes, Disney is bringing the Yeti back to life!
A New Avengers Pavilion is Taking Shape at Hong Kong Disneyland
The skyline of Stark Expo is getting a heroic upgrade. A brand-new Avengers Pavilion is on the way to Hong Kong Disneyland, bringing guests into the world of Avengers Research Testing Labs alongside Peter Parker and some seriously powerful new technology. Add in a new Quinjet landing platform and adventures that reach far beyond Earth, and this expansion is already looking super.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Swings into Shanghai Disneyland
Thwip! The first Disney Parks land dedicated entirely to the iconic web-slinger is swinging into Shanghai Disney Resort, complete with a new coaster, Spider-Bots, and the latest projects from the Worldwide Engineering Brigade (or as the students call it, W.E.B.). Science experiments, super-powered fun, and plenty of Spidey energy? Our Spidey-senses are tingling.
Assemble for an Epic Multi-World Adventure at Disneyland Resort
Two new attractions – Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab – will open in 2028, doubling the size of Avengers Campus at California Adventure. Some favorite on-screen heroes are reprising their roles for Avengers Infinity Defense. Once on board, you will witness massive physical sets blending seamlessly with huge media scenes.
Take Flight Like an Avenger at Disneyland Resort
Opening in 2028 as part of the expansion of Avengers Campus at California Adventure, the all-new attraction, Stark Flight Lab, will invite you to step into a cutting-edge training experience inspired by the ingenuity of Stark Industries, with some familiar Super Heroes guiding the way. Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Mackie, and Brie Larson reprise their roles from the films.
Serpents. Why Did it Have to be Serpents for Indiana Jones at Animal Kingdom?
Adventure is calling in Tropical Americas, where Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent will bring an all-new Indy story to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Join Indiana Jones on a daring expedition into an ancient Maya temple, encountering legendary creatures, supernatural dangers, and a massive serpent inspired by Maya mythology.
Step Inside the Magic of Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto at Animal Kingdom
The Madrigal family is coming to Animal Kingdom with Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto. Guests will be invited into Casita on Antonio’s special gift day, exploring new rooms created exclusively for the attraction. This family-friendly adventure brings you into a vibrant world filled with Antonio’s animals, music, and the magic we love from the world of Disney Animation’s Encanto.
Remember Memories of the Land of the Dead at California Adventure
For the first Coco ride ever at a Disney park, Imagineers are working closely with Pixar Animation Studios to nod to the original film and its upcoming sequel, Coco 2. The attraction storyline will pick up a year after the events of the original film. The queue features a “casa museo” dedicated to the music of Miguel’s great-great-grandfather, Héctor Rivera. On board, you’ll travel by boat through Miguel’s memories of the Land of the Dead.
The Lion King Roars to Life at Disney Adventure World
The circle of life is taking on a whole new meaning at Disney Adventure World, where the first-ever The Lion King attraction will bring Simba’s story to life like never before. Guests will journey through the Pride Lands alongside Simba as he grows from a curious cub into the king he was destined to become. Get ready to ROAR!
Get Ready to Race Into Sugar Rush at Tokyo Disneyland
The world of Wreck-It Ralph is coming to Tokyo Disneyland with Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue, a brand-new attraction inspired by the fan-favorite film. Guests will join Ralph and Vanellope inside the game of Sugar Rush, where they’ll help transform rogue sugar bugs back to their original forms while trying to stay one step ahead of King Candy. Along the way, look out for sweet surprises and familiar faces from the film.
Miss Fritter is Ready to Stir Up Some Trouble at Magic Kingdom
The legendary demolition derby champion from Disney and Pixar’s Cars 3 is rolling into Piston Peak in a big way. Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along puts the larger-than-life school bus front and center as she hosts her wildest competition yet. If you’ve ever wanted to get a little closer to one of the most unforgettable racers in the Cars universe, now’s your chance.
Race Through the Wheelderness of Piston Peak at Magic Kingdom
Start your engines and hold on tight. Cars Ridge Run Rally will send racers climbing mountain trails, cruising through snowy peaks, racing past erupting geysers, and bouncing their way back down the mountain toward the finish line. And you’re not racing alone, as Lightning McQueen and Mater can be found giving a play by play from the sidelines.
Moana, Tinker Bell, Buzz, and Woody set sail with Disney Believe
The Disney Believe will set sail in 2027, and we’ve got the first look inside and outside of the ship. Greeting guests in the Grand Hall, Moana will welcome everyone on board, embodying the spirit of believing in yourself on all your sea adventures. While the bow of the ship will be adorned with Tinker Bell, the stern features Buzz and Woody getting creative with the overall design.
A New Class of Disney Cruise Line Ships Arrives in 2029
Cast a weather eye on plans for an all-new class of ships that will join the fleet. Sitting between Disney’s classic and newest ships in size, the new class will open the door to new destinations and experiences around the world.
It’s Laughter They’re After at Hollywood Studios
When the new land opens in 2027, guests will be able to spend time with Mike and Sulley at a new theater show, visit iconic locations from the film like Harryhausen’s, and grab a slice at Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza. An original song by Disney Legend Randy Newman will help bring the city to life, making it feel like the monster world has finally opened its doors to humans.
Something Bewitching is Coming to Magic Kingdom
A cursed forest. A broken Wishing Well. Disney Villains who have claimed dark magic for themselves. In Villains Land, guests will step into a dark and twisted world shaped by Disney’s most infamous evildoers, from racing through Maleficent’s enchanted briars on a thrilling coaster to venturing into the Magic Mirror’s mystical realm. There’s a little bit of mischievous magic around every corner of this sprawling new land that promises to be unlike anything ever created at Magic Kingdom
Tomorrowland to be Reimagined at Disneyland
A reimagining of Tomorrowland in Disneyland park is in the works. The transformation will honor the legacy of the original land while reimagining its future with new attractions, more open spaces and new places for you to dream about the future.
Figment and Dreamfinder 🌈
One little spark can do a lot. Figment and Dreamfinder are getting ready to embark on a new journey into imagination at EPCOT.
Looking Ahead to the Disney Legends Ceremony
The ultimate fan celebration continues on Sunday with the final day of D23. Alongside additional programming and shopping at the convention center, the weekend will close out with the highly anticipated Disney Legends Awards Ceremony at the Honda Center, hosted by Ryan Seacrest.
The ceremony will honor the extraordinary individuals whose creativity, passion, and innovation have shaped Disney’s legacy. This year’s incredible class of inductees includes Chris Berman, Jerry Bruckheimer, Susan Egan, Eric Goldberg, Anne Hathaway, Bob Iger, Kim Irvine, Dwayne Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Alan Tudyk.
