Disney used its latest D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim to reveal major plans for its theme parks and cruise line. The event, held from August 14 to 16, featured new attractions, expanded lands, returning favorites and several surprises.
The announcements covered Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Cruise Line.
Magic Kingdom Gets New Cars and Villains Lands
One of the biggest D23 Highlights was the new Piston Peak National Park coming to Magic Kingdom.
The Cars-themed area will transform part of Frontierland and feature two major attractions.
Cars Ridge Run Rally will take guests on a fast-paced ride through snowy mountains, rough terrain and a geyser field. Lightning McQueen and Mater will also provide commentary during the experience.
The second attraction, Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along, will feature the demolition-loving character from Cars 3.
Disney also revealed more details about Villains Land. The new area will feature famous Disney villains including Maleficent, Cruella, the Evil Queen and Dr. Facilier.
A Maleficent roller coaster will take guests through enchanted briars, while another dark ride will explore the catacombs beneath the Evil Queen’s palace.
Disney Updates Classic Attractions
Disney also announced changes to several beloved attractions.
At EPCOT, Dreamfinder will return alongside Figment for a new adventure at the Imagination pavilion. The two characters originally appeared together in the attraction that opened in 1983.
Spaceship Earth will also receive its first major update in nearly 20 years. The attraction will focus more on human connection while keeping its classic journey through history.
At Magic Kingdom, Disney will also update Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston will provide the voices of Sarah and John. Disney expects the attraction to reopen in late spring 2027.
Animal Kingdom Expands With Tropical Americas
Another major D23 Highlight involves Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The new 11-acre Tropical Americas land will feature three attractions.
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent will take guests into a Maya temple filled with ancient mysteries. Harrison Ford will serve as the model for the Indiana Jones Audio-Animatronics figures.
The land will also include Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto, based on Encanto. Guests will enter Casita during Antonio’s gift-day celebration and encounter more than 50 animals.
A third attraction, El Carrusel de los Animalitos, will feature 22 hand-carved animals inspired by Disney and Pixar characters.
Disney also surprised fans by announcing an upgrade for the famous Yeti in Expedition Everest.
Monsters, Inc. Comes to Hollywood Studios
Disney revealed more information about Monstropolis, the upcoming Monsters, Inc. land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The area will feature restaurants, shops and entertainment based on the monster-filled city. The story takes place after monsters move from collecting screams to generating power through laughter.
Disney expects several parts of Monstropolis to open in 2027, while construction continues on the land’s major door-themed coaster.
Disney also announced a new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Fortnite experience. Guests riding Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will be able to take part in a special digital mission connected to Fortnite.
Disney Cruise Line Plans More Ships
Disney Cruise Line also shared major expansion plans.
The Disney Believe will join the fleet in 2027 as the fourth Wish-class ship. Its Grand Hall will feature a Moana-inspired design, while other parts of the vessel will include characters from Disney classics.
Disney also revealed a new class of mid-size cruise ships. Three vessels are planned, with the first expected to begin sailing in 2029.
The ships will sit between Disney’s older vessels and its larger Wish-class ships. Disney says the new design could help the company reach new destinations and attract new audiences.
Disneyland Reveals New Attractions
Disneyland Resort will bring back several popular entertainment shows in 2027.
“Remember… Dreams Come True” will return with new projections and fireworks on selected nights. Disney California Adventure will also bring back an updated version of “World of Color.”
The daytime parade Magic Happens will return during summer 2027.
Avengers Campus will also expand significantly. Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab are scheduled to open in 2028.
Disney is also building its first Coco attraction. The boat ride will take visitors through Miguel’s memories and the Land of the Dead.
Disney Expands Worldwide
Disney’s international parks also received major announcements.
At Disneyland Paris, Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune will return in 2027.
The resort is also developing its first Lion King-themed land, which will feature a major water attraction beneath a 120-foot Pride Rock.
Tokyo Disneyland is developing a new version of Space Mountain as part of its Tomorrowland transformation.
Hong Kong Disneyland is building a new Avengers pavilion featuring Avengers Research Testing Labs.
Shanghai Disney Resort is also preparing the world’s first land dedicated entirely to Spider-Man. The area will feature a Spider-Man coaster and more than 20 murals created with local artists.
Disney’s Future Looks Bigger
The latest D23 Highlights show that Disney has an ambitious pipeline of new attractions, lands, entertainment and cruise ships.
From Cars and Disney villains at Magic Kingdom to Coco, Avengers and Spider-Man experiences around the world, the company is preparing major changes across its parks.
Disney Cruise Line is also expanding quickly with new ships and destinations planned for the coming years. These projects could make the next several years some of the busiest in Disney’s history.
