Disney fans were given an exciting look into the future during the “Horizons: A Carousel of Progress” showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum and host Neil Patrick Harris led an evening filled with major announcements for Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line and Disney destinations around the world.
Throughout the presentation, Walt Disney Imagineers shared new concept art, attraction details, behind-the-scenes stories and updates on some of the company’s most ambitious projects. From the return of beloved characters such as Dreamfinder and Figment to entirely new lands based on Disney Villains and Spider-Man, there was a lot for fans to take in.
Here is a recap of the biggest announcements from the Disney Experiences Showcase.
Walt Disney World Resort Announcements
New Details Revealed for Villains Land
Disney shared additional information about the highly anticipated Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom.
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The new land will feature two major attractions, including one inspired by Maleficent and another centered around the Magic Mirror. While additional details are still to come, the area promises to immerse guests in the darker side of Disney storytelling.
Names Revealed for the Cars Attractions
Disney also revealed the official names of the two Cars-inspired attractions coming to Magic Kingdom:
- Cars Ridge Run Rally
- Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along
The expansion will transport guests into an all-new wilderness environment filled with racing, off-road adventures and familiar faces from the Cars films.
Carousel of Progress Is Getting a New Scene
Big changes are coming to Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom.
The attraction will receive a new scene set during the 1980s, adding another chapter to the attraction’s story of technological innovation and changing family life.
Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston will also join the attraction as the new voices of Mom and Dad.
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent
Disney revealed new details about Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, the new attraction being developed for the Tropical Americas area at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The adventure will feature an original storyline created specifically for the park. Guests will join Indiana Jones on a dangerous journey involving a legendary jade serpent and a mystery hidden deep within an ancient setting.
Fans also received a special video message from Harrison Ford during the presentation.
Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto
The first-ever Encanto-themed attraction is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto will bring guests into the colorful and magical world of the Madrigal family. The new attraction will be part of the Tropical Americas expansion currently being developed for the park.
El Carrusel de los Animalitos
Disney shared additional details about El Carrusel de los Animalitos, a new carousel coming to Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The family-friendly attraction will feature beautifully crafted animals inspired by creatures found throughout Disney stories and the natural world.
The Yeti Will Return to Life
One of the loudest reactions of the evening came when Disney announced that the Yeti inside Expedition Everest will return to life.
The massive Audio-Animatronic figure has operated in a limited “B-mode” for years. Disney did not provide a timeline for its restoration, but the announcement immediately became one of the showcase’s biggest surprises.
More Details About Monstropolis
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is preparing to welcome guests into the world of Monsters, Inc. with the new Monstropolis area.
In addition to the previously announced door-vault attraction, the land will include a new theater production called Welcome to Monstropolis.
Guests will also be able to dine at Harryhausen’s, the popular monster restaurant seen in the original Monsters, Inc. film.
Dreamfinder and Figment Are Returning
Dreamfinder and Figment will reunite for a brand-new journey into imagination at EPCOT.
The announcement marked the long-awaited return of Dreamfinder, who originally appeared alongside Figment in the classic Journey Into Imagination attraction. Details about the storyline and opening timeframe were not announced, but the news was warmly received by longtime EPCOT fans.
Disneyland Resort Announcements
“Remember… Dreams Come True” Is Returning
The beloved “Remember… Dreams Come True” nighttime spectacular will return to Disneyland Park.
The updated version will preserve the spirit of the original show while adding new projection effects throughout the park.
“Magic Happens” Parade Will Return
Disneyland’s colorful “Magic Happens” parade is also preparing to make its return.
The parade celebrates memorable moments of magic from Disney and Pixar films with vibrant floats, an energetic soundtrack and an assortment of characters.
The Original World of Color Is Being Updated
Disney California Adventure will debut an updated version of the original World of Color.
The new presentation will revisit the spectacular’s classic format while incorporating updated technology and additional enhancements.
Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab Opening in 2028
Disney revealed new information about Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab, the two major attractions being developed for Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure.
Both experiences are now scheduled to open in 2028.
Avengers Infinity Defense will send guests on a multiverse-spanning adventure alongside Marvel heroes. Stark Flight Lab will allow guests to experience new flight technology developed by Tony Stark and his team.
New Details About the First Coco Attraction
Disney shared another look at the world’s first attraction based on Pixar’s Coco.
The attraction will take guests into the Land of the Dead for a musical adventure inspired by Miguel, Héctor and the Rivera family. Disney previously indicated that the experience will include advanced Audio-Animatronics and draw inspiration from classic attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion.
Disneyland’s Tomorrowland Will Be Reimagined
Disney officially announced plans to reimagine Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park.
Few details were revealed during the showcase, but the announcement confirms that major changes are being planned for one of Disneyland’s original themed lands.
Disney Cruise Line Announcements
New Details About the Disney Believe
Disney revealed several design details for the Disney Believe, including the characters that will be featured throughout the ship.
Moana will serve as the ship’s Grand Hall icon, reflecting themes of exploration, courage and following the call of the ocean.
Tinker Bell will appear as the ship’s bow character, while Woody and Buzz Lightyear will be featured together on the stern.
A New Class of Disney Cruise Ships Is Coming
Disney Cruise Line is also developing an entirely new class of ships.
The first vessel in the new class is expected to debut beginning in 2029. Additional information about the ships, including their names, size, itineraries and onboard experiences, will be revealed at a later date.
International Disney Parks Announcements
A Classic Space Mountain Story Is Returning to Disneyland Paris
Hyperspace Mountain at Disneyland Paris will be transformed into Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune.
The change will restore a concept inspired by Jules Verne’s classic novel From the Earth to the Moon, bringing the attraction closer to the imaginative vision that originally defined Disneyland Paris’ version of Space Mountain.
First-Ever Lion King Attraction
Disney revealed new information about the first major attraction based on The Lion King, coming to Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris.
The attraction will transport guests into the African Pride Lands and feature characters, music and unforgettable moments from the beloved story.
Space Mountain: Earthrise at Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland will receive a completely reimagined Space Mountain experience called Space Mountain: Earthrise.
The attraction will combine a new story with updated technology and a dramatic futuristic setting.
Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue
A new Wreck-It Ralph attraction called Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue is coming to Tokyo Disneyland.
The experience will bring guests into the candy-covered racing world of Sugar Rush for a new adventure inspired by Ralph, Vanellope and their friends.
New Avengers Experiences for Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will expand its Marvel offerings with new Avengers experiences.
The projects will build upon the resort’s existing Marvel presence and introduce additional heroes, stories and adventures.
The World’s First Spider-Man Land
Shanghai Disney Resort will become home to the first themed land anywhere in the world dedicated entirely to Spider-Man.
The expansion will feature multiple Spider-Man experiences, giving guests the opportunity to step inside the world of the web-slinging Marvel hero.
Entertainment and Special Guests
The evening offered much more than attraction announcements. Disney leaders and Imagineers were joined by an impressive list of special guests, including Leslie Iwerks, Bruce Vaughn, Jared Bush, Kevin Feige, Mark Rober, John Stamos, Tig Notaro, Darren Criss, Skylar Astin, Jack McBrayer and Glenn Close.
The showcase also featured performances by Gloria Gaynor, Los Lobos, Sheryl Crow and Beck. Megan Hilty, Darren Criss and Skylar Astin participated in additional musical moments accompanied by the evening’s house band, The Phoenicians.
A Huge Night for the Future of Disney Experiences
From the long-awaited return of Dreamfinder and Figment to new attractions inspired by Disney Villains, Indiana Jones, Coco, The Lion King and Spider-Man, the Disney Experiences Showcase delivered announcements for nearly every corner of the Disney universe.
Many of these projects are still several years away, and Disney will undoubtedly reveal more details as construction and development continue. The Main Street Mouse will keep you updated as additional artwork, timelines and opening dates are announced.
Which announcement from the Disney Experiences Showcase are you most excited about?
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