D23 Disney Parks Announcements: What’s New for Disney World, Disneyland & Disney Cruise Line
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event just wrapped up in Anaheim, and if you have been anywhere near Disney social media this weekend, you already know it was a big one. The Disney Experiences showcase, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, walked fans through updates on nearly every project Disney has in the works, from Walt Disney World to Disneyland Resort to Disney Cruise Line.
This post covers the D23 Disney Parks announcements that actually matter for your vacation planning: new lands, new attractions, new ships, and returning entertainment. I am leaving out the movie and TV news and the international park updates, since my focus here is helping you plan your next Disney World, Disneyland, or Disney Cruise Line trip. (If you want the full entertainment recap, Disney Parks Blog has you covered there.)
D23 Disney Parks Announcements: The Quick Overview
Before we dive into each destination, here is the short version of the biggest D23 Disney Parks announcements: official names and story details for both new Tropical Americas attractions at Animal Kingdom, a confirmed 2028 opening for the Avengers Campus expansion at Disneyland Resort, the long-awaited return of fireworks, World of Color, and a parade at Disneyland park, and our first look at the Disney Believe cruise ship. Now let’s get into the details.
What’s New at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World got a huge share of the spotlight this year, with real progress on several of the massive expansions coming soon to the parks.
Villains Land Gets Its Story (and a Coaster)
We finally have real details on Villains Land at Magic Kingdom, and it sounds appropriately mischievous. The land’s story centers on a cursed forest and a broken Wishing Well, whose dark magic has attracted some of Disney’s most infamous villains, who have each carved out their own lair within the land. Not going to lie… I’m super excited about this!
The headliner is a coaster themed to Maleficent, where guests will race through the enchanted briars surrounding her mountaintop fortress. Disney says the coaster will include elements Imagineers have never attempted before, which is super exciting. There is also a second attraction taking guests into the Magic Mirror’s mystical realm. Villains Land is still under construction, and industry speculation continues to point toward a 2029 or 2030 opening.
Piston Peak Revs Up in Frontierland
The Cars-themed land coming to Frontierland also got some love. Miss Fritter, the larger-than-life demolition derby bus from Cars 3, is headlining her own attraction called Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along. There is also a family coaster called Cars Ridge Run Rally, which sends racers up mountain trails, through snowy peaks, and past erupting geysers, with Lightning McQueen and Mater providing commentary along the way. Like Villains Land, this one is still a ways off, so don’t build your 2027 trip around it.
Monstropolis Gets a 2027 Opening
Good news if you love Mike and Sulley: Monstropolis, the new Monsters, Inc. land at Hollywood Studios, is set to open in 2027. Guests will be able to catch a new theater show with Mike and Sulley, wander through iconic locations from the film like Harryhausen’s, and grab a slice at Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza. Disney Legend Randy Newman contributed an original song for the land, which feels like a perfect touch for anyone who grew up on the original film’s score.
Tropical Americas Attractions Get Their Names
We already knew Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom was bringing an Indiana Jones ride and an Encanto ride, but now both attractions have official names and a lot more story behind them.
The Indiana Jones attraction is officially Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent. Guests will join Indy on an expedition into an ancient Maya temple, complete with legendary creatures, supernatural dangers, and a massive serpent inspired by Maya mythology. (My family is equal parts thrilled and a little nervous about that serpent!)
The Encanto attraction is officially Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto. Guests will step inside Casita on Antonio’s special gift day, exploring brand-new rooms created just for the attraction, filled with Antonio’s animals, music, and the magic of the film.
Spaceship Earth’s Next Chapter
EPCOT’s most iconic attraction is getting its first major update in nearly two decades. Spaceship Earth will expand its story from human communication to the broader idea of human connection, while keeping the sense of optimism and wonder that has always defined the ride. No opening date has been announced yet, but this is a big one to watch if Spaceship Earth is a must-do on your EPCOT day.
Figment and Dreamfinder Head to EPCOT
In a genuinely delightful surprise, Figment and Dreamfinder are getting ready for a new journey into imagination at EPCOT. Details are still light, but for longtime EPCOT fans, this is one of the most emotional announcements of the whole event.
The Yeti Roars Back to Life at Animal Kingdom
Expedition Everest fans, rejoice. The Yeti Audio-Animatronic, which has been running in “strobe mode” for years due to mechanical issues, is finally being brought back to full working order. There is no word yet on timing, but this is a fix Disney fans have been asking for since the ride first opened.
Carousel of Progress Welcomes New Faces
Carousel of Progress is already in the middle of its biggest overhaul since 1975, and now we know who is joining the family. Disney Legend Jamie Lee Curtis and Emmy winner Bryan Cranston are joining the attraction as the mom and dad, along with an updated 1980s scene, starting in late spring 2027. The beloved theme song and classic family format are staying put, just with some fresh voices.
What’s New at Disneyland Resort
Disneyland’s announcements leaned heavily into both the future and some very welcome nostalgia.
Tomorrowland Is Getting Reimagined
Disneyland Park is moving forward with a full reimagining of Tomorrowland. Disney says the transformation will honor the legacy of the original land while opening it up with new attractions and more open space for guests to explore. No specific attraction announcements came with this one yet, but a Tomorrowland overhaul has been rumored for years, so it is exciting to see it officially confirmed.
Avengers Campus Expansion Gets a 2028 Opening
The two new Avengers Campus attractions at Disney California Adventure, Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab, now have a confirmed opening year: 2028. That is a little later than some of the earlier “late 2027” predictions floating around, so if you were hoping to ride these on a 2027 trip, you will need to wait a bit longer.
Avengers Infinity Defense will bring back some familiar faces from the films, blending massive physical sets with huge media scenes as guests join a lineup of heroes to battle Thanos. Stark Flight Lab, the companion attraction, invites guests into a Stark Industries training experience, with Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Mackie, and Brie Larson all reprising their roles. Both attractions will double the size of Avengers Campus when they open.
Fireworks, Parades, and World of Color Are Coming Back
This is the news that had a lot of longtime Disneyland fans (myself included) getting a little emotional. A refreshed version of Remember… Dreams Come True will return to light up the sky at Disneyland park starting in February 2027. An updated version of the original World of Color will debut at Disney California Adventure that same month. And just in time for summer 2027, the Magic Happens parade will make its way down Main Street, U.S.A. once again.
If you have been holding off on a Disneyland trip because your favorite nighttime show or parade was not running, 2027 is shaping up to be the year to go back.
What’s New for Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line had two major reveals, and both are worth knowing about if a cruise is anywhere in your future plans.
Meet the Disney Believe
We finally got our first look at the Disney Believe, both inside and out, ahead of a full reveal planned for October 7, 2026. Moana will greet guests in the Grand Hall, embodying the spirit of believing in yourself on every sea adventure. The bow of the ship will feature Tinker Bell, while the stern showcases Buzz and Woody. The Disney Believe is set to sail in 2027, and based on what we saw, it is going to be a stunning addition to the fleet. Mark your calendar for the full ship reveal on October 7, 2026.
A New Class of Ships Is Coming in 2029
Disney Cruise Line also teased an entirely new class of ships, set to debut in 2029 and add three ships to the fleet by 2030. These ships will sit between the classic ships (the Magic and Wonder) and the newer Wish-class ships (the Wish, Treasure, Destiny, and Believe) in size, which Disney says will open the door to new destinations and itineraries down the road. It is early days for this news, but it is a good sign that Disney Cruise Line’s growth is far from finished.
My Take: What Actually Matters for Your Trip Planning
There was a lot announced this weekend, but if you are trying to figure out what actually affects a trip you are planning in the next year or two, here is where I would focus.
For Walt Disney World: The Tropical Americas news is the real headline. Now that Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent and Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto have official names and story details, I expect both to open sometime in 2027, and I would plan your Animal Kingdom day around long waits when they do. Villains Land and Piston Peak are exciting, but they are years away.
For Disneyland Resort: If nighttime spectaculars and parades are a big part of why you visit Disneyland, February 2027 just became a really appealing time to plan a trip. Getting Remember… Dreams Come True, World of Color, and Magic Happens all back within a few months of each other is a genuinely big deal for the resort’s overall vibe. The Avengers Campus expansion moving to a confirmed 2028 date is useful too, mostly because it means you can stop wondering if it will sneak in during a 2027 visit.
For Disney Cruise Line: The Disney Believe is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated ships in the fleet, and I would keep an eye on booking windows once the full reveal happens in October. If you have been dreaming about a Moana or Tinker Bell themed sailing, this is the ship to watch.
I will keep updating this post as more details come out from Disney Parks Blog, so check back before you finalize your own plans.
More Disney Planning Guides
Ready to start planning your own trip? Here are some guides to help you get started!
- Disney World 2027: Best Time to Visit, Events, Closures & What’s New
- Disneyland Resort 2027: The Complete Guide to What’s New, When to Go, and How to Plan
- Sailing on Disney Cruise Line in 2026 and 2027: Ships, Itineraries, and Events
