Breaking Disney news is here with D23 2026 Disney Parks announcements —and there is A LOT to talk about!
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event has once again given Disney fans plenty to dream about.
From a brand-new Villains Land and the massive Piston Peak expansion at Magic Kingdom to a reimagined Spaceship Earth, the return of the Yeti at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, new details on Indiana Jones, the arrival of Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and a brand-new Disney Cruise Line ship, Disney just pulled back the curtain on what’s coming to Disney destinations in the years ahead.
And Disneyland wasn’t left out.
Beloved entertainment is returning, Avengers Campus is getting two major attractions, a new Coco attraction is taking shape, and even Tomorrowland is getting a future makeover.
Here’s everything you need to know from Disney’s biggest D23 2026 announcements.
Related article: What is D23? A Deep Dive into Disney’s Official Fan Club
Explore More Walt Disney World
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation involves more than planning the perfect park day. Before you continue, be sure to visit our Explore Walt Disney World hub, where you’ll find destination overviews, planning resources, dining recommendations, park guides, seasonal events, and the latest Disney news—all conveniently organized in one place to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.
Villains Land Is Taking Shape at Magic Kingdom
We’ve known for a while that something wicked was coming to Magic Kingdom.
Now, Disney has given us a much better look at the story behind Villains Land and the attractions coming with it.
The land will draw inspiration from classic Disney animated stories and villains, but Imagineers are creating an entirely new story for guests to experience.
The story begins with a wishing well.
But this isn’t the happy, magical wishing well you might expect.
An evil wish has been cast, breaking the very fabric and structure of the well itself. The wishing well has literally been shattered into pieces, creating the opening for even more villainous magic.
And, naturally, other Disney villains aren’t going to pass up the opportunity.
More villains have attempted to cast their own evil wishes, creating lairs throughout the land and transforming the area into a place where villainy has taken over.
Disney says Villains Land will be an ambitious new environment unlike anything currently found at Walt Disney World.
Maleficent’s New Coaster
One of the two major attractions will be inspired by Maleficent.
Disney describes the coaster as groundbreaking, promising an experience unlike anything guests have experienced before.
And considering the scale of the land and the villainous storytelling surrounding it, this is one attraction I’m going to be watching very closely.
Mirror Realm
The second attraction is Mirror Realm.
Guests will be transported into the catacombs beneath the Evil Queen’s palace, taking them deeper into the dark world of Snow White and its iconic villain.
Together, these attractions will make Villains Land one of the most highly anticipated additions ever announced for Magic Kingdom.
Related article: Magic Kingdom Expansion: A New Era Begins
Piston Peak Will Become Magic Kingdom’s Biggest Expansion Ever
If Villains Land wasn’t enough, Magic Kingdom is also getting an enormous new area inspired by Pixar’s Cars.
Piston Peak National Park is being described as the biggest expansion in Magic Kingdom history.
And this isn’t simply going to be another Cars-themed attraction.
Piston Peak will create an entire wilderness environment filled with waterfalls, roaring rivers, a geyser field, snowy mountains and rugged landscapes.
The land will continue the westward movement of American history that guests experience as they travel from Liberty Square into Frontierland and beyond. Disney has also created a Ranger HQ visitor lodge, giving guests another place to explore within the story.
Disney has unveiled a massive model of Piston Peak, giving fans their first real sense of just how expansive this project will be.
Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along
The first new attraction will bring Miss Fritter from Cars 3 to Magic Kingdom.
This family-friendly experience will feature a school-bus-sized animatronic and has been described as the “wildest demolition derby yet.”
And if you’ve seen Miss Fritter in action, you already know this is going to be chaotic—in the best possible way.
Cars Ridge Run Rally
The second attraction is considerably more adventurous.
Cars Ridge Run Rally will send guests racing through America’s national parks and ultimately climbing Piston Peak itself.
And this isn’t your typical Cars ride.
The attraction will feature a completely new ride vehicle type, created specifically for this experience.
The setting is a snow-capped, icy mountain landscape, bringing a very different visual style to the Cars universe than guests may be familiar with from Disneyland.
Piston Peak is shaping up to be a massive new chapter for Magic Kingdom, and it will fundamentally change this part of the park.
Related article: How to Maximize Your Day at Magic Kingdom
Monstropolis Is Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney also provided more details about Monstropolis, the new land inspired by Monsters, Inc.
The land is currently under construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and is expected to open in 2027, although an exact opening date has not yet been announced.
The story is simple:
Humans have been invited into Monstropolis.
Guests will enter a city powered by laughter and experience a world that has previously existed just beyond our view.
One of the major experiences will be Welcome to Monstropolis, a new show hosted by Mike and Sulley.
The land will also include:
- Archie’s Scare Big Pizza for dining
- Monster’s University Alumni Club, where guests can browse and honor the university’s legends
- Scarporium, a merchandise location
- Harryhausen’s Restaurant, inspired by the restaurant from Monsters, Inc.
Harryhausen’s will feature an animatronic Harry and a completely new menu unlike anything Disney has done before.
Disney’s official description emphasizes that Monstropolis isn’t simply recreating scenes from the movie, It is creating a new story that allows humans to finally experience the monster city for themselves.
Related article: The Latest Disney Vacation News
Carousel of Progress Is Getting a Major Update
One of the most surprising announcements involves one of Magic Kingdom’s most classic attractions.
Carousel of Progress is being reimagined.
And Disney is making sure the update honors the attraction’s original purpose and Walt Disney’s vision.
The new version will feature a new mom and dad, with Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston lending their voices to the characters.
The attraction will continue to celebrate the progression of technology and inventions through the decades.
And yes! The beloved “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” remains.
A new Walt Disney animatronic will also appear in the 1964 World’s Fair scene, bringing an especially meaningful connection back to the attraction’s history.
The scenes will be refreshed with new decade-specific storylines, moving through the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, the millennium and potentially the future.
It’s a new chapter for Carousel of Progress, but one designed to preserve what makes the original so special.
Tomorrowland at Disneyland Is Getting a Reimagining
Disneyland’s Tomorrowland is also getting a fresh look.
The goal?
To create a new version of Tomorrowland while maintaining what guests love and staying true to the original concept of the land.
However, Imagineers emphasized that this project is still in the concept phase, so there’s plenty more to come before we know exactly what the finished Tomorrowland will look like.
Related article: A New Perk for Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests 2026
Meet the Disney Believe
Disney Cruise Line fans also received a first look at the newest addition to the fleet:
The Disney Believe.
The ship is scheduled to set sail in 2027 and will join the Wish-class fleet. Disney previously announced that the Believe will be themed around promise and possibility, with stories centered on characters who believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.
The D23 reveal gave fans a first look at some of the ship’s incredible Disney details.
The Grand Hall
Moana will be represented by the statue in the ship’s Grand Hall.
The Stern
Woody and Buzz Lightyear will appear on the stern, seemingly hitching a ride.
Disney Animation Inspiration
The ship will feature influences from some beloved Disney stories, including:
- Moana
- Frozen
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- The Little Mermaid
- Encanto
And Disney isn’t stopping there.
The company also announced a new class of three ships coming in 2029, signaling that the expansion of Disney Cruise Line is far from over.
Disneyland Entertainment Is Coming Back in a BIG Way
Disneyland fans received some especially exciting entertainment news.
Dreams Come True Returns
The beloved “Dreams Come True” nighttime spectacular will return in 2027.
The returning show will feature new projections on:
- Sleeping Beauty Castle
- Rivers of America
- “it’s a small world”
And there’s an extra special addition:
Julie Andrews will serve as the storyteller.
World of Color Returns
The original World of Color will return to Disney California Adventure in February 2027.
Magic Happens Returns
And yes—the beloved “Magic Happens” parade is coming back to Disneyland Park in summer 2027.
For Disneyland fans who love classic entertainment, 2027 is shaping up to be a very exciting year.
Related article: Disneyland Resort Guide 2026
Avengers Campus Is Getting Even Bigger
Disney California Adventure’s Avengers Campus is continuing its expansion, with construction underway to double the size of the land.
And D23 brought new details about both attractions.
Avengers Infinity Defense
The experience begins with a pre-mission briefing featuring advanced technology.
Guests are then invited to assemble and help the Avengers stop Thanos once again.
And this time, the adventure will take guests far beyond the existing Avengers Campus.
Guests will travel to locations including:
- Wakanda
- Asgard
- New York
The experience will combine practical sets with media scenes to create a massive Marvel adventure.
And some familiar faces will be returning.
The attraction will feature the likenesses of Avengers cast members including Jeremy Renner, Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie and Robert Downey Jr.
Stark Flight Lab
The second attraction is Stark Flight Lab, inspired by Iron Man.
Guests will board two-person gyro-kinetic pods attached to robotic arms moving along a track.
The technology will simulate what it’s like to train for flight with Tony Stark.
In other words: you’re not just watching Iron Man fly.
You’re going to experience the sensation of flying.
Related article: Discover the Marvel of Avengers Campus
Spaceship Earth Is Getting a New Story
EPCOT’s iconic Spaceship Earth is also getting a reimagining and refurbishment.
The updated attraction will expand its story about the history of human communication.
And there’s another exciting piece of news for Figment fans.
Dreamfinder is coming back.
Dreamfinder will rejoin Figment inside Journey Into Imagination, giving fans a long-awaited reunion that connects the attraction back to its classic roots.
Related article: Your Full Guide to Epcot
BIG NEWS: The Yeti Is Coming Back to Life!
This may have been one of the biggest surprises of the entire presentation for Walt Disney World fans.
The Yeti animatronic inside Expedition Everest is being brought back to life.
Yes—the legendary “Disco Yeti” era may finally be coming to an end.
Disney’s beloved creature will once again be a fully functioning part of the attraction’s finale.
For fans who remember what Expedition Everest was like when it first opened, this is HUGE news.
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent
More details also emerged about the new Indiana Jones attraction coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The attraction is officially titled:
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent
And there’s an especially exciting connection to the Indiana Jones films.
Harrison Ford will serve as the model for the Indiana Jones animatronic.
The story will take guests beneath a temple ruin and into a cenote, where Indy is investigating the mysteries hidden below.
The attraction will showcase Maya culture while bringing guests into an entirely new Indiana Jones adventure.
This will be part of the transformation of the former Dinoland, U.S.A. area into the new Tropical Americas experience.
A New Coco Attraction Is Coming to Disneyland
Disneyland Resort is also getting a brand-new attraction celebrating Pixar’s Coco.
The attraction will celebrate the movie, Mexican culture and the music and family connections that made Coco such a beloved story.
The ride will take place one year after the events of the original movie and will incorporate moments and music guests recognize while also introducing elements connected to the upcoming Coco 2 story.
Disney is describing it as a family-friendly attraction, making this one that could appeal to a wide range of Disneyland guests.
Construction on the Coco attraction is part of Disneyland Resort’s larger expansion of Disney California Adventure.
Disney Has A LOT Coming
If there is one takeaway from D23 2026, it’s this:
Disney isn’t slowing down.
For Walt Disney World, we’re looking at an enormous wave of change.
Magic Kingdom is preparing for Villains Land and Piston Peak, with Piston Peak being billed as the largest expansion in the park’s history.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is moving forward with Tropical Americas, Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, and the return of the Yeti.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is building Monstropolis.
And EPCOT is looking toward a new chapter for Spaceship Earth and Journey Into Imagination.
Meanwhile, Disneyland is preparing for an expanded Avengers Campus, a new Coco attraction, a reimagined Tomorrowland and the return of some of its most beloved entertainment.
And Disney Cruise Line is continuing its rapid fleet expansion with the Disney Believe arriving in 2027 and three more ships coming in 2029.
The Disney Parks of the future are going to look very different from the parks we know today.
And honestly?
The future looks pretty exciting.
As more construction progresses and Disney releases opening dates, attraction details and additional information, we’ll continue following these projects and sharing the updates you need to know when planning your next Disney vacation.
Have a Disney vacation coming up? Remember that you don’t have to wait for these new attractions to experience the magic that’s already here. And if you’re dreaming about a future Disney trip, now is a great time to start thinking about when and where—you want to go.
This post will be updated as Disney releases additional information, opening dates and details about these new experiences.
Continue Planning Your Walt Disney World Vacation
Now that you’ve learned more about Disney’s Caribbean Beach, continue exploring our Walt Disney World resources to plan every part of your vacation.
You may also enjoy:
- Explore Walt Disney World – Your complete destination hub for planning resources, news, and travel inspiration.
- Disney Resort Guides – Compare Disney Resort hotels to find the perfect fit for your travel style and budget.
- Park Guides – Discover attractions, entertainment, and tips for each Walt Disney World theme park.
- Dining Guides – Find character dining, quick-service favorites, signature restaurants, and must-try Disney snacks.
Ready for Your Next Disney Adventure?
Whether you’re dreaming of your first Walt Disney World vacation or planning your next magical return, we’re here to help you discover even more ways to make your trip unforgettable. Continue exploring our destination guides, resort reviews, dining recommendations, and the latest Disney news to inspire your next adventure.
When you’re ready to turn those dreams into reality, connect with our friends at DizN Vacations. Their knowledgeable travel advisors can help you choose the perfect resort, maximize your vacation budget, create a personalized itinerary, and monitor for eligible promotions—all at no additional cost to you.
Don’t miss out on even more Disney inspiration! Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest travel news, planning tips, destination highlights, and special updates delivered right to your inbox. You can also subscribe to DizN with the Donohues on YouTube for vacation guides, resort tours, and travel inspiration, and join our private Facebook community, Destination DizN & Beyond, where Disney and Universal fans share tips, ask questions, and celebrate the magic together.
Your next adventure starts here—we can’t wait to help you discover where the magic takes you next!
About the Writer:
Get Magical Travel News Delivered Directly to Your Inbox:
