By Laura Moull | ClickTheMouse Travel | August 2026
Disney has some BIG plans for the future, and after attending D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California, in August 2026, I'm excited to share what's coming next! Thank you so much ClickTheMouse Travel and Disney Destinations for this amazing opportunity!
From new attractions at Walt Disney World and Disneyland to exciting developments for Disney Cruise Line, D23 gave Disney fans plenty to look forward to over the next several years.
As a former Walt Disney World Cast Member and Canadian Disney travel advisor with ClickTheMouse Travel, I love getting a behind-the-scenes look at what's coming to Disney destinations. Attending D23 is an incredible opportunity to learn about the future of Disney vacations and bring that information back to the families I help plan their trips.
Whether you're planning a Walt Disney World vacation in 2027, dreaming about visiting Disneyland, or considering your first Disney cruise, here's a breakdown of the biggest D23 2026 announcements and what they could mean for your future Disney vacation.
Walt Disney World: New Attractions, Lands and Experiences
Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is preparing for some major changes across its four theme parks, with several exciting projects already underway.
Magic Kingdom: Villains Land, Cars and Carousel of Progress
Disney Villains Land
One of the most anticipated additions to Magic Kingdom is a brand-new land dedicated to Disney's most iconic villains.
At D23 2026, Disney revealed new details about the land's dark and mysterious setting, including a cursed forest, a broken wishing well, and attractions inspired by some of Disney's most infamous characters.
Plans include a thrilling roller coaster through Maleficent's enchanted briars and an experience inspired by the Magic Mirror.
An official opening date has not yet been announced, but this is definitely one to watch if you're planning a future Walt Disney World vacation.
Piston Peak: A New Cars-Themed Adventure
Lightning McQueen and Mater are heading to Magic Kingdom!
The new Cars-inspired area, Piston Peak, will feature two attractions:
- Cars Ridge Run Rally: An adventurous ride through mountain trails, snowy peaks and erupting geysers.
- Miss Fritter's Daredevil Spin-Along: A spinning attraction inspired by the unforgettable school bus from Cars 3.
The area will bring the world of Cars to life in a completely new setting inspired by the American wilderness.
Carousel of Progress Updates
One of Walt Disney's classic attractions is also receiving some attention!
Carousel of Progress will welcome updates in late spring 2027, including new scenes and the addition of Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston as the show's mother and father characters.
For Disney history fans, it's exciting to see this classic attraction continue to evolve while celebrating Walt's original vision.
EPCOT: Figment, Dreamfinder and Spaceship Earth
EPCOT fans received some especially exciting news at D23!
Journey Into Imagination is being reimagined, with Figment returning alongside the beloved Dreamfinder.
For longtime Disney fans who remember the original attraction, the return of Dreamfinder is particularly exciting.
Disney also announced updates to Spaceship Earth, expanding its storytelling beyond human communication to explore the broader theme of human connection.
Both projects are part of EPCOT's continuing evolution, although opening dates have not yet been confirmed.
Disney's Hollywood Studios: Monstropolis Arrives in 2027
Get ready to step into the world of Monsters, Inc.!
The new Monstropolis land at Disney's Hollywood Studios is scheduled to open in 2027, bringing the world of Mike and Sulley to life.
Along with the previously announced suspended roller coaster inspired by the famous door vault, Disney revealed additional experiences coming to the land.
Guests will be able to explore locations inspired by the film, including Harryhausen's restaurant, enjoy entertainment at a new theatre, and grab a bite at Archie's Scare Pig Pizza.
An original song by Disney Legend Randy Newman will also help bring Monstropolis to life.
For families planning a Walt Disney World vacation in 2027 or beyond, this could be one of the most exciting new additions to Hollywood Studios.
Disney's Animal Kingdom: Indiana Jones, Encanto and Expedition Everest
Disney shared additional details about the upcoming Tropical Americas area at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent will take guests on an expedition into an ancient Maya temple, where they'll encounter supernatural mysteries and a giant serpent inspired by Maya mythology.
Antonio's Fiesta de Encanto will invite guests into the Madrigal family's magical Casita during Antonio's special gift day. This family-friendly attraction will feature new rooms, music and plenty of Encanto magic.
And for longtime Animal Kingdom fans, Disney confirmed plans to bring the Yeti back to life inside Expedition Everest!
These additions are part of a major transformation for Animal Kingdom and will give returning visitors new reasons to explore the park.
Disneyland Resort: Avengers, Coco and a New Tomorrowland
Disneyland Resort in California is also preparing for an exciting few years, with new attractions, returning entertainment and significant expansions.
Avengers Campus Expands in 2028
Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure is getting two new attractions, both scheduled to open in 2028.
Avengers Infinity Defense will take guests on an adventure across multiple worlds alongside their favourite Marvel Super Heroes.
Stark Flight Lab will offer a new training experience inspired by Tony Stark's technology, featuring appearances from familiar Marvel characters.
The expansion will double the size of Avengers Campus, making it an even bigger destination for Marvel fans.
The First-Ever Coco Attraction
Disney also shared more details about the upcoming Coco attraction at Disney California Adventure.
This new boat ride will transport guests through Miguel's memories of the Land of the Dead, with storytelling inspired by the original film and its upcoming sequel.
For fans of Coco, this is an especially exciting addition, bringing the film's beautiful music, characters and colourful world into a Disney theme park attraction for the first time.
Tomorrowland Is Being Reimagined
Another major D23 announcement was the planned transformation of Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park.
Disney Imagineers are working on a new vision for the land, honouring its history while introducing new attractions, more open spaces and experiences focused on the future.
Additional details and an opening timeline have not yet been announced.
Favourite Disneyland Entertainment Returns in 2027
Disneyland fans also have some familiar entertainment to look forward to!
- Remember… Dreams Come True: A refreshed version of this beloved fireworks spectacular returns in February 2027.
- World of Color: An updated version of the original nighttime show returns to Disney California Adventure in February 2027.
- Magic Happens Parade: This popular daytime parade returns to Disneyland Park in summer 2027.
If you're planning a Disneyland vacation in 2027, these returning favourites are another reason to get excited!
Disneyland Paris: The Lion King and Space Mountain
Disneyland Paris has been undergoing an exciting transformation, and D23 brought even more news for European Disney vacations.
The Lion King Comes to Disney Adventure World
Disney shared new details about the first-ever attraction dedicated to The Lion King at Disney Adventure World.
Guests will journey through the Pride Lands and experience Simba's story, from his childhood adventures to becoming king.
This new attraction will be part of a larger Lion King-themed area, adding another immersive experience to Disneyland Paris.
An official opening date has not yet been announced.
Space Mountain Returns to Its Roots
Disneyland Paris is also preparing to reimagine Hyperspace Mountain as Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune.
Inspired by Jules Verne's classic story, the attraction will celebrate the original vision of Disneyland Paris's Space Mountain, including the return of its beloved musical score.
For longtime Disneyland Paris fans, this announcement is an exciting nod to the park's history.
Disney Cruise Line: New Details About Disney Believe and Future Ships
As someone who loves helping families plan Disney cruises, I was particularly excited about the Disney Cruise Line announcements at D23 2026!
Disney's fleet is continuing to grow, bringing new ships, destinations and experiences to guests around the world.
Disney Believe Sets Sail in 2027
One of the biggest Disney Cruise Line announcements was a first look at the Disney Believe, scheduled to debut in 2027.
The Disney Believe will join the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny as part of Disney's newest generation of ships.
At D23, Disney revealed several details about the ship's design:
- Grand Hall: Inspired by Moana, featuring a bronze statue of Moana with Pua and Heihei.
- Bow artwork: Tinker Bell will adorn the front of the ship.
- Stern characters: Buzz Lightyear and Woody will be featured on the back of the ship.
The Disney Believe will celebrate themes of adventure, exploration and believing in yourself.
While more details about the ship's onboard experiences and itineraries will continue to be revealed, it's already shaping up to be an exciting addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
A New Class of Disney Cruise Line Ships Is Coming in 2029
Disney also announced plans for an entirely new class of cruise ships beginning in 2029.
These ships will be smaller than Disney's newest vessels but larger than the original Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.
The new design is intended to give Disney Cruise Line greater flexibility to visit additional destinations around the world.
For Canadian travellers interested in exploring new destinations with Disney Cruise Line, this is an especially exciting development to watch.
What Do the D23 2026 Announcements Mean for Your Disney Vacation?
With so many new attractions and experiences on the horizon, you might be wondering whether you should book your Disney vacation now or wait.
My advice? Don't automatically put your vacation plans on hold for an attraction that doesn't have a confirmed opening date.
If you're planning to visit Walt Disney World or Disneyland in 2027, there are already plenty of exciting experiences to enjoy, including some new additions scheduled to open that year.
And if your family is hoping to experience something specific, such as Villains Land or the new Coco attraction, we can look at the latest announced timelines and discuss what makes the most sense for your travel dates.
One of the benefits of working with a Disney-focused travel advisor is having someone who keeps up with these announcements, understands the different Disney destinations and can help you decide when and where to travel.
Planning a Disney Vacation? Let's Make It Happen!
With so many exciting announcements from D23 2026, there's never a shortage of reasons to start dreaming about your next Disney vacation.
I'm Laura, a former Walt Disney World Cast Member and travel advisor with ClickTheMouse Travel. I've spent more than nine years helping families plan Disney vacations, from their very first Walt Disney World trip to Disney cruises, Disneyland adventures and visits to Disneyland Paris.
Having attended D23 2026 in person, I'm excited to share what's coming next and help my clients make the most of their future Disney vacations.
Whether you're planning for 2027, 2028 or beyond, I'd love to help you explore your options!
Ready to start planning? Contact Laura at ClickTheMouse Travel for a personalized Disney vacation quote.
Request a personalized Disney vacation quote from Laura Moull
