D23 Horizons: The Biggest Disney Announcements You Need to Know
Disney fans were treated to a packed evening of surprises during the D23 Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase. From long-awaited ride updates and brand-new lands to returning entertainment and major park expansions, Disney pulled back the curtain on what's next for parks around the world.
Here's everything that has us the most excited, organized by destination.
Walt Disney World Resort
Animal Kingdom Is Getting a Major Transformation
Animal Kingdom stole the spotlight with several huge announcements that will reshape the park over the next few years.
The Yeti Is Finally Coming Back to Life!
After years of speculation, Disney confirmed that the legendary Yeti animatronic inside Expedition Everest will be fully restored in 2027.
For longtime Disney fans, this is massive news. The original Yeti was one of the most ambitious Audio-Animatronics Disney has ever created. Seeing it roar back to life will make one of Walt Disney World's best thrill rides even more unforgettable.
Antonio's Fiesta de Encanto
The highly anticipated Encanto attraction finally has a name!
Guests will join Antonio and the Madrigal family in a colorful new adventure featuring the original voice cast from the film.
Encanto continues to be one of Disney's most beloved modern stories, and this attraction is expected to become an instant fan favorite.
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent
Adventure is coming to Animal Kingdom in a big way.
The new attraction will feature Disney Legend Harrison Ford as the inspiration for the first-ever Indiana Jones Audio-Animatronic based on the actor's likeness.
Guests will embark on a dangerous expedition through ancient ruins in search of the legendary Jade Serpent.
Magic Kingdom Continues to Grow
New Look at Cars Ridge Run Rally
Disney shared a fresh look at Cars Ridge Run Rally, one of the headlining attractions coming to the new Piston Peak National Park expansion.
The attraction promises off-road thrills, high-speed terrain, and plenty of Cars-inspired storytelling.
Carousel of Progress Gets a New Story
One of Walt Disney World's most iconic attractions is receiving a major refresh.
The updated Carousel of Progress will take guests from the 1960s through today and beyond, including a brand-new 1980s scene.
Even more exciting? Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston will join the attraction as voice talent.
Opening: Late Spring 2027
Hollywood Studios
Monstropolis Is Looking Incredible
The Monsters, Inc. expansion is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated projects at Walt Disney World.
Door Coaster
Fans got another look at the headlining attraction that will send guests racing through the famous door vault from the original film.
This innovative coaster is expected to become one of the most unique family thrill rides Disney has ever built.
An Entire City of Monsters
The new Monstropolis land will immerse guests in the world of Mike, Sulley, and Boo with themed streets, dining, entertainment, and attractions.
Expected opening: 2027
Villains Land Gets Darker and More Exciting
Disney revealed new story details for what could become the most ambitious expansion in Disney World history.
The land begins in an enchanted forest where guests discover a mysterious wishing well. But something has gone terribly wrong.
A dark wish shatters the well, unleashing villain magic throughout the realm.
Guests will encounter villains including:
Maleficent
Cruella de Vil
The Evil Queen
Dr. Facilier
Maleficent Racing Coaster
A thrilling new coaster will race through Maleficent's mountain fortress and feature ride elements never before seen at Walt Disney World.
Mirror Realm Water Ride
The second attraction will transport guests into a twisted mirror world where villain magic has transformed reality itself.
Disney described the land as elegant, powerful, immersive, and unlike anything they've created before.
EPCOT
Figment Is Getting a Refresh at EPCOT
Dreamfinder and Figment fans, rejoice!
Disney announced that Journey Into Imagination with Figment will receive updates, bringing new life to one of EPCOT's most beloved attractions.
While details are still limited, the announcement signals Disney's continued investment in EPCOT's original spirit and fan-favorite characters.
Why we're excited: Figment isn't just an attraction. He's the mascot of imagination, creativity, and classic EPCOT. Any investment in Figment is a win for Disney fans.
Spaceship Earth Is Being Reimagined
For the first time in more than two decades, EPCOT's iconic Spaceship Earth will receive a major refresh.
Disney says the attraction will focus on human connection while maintaining the classic EPCOT spirit that fans know and love.
Disneyland Resort
Fan-Favorite Entertainment Is Returning
Disneyland fans received some welcome news.
Remember... Dreams Come True Returns
The beloved nighttime spectacular returns in February with projections extending across:
Main Street, U.S.A.
Rivers of America
it's a small world
Magic Happens Parade Returns
One of Disneyland's most popular parades is making its return, bringing back stunning floats, incredible performers, and beloved Disney characters.
World of Color Gets Refreshed
Disney California Adventure will debut an updated version of World of Color, giving guests a fresh new reason to stay after dark.
Coco Attraction Gets Another Look
Disney also shared additional details and concept art for the upcoming Coco attraction at Disney California Adventure.
This continues to be one of the most anticipated attractions coming to Disneyland Resort.
Marvel Around the World
Avengers Campus Expansion
The future of Marvel at Disney Parks is bigger than ever.
Avengers Infinity Defense
Guests will team up with heroes across the Marvel universe to battle Thanos in what Disney is describing as one of its most ambitious attractions ever.
The experience will feature appearances from:
Captain Marvel
Iron Man
Thor
Captain America
Hawkeye
Stark Flight Lab
The second attraction will allow guests to experience cutting-edge Stark Industries technology firsthand.
Both attractions are scheduled to open in 2028.
Stark Expo Gets Bigger Than Ever
Disney also revealed a massive expansion to Stark Expo.
The centerpiece will be a towering 120-foot experience that transports guests throughout the Marvel destination while offering incredible views and immersive storytelling.
The expansion is designed to become a central gathering place for Avengers fans.
Spider-Man Gets His Own Land
One of the most exciting Marvel reveals was the announcement of the world's first land dedicated entirely to Spider-Man.
Highlights include:
🕷️ WEB Headquarters founded by Tony Stark
🕷️ More than 20 murals celebrating Spider-Man, the Avengers, and scientific innovation
🕷️ Interactive experiences throughout the land
🕷️ A brand-new Spider-Bot roller coaster
For Marvel fans, this could become one of Disney's most exciting international destinations.
International Disney Parks
Paris Gets Its First Lion King Attraction
Disney revealed exciting new details about the upcoming Lion King attraction coming to Disneyland Paris.
The flume ride will retell Simba's journey from cub to king and feature the debut of Scar as an Audio-Animatronic character.
The attraction will culminate in the dramatic final battle between Simba and Scar.
Wreck-It Ralph Heads to Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland is getting the world's first Wreck-It Ralph attraction.
Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue will invite guests into the colorful candy-filled world of Vanellope and friends when it opens next spring.
Space Mountain Evolves
Disney announced major updates to two iconic versions of Space Mountain.
🌙 Disneyland Paris will restore the beloved original Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune.
🚀 Tokyo Disneyland will introduce Space Mountain: Earthrise in partnership with Mark Rober.
One More Thing...
Disney also announced that a second season of The Imagineering Story is currently in production and will debut on Disney+ in 2028, giving fans another behind-the-scenes look at the magic that brings these incredible projects to life.
The Biggest Takeaway
If D23 proved anything, it's that Disney is entering one of the most ambitious periods in its history. Between Encanto, Indiana Jones, Villains Land, Monstropolis, Marvel expansions, a restored Yeti, and returning Disneyland entertainment, there has never been more for Disney fans to look forward to.
The hardest part? Deciding which new experience will be worth planning your next Disney vacation around first. ✨