The highly anticipated D23 Ultimate Disney Fan Event is set to begin on August 9 in Anaheim, California. This biennial event, a favorite among Disney enthusiasts, is where the company unveils major announcements across its parks and entertainment offerings. While some plans are immediate, others are “blue-sky” ideas that may take years to come to fruition. Before diving into what’s next for Disney’s parks and the Disney Cruise Line, let’s review the progress on announcements from last year’s Destination D23 and the 2022 D23 Expo.
Walt Disney World Updates
At Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, the iconic Hatbox Ghost joined the Haunted Mansion last November. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a reimagining of Splash Mountain, opened at Magic Kingdom this June and is set to open at Disneyland later this year. The Country Bear Jamboree was reimagined with new country versions of popular Disney songs and debuted its new show on July 17. Meanwhile, a Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired lounge announced last year remains in development, and expansion plans for a land “beyond Big Thunder Mountain” are still being worked on.
What Is EPCOT Going to Showcase?
EPCOT has seen significant changes as well. The walk-through attraction Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, opened as scheduled last October. The nighttime spectacular “Luminous: The Symphony of Us” debuted in December 2022. EPCOT’s World Celebration and the final piece of the park’s transformation, CommuniCore Hall and Plaza, both opened on schedule. Additionally, Test Track is being reimagined in partnership with Chevrolet and closed this June for its makeover. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is transforming with plans to retheme Dinoland U.S.A. to reflect the “tropical Americas,” including potential “Encanto” and Indiana Jones experiences. While these plans are still in development, Dinoland U.S.A. remains open. A “Zootopia”-inspired short is also planned for the Tree of Life, though it currently still features “It’s Tough to be a Bug!”
Disneyland and Disney Parks Abroad
Disneyland has been bustling with updates. Asha from the animated film “Wish” started making appearances last year at Disneyland, EPCOT, and Disneyland Paris. The reimagined Pixar Place Hotel opened in January, as did the return of RunDisney races to Disneyland for the first time since the pandemic. New scenes featuring Ahsoka, Mandalorian, and Andor debuted at the Star Tours attraction in Disneyland, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disneyland Paris this April. Plans are also underway for a new multiverse-centered attraction at Disney California Adventure Park’s Avengers Campus.
Globally, the World of Frozen opened at Hong Kong Disneyland last November, and Shanghai Disney Resort introduced its new Zootopia land in December. Fantasy Springs, the largest expansion at Tokyo Disney Resort since Tokyo DisneySea, debuted in June after previews at the 2022 and 2023 D23 events. Tokyo Disneyland’s Space Mountain closed on July 31 for an overhaul that will be completed in 2027. Disneyland Paris reopened its reimagined Disneyland Hotel in January, with new attractions like the World of Frozen and Raiponce Tangled Spin teased for future openings.
Disney Cruise Line’s New Ventures
Disney Cruise Line has also made significant strides. It began sailing from Australia and New Zealand last year, as announced. Its newest private destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas, opened this June, with details shared at both last year’s Destination D23 and the 2022 D23 Expo. The cruise line’s sixth ship, the Disney Treasure, will launch this December, following its name reveal at the 2022 D23 Expo. Additionally, the name of their seventh ship, the Disney Adventure, was unveiled last year and is set to debut next year, marking Disney’s first ship to sail from Singapore across Southeast Asia. The name of Disney’s eighth ship, the Disney Destiny, has also been announced.
The D23 Ultimate Disney Fan Event promises to bring even more exciting news and updates, continuing Disney’s tradition of magical experiences and innovative developments.