What We Learned About the Future of Walt Disney World at D23 2026
Our Be Our Guest Vacations team was honored to be invited to “Horizons: A Carousel of Progress,” the Disney Experiences showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa. There is nothing quite like hearing these announcements live, surrounded by thousands of fans who are just as excited about what is coming next.
From the Magic Mirror’s appearance to the surprise return of Dreamfinder, there was plenty for our team to be excited about. Here are the biggest Walt Disney World announcements from the showcase.
Magic Kingdom Park
Magic Kingdom has some major changes ahead, including new adventures in Frontierland, a land devoted to Disney Villains, and an update to one of Walt Disney’s most beloved attractions.
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress will reopen with new scenes set during the 1960s, 1980s, New Year’s Eve in 1999, and a possible future.
The updated attraction will begin with an Audio Animatronics figure of Walt Disney. Disney Legend Jamie Lee Curtis and Emmy Award winning actor Bryan Cranston will also become the new voices of Sarah and John.
We were happy to hear that “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” will remain part of the experience. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is currently unavailable and is expected to debut its updated story in late spring 2027.
Piston Peak National Park
Piston Peak National Park will bring the world of Disney and Pixar’s Cars to Frontierland as part of the largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom.
Cars Ridge Run Rally will take guests racing across rugged terrain in vehicles that physically respond to every bump, drop, and rock. A second attraction starring Miss Fritter from Cars 3 will invite families into her wildest demolition derby yet.
Our team had the chance to see the massive model at D23, and this new area looks incredible. From its waterfalls and geysers to the snow covered Piston Peak, the scale is even more impressive in person.
Villains Land
The moment the Magic Mirror appeared onstage, we knew something wicked was coming.
Villains Land will include two major attractions, dining, shopping, and an original story inspired by classic Disney Villains from Walt Disney Animation Studios.
One attraction will be a coaster centered on Maleficent. The second will be a dark ride hosted by the Magic Mirror, who will transport guests into the mystical Mirror Realm to encounter multiple Disney Villains.
Disney compared the size of Villains Land to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, giving us an exciting sense of just how immersive this new land could be.
EPCOT
The EPCOT announcements gave longtime fans two very big reasons to celebrate.
Spaceship Earth
Spaceship Earth will receive its first major update in nearly 20 years. Its story will expand from the history of human communication to the broader theme of human connection, bringing the attraction into the internet age and beyond.
Disney has not shared an opening timeline, but confirmed that the optimism and wonder at the heart of Spaceship Earth will remain.
Dreamfinder and Figment
Dreamfinder and Figment are returning together for a new journey into imagination at EPCOT.
This announcement brought one of the biggest reactions of the entire showcase. Disney has not yet revealed what the new journey will include, but seeing Dreamfinder and Figment reunited is something EPCOT fans have wanted for years. Our team was just as excited to hear the news.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Humans will soon be invited into Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Parts of the new land inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. will open in 2027. Mike and Sulley will host “Welcome to Monstropolis” at the Glob Theater, featuring a new song from Disney Legend Randy Newman.
Guests will also be able to visit Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza, the Monsters University Alumni Club, the Scareporium, and Harryhausen’s Restaurant. Construction will continue on the door coaster as portions of Monstropolis begin welcoming guests.
From the restaurant names to the details inside the city, it sounds like Monstropolis will be filled with the humor and personality families love from Monsters, Inc.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park brought adventure, family fun, and one very unexpected announcement.
The Yeti Is Coming Back to Life
Disney confirmed that the Yeti will come back to life inside Expedition Everest.
The crowd erupted when the news was shared, and then Gloria Gaynor appeared to perform “I Will Survive.” It was unexpected, hilarious, and easily one of the most memorable moments of the event.
Disney has not yet shared when the restored Yeti will make its debut.
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent will take guests into an ancient Maya temple before sending them through a portal into the Maya Underworld.
The adventure will feature bats, scorpions, fire, snakes, and a towering Audio Animatronics figure of the Tsukán. Disney Legend Harrison Ford will serve as the model for Indiana Jones, marking the first Disney attraction to feature his likeness as the character.
Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto
Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto will invite families inside Casita to celebrate the day Antonio receives his gift of communicating with animals.
The attraction will include more than 50 animals and returning voices from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto. Best of all, there will be no height requirement, so the entire family can experience the celebration together.
Tropical Americas will also include El Carrusel de los Animalitos, dining, shopping, and a play area inspired by the Maya.
There Is So Much to Look Forward To
From long awaited character returns to entirely new lands, the future of Walt Disney World Resort is looking incredibly exciting.
When you are ready to begin planning your next Walt Disney World vacation, our experienced agents at Be Our Guest Vacations are here to help bring it all together. You can also sign up for our newsletter to keep up with the latest announcements and opening dates.