Over the weekend, Disney hosted the much-anticipated Destination D23 at Walt Disney World’s Coronado Springs Resort.
From August 29 to 31, fans flocked to this major gathering known as Destination D23: A Journey Around the Worlds of Disney. This event was packed with panels, entertainment, and special presentations—offering a first look at exciting updates related to Disney Parks, Resorts, and the Disney Cruise Line.
Let’s break down some of the key announcements you’ll want to know about!
Walt Disney World
Cinderella Castle Gets Back to Its Original Colors
Following a bright pink makeover for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021, Cinderella Castle is set to return to its original 1971 color palette. During the panel titled “Beyond the Spires: An Insider Look at Disney Castles”, Imagineers shared their plans, showcasing concept art of what’s to come—a classic muted palette of grays and creams is on the table, topped off with blue rooftops and golden highlights that will shimmer brilliantly under the Florida sun. There’s no timeline announced yet for this restoration.
Walt Disney Animatronic Coming to Carousel of Progress
As part of the “Creating the Happiest Place on Earth” panel, executives from Walt Disney Imagineering revealed an Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney himself will be integrated into the Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom. This new scene will pay tribute to Walt’s foundational role in the attraction, which first debuted at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
This year saw the launch of Walt Disney’s first-ever animatronic figure at Disneyland Park in a new addition called “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” celebrating the park’s 70th anniversary.
TRON Lightcycle / Run Set for a Special Overlay
The “Walt Disney Studios Showcase” brought news of a limited-time TRON attraction overlay, adorned with fiery orange and red designs paired with a unique soundtrack created by Nine Inch Nails, tying in with the upcoming film, Tron: Ares. Guests can look forward to this thrilling theme launching on September 15 in Magic Kingdom and September 16 at Shanghai Disneyland, just ahead of the film’s premiere on October 10, 2025.
Villains Land in the Works
During the “Disney Villains: Icons of Evil” presentation, Disney Legend Andreas Deja divulged that he is collaborating on a new villains-themed land at Magic Kingdom. This immersive area will host two attractions, dining experiences, and shopping venues—all within what’s being called “Conjured Architecture.” The planning includes drawing from history and fantasy elements found in Paris’s Art Nouveau and Barcelona’s Modernisme fittings, featuring stunning stained glass and rich, vibrant colors to reflect the animated worlds the villains inhabit.
D23 Returns in 2026
Michael Vargo, head of D23, announced the return of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, slated for August 14–16, 2026, in Anaheim, with programming happening at both the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center. The event promises showcases, special fan activities, and more celebrations leading up to the main weekend, which includes D23 days at both Angel Stadium and Disneyland. Jodi Benson, Disney Legend, will be the first official FAN-bassador, connecting with fans on various outings. Ticket sales will commence in Spring 2026.
This year also brings a lineup of special events. Expect a WDI Spooktacular Spotlight in Orlando, Halloween “Boo-nanza” fun in California, and a DEC celebration for Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2!
Starting November 1, the D23 On the Road tour will offer interactive screenings of One Alone across 18 U.S. cities to celebrate the film’s 35th anniversary. Don’t miss A Jolly Holiday on the Lot in Burbank on December 14, along with new tours and virtual events planned throughout the year.
Disneyland Resort
Napa Rose Gets a Layout Upgrade
At Destination D23, culinary director John State presented a sneak peek of an expanded outdoor patio at Napa Rose, part of renovations at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
The newly designed space will offer guests breathtaking views towards Disney California Adventure, including two fireplaces and a refreshed landscaping layout for optimal enjoyment.
Disney Cruise Line
Details about Disney Destiny’s Bartenders and Drinks Revealed
Leading up to the Disney Destiny’s inaugural sailing on November 20, intriguing details surfaced about its themed lounges and specialized cocktails.
The upcoming Haunted Mansion Parlor, which appeared on the Disney Treasure, will unveil new cocktails aboard the Disney Destiny such as a unique variation of the Chilling Challenge, incorporating Camus VSOP Cognac, Cointreau Noir, Joto Yuzu Sake, and more.
New concept art unveiled the Dead Man’s Chest cocktail for the ship’s Pirates of the Caribbean themed bar— a special drink for two is blending Zacapa 23 rum, juicy pineapple, lime juice, sweet agave, and delicious coconut froth!
In the Sanctum, inspired by Marvel’s Doctor Strange, cocktail lovers can try the Mirror Dimension with Stoli Elit vodka, fresh lychee, a zing of lemon, and more, served in a glass designed to tingle on contact.
Encounter Dr. Facilier on Disney Destiny
Guests can meet Dr. Facilier in a new interactive experience onboard the Destiny. This enchanting character may stroll around the Grand Hall or appear in various spots to dazzle guests with stunning sleight of hand and captivating card tricks.
Cool New Merchandise for Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line
During the “What’s Cooking with Disney Eats” session, eight new novelty items set to launch at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, and the Disney Cruise Line were highlighted.
This holiday brings a holiday-themed popcorn bucket shaped like Mickey and Friends Holiday Christmas Tree Truck to Disneyland Resort, Aulani, and select Disney Cruise Line ships, along with a Trader Sam’s Holiday Zombie Mug offering distinct designs for Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
With the premiere of Disney Destiny happening November 20, fans can expect some specialized mugs—including the Poseidon Mug and Siren Mug debuted at the Haunted Mansion Parlor.
Exciting items for next year include a Monsters, Inc. Scream Canister popcorn bucket, a Little Green Men Jetpack sipper, and upcoming popcorn buckets inspired by Winnie the Pooh & Piglet and a Star Wars Bantha sipper, set to arrive in various locations, though exact dates remain unconfirmed.
International Parks Updates
Disneyland Paris
Imagineers revealed at the “Beyond the Spires” panel that the World of Frozen is set to open in spring 2026, marking an exciting transformation for Walt Disney Studios Park.
Hong Kong Disneyland
Starting September 19, Hong Kong Disneyland will kick off the Uninvited! A Villains Takeover Party, perfect for a Halloween celebration featuring iconic Disney villains. This event merges cavalcade, street performance, and musical show.
