There was so much news coming out of Disney’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 this weekend in Anaheim that it’s been a wild ride just trying to sort it all out.
It seems like only yesterday we were at Disneyland for the Kids Rule Summer Media Event, where Disney gave us a firsthand look at some of the exciting things happening right now – including several new announcements, the newly updated Soarin’ Over America, and the refreshed Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run experience (complete with adorable Grogu).
But this year’s D23 gave us something different: our first real glimpse at what Disney is planning for the years ahead.
And my goodness, what a transformation they’re planning.
I’ve always believed one of the most exciting things about Disney is that the story is never really finished. There is always another world being imagined, another attraction under construction, another movie that will become part of a child’s childhood.
D23 made it clear just how dramatically those worlds are about to evolve – across Disneyland, Walt Disney World, its theme parks around the world, Disney Cruise Line, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney Animation.
And for families who love to travel for the experience – not just the destination – there is a lot to look forward to.
Here are some of the announcements that have us excited for the future…
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Disneyland Is Reimagining Tomorrowland
One of the most talked about stories coming out of D23 is that Disneyland’s Tomorrowland – a Walt Disney original themed development in the park – is getting a much-needed update. And one of the first requests from fans and Imagineers alike is something that has been missing for far too long: the return of the PeopleMover.
Yes, the PeopleMover.
Anyone remember gliding through Tomorrowland and even passing through the original TRON construction space on that ride? The track is still there, quietly waiting, like it’s been holding its breath for decades.
And now, Disney is finally acknowledging what fans have been saying for years: it’s time for a rehaul of Tomorrowland.
The project will reimagine Tomorrowland with new attractions, more open spaces, and a renewed focus on Walt Disney’s original vision of optimism, innovation, and possibility. It’s part of a larger transformation at Disneyland as the resort looks toward its 75th anniversary in 2030. I just put away my 70th anniversary ears, so this still feels light-years away.
Can’t wait to hear about the changes as we look toward the future….
Avengers Campus Is About to Get MUCH Bigger
Marvel fans, get ready.
Disney revealed new details about the expansion of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure, including two major attractions scheduled to open in 2028: Stark Flight Lab and Avengers Infinity Defense.
And this isn’t just another ride update.
The expansion will roughly double the size of the existing Marvel-themed area and bring back some very familiar faces. Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Jeremy Renner and Brie Larson are among the stars returning for the experiences.
In Avengers Infinity Defense, guests will join Ms. Marvel in a mission involving Thanos. At Stark Flight Lab, guests will experience what it is like to train alongside Avengers including Iron Man, Captain America and Captain Marvel.
For kids who have grown up with the Marvel universe (and parents too), this is going to be a pretty incredible way to step inside the story.
Disney World Is Going to Get a Villains Land
This may be the announcement that has Disney World fans talking the most.
Magic Kingdom is getting a Villains Land, and Disney is leaning into something we don’t usually get at this scale: the darker side of the Disney universe.
The land will feature two major attractions, including a Maleficent-themed roller coaster that races through a twisted briar patch and an indoor attraction involving Snow White’s Magic Mirror.
And the villains aren’t exactly playing nice.
Cruella de Vil, the Evil Queen, Dr. Facilier, Ursula, Captain Hook, Jafar and Hades are among the characters being incorporated into the land.
Disney says the land will explore a corrupted wishing well from which villains draw their power.
Translation?
Don’t expect happily ever after.
And I think that is precisely why this could be so much fun.
Indiana Jones Is Coming to Animal Kingdom
As someone who loves Indy, travel, mythology, and the idea of turning history and adventure into an immersive experience, this one really caught my attention.
Harrison Ford is returning (or at least his animatronic likeness) to Disney World for a new attraction called Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent.
The attraction is being developed as part of the new Tropical Americas area at Animal Kingdom and will take guests into a Mayan temple. The Indy ride has been a staple for us at Disneyland for decades, so we’re excited that our friends in Florida will finally get their own ride.
The surrounding Tropical Americas area will also feature an Encanto attraction, restaurants, shops, and a carousel featuring Disney animal characters.
Monsters, Inc. Is Taking Over Hollywood Studios
If your kids love Monsters, Inc., this one is going to be a big deal.
Disney unveiled more details about Monstropolis, the new Monsters, Inc.-themed land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2027.
And it sounds incredibly immersive.
There will be a suspended door-factory-themed coaster, a pizza restaurant, the Monsters University Alumni Club, a Scare Emporium and Harryhausen’s sushi restaurant.
The land will be centered around H.U.M.A.N. Day – “Humans Understand Monsters Are Nice” – marking the first time humans are welcomed into Monstropolis.
There is even a new Randy Newman song, “Welcome to Monstropolis.”
As a mom, I can already imagine the reaction when kids realize they’re actually walking through the world of Mike and Sulley.
And Yes, Figment Is Back
There are certain Disney characters that aren’t just characters. They are memories.
For generations of EPCOT fans, Figment is one of them.
Disney announced that Journey Into Imagination will receive a complete reimagining, with Figment returning – along with Dreamfinder.
For longtime Disney fans, that is a major dose of nostalgia.
For a new generation, it is an introduction to one of EPCOT’s most beloved characters.
That combination – honoring what people loved while creating something new – was one of the biggest themes I took away from D23.
Frozen 3 Is Coming
One of the biggest emotional reactions of the weekend came when Disney confirmed that Frozen 3 is officially on the way (our daughter has been tracking this…for years!)
The next chapter will return us to Arendelle, with Anna’s wedding among the story details teased at D23. Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel and Josh Gad also appeared for a special performance that had the entire audience reacting in real time.
The film is currently slated for November 2027.
For families, this isn’t just another sequel – it’s a return to one of the most defining modern Disney stories of the last decade.
And yes, we are absolutely going back to Arendelle.
Princess Diaries 3 and Anne Hathaway’s Big Disney Moment
Another surprise announcement that had fans buzzing: The Princess Diaries 3 is officially in development.
And in a fitting full-circle Disney moment, Anne Hathaway– who introduced an entire generation to the endlessly relatable Mia Thermopolis- was also named a Disney Legend during the D23 celebration.
A very busy, very pregnant Hathaway took the stage twice over the weekend (yes, the same weekend her latest film, The End of Oak Street, opened to strong reviews).
It’s been, quite literally, the summer of Anne Hathaway.
But she wasn’t the only star honored.
Disney Legends Honored at D23
Disney used D23 to celebrate a new class of Disney Legends, recognizing the performers, storytellers, musicians, animators, executives, and Imagineers whose work has helped shape the company across film, television, music, sports, and the theme parks.
This year’s class may have been one of the most eclectic in recent memory.
Joining Hathaway were Dwayne Johnson, who brought Maui to life in Moana; Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose music transformed both Moana and Encanto; Jerry Bruckheimer, the producer behind Disney blockbusters including Pirates of the Caribbean and National Treasure; and The Jonas Brothers, whose Disney Channel era defined the childhood of an entire generation.
The list also included legendary ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman; celebrated Disney animator Eric Goldberg, the creative force behind the Genie in Aladdin; Broadway star and Hercules voice actor Susan Egan; longtime Imagineer Kim Irvine, whose work helped preserve attractions including my favorite, The Haunted Mansion (her mom is the iconic Imagineer, Leota Toombs, aka Madame Leota); versatile actor Alan Tudyk, whose voice has appeared in countless Disney and Lucasfilm projects; and Bob Iger, the executive who helped shape Disney into the entertainment powerhouse it is today.
What I love about the Disney Legends ceremony is that it isn’t simply about honoring celebrities.
It’s about recognizing the people behind the stories.
The actors who brought iconic characters to life. The songwriters whose music is permanently woven into our memories. The animators who created unforgettable moments. The Imagineers who transformed stories into places we can actually walk through.
Pixar’s Next Chapter
Pixar came to D23 with some major news of its own.
Among the biggest announcements:
Incredibles 3 is coming in summer 2028.
Coco 2 is scheduled for November 2029.
And Disney also confirmed development of Zootopia 3 following the success of Zootopia 2 (this announcement made our daughter actually squeal!)
For families, this is significant because these aren’t just movies. They’re franchises that become part of family culture – the characters kids quote, the songs parents hear in the car for years (and years and years and years), and the movies families return to together.
Marvel’s New X-Men Have Arrived
Marvel saved some serious casting news for D23.
The new X-Men movie is scheduled for May 2028, and Disney revealed its major cast.
Sadie Sink will play Jean Grey. Kit Connor is Cyclops. Christopher Abbott is Professor X. Maya Boyd is Storm. Inde Navarrette is Rogue. Samara Weaving is Emma Frost. And Adam Driver is Mister Sinister.
For Marvel fans, this is the beginning of an entirely new era for one of the most recognizable superhero teams ever created.
Star Wars Has Plenty More in the Galaxy Ahead
D23 also delivered new Star Wars news, including a first look at Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling, as well as a preview of Ahsoka Season 2.
And for anyone who loves the intersection of Disney, gaming and storytelling, there was another major reveal: Kingdom Hearts IV is coming in 2027, with a new world inspired by Pixar’s Coco.
That franchise has always been fascinating because it literally blends Disney worlds with another universe of characters and storytelling.
Disney Cruise Line Is Expanding in a Big Way
Of course, it wouldn’t be D23 without a little pixie dust at sea. Disney Cruise Line shared new details about the Disney Believe, set to sail in late 2027, along with plans to continue expanding its fleet and destinations.
But what’s most interesting is how Disney is turning the cruise experience into an extension of its storytelling. The movies and characters families love are showing up through onboard entertainment, dining, character encounters, and immersive experiences. Family-friendly luxury at sea is what Disney is known for, and the massive investment definitely got the industry’s attention.
And that may be the bigger takeaway from D23: Disney isn’t just creating stories people can watch. It’s creating experiences they can live—which is exactly what Memory-First Travel™ is all about. The ship is part of the experience, but the real magic is the memories families make together onboard.
And Yes — There Was Even More
Beyond the biggest headlines, Disney also teased a few smaller but still exciting updates that fans will be watching closely. EPCOT’s ongoing evolution continues with new festival enhancements and refreshed experiences, Disney+ is expanding its slate of original series tied to both Marvel and Star Wars, and Imagineers hinted at “next-generation” ride technology that will blur the line between physical sets and digital environments even further.
There were also quiet confirmations that several classic attractions across the parks will receive updates or seasonal overlays, keeping the parks feeling fresh even as the new lands roll out.
The Bigger Story at D23
But for me, the most interesting thing about D23 wasn’t one individual ride, movie or land.
It was the sheer scale of what Disney is building.
We’re talking about new attractions, reimagined classics, entire themed lands, Marvel expansions, Pixar sequels, new Star Wars stories and experiences that blur the line between watching a story and actually entering it.
Disney is betting heavily on experiences.
And as someone who travels with my family, I think that’s where the future of travel is headed.
People don’t simply want to see something anymore.
They want to step inside it.
They want their kids to remember what it felt like to walk into Monstropolis. They want to race through a Marvel mission. They want to stand inside the world of Indiana Jones. They want to rediscover Figment. They want to see the expression on their child’s face when a fictional world suddenly becomes real.
That’s the magic Disney has always understood.
And D23 just gave us a pretty spectacular preview of what’s next.
So if you’re planning a Disney trip for 2027, 2028 or beyond, my advice is simple: keep watching. The Disney vacation you take a few years from now could look very different from the one you take today.
And honestly? That evolution is part of the fun.