Just yesterday, we learned when tickets will go on sale and got more details about this year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event (still known to many as the D23 Expo). The Parks & Experiences Showcase is always one of the most talked-about moments of D23, and this year’s presentation is shaping up to be a big one!
Set for Saturday, August 15th at 7PM PT at the Honda Center, the showcase will once again pull back the curtain on what’s next for Disney parks around the world. With several major projects already in motion at Walt Disney World, this year should be less blue-sky ideas with real progress updates we’ve been waiting on.
What to Expect from 2026 Disney Parks Showcase
At the top of the list is the long-awaited (and teased) Villains land at Magic Kingdom. Announced back at the 2024 D23 event with very few specifics, Disney could finally be sharing the land’s proper name, attraction details, updated concept art, and a clearer idea of when it might open.
Also high on the watch list is the upcoming Cars-themed expansion, Piston Peak, which is expected to bring two attractions to Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland, including a rally race-style thrill ride and a more family-friendly option. More details on the setting (including updated concept art beyond an illustrated map), ride systems, and timeline would go a long way here.
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Monsters, Inc.-inspired Monstropolis land is already under construction. This project includes Disney’s first suspended coaster set inside the door factory as seen in the film, a new show inside the theater which previously housed Muppet*Vision 3D, and shopping and dining venues. We could hear additional land details and a concrete opening window.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Tropical Americas expansion is another big one to watch. The land will feature Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions, a carousel, and new shopping and dining locations. The construction is currently going strong at the old stomping grounds of DinoLand USA. What will Restaurantosaurus become? Defined details and a clearer opening timeframe could be on the D23 horizon.
Of course, D23 wouldn’t be D23 without a few surprises! Thomas Mazloum, the newly-appointed chairman of Disney Experiences, is expected to take the showcase stage. The 2024 showcase (hosted by Josh D’Amaro who is now CEO of The Walt Disney Company) delivered nearly 50 announcements, including new Disney Cruise ships, the Disney Starlight parade, and two new themed lounges, GEO-82 and Cask & Cannon. Expectations are high for at least a couple of new reveals — especially with new leadership looking to make an impression!
With all of those projects at three of the four parks, could EPCOT news be next? How about updates for Spaceship Earth, Journey Into Imagination, and the defunct Wonders of Life pavilion?
Livestream & Access
As for watching from home, there’s no confirmation yet on an official livestream for this year’s Parks & Experiences Showcase. Disney has streamed in the past, but skipped it in 2024.
If you’re attending in person, access to the showcase at the Honda Center requires a D23 Ultimate Fan Pass or Ultimate Preferred Fan Pass. For everyone else, this is one to keep an eye on… because if D23 history is any indication, there will be plenty to talk about once this year’s event wraps!
What would you like to see announced at this year’s Disney Parks & Experiences Showcase?
