Disney fans didn’t have to wait for Destination D23 to hear big park news. Last week, Walt Disney World dropped some major updates, confirming what’s next for attractions across its parks through 2026. But does that mean this weekend’s fan event is out of surprises? Let’s break down what’s been confirmed and what could still make headlines when Destination D23 kicks off this Friday.
From new shows to reimagined rides, Disney outlined several projects designed to refresh the Orlando parks. Here’s a recap of the highlights, and what may still be left for this weekend’s Destination D23 event:
Walt Disney World Project Updates
Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut a new 4D show at the Tree of Life Theater on November 7, 2025. The experience, themed around Zoogether Day, will feature Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and a new character named Heidi Howler.
A new meet-and-greet will also debut, called the Zoogether Day Gathering Spot, where Judy and Nick will appear in updated looks inspired by Zootopia 2.
The wildest ride in the wilderness has been closed since January 2025, and is slated to reopen in 2026 with an expanded storyline centered on Barnabas T. Bullion, owner of Big Thunder Mining Co., and the gold rush era. The update includes new theming and a Rainbow Caverns sequence with glowing stalagmites and phosphorescent pools, with more surprises to come. Disney has also updated the attraction’s description from a “haunted gold mine” to an “active gold mine.”
Hollywood Studios’ iconic coaster will reopen in 2026 with an all-new storyline featuring Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. Guests will race through the city in Muppet Labs-designed limousines while listening to the band’s covers of classic rock hits. The preshow will include Audio-Animatronic figures of Scooter and two penguins.
The coaster’s courtyard will receive updated theming, including a psychedelic wrap on the guitar marquee with a gold key detail referencing Dr. Teeth’s gold tooth.
A new poster was released with an updated limo design and signatures of the select Muppets to star in the updated attraction. Here’s a side-by-side comparison with the previously-released poster art:
An updated version of this Tomorrowland classic is in development, featuring new ride vehicles, handheld blasters, improved targets, unlimited scoring (no more capping out at 999,999!), and on-vehicle video displays. No opening date has been confirmed, but it remains on track for 2026.
- Cool Kid Summer 2.0
Disney also confirmed the return of Cool Kid Summer in 2026, though further details are pending.
What Could Be Revealed at Destination D23?
Since those details were fleshed out just last week, we don’t anticipate Disney sharing more on those projects this weekend at Destination D23. Instead, we can expect other projects across all of Disney’s parks, rather than revisit last week’s WDW news. Remember, there is no designated parks panel for the first time this year, but we can anticipate some announcements or updates sprinkled in here and there. Here’s what’s rumored:
- Villains Land at Magic Kingdom: Since they dropped the concept art back at D23 2024, I think we’ve all been waiting for any updates Imagineering would like to share about the highly-anticipated land celebrating the darker side of Disney.
- Piston Peak at Magic Kingdom: Since we already know more about the main attraction, an off-road rally race, the second attraction remains a mystery, so a reveal could finally happen!
- Animal Kingdom’s Tropical Americas: New concept art, and possibly the official name for the Indiana Jones-inspired ride.
- Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios: New details and concept art for what’s coming to the Monsters, Inc.-themed land.
- Disneyland: Updates on Avengers: Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab, Avatar, and the Coco boat ride. Perhaps an announcement for DCA’s Hyperion Theater that’s sadly been sitting empty.
- Disney Cruise Line: Fresh details on the Disney Destiny are likely, ahead of its November debut, as well as announcements including the name of the fourth Wish class ship.
- Character News: An update on Bluey character appearances at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, originally announced for 2025.
- Last, but not least – Daydreams: I’d love to hear more about what’s next for EPCOT. Maybe revisiting the much-needed Spaceship Earth, the long-awaited updates for Journey Into Imagination with Figment… and how about Disneyland’s PeopleMover gets back to moving again? What would you like to see happen?
While last week’s updates were a little unexpected just a week ahead of Destination D23, the event could still surprise us with new concept art, timelines, and future-forward hints. The big question: Will Disney keep the focus on nostalgia and existing projects, or will they sneak in a big reveal?
