Disney unveils a bunch of plans at D23 events. Here's what's panned out. (2024)

  • The Hatbox Ghost arrived at Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion last November.
  • Tiana's Bayou Adventure opened at Magic Kingdom this June and will open at Disneyland later this year.
  • Disney Cruise Line's newest private destination, Lookout Cay atLighthouse Point, opened this June.

It's one of the most exciting times of the year for Disney fans.

The D23 Ultimate Disney Fan Event kicks off Aug. 9 in Anaheim, California. The biennial gathering of official Disney fan club members is where Disney unveils major announcements spanning its experiences and entertainment. While some plans are more immediate, other "blue-sky" ideas take years to materialize.

Before we discover what's next for Disney's parks and Disney Cruise Line, let's see where last year's Destination D23 announcements stand as well as carryover plans from 2022's D23 Expo.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

  • The Hatbox Ghost arrived at Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion last November. Disney had said the longtime Disneyland Haunted Mansion icon would appear at Disney World last year.
  • Tiana's Bayou Adventure opened at Magic Kingdom this June and will open at Disneyland later this year. While Splash Mountain's reimagining wasn't initially announced at D23, details were released at D23 events.
  • Last year, Disney revealed that the iconicCountry Bear Jamboree would be reimagined this year with new country versions of popular Disney songs. The bears' new show debuted July 17.
  • The new Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired lounge announced last year is still in development.
  • Expansion plans shared in 2022 for a land "beyond Big Thunder Mountain" remain in development.
Disney unveils a bunch of plans at D23 events. Here's what's panned out. (2)

EPCOT

  • The walk-through edutainment attraction Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana opened as scheduled last October.
  • The nighttime spectacular "Luminous The Symphony of Us," first announced in 2022, debuted last December.
  • EPCOT's World Celebration also opened as scheduled last December. The final piece of the park's years-long transformation, CommuniCore Hall and Plaza, opened this June.
  • Last year, Disney announced Test Trackwould be being reimagined in partnership with Chevrolet. It closed this June.
Disney unveils a bunch of plans at D23 events. Here's what's panned out. (3)

Disney's Animal Kingdom

  • At the D23 Expo in 2022, Disney revealed that it would be retheming Dinoland U.S.A. Last year, Disney said the land will be reimagined after the "tropical Americas" with new "Encanto" and Indiana Jones experiences under consideration. Plans are still in development. In the meantime, Dinoland U.S.A. remains open.
  • Last year, Disney revealed a "Zootopia"-inspired short is planned for the Tree of Life. For now, it's still "It's Tough to be a Bug!"

Disneyland

  • Asha from the animated film "Wish" began making appearances at Disneyland, EPCOT and Disneyland Paris last year, as announced.
  • Disneyland's reimagined Pixar Place Hotel, which was mentioned at 2022's D23 Expo, opened this January.
  • As announced, RunDisney races returned to Disneyland this January for the first time since the pandemic.
  • Last year, Disney revealed that Ahsoka would join the Star Tours attraction at Disneyland, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Paris. New scenes featuring Ahsoka, Mandalorian and Andor debuted this April.
  • Plans are still underway for a new multiverse centered attraction coming to Disney California Adventure Park's AvengersCampus.

Disney Parks abroad

  • World of Frozen opened at Hong Kong Disneyland this past November, as scheduled.
  • Shanghai Disney Resort opened its new Zootopia land in December, as planned.
  • Fantasy Springs, the largest expansion at Tokyo Disney Resort since the opening of Tokyo DisneySea, debuted this June. D23 attendees were given previews in both 2022 and 2023. Tokyo Disneyland's Space Mountain closes July 31 for a previously announced overhaul that wraps in 2027.
  • Disneyland Paris reopened its reimagined Disneyland Hotel this January. Fans got a sneak peek at D23 Expo in 2022. The resort's coming World of Frozen and Tangled-themed attraction, Raiponce Tangled Spin, were also teased that year, but we know they're park of a much larger transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure Park.

Disney Cruise Line

  • Disney Cruise Line began sailing from Australia and New Zealand last year, as previously announced.
  • Disney Cruise Line's newest private destination, Lookout Cay atLighthouse Point, opened this June. Disney shared details on the Bahamian destination at both last year's Destination D23 and 2022's D23 Expo.
  • The cruise line's sixth ship, the Disney Treasure, will launch this December. Its name was revealed at the D23 Expo in 2022.
  • Last year, Disney Cruise Line unveiled the name of their seventh ship, the Disney Adventure. When it debuts next year, it will be Disney's first ship to sail from Singapore across Southeast Asia. The name of Disney's eighth ship, the Disney Destiny, has already been announced.
Disney unveils a bunch of plans at D23 events. Here's what's panned out. (2024)

FAQs

Disney unveils a bunch of plans at D23 events. Here's what's panned out.? ›

Here's what's panned out. The Hatbox Ghost arrived at Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion last November. Tiana's Bayou Adventure opened at Magic Kingdom this June and will open at Disneyland later this year. Disney Cruise Line's newest private destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, opened this June.

What does D23 mean for Disney? ›

What does D23 stand for? Expand. The “D” stands for Disney, and “23” represents 1923, the year that Walt Disney arrived in California and founded what was to ultimately become The Walt Disney Company.

What is the Disney D23 event? ›

During D23, a biennial fan convention celebrating all things Disney, which takes place this weekend, attendees will be among the first to see what new projects are coming to Disneyland and other Disney Parks worldwide. The sold-out D23 event will return to the Anaheim Convention Center on Aug. 9-11.

Where is D23 2024? ›

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event (formerly known as the D23 Expo) is coming to the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center in Anaheim, California August 9, 10, and 11, 2024.

When was the last D23? ›

The seventh D23 Expo was held from September 9 to 11, 2022 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. The event was originally expected to be scheduled for 2021, but was pushed back a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

What does DD mean in Disney? ›

DCA - Disney's California Adventure. DCL - Disney Cruise Line. DD - Downtown Disney.

How much does it cost to go to D23? ›

The ticket tiers present a dizzying array of price points and options, starting at $79 for a single-day entry and running to $2,599 for the 3-Day Ultimate Preferred Pass with premium seating.

Is Disney D23 free? ›

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC ALL YEAR AS A D23 MEMBER

Join for free as a General Member or sign up as a Gold Member and receive additional benefits including special offers at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, year-round discounts, access to fan-focused events, our quarterly publication, and more!

What to expect from Disney D23? ›

What can one expect at D23? For the first time ever, the Honda Center will be home to three nights of marquee showcases. Friday: The Disney Entertainment Showcase will feature exclusive looks at the movies, series, and stage shows fans love and a glimpse of what's next.

Can kids go to D23? ›

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event tickets are subject to availability. All D23 events are subject to change without notice. All guests under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to attend this D23 event and will require an event ticket for admission.

How much is the D23 ticket 2024? ›

For the Ultimate Fan Pass, which secures your seat at the Honda Center shows, a single-day ticket starts at $99 while a three-day pass starts at $297. Note the “starting at” pricing here as D23 says that better seats will cost you more—up to $150 more per day if you want to sit in a primo spot on the second level.

Is D23 always in Anaheim? ›

Since 2009, the bi-annual D23 Expo held in Anaheim, CA has celebrated all the magic, wonder, and adventure of Disney at this remarkable gathering created especially for you, our most passionate and loyal fans.

Can anyone go to D23 Expo? ›

Tickets for all D23 Gold and General Members will go on sale beginning March 28, 2024, at 12 p.m. PT, while supplies last. Attendees must be a D23 Member to purchase tickets. Fans can join as a complimentary General Member or upgrade to Gold Membership on D23.com. Limited edition D23 Event 2024 merchandise.

Will Marvel Studios be at D23 2024? ›

The next batch of updates surrounding the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be delivered at D23 2024; here is every panel concerning the franchise and what time each begins.

What does the 23 in D23 mean? ›

What does D23 stand for? The “D” stands for Disney, and “23” represents 1923, the year that Walt Disney arrived in California and founded what was to ultimately become The Walt Disney Company.

Why is D23 called D23? ›

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood.

Why is it called D23 Expo? ›

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney's over 100-year history.

What will be revealed at D23? ›

Attendees eagerly anticipate new Star Wars content, trailers, and clips at this year's D23 event. Expect focus on Disney+ TV shows like Skeleton Crew, with possible movie news. Many are hoping for news on The Acolyte season 2, Ahsoka season 2, and new animations.

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