Ranking All 22 Announcements at the 2026 D23 Expo for Disney World & Beyond, Worst to Best

One week ago was the biggest news day for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and the international parks in 2 years. Host Neil Patrick Harris, Parks Chair Thomas Mazloum, and a number of Imagineers and special guests shared updates on projects that were first announced in 2024, while also making a number of new announcements. This post offers our rankings of each piece of news, now that I’ve (mostly) come down from cloud nine and taken time to digest the night.

Honestly, I’ve been surprised by the polarizing nature of the 2026 D23 Expo slate among fans. Part of this was likely a matter of unrealistic expectations. There’s a natural tendency to expect these events to be like a Marvel movie–bigger, better, and more explosive than the last. But with the slate set two years ago through 2030, it’s not as if Disney could announce more bombshells that would lay out development through 2035.

There were also the more reasonable complaints with the lack of depth. Projects that are much further along had minimal concept art, and there weren’t many behind the scenes looks at development or the kind of detail over which fans can geek out. Then there were the brand-new announcements, a few of which were so recently greenlit that they didn’t have much in the way of material details and still feel fairly nebulous.

At the risk of a potentially unpopular opinion, the 2026 D23 Expo was actually bigger for me, personally, than the 2024 D23 Expo. I already thought the Parks & Resorts division was heading in the right direction, but the specific announcements and the purposeful language used by leadership left me even more reassured of that, and the most optimistic I’ve been in a long, long time.

There isn’t really any debate that, objectively, the slate was stronger two years ago. It definitely was. It was also the ‘back on track’ year, laying out the roadmap for the next big development cycle aimed at increasing attendance, attracting casual guests, and–perhaps above all else–placating Wall Street. Giving investors and analysts what they wanted after changing their minds about streaming being the future of the company.

At the risk of stating the obvious, the investment bros at Goldman Sachs are not going to get excited about Joe Rohde’s promise of fixing the Yeti finally being fulfilled. They will question the wisdom of removing the synergy of Star Wars and restoring a 1995 nondescript roller coaster themed to Jules Verne or whatever. There will certainly be some confusion about the thunderous applause for the finale that featured off-season Santa Claus reuniting with Figment. And so on, and so forth. All of this news was aimed squarely at us. People who read (or write, as the case may be) websites like this one.

I’ve already touched upon this in several posts, but what the 2026 D23 Expo demonstrated to me is a newfound fan-first approach. There were a lot of updates on the crowd-pleasing projects set in motion two years ago, but also a shocking number of things Disney diehards have wanted for decades. The whole presentation, from the self-aware opening act through to the fake-out finale, was just dripping in fan service.

This is especially true of the substance of the news. Multiple announcements have tenuous business cases for being done. Much of the most exciting news will yield no measurable increase in Lightning Lane sales. These projects are happening because the stars have aligned with new leadership; there are finally people in charge from top to bottom who care and get what makes the parks special, and see the long-term value in investing in ways that foster fan goodwill and fixing areas of neglect.

As we wrote elsewhere, several announcements were clearly and unequivocally “for the fans.” Projects that Disney chose to undertake not because the financials pencil out, but because they’re the good, fun, and right thing to do.

This was clear from Thomas Mazloum’s comments on stage and on the show floor, along with a presentation from a practically beaming Josh D’Amaro the following morning, who prefaced his remarks with an offhand comment about how he could tell his mom he’s finally fixing the Yeti, after she asked when he’d do it while he was VP of Animal Kingdom over a decade ago.

Suffice to say, the news at the 2026 D23 Expo was more to my personal tastes and interests as a diehard Walt Disney World and Disneyland fan than two years ago. Both are significant from two different symbolic perspectives, with this one being more for the fans than the investors. To each their own, though. Here are my rankings from the night of news…

22. New Class of DCL Ships Sets Sail in 2029

Cast a weather eye on plans for an all-new class of ships that will join the fleet. Sitting between Disney’s classic and newest ships in size, the new class will open the door to new destinations and experiences around the world.

I’m excited for this, but it wasn’t new news. We’ve known this since the beginning of last year. In fact, the original press release contained more detail than the D23 “reveal.” Ditto the recent earnings call, which revealed that 3 ships are coming in 2029.

21. Spider-Man Swings into Shanghai Disneyland

The first Disney Parks land dedicated entirely to the iconic web-slinger is swinging into Shanghai Disney Resort, complete with a new roller coaster, Spider-Bots, and the latest projects from the Worldwide Engineering Brigade.

If this were closer to home or one of several projects on the horizon at Shanghai Disneyland, maybe I’d be more excited. But it isn’t and I’m not. It does score some points as our daughter is a big Spider-Man fan thanks to Paris (the city, not the park).

20. The Imagineering Story Season 2 on Disney+

A second season of The Imagineering Story is officially in production from Leslie Iwerks, and will debut on Disney+ next year. With unprecedented access to Imagineers as major new developments move from blue sky to reality, the new season promises to pull back the curtain on one of the most ambitious eras in Imagineering history.

I’ll watch anything from Leslie Iwerks, but at the same time, I’m slightly wary of a contemporaneous documentary. Her best work has been grounded in the past, whereas Worldbuilders and the last two episodes felt a bit like puff pieces.

There’s nothing necessarily wrong with that. Imagineering Story Season 2 will, at minimum, be a beautiful behind the scenes look at ongoing projects, but it’ll also likely lose the candid quality and stakes that define Iwerks’ best work.

19. Miss Fritter is Ready for Magic Kingdom’s Demolition Derby

For young and young-at-engine roadsters, Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along features the demolition derby legend from “Cars 3” and giant school bus Audio-Animatronics figure, Miss Fritter, hosting her wildest derby yet.

As a parent to a young daughter, I have a great appreciation for flat rides. At the same time, this attraction was held back for so long that the actual announcement feels fairly anticlimactic. Even though we knew it was a flat ride, we didn’t expect it to be something so straightforward. But my bigger issue is that, thematically, this just doesn’t fit the Piston Peak National Park atmosphere or story at all. (Hence separating this from the rest of the Piston Peak news, since they rank very differently!)

18. New Avengers Pavilion Towers Over Hong Kong Disneyland

The skyline of Stark Expo is getting a heroic upgrade. A brand-new Avengers Pavilion is on the way to Hong Kong Disneyland, bringing guests into the world of Avengers Research Testing Labs alongside Peter Parker and some seriously powerful new technology. Add in a new Quinjet landing platform and adventures that reach far beyond Earth, and this expansion is already looking super.

Marvel has taken the crown from Toy Story as the cheapest-looking land that keeps getting built around the globe. Stark Expo is no exception to that, but the version at HKDL with this eye-catching tower has potential to be a nice addition. Like its Spider-Man centric counterpart in Shanghai, it’s not the addition I wanted to see, but it fleshes out that underbaked area of the park nicely.

17. Race Into Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue

The world of Wreck-It Ralph is coming to Tokyo Disneyland with Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue, a brand-new attraction inspired by the fan-favorite film. Guests will join Ralph and Vanellope inside the game of Sugar Rush, where they’ll help transform rogue sugar bugs back to their original forms while trying to stay one step ahead of King Candy. Along the way, look out for sweet surprises and familiar faces from the film.

I want to be cautiously optimistic about this, but still find myself asking: why?! Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters was incredibly popular and newer than most of its counterparts. Was this really the best way to spend $200 million? Here’s hoping the answer is an emphatic yes, but there are a lot of other ways that budget could’ve been spent.

16. Moana & More Set Sail with Disney Believe

The Disney Believe will set sail in 2027, and we’ve got the first look inside and outside of the ship. Greeting guests in the Grand Hall, Moana will welcome everyone onboard, embodying the spirit of believing in yourself on all your sea adventures. While the bow of the ship will be adorned with Tinker Bell, the stern features Buzz and Woody getting creative with the overall design.

Moana in a Polynesian and South Pacific-inspired Grand Hall is what boosts this ranking. If they can pull off the design and vibe, this has the potential to be the best atrium of the Triton-class ships, surpassing even the Treasure. I’m suddenly much more excited for the Believe, and hopeful it’s not too much of a retread!

15. Assemble for Adventure in the Marvel Multiverse at Disneyland

Two new attractions – Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab – will open in 2028, doubling the size of Avengers Campus at California Adventure. Some favorite on-screen heroes are reprising their roles for Avengers Infinity Defense. Once on board, you will witness massive physical sets blending seamlessly with huge media scenes.

Opening in 2028 as part of the expansion of Avengers Campus at California Adventure, the all-new attraction, Stark Flight Lab, will invite you to step into a cutting-edge training experience inspired by the ingenuity of Stark Industries, with some familiar Super Heroes guiding the way. Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Mackie, and Brie Larson reprise their roles from the films.

DCA needs more additions. I love the Peter Pan attraction that uses the same ride system as Avengers Infinity Defense, and I’m pleased to see a secondary attraction here. On the other hand, 2028 is an absurdly long timeline for this project that was first announced almost a full decade ago.

14. Expedition Everest’s Yeti Animatronic Lives Again in Animal Kingdom!

Take care, explorers, and pay close attention to the legends of what lurks in the Himalayas! Deep within Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, the attraction’s iconic Yeti Audio-Animatronics figure will come back to life. That’s right, Disco Yeti will soon be dead! (Figuratively since, ya know, it already is in the literal sense.)

This is important news, but not an announcement that is exciting to me, personally.  It’s something fans have been begging for, but most gave up hope of happening. The working yeti will be impressive, and illustrate to guests the distinction between working/living yeti and Disco Yeti.

At the same time, Animal Kingdom still needs so much help. There was no announcement of a nighttime spectacular or any other entertainment coming to help guests round out a day in the park. While there were ample (exciting) details about what’s coming to Tropical Americas, I was hoping for something more…of substance.

Regardless, I recognize what a massive symbolic victory it is to finally have top to bottom leadership that would clear the path and the many obstacles that undoubtedly existed, spending the time and money (and temporarily, guest satisfaction scores) in service of higher show quality standards. That’s a big deal, and we’ve been discussing this type of thing a lot lately.

13. Coco Coming to California Adventure

For the first-ever Coco ride, Imagineers are working closely with Pixar Animation Studios to nod to the original film and its upcoming sequel, Coco 2. The attraction storyline will pick up a year after the events of the original film. The queue features a “casa museo” dedicated to the music of Miguel’s great-great-grandfather, Héctor Rivera. On board, you’ll travel by boat through Miguel’s memories of the Land of the Dead.

I’m totally on board with a Coco attraction. It’s easily one of the best–and arguably the very best–animated film in recent memory, rivaling Moana, Inside Out, Frozen, and Zootopia. Coco has stunning visuals and beautiful music–scenery and sounds that seem tailor-made for a theme park attraction. The concept is tantalizing. Describing it as a spiritual successor to Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion definitely captured my attention and imagination.

This drops a bit because, doing the math, it looks like a 2029 project. While Walt Disney World’s 2029-2030 additions are not similarly penalized, they’re also larger scale and there’s more in the interim for which we’re excited. Meanwhile, this is the next big thing we care about at DCA, and it’s still ~3 years away.

12. Start of Spaceship Earth’s Next Chapter

One of the most iconic attractions at EPCOT is preparing for its next evolution, while retaining the optimism and wonder that have defined the attraction for generations.

For the first time in nearly 20 years, Spaceship Earth is getting an update. A reimagining is coming to the park icon, bringing the attraction storyline into the internet age and beyond. Disney Imagineers are adding new magic, broadening the iconic attraction’s focus to a theme that is still classically EPCOT: human connection.

This was badly needed the first time it was announced back in 2019. We’re cautiously optimistic about this project, and hopeful that it’s in keeping with the spirit of Spaceship Earth. Human connection vs. communications strikes me mostly as a distinction without a difference, so it’ll be interesting to see why Walt Disney World felt the need to include that. At minimum, we’re more confident in current leadership to refresh the ride without embracing its worst instincts.

11. Progress Parents Revealed for Carousel of Progress

An iconic fan-favorite attraction and an ever-evolving, ever-revolving story of innovation, Carousel of Progress is undergoing a refurbishment to introduce four new decades and a new scene with Florida’s first Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics figure.

During the 2026 D23 Parks Panel, Imagineers shared new concept art for the 1980s scene. It was also revealed that the beloved matriarch and patriarch of the Carousel of Progress family, Sarah and John, will be voiced by Disney Legend Jamie Lee Curtis and Emmy Award-winning Bryan Cranston. The redone Carousel of Progress will reopen in late Spring 2027.

This ranking is not based exclusively on the Parks Panel, but (moreso) on the center stage presentations I watched in the Imagineering booth and in speaking with the project team. Suffice to say, we’re increasingly optimistic about the Carousel of Progress timeline shift. There’s the very real possibility that the Carousel of Progress timeline shift turns out brilliantly. It could be a big win for Walt Disney World diehards if Imagineers can stick the landing with a memorable show that brings to life its ensemble cast with a sharp script.

10. Fan-Favorite Entertainment Returns to Disneyland in 2027

A refreshed version of the “Remember… Dreams Come True” nighttime spectacular will light up Disneyland once again! Meanwhile, an updated version of the original “World of Color” will perform at Disney California Adventure. Both will return starting in Winter 2027.

Just in time for Summer 2027, dancing its way down Main Street U.S.A., once again, magic will happen with the “Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland.

This is absolutely fantastic news about both RDCT and World of Color, both of which are among Disney’s best nighttime spectaculars. “Remember… Dreams Come True” is perhaps my personal #1 fireworks show anywhere, ever. I’m looking forward to the modernizations to both, which Steve Davison teased in a panel following the Parks Panel. On the other hand, the prospect of no parade at Disneyland until the summer drags this down a tad.

9. Space Mountain: From Earth to the Moon Returns!

Hyperspace Mountain will make way for Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune, a reimagined experience inspired by the beloved Jules Verne story that originally shaped the attraction. Along with a return to its iconic name, you can look forward to the attraction’s original musical score and a refreshed experience that made this version of Space Mountain a fan favorite.

I’ve never experienced Space Mountain – De la Terre à la Lune. The original attraction was gone on our first visit to Disneyland Paris in 2012, replaced by Space Mountain: Mission 2. For the last decade, it’s been Hyperspace Mountain. Until recently, I largely avoided the roller coaster because the ride was so rough. That’s no longer the case, thankfully, and restoring the original is a huge win for DLP diehards who deserve something.

Space Mountain – De la Terre à la Lune is to Disneyland Paris fans what Figment & Dreamfinder are to old school EPCOT Center purists or what a ‘wondrous worlds’ Tomorrowland is to Disneyland dinosaurs. As discussed in Return of 1995 Space Mountain: From Earth to Moon Shows Stars Have Aligned for Disney Fans, this is a significant symbolic victory. That’s the big reason it ranks so highly.

8. Lion King Roars to Life with Scar vs. Simba Climactic Confrontation

The circle of life is taking on a whole new meaning at Disney Adventure World, where the first-ever The Lion King ride will bring Simba’s story to life like never before. Guests will journey through the Pride Lands alongside Simba as he grows from a curious cub into the king he was destined to become.

As a millennial of a certain age, I couldn’t be more excited for the first-ever Lion King ride (there have been several shows and entertainment offerings, but no rides). The memorable music, moody atmosphere, vibrant colors–everything about the movie just lends itself to a ride.

I’m especially pleased to see that villains and confrontation are once again okay, and also happy that Disneyland Paris is getting an original attraction. Although I wouldn’t mind some assets from this being reused on a Lion King dark ride at Animal Kingdom down the road.

7. Space Mountain Earthrise Blasts Off to a Bold New Future

A brand-new Space Mountain is on the horizon at Tokyo Disneyland. In Space Mountain: Earthrise, guests will launch into the cosmos and experience the wonder of Earth from a perspective unlike anything seen before in a Disney attraction.

Part of a reimagined Tomorrowland, the new experience is designed to celebrate the beauty of our planet while inspiring guests to look toward the future.

As the most expensive attraction Imagineering has built to date (at least…for now), Space Mountain: Earthrise is Disney’s biggest addition of 2027. We’re also looking forward to Tokyo Disneyland restoring lost capacity and, fingers crossed, easing some of the burden on Tokyo DisneySea, which has been overwhelmed as a result.

6. Humans Invited Into Monster World Early!

Residents of the all-new land, Monstropolis, are excitedly preparing for H.U.M.A.N. Day (short for Humans Understanding Monsters Are Nice) to welcome humans to the city starting in 2027!

To introduce the world of monsters, the Glob Theater will present “Welcome to Monstropolis” – a show hosted by Mike and Sulley and featuring lots of familiar faces – to showcase the city. An original song by Disney Legend Randy Newman will help bring the city to life, making it feel like the monster world has finally opened its doors to humans.

Quick-service restaurant Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza invites diners to college life, where the Alumni Club celebrates top scarers, student clubs, and familiar sororities and fraternities from the film “Monsters University.”

Bringing to life the iconic table service restaurant featured in “Monsters, Inc.”, Harryhausen’s will offer a menu unlike anything else at Walt Disney World, as well as an impressive new sushi chef Audio-Animatronics figure hard at work.

Scareporium will open for human tourists to purchase monstrous merchandise to commemorate their visit. While work continues on the coaster experience announced in 2024, the theater show, two dining experiences, and the merchandise shop will all open in 2027.

I’m cautiously optimistic about Monstropolis, especially since it seems to be using the template of the hugely popular Zootopia land in Shanghai. Assuming that means a highly-immersive and lived-in city where there’s a lot of atmospheric entertainment to see, interactive things to experience, and delicious food to eat, the phased opening makes sense.

5. Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom

Inspired by the myths and magic of the rainforests, rich cultures, and thrilling stories of South America, Central America, and Mexico, Tropical Americas will invite guests to explore a community shaped by nature. The new land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be home to the vibrant and welcoming Pueblo Esperanza, where a local wood carver has created a beautiful new family attraction, El Carrusel de los Animalitos, featuring 22 hand-carved critters from Disney movies.

Just steps away, another beloved story will come to life. Guests can join the fun with Casita and the Madrigals in Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto. The no-height requirement attraction will be perfect for familias of all ages, and guests will marvel at more than 50 animals from the world of Disney’s “Encanto” represented throughout the famous Casita.

Guests will be invited to celebrate Antonio’s new gift, which is the ability to communicate with animals. Voice actors from “Encanto” return to Casita to lend their voices to the attraction, including Stephanie Beatriz, Jessica Darrow, and Diane Guerrero, playing the roles of Mirabel, Luisa, and Isabella, respectively.

Adventurous explorers can join archaeologist Dr. Jones in Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent. The good doctor seeks knowledge deep inside a dry cenote in a Maya temple, where local folklore speaks of a passageway to the underworld protected by a large mythical serpent creature, the Tsukán.

The serpentine Tsukán will be brought to life as a hand-sculpted Audio Animatronics figure on a massive scale. Not only will the attraction feature an original Indiana Jones story, but the Audio Animatronics figures will be modeled after Harrison Ford himself, for the first time on a Disney attraction anywhere in the world.

I am incredibly excited for Tropical Americas. The reveals here were a bit sparser than I would’ve liked, but they nevertheless made me even more excited for all three attractions. My only concern here is the conspicuous omission of an opening year. My fear is that at least a portion of this has slipped into 2028.

4. Race Through the Wheelderness of Piston Peak

Start your engines and hold on tight. Cars Ridge Run Rally will send racers climbing mountain trails, cruising through snowy peaks, racing past erupting geysers, and bouncing their way back down the mountain toward the finish line. And you’re not racing alone, as Lightning McQueen and Mater can be found giving a play by play from the sidelines.

Cars Ridge Run Rally looks great. My favorite part of Radiator Springs Racers is the very beginning around to the reveal of the waterfall, and this looks like it’ll be a more thrilling version of that, but extended to an entire attraction. Really looking forward to the views, scenery, and even the ride profile. Cars Ridge Run Rally has the potential to become a modern classic.

A big reason why the ride has modern classic potential is the landscape of the land it’ll traverse. Piston Peak will feature ridges, rivers, mud flats, tree-covered trails, and more. The Imagineering: Horizons pavilion debuted a detailed 225-square-foot scale model of the entire Piston Peak National Park project. As we wrote in that post, that model is going to change minds about this Cars miniland, as it looks absolutely fantastic. Here’s hoping Cars Ridge Run Rally and the accompanying area lives up to what we saw there!

3. Dark Forest of Villains Creeps Into Magic Kingdom

Magic Mirror on the wall, which land is the most menacing and magnificent of them all? One of the most anticipated projects in Magic Kingdom history, Villains Land reveals itself with details about the story guests will encounter when they step across the boundary into villainous territory.

Fairytale mischief begins off the safe path and deep inside a foreboding dark forest, where guests stumble upon a broken, twisted Wishing Well – corrupted due to a mysterious figure’s evil wish that infused all the land with poisoned magic. With dark magic up for grabs, several Disney Villains, including Cruella, the Evil Queen, and Dr. Facilier, move in and conjure perfect new lairs for their nefarious and tempting deeds.

On a scale similar to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Villains Land will include dining, shopping, and two attractions: a thrilling Maleficent-inspired coaster experience through the staggering heights of a mountaintop fortress and a thicket of enchanted briars, and a dynamic dark ride hosted by the Magic Mirror and featuring a whole array of your favorite Disney Villains.

Obviously Villains Land is a highlight. This is the marquee addition coming to Walt Disney World, and also what seems to be the pet project of new CEO Josh D’Amaro, who (correctly) views it as attached to his legacy. It’s still early, but everything we’ve seen of Villains Land thus far has us excited.

2. Tomorrowland Reimagining at Disneyland

A reimagining of Tomorrowland in Disneyland is in the works. The transformation will honor the legacy of the original land while reimagining its future with new attractions, more open spaces, and new places for you to dream about the future.

Tomorrowland at Disneyland might be the worst land in Disney’s global portfolio. At least, from an aesthetic and atmospheric perspective. It’s hard to argue that a land with Space Mountain, Star Tours, and the Disneyland Monorail whizzing overhead or the subs gently gliding by underwater is truly bad or even on par with the front half of the old Walt Disney Studios Park or other flat ride-centric kiddie lands. But you get the point.

I’m glad that leadership from top to bottom now “gets” this, from the Disneyland President to the Parks Chair to the CEO. If the rumors I’ve heard over the last decade are true, the stars truly had to align to make this Tomorrowland overhaul possible. It’s truly incredible that fans are finally getting what we’ve been begging for since even before the very first D23 Expo in 2009.

Even if we know very little about it and the fruits of the Tomorrowland overhaul won’t come until the 2030s, we’re still excited. There’s nowhere for Tomorrowland to go but up. This announcement calls for nothing but unfettered optimism. Cliche and trite as it is as an ending, this announcement promises “a great big beautiful tomorrow” for Tomorrowland at Disneyland.

1. Figment & Dreamfinder Reunite!

Proving that a dream can be a dream come true, it was revealed that EPCOT will take a new journey into imagination with everyone’s favorite purple dragon, Figment, and his longtime friend and companion, Dreamfinder.

The whimsical dream-chaser who originally brought imagination to life in the Imagination pavilion’s original attraction will return in a new adventure with Figment – all it takes is one little spark.

You all probably know where I stand on this one. In case not, check out Dreamfinder & Figment Reunited in Ride Reimagining of Journey Into Imagination at EPCOT. There’s a reason that post has exponentially more views and comments than the rest of our D23 coverage!

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YOUR THOUGHTS

What are your reactions to the various announcements for Walt Disney World, Disneyland & beyond at the 2026 D23 Expo? Thoughts on this being the fan-first event vs. 2024 being Wall Street-focused? What has you most and least excited? Were any of these announcements downright bad or negative news, in your view? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!