At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney has unveiled a massive slate of additions and attraction reimaginings across its international parks and cruise fleet, blending cutting-edge technology with beloved nostalgia. Guests can look forward to new immersion zones like Villains Land and Piston Peak at Magic Kingdom, fresh land developments centered on The Lion King, Encanto, and Monsters, Inc., alongside major updates to classic icons including Space Mountain, Carousel of Progress, and Spaceship Earth.
Additionally, Disney Cruise Line is preparing to set sail with the upcoming Disney Believe in 2027 while teasing an entirely new class of ships slated for 2029.
DISNEYLAND PARIS
Disneyland Paris is entering a major new era driven by its “New Magic” initiative, headlined by the 2028 debut of its first new daytime parade since 2017. Led by Mickey Mouse, the daily parade features state-of-the-art floats and classic characters from Aladdin, The Princess and the Frog, Tangled, and Pixar’s Coco. Nostalgic fans will also celebrate the return of Space Mountain – De la Terre à la Lune, as Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain closes at the end of 2027 for an extensive refurbishment. The classic 1995 Jules Verne-inspired steampunk storyline will be fully restored with modern enhancements, including a remastered score by Steve Bramson and updated queue and effects.
Over at Disney Adventure World, construction is underway on a massive 30,000-square-meter area dedicated to The Lion King. The land’s centerpiece will be a thrilling water attraction featuring a 16-meter drop from Pride Rock and the first-ever Audio-Animatronics® figure of the villain Scar. Looking closer on the horizon, guests can also anticipate the debut of Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings, a family ride themed to Pixar’s Up opening on Adventure Way.
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Magic Kingdom is receiving major land expansions, starting with the newly named Villains Land, which will feature an intense Maleficent-themed coaster and a Magic Mirror dark ride showcasing iconic Disney antagonists. Frontierland is introducing two Cars-themed experiences in Piston Peak: the high-octane Cars Ridge Run Rally and the newly revealed Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along.
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the upcoming Tropical Americas area will debut Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent—featuring the first animatronic modeled directly on Harrison Ford—alongside Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto and a 22-animal carousel. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Monstropolis will begin opening in 2027, complete with the “Welcome to Monstropolis” show hosted by Mike and Sulley, Harryhausen’s Restaurant, and Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza.
Classic attractions across the resort are also getting substantial upgrades. EPCOT will see the long-awaited return of Dreamfinder and Figment, while Spaceship Earth undergoes its first reimagining in two decades to focus on human connection in the internet age. At Magic Kingdom, Carousel of Progress is adding a new 1980s scene with voice work from Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston as Mum and Dad.
Finally, thrill-seekers at Animal Kingdom can look forward to the return of the dynamic Yeti Audio-Animatronic inside Expedition Everest.
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Disney Cruise Line is continuing its rapid fleet expansion, starting with the launch of the Disney Believe in late 2027. Serving as the fourth ship in the Wish class, the vessel will feature a Grand Hall themed after Moana, a hand-painted Peter Pan filigree on its bow, and a playful stern sculpture of Toy Story’s Woody and Buzz Lightyear carving the ship’s name with yellow crayons.
Looking further ahead, Disney offered a first look at an entirely new class of ships debuting in 2029. Sized between Disney’s classic and newer vessels, these three upcoming ships will expand global itineraries and allow the fleet to dock at unique ports worldwide.
