Disney just gave fans a HUGE look at the future of its theme parks and Disney Cruise Line during the Disney Experiences Showcase at D23 2026, and there is a lot to look forward to. From Villains Land and Piston Peak at Magic Kingdom to new Encanto, Indiana Jones, Monsters, Inc., and Coco attractions, the next few years are going to bring major changes to Disney destinations around the world.
Here are some of the biggest announcements from the night!
Villains Land Is Taking Over Magic Kingdom
We finally learned more about the highly anticipated Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom, and Disney is going all-in on the darker side of its storytelling.
The land will feature an entirely new story bringing together Disney Villains, including Cruella, Dr. Facilier, the Evil Queen and more. Disney plans for the entire area to feel completely immersive, with everything from the landscape to the architecture, shops and attractions reflecting a world ruled by Villains.
Two major attractions are planned for the land. One will be a thrilling coaster experience themed around Maleficent, taking guests on an adventure around her imposing fortress.
Another attraction will take guests beneath the Evil Queen’s palace and into its catacombs, creating an entirely different kind of Villains experience.
Magic Kingdom is about to get a whole lot darker, and we cannot wait.
Two Cars Attractions Are Coming to Piston Peak
Disney also shared new details about Piston Peak, the Cars-inspired area coming to Magic Kingdom.
The land will feature two attractions, including the newly revealed Cars Ridge Run Rally, an adventurous ride through the rugged terrain of Piston Peak.
A second attraction will offer a more family-friendly experience, giving younger guests something to enjoy alongside the land’s larger adventure.
Between the towering landscapes, Cars characters and two new rides, Piston Peak is shaping up to completely transform this section of Magic Kingdom.
Tropical Americas Is Bringing Three New Attractions to Animal Kingdom
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tropical Americas is bringing an entirely new collection of experiences to the park.
The land will include attractions inspired by Indiana Jones and Encanto, plus a beautiful Disney animal carousel designed for the entire family.
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Spirit
Disney officially revealed the name of Animal Kingdom’s new Indiana Jones attraction: Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Spirit.
The adventure will feature an original Indiana Jones storyline set during the 1950s. Disney also revealed that Harrison Ford’s likeness will be incorporated into the Indiana Jones Audio-Animatronic.
Rather than recreating an existing Indiana Jones attraction, this will give Animal Kingdom its own Indy adventure.
Step Inside Casita on the New Encanto Ride
We’re also getting the first-ever Encanto ride at Walt Disney World!
Guests will travel through the Madrigal family’s magical Casita before making their way to Antonio’s room, which has transformed into a lush rainforest filled with animals.
One of the best announcements for families is that the attraction will have no height requirement, allowing everyone from little ones to grandparents to experience the attraction together.
The Disney Animal Carousel
Disney also revealed more about the beautiful Disney Animal Carousel coming to Tropical Americas.
The attraction will feature 22 different animal character figures inspired by beloved Disney stories instead of traditional carousel horses. It’s shaping up to be one of the sweetest additions for families with younger children visiting Animal Kingdom.
The Yeti Is Coming Back to Life!
One of the biggest surprises of the night was an update for an attraction that’s already open.
The legendary Yeti inside Expedition Everest is being brought back to life!
For years, the massive figure has remained stationary while lighting effects create the illusion of movement as guests race past. Disney has now announced plans to restore movement to the Audio-Animatronic.
For longtime Animal Kingdom fans, this is a BIG deal—and another reason we’ll be heading straight back to Expedition Everest when the updated Yeti debuts.
Dreamfinder and Figment Are Returning to EPCOT
Figment fans, this one’s for you!
Dreamfinder and Figment are officially returning to EPCOT together, bringing a major dose of nostalgia back to the park.
The duo played an important role in the original Journey Into Imagination and remain some of the most beloved characters in EPCOT history. Their return is sure to be an emotional moment for longtime Disney Parks fans.
Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston Join Carousel of Progress
Another Magic Kingdom classic is getting some star power.
Disney announced that Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston will lend their voices to Mom and Dad in Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.
It’s another update coming to one of Magic Kingdom’s most historic attractions as Disney continues to bring new elements to the classic experience.
More of Monstropolis Is Revealed for Hollywood Studios
We’re getting closer to stepping through the doors of Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
The Monsters, Inc.-themed land is coming in 2027, bringing Mike, Sulley and the world of Monstropolis to life. Disney shared additional concept art during D23, giving fans another look at the colorful city and the immersive environment being created.
The land will finally allow guests to enter the Monsters, Inc. factory and experience the world we’ve seen in the films in person.
With 2027 getting closer, this is quickly becoming one of our most anticipated additions to Walt Disney World.
Magic Happens Is Returning to Disneyland
Disneyland fans also received some exciting entertainment news: Magic Happens will return to Disneyland Park next summer! Also returning to the Disneyland Resort in February is a new and improved World of Color AND Remember… Dreams Come True fireworks & projection show in February 2027!
New Details About the First-Ever Coco Attraction
Disney also gave us more to look forward to at Disney California Adventure, where the first-ever attraction based on Pixar’s Coco is being developed.
Guests will join Miguel on an adventure to the Land of the Dead, surrounded by familiar characters, music and environments inspired by the film. Disney previously revealed that Imagineers are drawing inspiration from classic attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion while using modern Audio-Animatronics technology to bring the skeletal characters to life.
Construction begins in 2026 near Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier, and the attraction will become another major addition to Disney California Adventure.
The First-Ever Lion King Attraction Is Coming to Disneyland Paris
We’re also getting the world’s first ride-through attraction dedicated to The Lion King at Disneyland Paris.
The attraction will allow guests to journey through Simba’s story as he grows from cub to king, bringing the Pride Lands to life on a scale Disney Parks fans have never experienced before.
Meet the Disney Believe
Disney Cruise Line had some major announcements of its own!
The Disney Believe will become the fourth ship in the Wish class and is currently expected to begin sailing in late 2027.
Disney revealed that Tinker Bell will appear in the artwork on the ship’s bow, while Woody and Buzz Lightyear will be featured together on the stern. Inside, the Grand Hall will be inspired by Moana, complete with a bronze statue of Moana alongside Pua and Heihei.
Disney Cruise Line Is Getting an Entirely New Class of Ships
The Disney Believe wasn’t the only cruise news.
Disney Cruise Line also announced an all-new class of ships, designed to fall in size between Disney’s classic vessels and its newer, larger ships.
Disney also shared plans to expand its itineraries, including doubling its cruise offerings from Southern California. The Disney Wish will head to Europe, while the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will return to Alaska.
For Disney Cruise Line fans, there are going to be more ships, destinations and ways to sail than ever before.
The Future of Disney Parks Is HUGE
From racing through Piston Peak and venturing beneath the Evil Queen’s palace to exploring Casita, entering Monstropolis and traveling to the Land of the Dead with Miguel, Disney has an incredible lineup of new experiences on the horizon.
And these announcements are only giving us more reasons to start thinking about future Disney vacations.
We’ll continue sharing updates as Disney reveals opening dates, construction milestones and additional details about these new attractions and experiences. Be sure to subscribe to our email list so you’ll be among the first to know when these new experiences are ready to welcome guests—and when it’s time to start planning your vacation!
