Disney Parks and Experiences: Every Announcement from D23 Expo

The D23 Expo just wrapped up, and we were so lucky to be there. During the Expo, lots of stuff gets announced at a bunch of panels that span across 3 days. There are panels for movie projects and TV shows, panels all about Marvel and Star Wars, and then there’s our favorite: the Disney Parks & Experiences Panel.

We love this panel because that’s where we learn all about the proposed projects that are planned for all the Disney Parks around the world, plus all the new stuff they have in the pipeline for other experiences like Disney Cruise Line.

Now, to be fair, not everything that gets proposed may actually make it. But, in general, aside from major worldwide pandemics, most things we see eventually make their ways into the parks.

Ready to see what we have to look forward to? Let’s go!

In this article

Disney 100 Years of Wonder Announcements

The Walt Disney Company is about to turn 100, and at this year’s D23 Expo they announced some of the details they have planned for their “100 Years of Wonder” celebration which kicks off December 31, 2022, during Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.

There’s lots of stuff that will be happening company-wide during the celebration, including the release of special music collections, merchandise, commemorative books, and of course, new stuff in the parks.

Here’s some of what you can expect to see in the parks and beyond:

Mickey and Minnie get new platinum outfits “designed to reflect the optimism and creativity of Disney as the company celebrates 100 years and looks toward the next century.”
Over 2023, several highly anticipated movie releases hitting the theaters or Disney+ including Wish (a new animated movie on the origin of the wishing star), a gorgeous new live-action Little Mermaid, Haunted Mansion which was inspired by the attraction, and Peter & Wendy, a reimagining of the 1953 classic.
Disney100: The Exhibition touring both domestically and internationally showcasing in 10 different galleries rarely seen original artworks, props, costumes, etc. from Disney.
A new logo for Walt Disney Studios to honor the 100 Years of Wonder celebration
2 new nighttime spectaculars at Disneyland, World of Color – One at Disney California Adventure and a new firework show called Wondrous Journeys at Disneyland park
Also at Disneyland, the return of the Magic Happens parade
A new nighttime spectacular at Epcot
A new Walt statue at Hong Kong Disneyland

Walt Disney World Announcements

Magic Kingdom and DinoLand U.S.A. Blue Sky brainstorm

Probably one of the most talked about parts of the entire presentation was the blue-sky brainstorming session between Josh D’Amaro, Imagineering Portfolio Creative Executive Chris Beatty, and Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee.

It is important to note that these are JUST ideas. Nothing is set in stone, and about the only thing we can guarantee is that they do appear to be serious about re-theming the DinoLand U.S.A. area and possibly adding onto Magic Kingdom or maybe even creating a 5th gate for Walt Disney World.

There was so much confusion over everything that was said, that we dedicated an entire post to discussing it. If you’re interested in learning more, make sure you check out our D23 Blue Sky Ideas post for additional information.

Otherwise, for the abbreviated version, here are a few of the things they tossed out:

Magic Kingdom blue-sky ideas

Encanto and Coco elements being added to Magic Kingdom, but still in early concepts
“Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” (5th gate?) will include a villain area – again, early concept phases

DinoLand U.S.A. blue-sky ideas

Transformed with elements from Zootopia, Moana, or maybe both

We are likely a year or more from hearing any more details on either of the projects. But, at least now we know that the possibility is there.

Magic Kingdom

Happily Ever After

Return date: 2023

It looks like Happily Ever After will return. It appears, though, that it won’t be exactly the same as it was. Disney has said the music will return to be paired with an “updated nighttime spectacular” at Magic Kingdom.

TRON Lightcycle / Run

Opening date: spring 2023

It feels as if TRON has been under construction for a million years, but the wait is almost over. Look for it to open up in Spring 2023.

No word, however, on when we might see the train return to Magic Kingdom. Fingers crossed it opens up before then.

Hatbox Ghost returns to Haunted Mansion

Return date: sometime in 2023

The Hatbox Ghost (known for his super creepy hatbox) returns to the Haunted Mansion. While not a major announcement, it will be fun to see him back!

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Completion date: Late 2024

The highly anticipated re-theming of Splash Mountain is scheduled to be completed by Late 2024 for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

The storyline for the attraction starts where the movie left off:

“At the end of the film, Princess Tiana realizes her lifelong dream when she opens her restaurant, Tiana’s Palace. We pick up the story during Carnival season, when Tiana is hosting a party for the people of New Orleans. She discovers her celebration is missing a key ingredient and needs our help to find it. On Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, we’ll join Tiana and Louis on a trip to the bayou, where they meet all sorts of unexpected new friends who have a special role to play at the party.”

Plus – many of the voices from the film will be a part of the new attraction, including Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Michael Leon Wooley as Louis, Jenifer Lewis as Mama Odie, and Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana.

Epcot

Figment Meet & Greet

Start date: end of 2023

Calling all Figment fans! It has been years (and years) since you’ve been able to meet Figment, but that all changes next year with the addition of a Figment character meet and greet.

New Nighttime Show

Opening date: late 2023

Epcot gets in on Disney’s 100th anniversary celebration with an all-new nighttime spectacular.

This one was actually kind of surprising because Harmonious (the current show) hasn’t been around that long.

World Celebration

Completion date: Late 2023

All of the Epcot updates were announced at the last D23 Expo, but this year we learned that the World Celebration area would (finally) be completed in late 2023.

As a reminder, this area goes from the entrance, down the middle past Spaceship Earth and includes the new “Walt the Dreamer” statue.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

Completion date: late 2023

The new Journey of Water area (part of World Nature) will also be opening up in late 2023. This new exploration trail will connect guests to the story of our planet’s water.

Disneyland Resort Announcements

Disney California Adventure Announcements

Mandalorian and Grogu

Starting date: mid-November 2022

Mando and Grogu will begin encountering guests in Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge just in time for Thanksgiving. Look for them starting around mid-November.

Incredible Hulk in his Quantum Suit

Starting date: mid-September 2022

Oh my gosh, Disneyland is getting all the cool new characters. Look for the Incredible Hulk to begin appearing in Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure in mid-September 2022. As of right now, Disney has only said he will be around for a limited time only.

Avengers Campus Expansion

Opening date: TBD

Avengers Campus at Disney California is expanding…including the addition of a brand-new story from the Multiverse. The new attraction will include Thanos, but it will be King Thanos from a section of the Multiverse where he WON.

Pacific Wharf Reimagined to San Fransokyo

Completion date: TBD

Big Hero 6 is getting some love. Pacific Wharf will be re-themed to San Fransokyo and while they didn’t give us a ton of details, they did confirm there will be a spot to meet Baymax plus new dining and shopping options.

World of Color – One

Start date: late January 2023

As part of the 100 Years of Wonder celebration, World of Color is being revamped into World of Color – One. This new show will tell the story of the past 100 years of Disney through Disney classics as well as some of the newer Disney favorites. “It will continue to build upon the park’s state-of-the-art projection effects, turning Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, the façade of “it’s a small world” and the Rivers of America into an artist’s canvas that brings characters to life all around you as fireworks dance in the sky.”

Disneyland Park

Eudora’s Chic Boutique

Opening date: Sept. 20, 2022

A new Princess and the Frog inspired shop called Eudora’s Chic Boutique opens up in just a few days in New Orleans Square. “Tiana is collaborating with her talented dressmaker mother, Eudora, to open this fantastic little shop, with accessories to create and serve masterful Orleans-style cuisine and more. “

Magic Happens Parade

Return date: Spring 2023

The long-awaited return of the Magic Happens parade is just about here! Look for it to head back to Disneyland park in Spring 2023.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway & Mickey’s Toontown

Completion date: Early 2023

We got a little update on the progress of Mickey and Minnie’s Run Away Railway and Mickey’s Toontown, including the confirmation that it is slated to open in early 2023.

One of the big questions was about Donald’s boat. Would it be axed in the construction? The answer to that is NO. It made the cut and will be there when the section reopens.

Wondrous Journeys

Start date: late January

Wondrous Journeys is a new nighttime spectacular over Disneyland. Look for it to light up the sky and the wonder in all of us as it “features nods to all 60 Walt Disney Animation Studios films to date, taking viewers on a journey filled with artistry, music, storytelling, and heart. “

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Completion date: Late 2024

The highly anticipated re-theming of Splash Mountain is scheduled to be completed by Late 2024 for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

The storyline for the attraction starts where the movie left off:

Pixar Place Hotel

Completion date: TBD

While we already knew about the transformation of the old Paradise Pier Hotel into the “Pixar Place Hotel,” we did get a bit more info. According to Josh D’Amaro (Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman), “Pixar Place Hotel will be a place where you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a Pixar art gallery featuring new interpretations of favorite Pixar pals.” Can’t wait to see it.

Downtown Disney

Completion date: TBD

Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort has been undergoing a lot of work recently, and at the D23 Expo we heard more about 2 of the more than a dozen new shops and restaurants slated to open in the upcoming years.

Porto’s Bakery & Cafe (sweet pastries, desserts, and savory Cuban food) and Din Tai Fung (Chinese cuisine served family-style) will both be a part of the Downtown Disney upgrades.

runDisney

runDisney returning to Disneyland

Return date: 2024

There hasn’t been a runDisney race on the West Coast in a long, LONG time, but in 2024, runDisney will make its return to Disneyland Resort.

Disney Cruise Line Announcements

Lighthouse Point

Completion date: TBD

Lighthouse Point will join Castaway Cay as a destination island for Disney Cruise Line guests.

Construction is currently underway and will be inspired by the stories of the Bahamas.

Disney Treasure

Sail date: 2024

We finally have a name for the 6th Disney Cruise Line ship: Disney Treasure. Inspired by Walt Disney’s love of exploration, it will celebrate some of Disney’s best stories.

“The Grand Hall is inspired by the grandeur and mystery of a gilded palace, drawing on real-world influences from Asia and Africa, and paying homage to the far-off land of Agrabah. At the center, the signature statue will feature Aladdin, Jasmine and their Magic Carpet.”

Look for it to set sail in 2024.

International Parks

Here are the highlights from the announcements for the international parks:

Duffy animated series

Launch date: sometime in 2023

Duffy has a big presence in the international parks (especially those in Asia), so big in fact that he will be joining his furry friends for a six-episode, stop-motion animated series on Disney+.

Disneyland Paris

Frozen-themed land

Opening date: TBD

Disneyland Paris will continue their transformation with their own Frozen-themed land.

According to Disney, “This land will offer a gorgeous lakeside promenade and will immerse guests in the same magical wintry setting from the films.”

Tangled-themed Family Attraction

Opening date: TBD

Leading the way into the new Frozen land will be a Tangled-themed family attraction as well as some beautiful gardens.

Pixar: We Belong Together

Opening date: 2023

Walt Disney Studios Park will get a new show as part of their grand finale to the 30th Anniversary Celebration called “Pixar: We Belong Together”.

Disneyland Paris Hotel Transformation

Completion date: TBD

The Disneyland Paris Hotel is being transformed in a royal way. Guest rooms and communal spaces will mimic popular Disney stories like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Frozen, Tangled, and more.

Hong Kong Disneyland

World of Frozen

Opening date: second half of 2023

The first of 3 Frozen-themed areas opens up next year at Hong Kong Disneyland.

Walt Statue

Reveal date: during the 100th Anniversary Celebration

Hong Kong Disneyland gets their own Walt statue, too. This one will feature Walt and Mickey and be placed near Cinderella Carousel.

Shanghai Disney Resort

Zootopia Central Station

Completion date: TBD

Shanghai Disney Resort will welcome the friends from Zootopia, including the Zootopia Police Department, which will double as the entrance to the main attraction.