D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event returns to Anaheim from August 14 through 16, and Walt Disney World fans have one date circled: Saturday, August 15. That is when the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase takes over the Honda Center, promising updates on projects already underway plus new announcements and surprises.
In my latest video, I run through some of the expected D23 announcements for D23 and a few predictions that may be a bit more wishful thinking on my part. Have a look:
2nd Piston Peak Ride Details
The safest predictions involve projects Disney first revealed in 2024. Magic Kingdom’s huge expansion remains the biggest story. Piston Peak National Park, the Cars-inspired area replacing the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, is already in development with two attractions planned. Disney has shared more about the land’s national-park-inspired setting and its off-road rally ride, but the second attraction remains a prime candidate for a fuller reveal at D23.
A Look Into Villains Land
Then there is Villains Land. Disney has confirmed two major attractions, dining and shopping for the new area beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Imagineers have since discussed the “Conjured Architecture” that will shape its look. D23 2026 feels like the natural place to finally reveal what those attractions actually are, along with a stronger sense of the land’s layout and dining.
New Monstropolis Restaurant and Show?
Disney’s Hollywood Studios should also get attention. Monstropolis is moving ahead with its suspended door-vault coaster, which Disney says will feature a vertical lift. Recent updates have also named Harryhausen’s and the Glob Theater as key locations within the land. More details on dining, entertainment and what guests will experience inside those spaces would make sense for the showcase.
Tropical Americas Updates
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tropical Americas is targeting a 2027 opening with Indiana Jones and Encanto attractions, a carousel, play space and a large quick-service restaurant. With construction well underway, D23 could bring a closer look at the Indiana Jones adventure or new interior concept art for Pueblo Esperanza.
New Carousel of Progress Details
Two other ongoing projects are likely to appear in some form. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress closed July 6 for a major refresh that will move the family through the 1960s, 1980s, 1999 and a possible future, while adding a Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics figure to a new opening scene.
Lakeshore Lodge Updates
Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge is also scheduled to open in summer 2027, and Disney has already revealed its pools, dining locations and nature-inspired design.
Of course, the more interesting predictions are the ones Disney has not announced.
Return of Dreamfinder?
EPCOT feels ready for another major attraction project, and Journey Into Imagination with Figment remains the obvious candidate. Figment continues to be one of EPCOT’s most recognizable characters, but the attraction has gone largely untouched for years. A full reimagining — perhaps with Dreamfinder returning in some form — would instantly become one of the weekend’s biggest stories.
Spaceship Earth and Wonders of Live Overhauls?
Spaceship Earth is another possibility. Disney once planned a major update centered on storytelling before that project was put on hold. A revised version could return, while the former Wonders of Life pavilion remains another large space that could eventually be given a new purpose.
Animal Kingdom Nighttime Drone Show?
Animal Kingdom could also use a stronger nighttime anchor after Tropical Americas opens. A new Discovery River spectacular using projections, fountains, lighting and drones would give Disney a reason to keep more guests in the park after dark.
Tomorrowland Reimagined?
Finally, Tomorrowland may be due for a broader rethink. Between the Carousel of Progress overhaul, the recent Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin updates and TRON Lightcycle / Run, Disney is already investing in the area. A long-term plan could eventually address Space Mountain, the vacant former Stitch’s Great Escape space, Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor and even the Tomorrowland Speedway.
Not all of these predictions will happen, and some are intentionally long shots. But with Disney itself promising “exciting announcements” and surprises during the Horizons showcase, D23 2026 should give Walt Disney World fans a much clearer picture of what the resort will look like through the end of the decade.