Later this week, we’ll be on a plane out to California to cover the 2026 D23 Expo. Our coverage will include on-the-ground reporting and first looks at the show floor. We will also carry live coverage of the Disney Experiences showcase Saturday evening. Before we start packing, we want to unpack our predictions for the event, park by park and project by project. As we noted in an earlier article, this is shaping up to be an off year for splashy new announcements. That said, there will still be plenty to get excited about. Here’s what we’re keeping an eye out for.
D23 Expo 2026 Theme Park Predictions
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- Predictions for Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Disneyland, and international parks
- What is already expected for Piston Peak National Park and Villains Land versus what remains speculation
- Which projects are unlikely to get meaningful new details this year
We want to set expectations before diving in. Fans have floated a lot of exciting predictions for a blockbuster Experiences showcase. We think this is an “off-year” instead. At least, an “off-year” when compared to the blockbuster 2024 D23 Expo. There is not a lot in terms of planned theme park panels, and the show floor has a relatively light lineup for theme park content. Disney itself has included language that is meant to set the tone of a keynote full of exciting updates rather than a litany of out-of-the-blue announcements.
D23 said this year’s Experiences showcase will build on the projects announced in 2024. Disney said the keynote will take fans deeper into the creative vision behind what is coming. That includes hearing directly from the Imagineers, storytellers, artists, and innovators building those experiences. As I noted in an earlier article, I’m inclined to take them at their word.
Nearly every major project will not open until around or after the 2028 D23 Expo. Tropical Americas and (likely) the Avengers Campus expansion are the exceptions. To me, that means that this Expo will heavily lean into filling in the blanks and answering questions that fans have about existing projects – not announcing a bunch of Blue Sky stuff that will open up new questions.
Our predictions list leans a little less ambitious than some of what we have seen elsewhere in the fan community. Here is a look at our predictable predictions, along with a few wildcards.
Magic Kingdom
We are starting at the Walt Disney World theme park with the most construction happening right now, Magic Kingdom. It is hard to believe that the world’s busiest theme park is the site of so much active work. Once the construction dust settles, though, the park will have four or more new attractions across two new themed areas.
Villains Land
At this point, Villains Land is the biggest question mark heading into D23 Expo. Speculation among fans reached a premature fever pitch earlier this year. Rumors surfaced that Imagineers were told to think bigger and bolder for the land. We are optimistic that Disney offers some answers at this year’s expo.
Villains Land is not expected to open before January 1st, 2030. That would make a 2026 D23 Expo one event too early for fully locked-in details. Even so, we think Disney will offer something for fans, most likely a new piece of concept art or two. We would expect that art to confirm Disney is still on track for a highly themed land. I also expect new art to confirm that the Maleficent-themed roller coaster is still a go. We might also get a better look at the overall layout, along with some new details about the rumored dark ride.
It is possible, and even likely, that Villains Land gets a section within the Imagineering Pavilion on the show floor. A scale model is a different story, and we do not think one shows up this year. If a model does not appear at this year’s expo, we would expect the 2028 D23 Expo to be the one where Disney goes all in on Villains Land instead.
Piston Peak National Park
We expect substantial details for Piston Peak National Park this year, including a scale model at the Imagineering Pavilion on the show floor. Walt Disney Imagineering already shared a timelapse video of a model being packed for transport to Anaheim. The video was set to music reminiscent of “Life Is a Highway” from the Cars franchise. That is a strong hint that a Piston Peak model is headed to the show floor. Beyond the model, we’re hoping to hear some solid details about the off-road rally race, along with confirmation of the mysterious second family-friendly ride.
This expo, as we noted above, should focus on filling in questions rather than raising new ones. The biggest question any fan usually has is: when will a project open? For Piston Peak National Park, we think Disney is right on the over/under line of announcing an opening year. I think if the model is out, Disney should attach an opening year. That said, we could see Disney hold that news for Destination D23, when the focus shifts more toward Walt Disney World specifically.
We have been tracking a Piston Peak opening sometime in 2029 since the project was announced. Disney may confirm that 2029 timeframe without getting into a specific season. Either way, we expect Piston Peak National Park to have a significant presence at this year’s expo.
Space Mountain, Carousel of Progress, and Tomorrowland Wildcards
I think where there is smoke, there is fire. There has been plenty of metaphorical smoke around a potential Space Mountain reimagining. We covered the rumor in detail last month. For D23 Expo, a single piece of interior concept art could be possible. It would set the stage and get fans excited for what might be coming. While there will likely be significant interior changes, we expect the exterior of the attraction to remain the same. A verbal confirmation of that, paired with a look at a redesigned, single-track layout in the concept art, would not surprise us.
We are less certain about two other Tomorrowland projects: a Carousel of Progress update and a wider Tomorrowland refresh. There is a chance Disney shows off the Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic coming to the reimagined Carousel of Progress attraction. That update could come via a photo or a short video. There is an even smaller chance Disney ties that update into a broader “soft refresh” of Tomorrowland.
If the Space Mountain overhaul is announced, we also expect to hear about refreshed scenes for the PeopleMover. For some additional Tomorrowland wildcards, keep an eye on the former Stitch’s Great Escape space and the Tomorrowland Speedway.
Magic Kingdom Wildcards
I think that there is some opportunity for Disney to surprise us a bit when it comes to Magic Kingdom. PA building is already permitted for construction near the Haunted Mansion. We think it is possible, though not a lock, that guests eventually see some sort of Haunted Mansion bar or lounge there. That would build on the existing lounge experience found on Disney Cruise Line ships. The Beak & Barrel bar in Adventureland offers a similar model and has been successful.
Disney has previously expressed interest in building a hotel that either connects to Villains Land or sits close to Magic Kingdom. It is worth watching whether that idea resurfaces as part of the next phase of work on the park’s northwest corner.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Monstropolis
Heading over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the name of the game is Monstropolis. We’ve recently seen some wonderful progress on the Door Vault roller coaster, but I’m not sure there’s much more to share on that front. Instead, I think we’ll hear more on the Harryhausen’s restaurant, the quick-service restaurant, and the high-tech show replacing MuppetVision 3D.
Hollywood Studios Wildcards
Disney just finished investing in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with the new Mandalorian & Grogu update to Smugglers Run. A highly themed table-service restaurant in that land would still print money. While we have heard nothing remotely concrete, we will once again make the case for bringing the Gaya dinner show from the shuttered Galactic Starcruiser into Batuu.
We were also recently walking through Toy Story Land when the heat index topped 110°. A covered meet-and-greet space for Woody, Buzz, and Jessie would go a long way.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom needs help, and Disney identified that years ago when they put into motion a plan to replace DinoLand USA. While the concept has shifted over the years, Disney locked in the idea of a Tropical Americas-themed land. Now, construction is moving along really well as the teams target a 2027 opening timeframe. I think that we’ll hear a lot about the Tropical Americas project this year, and I’m excited to see what Disney has in store.
Tropical Americas
The Tropical Americas themed land is, by far, the furthest along when it comes to construction. The site has been a hive of activity, and it seems like it reaches a new milestone every two weeks. I would expect that we’ll get some real details for both the Indiana Jones-themed attraction using the former DINOSAUR ride system, along with some beautiful concept art and new details for the Encanto attraction. As the only domestic project announced to be open before the 2028 D23 Expo, I think it’s a lock that we’ll get an opening season for the land. I’ve seen some speculation that the land could open in phases, and I think that’s possible.
In terms of timing, I think it would be a miracle if the Indiana Jones attraction opens before Fall 2027, but it’s possible that the carousel and quick-service restaurant could be open by next Summer. If I had to guess, I would say that Indiana Jones gets a Fall 2027 opening season and Encanto opens sometime in the first half of 2028 – likely by Spring Break.
In terms of new details, I’d honestly love just another Maya at the Mouse lecture, but it’ll have to be something packaged for the masses. I’d expect new story details for the Indiana Jones ride, perhaps a look at the transformation of the former Dino Institute, and maybe some new art. For Encanto, I would love to see Disney confirm the ride system (tracked ride on furniture that has come to life) and some new story details.
Aquatic Robotics and Drone Show
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has to do something with the former Rivers of Light amphetheater. They tried KiteTails, but a daytime show there was difficult given the brutal Summers at Walt Disney World. Instead, we’d love to see them return to a nighttime spectacular. The leading contender has to be a drone show, but I would also love to see them use aquatic robotics. I’m not sure they have something at a scale that would fit a nighttime spectacular, but I’d love to be surprised.
Animal Kingdom Wildcards
I almost put the drone show in the wildcard section, but I think that Disney needs something at night for DAK, and they know it. Instead, my wildcard will be that Disney announces that they’re going to clone or significantly copy the Lion King ride/land being constructed in Disney Adventure World, and bring it to DAK. It’s an outside shot, but Disney has already explored a flume ride for DAK, albeit themed to Moana during Blue Sky dreaming for the DinoLand USA replacement project.
EPCOT
EPCOT is a bit of a wildcard. In fact, there will be no dedicated wildcard section for EPCOT because everything here is a wildcard. The multi-year transformation project is “complete”, but it still feels like there’s work to do. Perhaps Disney will have a Blue Sky announcement or two here and be able to frame it as preparing for EPCOT’s 50th Anniversary in 2032. In terms of what they could do, I think they could revisit some old concepts. Spaceship Earth could use some help, and updating the ride in time for the 50th Anniversary makes a lot of sense, although it may be too early to announce plans if they don’t need to close the ride until 2029.
As Summers seemingly get hotter, the former Wonders of Life pavilion has to look like a completely wasted space to have shuttered. I don’t know if Disney revisits the Play Pavilion concept or comes up with something fresh, but having a fully indoor space to give guests 2-4 hours of things to do seems like it would be a huge win.
And then there’s the rumor of a park entry hotel…
Journey Into Imagination Starring Figment
Is this finally Figment’s year? Disney has been teasing, and teasing, and teasing more Figment for years. The question isn’t whether or not executives at Walt Disney Imagineering, EPCOT, and The Walt Disney Company as a whole have an appetite for an update to Journey into Imagination with Figment; I think the question is how much of a budget can they stomach? Everything needs to be IP-driven these days, and while Figment has certainly become a profitable IP, as it relates to EPCOT festivals, the lovable dragon doesn’t have a lot of reach into the flywheel of OneDisney.
If you had asked me a couple of years ago, I would’ve said that an update to Figment’s ride would’ve been possible. Today? I’m less sure that it’s a lock.
Disneyland Resort
I’m going to kind of breeze through Disneyland and international parks here since we’re already getting a bit long-winded. At Disneyland, I expect that the biggest updates will be centered around the Avengers Campus expansion. I think we’ll get an announcement that the new rides will open in late 2027, likely aligning with the release of Secret Wars. I hope that we get some really cool looks at the Infinity Defense attraction that will anchor the expansion.
Shifting gears, I expect to hear some new details on the Coco-themed attraction, where dirt is already moving. I expect that Disney will talk about the Avatar experience coming to Disney California Adventure, hopefully putting to rest rumors that it was going to be replaced by Zootopia or even a more fully-fledged Monstropolis area.
Disneyland knows that the clock is officially ticking on Autopia, so it’s possible that we get some new details about the all-electric vehicles replacing the gas-powered ones.
Given that the Disney Experiences Showcase is happening in Disneyland’s backyard, it would make sense that Disney would take the opportunity to announce a new dragon coming to Fantasmic. The old one caught fire and burned to a crisp back in April 2023, and a replacement has not yet arrived.
Disneyland Wildcards
In addition to the updates and announcements above, I think it’s possible that we learn of a new land or attraction for Disneyland. This would likely be really well received by the local crowd.
In terms of an even wilder wildcard, I think that there is an appetite for a third gate at the Disneyland Resort. That would come in addition to the planned DisneylandForward expansions. At least, most of the expansions. Remember that the DisneylandForward project was a rezoning effort. While Disney showed off expansion areas for Disney California Adventure and Disneyland, they are not beholden to using the spaces as mocked up. I think that Disneyland wants a third gate, and that it’ll happen way before a fifth gate at Walt Disney World, but it still feels like we’re too early for that announcement at this particular D23 Expo.
International Parks
Just like the domestic parks, I think we’ll hear updates on the international projects as well. Things like the Lion King land coming to Disney Adventure World, the rebuilt Space Mountain, and the Wreck-It Ralph attraction at Tokyo Disneyland are great candidates. The new Avengers attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland and the new Spider-Man roller coaster in Shanghai also seem like possibilities.
Beyond that, we know that Tokyo Disney has plans to reimagine Adventureland and Port Discovery. I would put those in the wildcard bucket for the Expo. Also in the wildcard bucket is the announcement of a second theme park at Shanghai Disney Resort, and updates on the Disneyland Abu Dhabi project. While I think that a second theme park at Shanghai would play well with the crowd, that might be an announcement saved for a different venue. Although I thought that the recent 10th anniversary would be a great time to announce.
I’m not sure that the Disney diehards are sold on the Abu Dhabi project. It feels like announcements at the Honda Center in front of 7,000 people might be a bit of a risk. Instead, Disney may have something tucked away at the Imagineering Pavilion for the new park.
Disney Cruise Line
Everything here for Disney Cruise Line would be considered a wildcard. That said, I think there’s an opportunity for them to make a splash. We’re thinking of DCL announcing a new ship, or two, and/or a new private island. I also think it’s likely that we’ll get some details for the Disney Believe, although there is already a proper reveal on the books for October.
In terms of what I would love to hear from Disney Cruise Line, I’d love some details on the new class of ships that will follow the Wish class. As someone who really enjoyed Tokyo Disney Resort, I’m also interested to see what Disney/OLC has in store for Disney Cruise Line Japan.
Follow Us For More D23 Expo Coverage
My favorite parts of the D23 Expo theme park keynotes in the past are the projects that nobody predicted. While it’s always fun to hear a cheer following an announcement (and we expect plenty of that this year), the best moments are when a project catches fans so off-guard that you hear murmuring echoing through the venue as small groups begin discussing amongst themselves. I really hope we get something like that this year.
The Disney Experiences Showcase and the Walt Disney Imagineering show floor pavilion are major pieces of the D23 Expo puzzle, but make sure to check back with us often for coverage of not only the theme parks, but everything fun and interesting that we find at D23 Expo this week!
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