The dust is still settling on all the announcements made during Disney’s Experiences Showcase at D23 2026. The presentation revealed what Disney has planned for its theme parks in the coming years and beyond. Which announcements were the most surprising? Which details are we excited about the most? Read on!
As always, let us know how you feel in the comments.
Fixing the Yeti in Expedition Everest
This one truly surprised us. The larger-than-life Yeti animatronic in Expedition Everest has been broken for almost 20 years. The Yeti only worked for about a year after Expedition Everest opened in 2006. Since then, the Yeti has been known as ‘Disco Yeti’ because lights flash on the animatronic as riders pass by.
Now, we fully agree that celebrating Disney fixing something that has been neglected for 20ish years feels silly. But, we’ll take a win where we can get it. After almost 20 years, Disney didn’t have to do anything with the Yeti. And no, that’s not because the whole mountain would have to be taken apart or any of those crazy incorrect rumors. We just wonder is Disney is actually going to fix the original Yeti or if they’re planning to install a new version.
New Details for Villains Land in Magic Kingdom
There’s been a lot of speculation about Villains Land in the Magic Kingdom ever since it was first announced in 2024. Disney has put some of those rumors to rest by revealing the land’s two attractions. And, maybe more importantly, they revealed the tone and feel that they’re aiming for with Villains Land.
We’re glad Disney is seemingly leaning into the dark and brooding vibe with Villains Land. There was some talk (and concern) that Disney was cutting out the more spooky side of Villains Land. That doesn’t appear to be the case. All the art we’ve seen on Villains Land, including the Maleficent coaster, looks like its dark, spooky, and maybe a bit creepy. Disney says the coaster will have “elements they’ve never attempted before on similar attractions,” so that’s pretty exciting.
We hope Villains Land maintains this direction throughout its development.
Figment and Dreamfinder Update in EPCOT
We’ve predicted an update for Journey into Imagination with Figment for years. We’ve been wrong every D23 despite the ride desperately needing some love. Finally, FINALLY, it has happened. Disney saved the Figment and Dreamfinder update for last to close out the presentation.
So, besides bringing back Dreamfinder, what does the future for Figment look like? We have no idea. Disney was incredibly vague about this announcement. No art, no concepts, no details. This means the update is likely years away, but at least Disney has mentioned everyone’s favorite purple dragon.
Tomorrowland Update in Disneyland Park
Your days are numbered, old concept art walls!
Disneyland’s Tomorrowland is a land searching for an identity. The disjointed land has been criticized for ages thanks to its crumbling PeopleMover / Rocket Rods track, the polarizing Autopia ride, closed spaces, and more. It’s easy to point at Tomorrowland as the land in Disneyland Park that needs the most help.
That help is on the way! One of the last announcements at D23 2026 was about a new overhaul of Tomorrowland. Disney says the land will have “new attractions, new open spaces and new places for guests to experience and dream about the optimistic view of the future.”
No timeline or specifics were shared, but it has been reported the project has been given priority. Work is expected to begin after the Coco and Avengers Campus projects, but before the Avatar project. That means there’s still time to say goodbye to those construction walls that have stood through the years.
Cars Ridge Run Rally Details
Disney spent a good amount of time talking about Piston Peak, the large Cars land coming to the Magic Kingdom. The star attraction for the land is Cars Ridge Run Rally. Yes, it’s another Disney attraction that will inevitably be referred to by its abbreviation (RRR) because the name is a mouthful.
The highlight here is that Ridge Run Rally isn’t just another Test Track or Radiator Springs Racers. It’ll use new tech to make riders feel every bump in the road.
Cars Ridge Run Rally will debut a completely new ride vehicle, designed not to simulate an off-road car, but to be one … guests will feel every bump, drop, and rock because this vehicle’s tires and suspension are truly driving over and reacting to them.
Disney Parks Blog
We’re glad RRR sounds like something different. We had thought Disney might try and mashup the ride vehicles from DINORSAUR (RIP) or Indiana Jones Adventure with a Test Track system, but this sounds much better. Ride vehicles actually going over real obstacles is much more fun.
Honorable Mentions
- A new update is coming to Spaceship Earth at EPCOT. The last time this was announced in 2019 nothing ever happened. Maybe this time will be different as Disney wants to pivot the ride from “human communication to human connection.”
- Avengers Infinity Defense at Disney California Adventure looks pretty awesome. The scale of the ride’s props caught us by surprise. Hopefully this is the headliner Marvel needs/deserves. Admittedly, we’re extremely underwhelmed by the other new Avengers ride, Stark Flight Lab.
- Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent at Disney’s Animal Kingdom looks like a worthy replacement of a personal favorite, DINORSAUR.
What did you think of the D23 2026 Parks presentation?
