Disney to Outline Global Theme Park Roadmap at D23 Fan Event

Disney is set to outline a five-year theme park roadmap during the upcoming D23 fan event in Anaheim, promising attendees a detailed look at new rides, themed lands, and entertainment planned for its global resorts. The three-day convention kicks off Friday, Aug. 14, at the Anaheim Convention Center, headlined by a major keynote showcase titled "Horizons: A Carousel of Progress." Scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15, at 7 p.m. inside the Honda Center, the presentation will be hosted by actor Neil Patrick Harris and streamed live on Disney+, featuring appearances by Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro and Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum.

Local theme park fans are particularly focused on anticipated updates for the nearby Disneyland Resort. At Disney California Adventure, attendees expect progress reports on two major Avengers Campus additions currently under construction: the motion-based dark ride Avengers Infinity Defense and the robotic-arm attraction Stark Flight Lab, along with character appearances by Dr. Doom timed to a Dec. 18 film release. Guests are also awaiting details on a newly started "Coco" boat ride near Pixar Pier and an "Avatar: The Way of Water" land slated to replace the Hollywood Land backlot, a project tied to the planned 2027 closure of Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!. Across the esplanade at Disneyland Park, presentation updates may cover long-range plans for Tomorrowland—where Autopia is set to convert to electric engines early next year—as well as news on a permanent animatronic dragon for "Fantasmic!" and a limited 2027 return of the Main Street Electrical Parade.

Expansions across Florida's Walt Disney World Resort will also take center stage during the weekend presentation. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is preparing for a 2027 launch of its 11-acre Tropical Americas area, Pueblo Esperanza, which will feature an Indiana Jones dark ride and an "Encanto" boat ride. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a new "Monsters, Inc." land titled Monstropolis is set to replace the Muppets Courtyard with a suspended door coaster, a show at the Glob Theater, and a Harryhausen’s dining location. Additionally, Magic Kingdom plans call for a "Cars" off-road thrill ride expansion called Piston Peak National Park, alongside a dedicated Disney Villains Land showcasing dining spots themed to Hades and Kronk and major attractions centered on Maleficent and Ursula.

International developments will complete the global showcase. Attendees are expecting updates, official titles, and opening timelines for a Spider-Man thrill coaster under construction at Shanghai Disneyland, as well as details on a Marvel-themed drop tower expanding the Stark Expo at Hong Kong Disneyland. In France, Disneyland Paris is constructing a "Lion King" land with a Simba-themed flume ride inside the newly renamed Disney Adventure World. Disney may also address the current status of its first Middle Eastern resort in Abu Dhabi, which remains in early planning stages following recent geopolitical tensions in the region.