News Destination D23 2025

[BrianLo]

You're not wrong at all -- but after something like Villians land, which had some smaller leaks in 2023 and aimed completion by 2030; It adds to the frustrations of fans IMO.

Villains is fine.

Nintendo was announced in 2016 formally, 2015 informally. Ministry of Magic was 2014 informally. Pokemon was on the rumoured docket in 2013

Not to play unfairly, the Avengers e-ticket was alluded to in 2017 for DCA, but was formally announced for HKDL in 2016. 12 years might be the real winner.

 

[BrianLo]

I understood their post as saying Kong was the only non-replacement since 2016 until EU opened. If that is what they meant, then none of the items you listed would count as "true expansions".

ETA: I haven't been since they opened the new DreamWorks land so not sure how much true expansion there was in that area, but I don't remember reading about any.

My fandom started to fade in 2016 when I saw this clear Eisner-like pattern they were falling into. Spending money to spend money, but without an eye towards quality or longevity. To their credit I thought they finally had broken out of it with their late 2010's project design cycle (which would include Epic, but be post Universal Beijing). However, their most recent projects: Dreamworks, Villains Con, the Werewolf coaster seem right back into the negative cycle. I struggle to determine what that company is able to achieve or strives for outside of what feels like mainly external creative strokes of genius.

What I mean by longevity is that Rip Ride Rockit, Simpsons, F&F, Fallon, Dreamworks, VillainsCon: whether by intention or accident all seem to have these max 15 year shelf lives. Which is very unusual for attractions. I don't think Gringotts or Kong are stellar attractions, but they on the other hand are built to last. The former are the type of half-baked projects that plagued Eisner's latter years. Spending to spend. Fiddling to fiddle. Building to have something to market.

This all doesn't help when other things built to last are also expiring simultaneously at their two original parks. My thoughts on those two parks are largely how I felt about WDW in 2015. Not bad, but well past their best by sell dates.

 

[Gusey]

Villains is fine.

Nintendo was announced in 2016 formally, 2015 informally. Ministry of Magic was 2014 informally. Pokemon was on the rumoured docket in 2013

Not to play unfairly, the Avengers e-ticket was alluded to in 2017 for DCA, but was formally announced for HKDL in 2016. 12 years might be the real winner.

Don't forget Frozen at DLP being officially announced 2018 and officially opening 2026 (8 years later)

 

[DCBaker]

D23 has announced a Destination D23 livestream exclusive for Gold Members to watch select panels:

Details:

On Saturday, August 30, from approximately 10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET, tune in for the following programming as we journey around the worlds of Disney:

• 10:45 – 10:55 a.m. ET / 7:45 – 7:55 a.m. PT | Welcome Back with Michael Vargo

Michael Vargo, head of D23, shares some exciting news and updates about what Members can look forward to from D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.

• 10:55 – 11:05 a.m. ET / 7:55 – 8:05 a.m. PT | The Three Caballeros: From El Grupo to Goodwill Classics

Join the Walt Disney Archives for an 80th anniversary celebration of The Three Caballeros (1945)! Using the vibrant cultural settings of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort as a springboard, these short programs will explore Walt Disney’s research and goodwill trips across Latin America through rarely seen artwork, photography, and other archival materials that spotlight the lasting legacy of the landmark films they inspired.

• 11:05 – 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:05 – 8:30 a.m. PT | X Atencio: The Untold Story of a Disney Legend

Disney Legend X Atencio is most well-known for writing the song lyrics and attraction scripts for Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion. However, in the shadow of such iconic works, the rest of his story has remained largely untold—until now. Learn more about X’s legacy as one of Walt’s most versatile employees in an intimate conversation with his family and authors of the upcoming book Xavier “X” Atencio: The Legacy of an Artist, Imagineer, and Disney Legend, ahead of its wide release on November 4. Guests will get the opportunity to view unreleased artwork and photographs from X’s personal collection and hear previously untold stories chronicling his 46-year career.

• 11:30 – 11:35 a.m. ET / 8:30 – 8:35 a.m. PT | Disney Around the Globe: India

Take a trip around the world with the Walt Disney Archives through a series of interstitial programs exploring fascinating Disney connections to legendary destinations around the globe.

• 11:35 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET / 8:35 – 9 a.m. PT | Be Our Guest with Disney on Broadway

“Be Our Guest with Disney on Broadway” will feature performances by Michael James Scott (Genie) from Aladdin on Broadway and Danny Gardner (Lumiere) from the North American Tour of Beauty and The Beast. In between performances, Susan Egan (original Belle in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway) will join her Disney on Broadway family for a magical panel conversation.


On Sunday, August 31—from approximately 2 to 3:20 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. PT—D23 Gold Members can look forward to more fan-favorite topics, including:

• 2 – 2:45 p.m. ET / 11 – 11:45 a.m. PT | Stay Tuned: You’re Watching Disney Channel

Join fan-favorite Disney Channel stars from the past and present as they celebrate iconic DCOM and series franchises that bring joy, connection, and magic to generations of fans. Tune in for laughs, fun, and moments you won’t want to miss!

• 2:45 – 2:50 p.m. ET / 11:45 – 11:50 a.m. PT | Disney Around the Globe: China

Take a trip around the world with the Walt Disney Archives through a series of interstitial programs exploring fascinating Disney connections to legendary destinations around the globe.

• 2:50 – 3:20 p.m. ET / 11:50 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. PT | Beyond the Spires: An Insider look at Disney Castles

Think you know everything about Disney castles? Think again! Join Imagineers as they peel back the plaster and pixie dust to share behind-the-scenes details and little-known facts from castles across the globe. Along the way, they’ll share the global inspirations, design challenges, and maybe even a few surprises that stretch beyond the spires.

Find full details at this link: https://d23.com/d23-event/d23-gold-theater-destination-d23-livestream/

 

[Disneyfanatic30]

I can’t wait

 

[maleficentfan]

D23 has announced a Destination D23 livestream exclusive for Gold Members to watch select panels:

View attachment 877718

Details:

On Saturday, August 30, from approximately 10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET, tune in for the following programming as we journey around the worlds of Disney:

• 10:45 – 10:55 a.m. ET / 7:45 – 7:55 a.m. PT | Welcome Back with Michael Vargo

Michael Vargo, head of D23, shares some exciting news and updates about what Members can look forward to from D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.

• 10:55 – 11:05 a.m. ET / 7:55 – 8:05 a.m. PT | The Three Caballeros: From El Grupo to Goodwill Classics

Join the Walt Disney Archives for an 80th anniversary celebration of The Three Caballeros (1945)! Using the vibrant cultural settings of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort as a springboard, these short programs will explore Walt Disney’s research and goodwill trips across Latin America through rarely seen artwork, photography, and other archival materials that spotlight the lasting legacy of the landmark films they inspired.

• 11:05 – 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:05 – 8:30 a.m. PT | X Atencio: The Untold Story of a Disney Legend

Disney Legend X Atencio is most well-known for writing the song lyrics and attraction scripts for Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion. However, in the shadow of such iconic works, the rest of his story has remained largely untold—until now. Learn more about X’s legacy as one of Walt’s most versatile employees in an intimate conversation with his family and authors of the upcoming book Xavier “X” Atencio: The Legacy of an Artist, Imagineer, and Disney Legend, ahead of its wide release on November 4. Guests will get the opportunity to view unreleased artwork and photographs from X’s personal collection and hear previously untold stories chronicling his 46-year career.

• 11:30 – 11:35 a.m. ET / 8:30 – 8:35 a.m. PT | Disney Around the Globe: India

Take a trip around the world with the Walt Disney Archives through a series of interstitial programs exploring fascinating Disney connections to legendary destinations around the globe.

• 11:35 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET / 8:35 – 9 a.m. PT | Be Our Guest with Disney on Broadway

“Be Our Guest with Disney on Broadway” will feature performances by Michael James Scott (Genie) from Aladdin on Broadway and Danny Gardner (Lumiere) from the North American Tour of Beauty and The Beast. In between performances, Susan Egan (original Belle in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway) will join her Disney on Broadway family for a magical panel conversation.


On Sunday, August 31—from approximately 2 to 3:20 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. PT—D23 Gold Members can look forward to more fan-favorite topics, including:

• 2 – 2:45 p.m. ET / 11 – 11:45 a.m. PT | Stay Tuned: You’re Watching Disney Channel

Join fan-favorite Disney Channel stars from the past and present as they celebrate iconic DCOM and series franchises that bring joy, connection, and magic to generations of fans. Tune in for laughs, fun, and moments you won’t want to miss!

• 2:45 – 2:50 p.m. ET / 11:45 – 11:50 a.m. PT | Disney Around the Globe: China

Take a trip around the world with the Walt Disney Archives through a series of interstitial programs exploring fascinating Disney connections to legendary destinations around the globe.

• 2:50 – 3:20 p.m. ET / 11:50 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. PT | Beyond the Spires: An Insider look at Disney Castles

Think you know everything about Disney castles? Think again! Join Imagineers as they peel back the plaster and pixie dust to share behind-the-scenes details and little-known facts from castles across the globe. Along the way, they’ll share the global inspirations, design challenges, and maybe even a few surprises that stretch beyond the spires.

Find full details at this link: https://d23.com/d23-event/d23-gold-theater-destination-d23-livestream/

That's so weird that they aren't airing the Villains panel. Guess we'll have to go to the old standby... YouTube vloggers.

 

[Garyjames220]

Why is everyone still saying what announcements they think will come out

I thought they said there’s no parks panel so there won’t be any

 

[peter11435]

Why is everyone still saying what announcements they think will come out

I thought they said there’s no parks panel so there won’t be any

Not having a parks presentation does not rule out the possibility of some announcements. I’m not saying there will be any. But they’re not ruled out. For example Galaxy’s Edge was announced by Iger at the Walt Disney Studios Presentation at D23 2015 and not at the Parks presentation.

 

[Figments Friend]

Watch em’ slip in an unexpected doozy….

-

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Post from D23 for being 2 weeks out

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Why is everyone still saying what announcements they think will come out

I thought they said there’s no parks panel so there won’t be any

The description for the Villains panel mentions covering the future of villains in the parks, so some update on Villains Land seems likely

And could see other things in other sessions - such as the Studios session providing an update on the Mando/Grogu update to Smugglers Run or on the Magic of Disney Animation project (which is based on One Upon a Studio) - things like that

We'll have to see, maybe in the end it turns out to be next to nothing

 

[JKick95]

Question - I’m not attending Destination D23 but bought a ticket for the D23 Shopping Spree. Am I allowed to park at the convention center or do I need to park at ESPN or somewhere else and take a bus?

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Question - I’m not attending Destination D23 but bought a ticket for the D23 Shopping Spree. Am I allowed to park at the convention center or do I need to park at ESPN or somewhere else and take a bus?

I only have the email for attendees but it is very clear that if you do not have a resort reservation at Coronado you have to park at ESPN and take the shuttle. Even if you do have a resort reservation they are saying you have to park near your room you can't park near the convention center

so i would be surprised if they would allows shopping spree guests to park at Coronado when no one else really is able to

 

[JKick95]

I only have the email for attendees but it is very clear that if you do not have a resort reservation at Coronado you have to park at ESPN and take the shuttle. Even if you do have a resort reservation they are saying you have to park near your room you can't park near the convention center

so i would be surprised if they would allows shopping spree guests to park at Coronado when no one else really is able to

Right. That makes sense.

However, information for parking has yet to come for shopping spree guests. I imagine there will be many people trying to park there only to be turned around.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Right. That makes sense.

However, information for parking has yet to come for shopping spree guests. I imagine there will be many people trying to park there only to be turned around.

Definitely would be nice for them to clarify. In theory, since if only coming for the shopping, you would only need ~1 hour or so to park so could have some spots set for that like for dining reservations

 

[Advisable Joseph]

Why is everyone still saying what announcements they think will come out

I thought they said there’s no parks panel so there won’t be any

From https://d23.com/d23-event/destination-d23-a-journey-around-the-worlds-of-disney/

Presentation Highlights of Destination D23 2025 will include*:

...

Enjoy panels celebrating the attractions, entertainment and experiences that define Disney theme parks and cruise ships.

EDIT: Doesn't say announcements, but there is an opportunity.

 

[AidenRodriguez731]

Think you know everything about Disney castles? Think again! Join Imagineers as they peel back the plaster and pixie dust to share behind-the-scenes details and little-known facts from castles across the globe. Along the way, they’ll share the global inspirations, design challenges, and maybe even a few surprises that stretch beyond the spires.

From https://d23.com/d23-event/destination-d23-a-journey-around-the-worlds-of-disney/


...

EDIT: Doesn't say announcements, but there is an opportunity.

To me this panel is also a clear way they can show off some of the other announcements especially for the castle parks

 

[MisterPenguin]

It's not been unknown for significant park news to be released shortly before or after a D23 event.

It's like trying to find patterns in truly random noise.

 

[Sir_Cliff]

Watch em’ slip in an unexpected doozy….

-

I'm thinking a Three Caballeros land?

 

[FettFan]

Watch em’ slip in an unexpected doozy….

-

Star Wars Virtual Galactic Starcruiser, the 3D point-and-click game.