If you are thinking, “Didn’t D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event just happen?” You would be right. In August 2024, Disney made many announcements when the weekend convention was in Anaheim, California.
Well, now D23 is coming over to the East Coast for Destination D23, which will take place from August 29th to August 31st, 2025, at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Convention Center.
Before working for AllEars, I was a Disney World Cast Member, and I, along with the rest of the AllEars team, are putting in our predictions for what we think will be announced this August!
SO MANY parks announcements were made last August that it seems unlikely that Disney would announce many more new projects; instead, it seems more likely that more details about the projects that are in the works will be announced.
Villain’s Land Attraction Details
It was revealed that Villain’s Land will lie “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain.” When it was initially announced, only one piece of concept art was shared, but it was super detailed! This land is set to have at least two new rides, and we have a feeling that Disney will share more details about at least one of them.
If you look at the bottom of the concept art, you can see a track that almost looks like it is underwater. We have our fingers crossed that we will get a name for this attraction and more concept art.
Disney Is Finally Building a VILLAINS LAND in Magic Kingdom
Tom Sawyer Island Closing Date
It comes with a heavy heart to remind you that yes, Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America are still set to close sometime this year to make way for the new Cars-themed area. We are still waiting for a closing date, and it seems like Destination D23 might be the place to break the news, except we don’t think it will be said at the actual event and instead posted online.
When the Cars expansion was initially announced last year, it was revealed online that it would take the place of Tom Sawyer Island, rather than announcing it during the actual live event.
Disney has been teasing its Rally Race ride, and we have not heard much about the other attraction set to be part of this land for smaller racers. We feel that Disney will do what it did last year: give us more Cars expansion news in person and then deliver the closing news online.
Which Rides Are Permanently CLOSING for the ‘Cars’ Expansion in Magic Kingdom?
Monsters, Inc. Land Details
We know a few things about the Monsters, Inc. Land coming to Hollywood Studios. We know that it will replace Muppets Courtyard, which is set for a phased closure starting in May and closing all together in June. We know that it will include Disney’s first-ever suspended coaster, and we know that something new will be going in the Muppet*Vision 3D theater, but what about everything else?
Disney shared a few pieces of concept art, and the latest piece suggests that Harry Hausen’s will replace Mama Melrose’s. The concept also shows a billboard for the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, which is currently in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland. This leads us to believe that the Laugh Floor could be relocated to Hollywood Studios.
We hope that at Destination D23, we will learn more about all the details in the concept art to see if our theories are correct!
NEW DETAILS Revealed for Disney’s Suspended Coaster in Monsters, Inc. Land
Updated Lakeshore Lodge Concept Art
An abandoned Disney World hotel project is no longer abandoned! Disney has revived its original plans for Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge and changed the name to Disney Lakeshore Lodge. This DVC Resort is set to open in 2027, and construction is moving right along. The problem is that we do not have much concept art to go off of, so we hope that Disney shares some more details.
Opening Dates for Pirates in the Caribbean Lounge
The Pirates of the Caribbean Lounge was initially announced at Destination D23 in 2023, and now it is set to open this year in Magic Kingdom. Destination D23 2025 seems like a fitting place to announce the opening date.
NEWS: Disney Announces Name and Details for Adults-Only Spaceship Earth Lounge
Coco Ride Opening Timeline
Not only Disney World but also Disneyland are receiving significant updates and changes! Over in Disney California Adventure, a Coco boat ride is in the works. Once again, Disney has not released many details about the attraction. So we hope that during Destination D2,3, we at least get an idea of where the attraction will be (hopefully near Pixar Pier) and a potential opening timeline.
Coco 2 Release Year
Speaking of Coco, it was recently revealed that Disney and Pixar are working on a sequel to Coco! Oddly enough, the release year was set for 2029, 12 years after the original release. Many people, including us, wondered why they would announce a film that is four years away.
Well, shortly after the announcement, the year 2029 was removed from posts. So, what does that mean for the film release? Destination D23 would be a great place to clarify the confusion.
Opening Timeline for New Avenger’s Campus Rides
Avenger’s Campus is about to have double the rides! It was revealed that Stark Flight Lab, along with Avenger’s Infinity Defense, will open in California Adventure’s Avengers Campus. Disney has teased concept art, ride vehicles, and vehicle testing, so it seems fitting to share the opening timeline at Destination D23.
Although we don’t expect any new announcements, there are so many projects in the works at The Walt Disney Company that it is already hard enough to keep up! But that is why we are here! So make sure to continue to follow along with us here at AllEars to stay up to date on all the latest Disney news!
All the Expansions, Lands, and Rides Announced by Disney for 2025, 2026, and 2027
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I always love Finding Marlin.