These past couple of days were jam-packed! From the start of the 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, the grand opening of The Beak & Barrel, the opening weekend of Halloween Horror Nights, AND Destination D23 weekend, there was no shortage of things happening!
With everything that has been happening over the past few days, it can be easy to miss some of the news. So, we wanted to round up the biggest announcements that Disney made during Destination D23, so you know you aren’t missing out!
Destination D23 took place from August 29th through August 31st at Disney’s Coronado Springs. The event featured lots of panels and some exciting announcements from Disney! Let’s dive into the biggest news from the expo.
Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom Is Getting a Major Update
The Carousel of Progress is getting a big update. After more than 30 years, the attraction will have a brand-new intro…featuring Walt Disney himself! Disney shared concept art of what this intro will look like, and yes, Disney World is getting an animatronic Walt similar to the one that debuted recently in Disneyland.
Disney teased, “There are still plenty of additional details to be revealed, including what John, Sarah, and the rest of the family are up to.” The good news is that Disney confirmed, “Imagineers love this attraction and the heart of it will stay the same while introducing the Carousel of Progress to an entirely new generation of fans, showing them that a great big, beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.”
TRON Lightcycle / Run in Magic Kingdom Is Getting an Overlay
To celebrate the release of the next film in the TRON Series, Tron: Ares, on October 10th, 2025, TRON Lightcycle / Run will be getting a special overlay. The overlay will change the blue and orange hues of the ride to become red!
As well, the photo from the attraction will also feature the new red colors!
But that is not all, the band, Nine Inch Nails (NIN), will be adding its unique music into the TRON universe in the new movie. That music will also be featured on the ride as a part of the new overlay!
Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Is Getting a Makeover
The classic color palette will be returning to the Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom! The new makeover will feature grays, creams, blues, and hints of gold accents.
This makeover will return Cinderella Castle to its old color palette, instead of the light pink color that is currently on the castle.
New Details About Villains Land at Magic Kingdom
Two Walt Disney Imagineers, Wyatt Winter and Caroline, came onstage to talk about the process of designing and develop the new Villains Land. We learned about the architecture inspiration for the new land, which included a trip to Paris and Barcelona so the design team could be inspired.
The team has coined a new term, “Conjured Architecture” that refers to the “blend of historical components and fantastical worlds that have merged to ultimately create something wicked that will be able to be experienced firsthand – a villains-inspired land.”
New Napa Rose Concept Art
Disney also gave us a look at some new concept art for Napa Rose in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel in Disneyland. Napa Rose will be “taking its dining experience to the next level with an exquisite new look that celebrates Craftsman design with an eye toward modern Californian luxury and approachability.”
The restaurant is set to reopen this fall, although, Disney has not yet announced a specific date,
World of Frozen in Disneyland Paris Is Opening Spring 2026
We also learned that the World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris will be opening in spring 2026.
Disney also shared a sneak peek at Elsa’s Ice Palace which was recently completed in this new area. The palace features 30 pieces and is a stunning addition to the World of Frozen.
New Moana Themed Restaurant Opening at Hong Kong Disneyland
A brand-new Moana-inspired restaurant is set to open at Hong Kong Disneyland on September 12th!
We got a look at some concept art for this new restaurant, and we think it looks gorgeous.
Sneak Peek at Villains on the Disney Destiny
Disney shared a closer look at some of the villains that will be on the new cruise ship, the Disney Destiny. Cruella de Vil will be on board with her very own fashion show. You will also be able to see Loki and Maleficent.
As well, Dr. Facilier will be at tables around the ship trying out his party tricks. It will be a storytelling experience and a unique way to interact with him.
New Villains Party at Hong Kong Disneyland
It was also announced that a villains party called “Uninvited! A Villains Takeover Party” will be coming to Hong Kong Disneyland starting September 19th.
The party will be part villains cavalcade, part street party, and part music spectacular as Disney’s most iconic villains take over Main Street.
New Movie Announced: Hexed
Disney announced a brand-new original movie called Hexed. The movie will follow “a teenage oddball and his mom, who discover his weirdness is actually hidden magic, transporting them to a world where magic can run free.”
Hexed will debut in theaters in November 2026.
Release Date Announced for Ice Age: Boiling Point
The popular Ice Age series will be returning in 2027 with Ice Age: Boiling Point. The movie is currently expected to premiere on February 5th, 2027.
Ice Age: Boiling Point was just announced at Destination @DisneyD23! Coming to theaters on February 5, 2027, the newest adventure takes the herd to visit never-before-seen corners of the treacherous Lost World! #DestinationD23 pic.twitter.com/ZfyeUa5if9
— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) August 30, 2025
It will be a ““dinosaur-and-lava-filled madcap adventure” starring Manny, Sid, Diego, Ellie, Scrat, and the rest of the herd as they venture to never-before-seen corners of the Lost World.
New Look at Toy Story 5, Zootopia 2, and Hoppers, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw
During the Walt Disney Studios Showcase, we got a closer look at upcoming movies, Zootopia 2, Toy Story 5, Hoppers, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw. The Zootopia 2 clip featured a look at the opening scene from the movie where Judy is chasing a pit viper that stole a valuable book from a gala. The book could change how the world sees snakes. But in the process, Nick and Judy end up helping the snake escape, and they, too, become wanted fugitives.
In the clip from Toy Story 5, we saw high-tech Buzz Lightyear toys washing up on a deserted island, but they’re so smart that they figured out how to escape and get back to civilization. The movie’s premise will be toys vs. tech, with the toys facing off against Lilypad and Smarty Pants. Toy Story 5 will be in theaters on June 19th, 2026. Additionally, the original Toy Story will be returning to theaters on September 12th to celebrate its 30th anniversary. As well, a Buzz Lightyear balloon will be featured in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade!
Just announced at Destination @DisneyD23: Buzz Lightyear will once again fly to infinity and beyond during this year’s @Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. #ToyStory30 #DestinationD23 pic.twitter.com/au7S4yVYlZ
— Pixar (@Pixar) August 30, 2025
Disney also shared a sneak preview of Hoppers which will debut in theaters on March 6th, 2026. The story follows Mabel, a “nature-loving college student” with a mission to bring the animals back to a glade that’s very important to her. Her mission is at odds with the mayor’s plan to build a highway through it, though! Thanks to some new technology that allows her to “hop” into the body of a robotic beaver, chaos ensues.
We also got a sneak peek at Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw, which will premiere on Disney+ on December 5th.
Here's your first look at #DiaryOfAWimpyKid: The Last Straw, coming to @DisneyPlus December 5! #DestinationD23 pic.twitter.com/MIlk9OSuEU
— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) August 30, 2025
First Look at New Popcorn Buckets and Sippers and Holiday Treats
Disney shared a look at some new popcorn buckets, sippers, and holiday treats that are coming soon. This includes a Holiday Christmas Tree Truck Bucket, a Little Green Men Jetpack Sipper, and more.
Plus, we also got a look at 16 exclusive holiday treats. Disney didn’t announce the names of the treats or what they are exactly, but we did get to see them!
Those are all the biggest announcements made at Destination D23. Make sure to stay tuned to AllEars for all your Disney news!
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What announcement are you most excited about from Destination D23? Let us know in the comments!
Disclosure: We were invited by Disney to attend Destination D23. This did not affect our reporting of the event — our opinions are our own.
Not a fan of the red overlay for Tron. It will be jarring against Cinderella castle and Space Mountain