Disney D23: Best Highlights and Everything You Need to Know From Theme Parks, Films, and TV

This past weekend was a whirlwind of excitement for Disney fans, as Disney D23 2024 took place at both Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center, with additional evening presentations at the Honda Center. With a flurry of announcements covering everything from theme park updates to new films and TV shows, we’ve compiled all the key highlights so you can stay up-to-date with your favorite Disney features.

Disney’s theme parks are set to undergo some thrilling transformations. Our favorite Highlights include:

Magic Kingdom’s Mega Expansion

• Villains Land: Disney’s most notorious villains are taking over with a new land where you can dive into their devious worlds. Imagine dining in the lair of your favorite baddie or shopping for some wickedly fun merchandise. With two brand-new attractions on the way, this land promises epic adventures and dastardly delights.
• Cars Adventure: Fans of Cars can rev up their engines for a new section in Frontierland! Say goodbye to Radiator Springs and gear up for thrilling off-road races and a family-friendly ride that will get everyone’s wheels turning.

Get Ready for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure This November

Hold onto your crowns and get your jazz hands ready—Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is making its grand debut at Disneyland Park on November 15, 2024! Just in time to kick off the festive Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, this new attraction will immerse you in the magic of Bayou Country.

Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is going tropical with an exciting new land—Tropical Americas!

• Pueblo Esperanza: Step into the heart of a vibrant rainforest village with a rich backstory. It’s a place where every corner is brimming with adventure and culture.
• Indiana Jones Adventure: Fans of the iconic archaeologist are in for a treat with a brand-new ride set inside a mysterious Maya temple. Get ready to embark on an all-new quest that’s packed with excitement!
• Encanto Attraction: Immerse yourself in the magical world of Encanto with the park’s first ride-through attraction based on the hit film. Explore the wonders of Casita and witness the magic of Antonio’s gift in a whole new way.

Monsters, Inc. Roars into Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Prepare for some monstrous fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the addition of a new Monsters, Inc. land!

• Laugh Factory: This new area will bring you straight to the heart of the Laugh Factory with an innovative suspended coaster that promises to be a scream. Get ready to laugh, scream, and connect with your favorite Monsters, Inc. characters in a whole new way.

Disneyland Resort Gets Bigger!

Disneyland Resort is about to get even more thrilling with expansions in two of its most popular lands!

• Avengers Campus Expansion: Marvel fans, rejoice! Avengers Campus is doubling in size, bringing new attractions and experiences to the superhero haven. Robert Downey Jr. will reprise his iconic role as Tony Stark/Iron Man in a groundbreaking new attraction. Using cutting-edge technology and immersive storytelling, guests will have the chance to experience a brand-new adventure with the legendary Stark himself. It’s a reunion fans have been eagerly awaiting, and it promises to be a highlight of the expanded campus.
• Avatar Adventure: Dive into the world of Pandora with a brand-new attraction inspired by the Avatar films. Experience the breathtaking beauty and excitement of the world James Cameron brought to life, now in a thrilling new way.

Disney’s D23 Expo: A Feast of New Film and TV Announcements!

Moana 2

The showcase kicked off with a high-energy performance featuring Dwayne Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho, who teased the upcoming Moana 2. The film’s new trailer and poster set to debut on November 27 were met with enthusiasm, as the original Moana had a major impact, becoming the most-streamed film of 2023.

RELATED: You’re Welcome: Disney Drops Trailer For ‘Moana 2’

Frozen 3

Jennifer Lee, Chief Creative Officer of Disney Animation, unveiled concept art for Frozen 3, set to hit theaters in 2027. Following the immense success of the previous films, this new installment promises to keep the magic of Anna, Elsa, and Olaf alive.

Incredibles 3

Pixar’s Pete Docter surprised fans with the announcement of Incredibles 3, currently in development with Oscar®-winning filmmaker Brad Bird. The beloved superhero franchise, known for its critical acclaim and box office success, will continue to thrill audiences with its next chapter.

Avatar: Fire and Ash

James Cameron and stars Zoë Saldaña and Sam Worthington previewed Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in the Avatar series, set for release on December 19, 2025. This announcement follows the huge successes of Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water.

The Mandalorian & Grogu

Director Jon Favreau and Producer Dave Filoni offered a sneak peek of The Mandalorian & Grogu, a new film slated for 2026. This will be the first Star Wars film in theaters since 2019, bringing fan-favorite characters from Disney+ back to the big screen.

Daredevil: Born Again

Marvel Television’s Daredevil: Born Again will premiere on Disney+ in March 2025. The series continues the story of Matt Murdock and his adversary, Wilson Fisk, with a cast including Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio.

TRON: Ares

TRON: Ares was showcased with a special appearance by Jared Leto and an exclusive look at the film’s music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. Directed by Joachim Rønning, the film is set for release on October 10, 2025.

Mufasa: The Lion King

The evening concluded with a vibrant performance of “Nants’ Ingonyama” from Mufasa: The Lion King, directed by Barry Jenkins. The prequel, opening on December 20, explores the backstory of Mufasa and features a new song by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Snow White

Disney also provided an update on the live-action Snow White, featuring Rachel Zegler in the title role. The new adaptation promises a fresh take on the classic tale with enhanced visuals and updated storytelling, set to enchant audiences with its modern twist on a beloved fairy tale.

Freaky Friday

In a delightful surprise, Disney announced the name of the new Freaky Friday project as Freakier Friday!

RELATED: Disneyland Resort Welcomes Back the Enchanting Pixar Fest: Your Complete Guide to the Limited-Time Celebration

Exhibition Highlights and Pin Hunt at D23

D23 featured a plethora of amazing exhibitions and booths, with several standout highlights. The FX booth showcased popular shows like The Bear and American Horror Story. The Avatar experience transported you straight into Pandora, offering an immersive adventure. The Descendants: Rise of Red attraction was both fun and engaging, while the National Geographic Hexadome provided a captivating journey into nature. Hulu’s exhibits immersed visitors in the worlds of Only Murders in the Building and The Kardashians. Additionally, fans had the chance to engage in a pin hunt and collect pins from their favorite shows.

Disney is always cooking up something exciting. Whether it’s new theme park attractions, movie releases, or immersive experiences, there’s always something magical on the horizon