The largest Disney fan event of the year brought big announcements, live entertainment, and a wave of nostalgia for parkgoers and fans worldwide.
Held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Destination D23 gathered Imagineers, creative leaders, and Disney executives to share updates on both new and classic attractions across the company’s global theme parks.
Cinderella Castle to Receive New Look
One of the biggest announcements came from Magic Kingdom, where the park’s signature landmark, Cinderella Castle, will undergo a redesign. The 189-foot castle, a centerpiece of the park since its opening in 1971, will debut a new color scheme featuring gray, cream, and blue hues accented with gold details. The refreshed design is inspired by the castle’s original palette while maintaining its iconic architectural presence.
Walt Disney Joins Carousel of Progress
Disney also revealed a historic update for the Carousel of Progress, a fan-favorite attraction created by Walt Disney himself. The ride, which has been in continuous operation at Magic Kingdom since 1975, will introduce a new audio-animatronic figure of Walt Disney to greet guests. Known as the attraction with the most performances in American theater history, this update blends Disney tradition with modern innovation.
TRON Lightcycle/Run to Feature Film-Themed Overlay
Beginning September 15, Magic Kingdom’s newest thrill ride, TRON Lightcycle/Run, will receive a special overlay tied to the upcoming film Tron: Ares, set for release on October 10. The limited-time experience will showcase a striking red color scheme and a custom soundtrack produced by Nine Inch Nails.
Villains-Themed Land in Development
Looking ahead, Disney Imagineers shared concept details for the much-anticipated Villains-themed land at Magic Kingdom. As part of their research, the creative team studied Art Nouveau architecture in Paris and Barcelona, which inspired what they call “Conjured Architecture.” This design approach will blend historical motifs with fantastical elements to shape the immersive new land.
Expanding Disney’s Vision
Company officials emphasized that these projects are part of a broader wave of expansion across Walt Disney World’s four theme parks. The updates, they said, highlight Disney’s ongoing commitment to introducing new experiences while honoring its classic attractions.