Destination D23: A Journey Around the Worlds of Disney - Top Disney Parks Announcements
- MMV
- Aug 30
- 9 min read
Updated: Aug 31
Destination D23: A Journey Around the Worlds of Disney has officially kicked off at the Walt Disney World Resort and we're bringing you all the TOP Disney Park announcements made during each day's panels. Let's get started!
New Tron: Ares Ride Overlay Announced for TRON Attractions
Step back into the Grid … only this time, it’s breaking into our world (and Tomorrowland).
The next time you step into the digital frontier with TRON Lightcycle / Run, you’ll launch into a Tron: Ares version of the high-speed, adrenaline-pumping ride that bends reality into the video game world.
Yvette Nicole Brown announced today at the Walt Disney Studios showcase at Destination D23 that TRON Lightcycle/Run presented by Enterprise at Walt Disney World Resort and TRON Lightcycle Power Run presented by Chevrolet at Shanghai Disney Resort will be celebrating the release of the new Tron: Ares film with a brand-new overlay on their attractions.
Replacing the blue and orange hues of the ride, you’ll weave through twisting tunnels of vibrant red and orange light trails, feeling the rush of wind and the surge of acceleration as you compete in a dazzling Lightcycle race.
Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics Figure Coming to the Carousel of Progress
Following a dream with mind and heart against all odds, Walt Disney revealed Disneyland to the world on July 17, 1955, changing the future of entertainment as we know it and cementing a transformative legacy that continues to inspire millions around the world today.
That same vision continues to push for ongoing innovation across Disney Parks in the present and future, just as it has over the past 70 years. In an exciting announcement on stage during the “Creating the Happiest Place on Earth” panel at Destination D23, Walt Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty revealed that you will soon be able to see Walt Disney through the magic of Audio-Animatronics technology in “Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress” at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort.
“We are grateful to The Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney Imagineering for their continued collaboration and ongoing partnership with The Walt Disney Family Museum. The introduction of a new Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney in ‘Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress’ marks an exciting milestone in our shared mission to celebrate the story of the man behind the magic and inspire new generations with his innovations and vision for the future. We appreciate the continued efforts and meticulous care that Imagineering has taken to keep Walt’s legacy alive,” Kirsten Komoroske, Executive Director of the Walt Disney Family Museum said.
First Look: New Concept Art for Napa Rose at Disneyland
Today at Destination D23, Disneyland Resort culinary director John State unveiled a never-before-seen artist concept rendering of the enhanced patio space from Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which is currently closed for an exciting renovation. Fans had the chance to get a first look at the restaurant’s al fresco dining option, with Disney California Adventure park serving as the backdrop for a unique culinary adventure.
When it reopens, the award-winning Napa Rose will offer an elevated dining experience, blending timeless Craftsman design with a fresh take on modern Californian sophistication and warmth, and immersing guests in a way only Disney can do.
The outdoor patio is being thoughtfully enhanced to welcome more guests for al fresco dining. Imagine settling into a comfortable seat surrounded by lush greenery and soft lighting, the California breeze enhancing the flavors of your meal. The space invites you to relax and savor each bite while taking in the beautiful outdoor setting.
Two new fireplaces will cast a warm, flickering glow across the patio, adding a cozy and inviting touch to the atmosphere. As the sun sets, you can gather around the fire, reflecting on your Disney day and enjoying the ambiance.
New Must-Try Drinks Coming to Disney Destiny
The Disney Destiny draws on the legacies of Disney’s larger-than-life heroes and villains to forge a legendary cruise vacation steeped in the lore of Disney stories. During your voyage, slip away to The Sanctum, Haunted Mansion Parlor, and Cask & Cannon, all themed spaces that are inspired by the larger-than-life personalities of epic Disney stories, brought to life through elevated interpretation and refined theming.
During the Disney Eats panel at Destination D23 today, Disney Cruise Line Beverage Operations Manager Ben Van Curen previewed some of the new themed drinks that are coming exclusively to these one-of-a-kind lounges aboard the Disney Destiny when the ship sets sail in November 2025.
Mirror Dimension at The Sanctum
Made with Stoli Elit Vodka, Lychee, Fresh Lemon Juice, Pink Peppercorn, and Eletricdust Buzz Rock, this mesmerizing cocktail will touch all your senses with a special glass that reacts to touch, and an electrifying dust that will leave your taste buds tingling.
The Chilling Challenge: My Way at Haunted Mansion Parlor
The popular drink of the same name on the Disney Treasure will feature all-new ingredients on the Disney Destiny, including Camus VSOP Cognac, Cointreau Noir, Joto Yuzu Sake, Orange Blossom Foam, and Edible Viola Flowers.
Ye Be Invited to the Cask & Cannon
We’re sharing a brand-new look inside Cask & Cannon, a lively themed tavern aboard the Disney Destiny, inspired by the legendary Pirates of the Caribbean attractions around the globe. This eclectic pub is filled with “acquired” treasures from mischievous pirates of old, creating an atmosphere where every corner tells a tale.
Swap seafaring stories, catch live sports, and enjoy light bites, vintage rums, and exclusive “bootlegged” brews, served straight from the barrel, of course. Whether you’re a rogue or a rum-lover, Cask & Cannon is the perfect port of call.
Dead Man’s Chest at Cask & Cannon
This new beverage experience for two will include drinks that capture the true spirit of a pirate’s life on the high seas. Made with Zacapa 23 Solera Rum, Pineapple, Lime Juice, Agave Nectar, and Coconut Froth, this cocktail will fully immerse you in the cozy ship’s cabin atmosphere of Cask & Cannon – complete with gold coins!
New Novelty Items Coming to Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line
Holiday Christmas Tree Truck Bucket
Mickey and Friends are ready to deck the halls with their freshly cut Christmas tree and seasonal decor. This jolly bucket will be hitting the shelves this holiday season at Disneyland Resort, Aulani, and on select Disney Cruise Line ships.
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar Holiday Zombie Mug and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Holiday Zombie Mug
Another can’t-miss item that will be available this holiday season is the Trader Sam’s Holiday Zombie Mug. This festive and fearsome drinkware has two versions: gold and red thread.
Disney Destiny Haunted Mansion Parlor Poseidon Mug
We are only a few months away from the November 20 maiden voyage of the Disney Destiny,and are excited to share new details about an item that can be found onboard the ship. This Poseidon Mug showcasing the god of the sea will be sold in the Haunted Mansion Parlor, a lounge that evokes inspiration from the original theme park attraction.
The Siren Mug
Sip among the 999 happy haunts with the Siren Mug, another novelty that will be available at the Haunted Mansion Parlor on the Disney Destiny. This double-sided design features a sinister siren who transforms into an elegant aquatic beauty in the blink of an eye.
Monsters, Inc. Scream Canister Bucket
I scream, you scream, we all scream for this Monsters, Inc. Scream Canister Bucket. The canister is an iconic symbol of the films that we have previously seen in other merch forms (including a water bottle), so its upcoming bucket debut at Disneyland Resort and on select Disney Cruise Line ships is scream-worthy.
Little Green Men Jetpack Sipper
Soar to new heights with this sipper, featuring the beloved Little Green Men from Toy Story – ready for takeoff and wearing a jetpack. These adorable aliens are always a fan-favorite, and guests will be able to find this item at Disneyland Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, and on select Disney Cruise Line ships.
Winnie the Pooh & Piglet Spring Bucket
This popcorn bucket featuring Winnie the Pooh and Piglet in their Easter best is the cutest spring surprise. Featuring perfect pastel hues, a colorful Easter egg, and Pooh donning darling bunny ears, this sweet design is coming next spring to Disneyland Resort and select Disney Cruise Line ships.
Bantha Sipper
Banthas are quite large in the Star Wars universe, but this sipper transforms these hairy, horned creatures into a handheld novelty. This out-of-this-galaxy item will be available next year at Disneyland Resort and on select Disney Cruise Line ships.
New Details About the Villains-Themed Land at Magic Kingdom
During a video message in the panel, Disney Legend and former animator Andreas Deja, who is best known for helping to bring some of the most evil Disney Villains to life onscreen, such as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Jafar in Aladdin, and Scar in The Lion King, announced that he was officially consulting on the project.
Deja shared that these characters are the best source materials for Imagineers to utilize and reference when conceptualizing the land, with big personalities, bold visuals, and rich backgrounds to influence the overall ambiance and the experience that guests will have while visiting.
What Inspired the Villains-Themed Land?
We were happy to confirm that our journey to developing the land began with the animation source material and the Walt Disney Animation Studios artists responsible for it. These conversations made us realize that it was critical to reflect the look and feel of the characters’ animation in the land’s physical structures and appearance, so we set off to Paris, France and Barcelona, Spain to learn about each city’s architecture and its unique attributes.
The research trip was truly transformative and completely immersive. Our team specifically studied Art Nouveau architecture design and the unique form, scale, and color that define this style, which flourished in the late 1800s. Through partnerships with local professors, along with art and architectural historians, Imagineers received an intimate look at the architectural aesthetics that will serve as the overall design inspiration for the land.
The Influence of Art Nouveau Architecture on the Villains-Themed Land
Paris is a city full of classic Art Nouveau examples – the team highlighted the way natural motifs and swirling designs there make nature appear to be “cursed” like magic has frozen it into place. On the other hand, Barcelona’s art style is Modernisme, which has less natural patterns but gives the architecture an otherworldly, unnerving appearance.
Another fascinating discovery that they made in both places was how many of the architectural elements had a wonderful color palette, full of rich tones. Seeing details like colorful stained-glass windows and painted metals helped us understand how we might bring the beautiful, deep jewel tones of the animated villains to life in the land’s buildings.
After identifying the similarities between the magical, fluid, and organic appearance of both the animated villains and the Art Nouveau style of construction, the team coined the term “Conjured Architecture.” This 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.
Villains Set Sail on Disney Cruise Line
Disney Destinations have been sharing lots of updates from the Disney Destiny as the ship prepares to set sail this November, and Entertainment Creative Director for Disney Signature Experiences Live Entertainment Denise Case just revealed even more details.
Artwork shown for the announcement revealed a new “meet and play” character encounter with the playfully sinister practitioner of the macabre, Dr. Facilier. This cunningly charming illusionist may be lurking around the upper levels of the Grand Hall or in his own makeshift parlor, inviting guests in for a card trick or sleight of hand – he’s just here to make new friends…
New Color Palette Announced for Cinderella Castle
For more than 50 years, Cinderella Castle has welcomed guests down Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom. During the “Beyond the Spires: An Insider Look at Disney Castles” panel at Destination D23, Imagineers looked back at the various overlays and color schemes for Cinderella Castle over the years. Imagineers also shared a rendering for the new Cinderella Castle color palette, which is inspired by the classic and original look of the castle.
The updated paint will feature grays, creams, blues, and touches of gold aiming to enhance the castle’s architecture. While the project team is still putting the finishing touches on the paint design process, we wanted to share the incredible amount of research and care that goes into this project.
A Royal Palette
Around the globe, there are six Disney “Castle parks,” where the castles serve as the heart of the parks —the landmarks that draw guests in, the backdrop of cherished family photos, and the icons that represent the magic of Disney around the world. At Walt Disney World, the castle’s iconic look is built on a timeless color combination: deep, handsome blues paired with radiant golds. These colors were chosen to reflect the Florida sunshine in a way that makes the castle shimmer from every angle.
Keep checking back for more updates through the weekend.
Information courtesy of Disney Destinations.
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