One week from at this time, we’ll all be watching the primary marquee presentation in the course of the 2025 Vacation spot D23 occasion with bated breath, hoping for bulletins of additives at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom & past. This predicts what’ll be revealed for Walt Disney World: new leisure, sights, experience reimaginings, idea artwork, and so forth.
This yr’s occasion is called “Vacation spot D23: A Journey Across the Worlds of Disney.” Not like the flagship D23 Expo that’s held in Anaheim, Vacation spot D23 (or DD23) is held at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
There might be panels on two days of Vacation spot D23: August 30-31, 2025. Throughout these two days, ticketed Vacation spot D23 visitors can get pleasure from a full slate of over 25 specifically curated displays from throughout the corporate, together with Walt Disney Studios, Disney Leisure Tv, Walt Disney Archives, and Disney Experiences.
Disney has launched the total schedule for the 2025 Vacation spot D23, which reveals that there’ll NOT be a Disney Experiences (aka Parks & Resorts Plus Merchandise Plus Fortnite) panel. This has been not directly changed by the Walt Disney Studios Showcase in the very same time slot, and there’s been some suggestion that possibly synergistic Parks & Resorts information might be offered there.
Nevertheless, it’s unclear to us whether or not that’s truly true, and if that’s the case, whether or not CEO-in-waiting Josh D’Amaro will seem on stage there (if I have been the Parks Chairman desirous to show my vary whereas auditioning for the throne, it’s one thing I’d take into account!). It’s not clear if D’Amaro might be at Vacation spot D23, interval. Ditto Imagineering executives like Bruce Vaughn, Michael Hundgen, Scott Trowbridge, different portfolio heads or leads on particular tasks.
The excellent news is that there are different spots within the schedule that might function bulletins for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and so forth., with the Studios Showcase, Villains: Icons of Evil, and A part of Our World panels all being logical matches. Though it’s not essential to have a Parks Panel at Vacation spot D23 so as to break information, the absence of 1 strongly suggests there’s not a deluge of main information popping out of the 2025 Vacation spot D23.
This might be nothing like 2023–it’ll in all probability be extra corresponding to 2018 or 2021. Each of these years supplied updates on previously-announced tasks, and didn’t break any main new information. We’ve been warning readers to regulate their expectations downward for months, however the lack of standalone Walt Disney World panels is however a bit stunning even to us. We have been–and nonetheless are–anticipating some surprises.
With all of this in thoughts, let’s shortly run by our 2025 Vacation spot D23 Want Record, together with different potentialities and shortly consider the chance of every:
- Visitor Expertise Wins – Unlikely. No panel that’s a logical match for this kind of announcement.
- Experience Reimaginings Reveals – Updates have been simply supplied on Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin and Large Thunder Mountain Railroad, so this appears unlikely.
- Nation Bear Christmas – Unlikely. However there’s a panel overlaying Brother Bear, so right here’s hoping for an “…and talking of bears, guess who’s coming again?!” segue.
- Disney Lakeshore Lodge – Unlikely. Not solely is there no logical place for this within the schedule, however the Island Tower continues to be being spotlighted because the property in lively gross sales. Disney Trip Membership in all probability isn’t fairly prepared give attention to this simply but. There’s additionally no presentation the place DVC would seamlessly match as a subject.
- Muppets Courtyard 2.0 – Unlikely. Disney simply supplied main updates on Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets; that announcement would’ve been made then.
- Lion King Experience Reveal – Possible or unlikely, relying in your perspective. My want listing involved DAK, which is very unlikely at DD23. However a reveal of the Paris attraction is extra possible, particularly after detailed permits have been filed this week.
- DAK Drone Present – Unlikely. There’s no leisure panel. Walt Disney World nonetheless has a factor or two up its sleeve for subsequent summer time, however we don’t count on a reveal of that simply but.
- Inside Out in Wonders of Life – Unlikely. The Animation Courtyard undertaking feels just like the oblique revival of the Play Pavilion, and whereas it’d be nice to see an ‘indoor play area’ initiative at each park, that’s in all probability not occurring.
- Put the Future Again in Future World – No.
- Journey Into Creativeness 4.0 – Hahahahahahaha!!!
- New Monstropolis Idea Artwork – Most likely.
- Coco Boat Experience (DCA) Idea Artwork – Probably.
- Avengers Campus (DCA) Idea Artwork – Probably.
- Piston Peak Automobiles Idea Artwork – Probably artwork or footage of Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore. Possibly extra.
Now let’s flip to panels introduced for the 2025 Vacation spot D23 and talk about the potential bulletins that might come from every.
Walt Disney Studios Showcase
That is described by D23 as an unique have a look at the films followers love, and a glimpse into what to stay up for from Disney’s movie studios.
Though this can focus at the beginning on movies, there’s apparent overlap between the studios and parks given the IP mandate for the latter. Beforehand, the odds-on favourite for dialogue right here was Zootopia: Higher Zoogether, which now has a gap date and acquired a full reveal at Walt Disney World’s Play ‘n’ Preview occasion.
An important match for additional dialogue right here is the Lion King Pleasure Lands space in Paris. Disney has been slowly pulling the curtain again on this, and it appears poised for a full reveal. This presentation is a really logical match, which would appear to make it an odds-on favourite. However then again, a deeper dive into that is in all probability extra applicable for an viewers in France versus Florida.
An important match right here can be a full reveal of the Walt Disney Studios Lot and Magic of Disney Animation that’ll change Animation Courtyard. Imagineering is stressing how collaborative of an effort that is with the Walt Disney Animation Studios; giving creatives from each side an opportunity to share that–and showcase a few of the movie–can be enjoyable.
As a wildcard, I’ll go along with Sew’s Nice Escape 2.0, with this actually which means any kind of presence for Sew in Tomorrowland. I might hope it’s revisiting the extinct attraction area, however simply getting the lovable alien again within the park is smart, and must be a excessive precedence given the merchandising powerhouse’s summer time field workplace efficiency.
Different candidates right here embrace additional dialogue of Avengers Campus growth for Disney California Journey and new characters coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (the place is Darth Vader going as soon as evicted from Animation Courtyard?!). My hope, as at all times, is for a smooth reboot of the land.
Creating the Happiest Place on Earth
D23’s description: Be a part of Disney Legend, filmmaker and writer, Don Hahn, and acclaimed filmmaker with deep Disney roots, Leslie Iwerks, for a dialogue on The Happiest Place on Earth. Collectively, they’ll discover Walt Disney’s imaginative and prescient and the legacy and nostalgia of Disneyland in honor of the resort’s seventieth anniversary.
I don’t have any daring predictions for this one. This can principally be a glance again at seven a long time of Disneyland in a presentation a few incredible ebook that principally focuses on the Walt Disney’s authentic magic kingdom. This might conclude with a glance ahead that possibly options new idea artwork for Coco, Avengers Campus, and even Japanese Gateway. Actually, I’d be stunned if this panel incorporates any information–that’s simply not the vibe. I’m solely together with it as a result of it’s one of many few lengthier parks-centric displays.
What’s Cooking with Disney Eats
D23’s description: Take your seat on the desk! We’re cooking up one thing particular and also you’re invited to be part of the reside viewers within the Disney Eats kitchen. From Mickey bars to Michelin stars, this panel is a foodie expertise you gained’t wish to miss!
It is a logical spot for sharing new menus, together with the Chook Cage Bar at Grand Floridian and new places aboard the Disney Future. We’d guess on each. Idea artwork of a brand new gingerbread home for Christmas at Walt Disney World, as an oblique substitute for the one at Grand Floridian that’s being retired, can be an unlikely darkish horse candidate.
Even much less possible is breaking some information, doubtlessly in regards to the Grand Floridian Backyard View Tea Room’s future use, Monstropolis eating, Pecos Invoice overhaul, or one other reimagining. These all appear extra far-fetched, however not outdoors the realm of risk.
Disney Villains: Icons of Evil
Be a part of Disney Experiences (and a few of your favourite troublemakers) for a panel dialogue on how Disney Villains experiences come to life all over the world. Hear immediately from the artistic minds behind new tasks and sights, plus get pleasure from a particular Villains-themed medley to kick off Vacation spot D23 day 2.
Given the outline, that is very clearly the massive one. Imagineers are going to be among the many panelists, and so they’re discussing Parks & Resorts. One factor to notice right here earlier than getting too enthusiastic about bulletins for Villains Land in Magic Kingdom is that villains play an outsized position within the upcoming Disney Future, and so they’ll in all probability filibuster in regards to the artistic means of Villains Unfairly Ever After and different latest iconic evil additions I’m in all probability forgetting.
My ‘decrease your expectations’ prediction right here is that Walt Disney World does not pull again the curtain and supply a full reveal of Villains Land. I’d be shocked if we hear any attraction specifics, and even detailed eating, retail, or leisure information.
The probably end result right here is the official identify of the land (Villains Land is the proper alternative for a Magic Kingdom land, so clearly it is not going to be that; it’ll be at 4-16 phrases lengthy and include 2-7 punctuation marks). I’m additionally guessing we’ll get one other piece of idea artwork and key character artwork or one thing like that, and possibly a random piece of artwork for a marquee function of the land with wow-factor (reminiscent of dragon Maleficent or that precariously-perched fort).
My intestine is that Imagineering will maintain again the total reveal of “Disney Villains ~ Isle of Iconic Evil Forces & Land of Mysterious Magic: WATCH OUT!” till the 2026 D23 Expo. This growth continues to be fairly far off, and the massive information for it strikes me as higher fitted to the marquee occasion. It was an enormous hit final time, and specifics would convey the home down. I’d like to be mistaken and get that stuff at Vacation spot D23, although.
Past the Spires: An Insider have a look at Disney Castles
Assume you already know all the pieces about Disney castles? Assume once more! Be a part of Imagineers as they peel again the plaster and pixie mud to share behind-the-scenes particulars and little-known details from castles throughout the globe. Alongside the best way, they’ll share the worldwide inspirations, design challenges, and possibly even a number of surprises that stretch past the spires.
The outline teases “a number of surprises,” therefore its inclusion right here. The plain cash can be on a reveal of the fort for Disneyland Abu Dhabi, however I’m skeptical design work is that far alongside (or that this may be the venue for such an announcement). Possibly we’ll see imprecise design inspiration or impressionistic artwork, however I’ll guess if follow-up questions have been allowed and somebody requested, “will the fort be outdoor?” it’d be met with radio silence.
By means of elimination, the one conceivable fort information for a Walt Disney World fan occasion is both repainting Cinderella Fortress to its basic colour scheme or the Cinderella Fortress Dream Lights returning for Christmas! Each of those bulletins are lengthy overdue, and every are about equally believable…however in all probability nicely under 50%. As a lot as I need Dream Lights to return and am nonetheless holding out hope that it’s going to, sometime, this strikes me as a matter of timing. It’s in all probability too late for this yr, and why announce one thing that’s occurring at Christmas 2026 this early? It could trigger individuals to postpone or cancel journeys.
Wildcard #1: Bluey
The announcement of Bluey coming to the Disney Parks in 2025 was first made throughout final yr’s vacation season. Issues began out promising sufficient for the prospects of Bluey’s arrival at Walt Disney World. Lower than a month after the announcement, Bluey and Bingo made their debut on the Disney Cruise Line.
With every passing week of silence, we’re questioning if Bluey continues to be on the desk for 2025 at Walt Disney World and/or Disneyland. This prediction is mainly a means of elimination one, as one thing must be stated within the subsequent month or so if Bluey and Bingo are literally on observe for his or her promised 2025 debut within the parks. There are many synergistic alternatives at DD23, so it type of is smart.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the logical touchdown level for Bluey, Bingo and the Heeler household. Though we initially thought a dance social gathering or meet & greet in Animation Courtyard made essentially the most sense, it might now look like a cavalcade or interactive expertise elsewhere within the park is how Bluey might be featured.
Wildcard #2: Spaceship Earth
Walt Disney World introduced a multi-month refurbishment of Spaceship Earth beginning a number of days earlier than Vacation spot D23. This undertaking is confirmed as routine upkeep, and not the massive experience reimagining. It’ll in all probability be to revive damaged results, enhance the descent, improve cameras, and lighting. There are additionally widespread rumors of swapping out the screens on the experience autos for OLED, which has already occurred with a take a look at car.
It’s typically the case that these smaller tasks lay the groundwork for larger ones, and that’s what we’re anticipating right here with this yr’s multi-month upkeep adopted up by a year-plus reimagining in 2026 and into 2027. Spaceship Earth is lengthy overdue for an overhaul–it was lengthy overdue when the final one was cancelled in 2020!
There’s no panel that’s a logical match for an announcement of this, however you already know what, we’re going to throw it in right here anyway. The fort panel is title Past the Spire, so maybe they’ll shortly point out different park icons and reveal the long-awaited Spaceship Earth reimagining within the course of. It must occur.
That’s about it. Maybe there might be a fast hit or two for the worldwide parks on the Disney Across the World interludes, however understand that these are every 5 minutes lengthy. As a basic matter, it’s unlikely that the 2025 Vacation spot D23 goes to be a high-volume information occasion.
Personally, I wouldn’t place robust bets on any of those predictions. I’m going to be pleasantly stunned if there’s a single all-new announcement and never simply extra idea artwork and particulars for issues we already know are within the works. Not making an attempt to rain on any parades, simply making an attempt to maintain expectations in test. I’ve seen some followers getting excited or overly optimistic about bulletins, and so they’re simply setting themselves up for disappointment.
The one cause Vacation spot D23 was massive final time was as a result of the 2022 D23 Expo was largely a dud, and there was a subsequent pivot from streaming. The circumstances are completely different this go-round, and Disney simply ‘shot its shot’ with a blockbuster D23 Expo final yr. With that, Vacation spot D23 is extra a return to regular, providing deeper dives into historical past and different topics. I’d like to be mistaken, and listen to a number of bombshell bulletins out of left discipline, although! We’ll preserve you posted.
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Your Ideas
What are your predictions about what might be introduced on the 2025 Vacation spot D23? Do you suppose it will likely be a time for large attraction bulletins, or will principally idea artwork or different particulars about tasks which might be already underway? Any shock announcement predictions? Agree or disagree with our evaluation of the occasion? Listening to your suggestions—even once you disagree with us—is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!