D23 live updates: From movies to theme park rides, here's everything announced at Disney fan event

ByKimberlee Sakamoto, Amy Becker, Crystal Benitez and Ryder Maldonado OTRC logo
Last updated: Sunday, August 16, 2026 7:15AM GMT
'X-Men' and 'Avengers: Doomsday' featured during D23 showcase
An all-star lineup took center stage at the Honda Center in Anaheim for D23's Disney Entertainment Showcase. Here's a look at the biggest announcements.
Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- From newly announced movies to rides and lands under construction at Disney parks around the world, we're bringing you all the live updates from D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

This gathering of official Disney fan club members takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center in Anaheim, California through Sunday.

The Honda Center was home to the Disney Entertainment Showcase Friday night and the Disney Experiences Showcase Saturday night.

Check back for live updates from the Disney Legends Award Ceremony on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. PT.

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3 hours and 52 minutes ago

New rides announced for Magic Kingdom's Villains Land

The upcoming Villains Land expansion in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom will officially be named Villains Land, and two new rides were just announced.

One ride was described as a thrilling roller coaster where you'll encounter "Sleeping Beauty" villain Maleficent herself as you race through the enchanted briar around her mountaintop fortress.

The second attraction is a dark ride themed around the Evil Queen's Magic Mirror from "Snow White" and will feature a whole array of your favorite Disney Villains, including Dr. Facilier from "The Princess and the Frog."

To round out the Villains Land announcement, award-winning actress Glenn Close reprised her role as the iconic Cruella de Vil from the live action "101 Dalmatians."

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4:17 AM GMT

Monstropolis in Hollywood Studios will open in 2027

At the showcase, it was announced that Randy Newman has written his first song created specifically for a Disney theme park.

"Welcome to Monstropolis" is the name of the song and also the name of a new theater show inside the "Monsters Inc."-themed land at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios.

In the new signature show, the monsters have invited humans into their world to show we're more alike than one might think. Mike and Sully serve as hosts. And, as expected, Mike has a few surprises up his sleeve.

Testing is also underway for an audio animatronic sushi chef.

Monstropolis will open in 2027.

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4:09 AM GMT

Disney Believe to feature Tinker Bell on its bow

New details were shared about the Disney Cruise Line's ship, Disney Believe, which will debut in 2027.

Tinker Bell will be featured on its bow, with Woody and Buzz Lightyear on its stern. Moana will be its Grand Hall icon.

Disney Cruise Line will debut a new class of ship in 2029. Here's a sneak peek:

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4:04 AM GMT

'Cars: Lightning Racers' coming to Disney+ and Disney Junior

"Cars: Lightning Racers," a new series created with young fans in mind, is coming to Disney+ and Disney Junior.

The series will follow Lightning McQueen as he gears up for all new adventures with Mater and friends.

To celebrate this new show, Grammy-winning artist Sheryl Crow, who's been a part of "Cars" from the beginning, performed two songs at the Honda Center.

The first was a new song for the show called, "Built to Last." The second was her hit song, "Real Gone," which is featured on the "Cars" soundtrack.