D23 recap: 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: Monday, August 17, 2026 1:46AM GMT
D23 reveals future plans for the Disney parks and experiences
ABC News' Ginger Zee is at Anaheim, California, sharing​ all of the exciting Disney experiences to come around the world.
Disney

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

This gathering of official Disney fan club members took place at the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center in Anaheim, California from Aug. 14 through Aug. 16.

The Honda Center was home to the Disney Entertainment Showcase Friday night, the Disney Experiences Showcase Saturday night and the Disney Legends Award Ceremony Sunday afternoon.

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Aug 15, 2026, 2:17 AM

These are some of the best costumes from D23 2026

Take a look at our photo gallery of some of the best costumes seen at Disney's ultimate fan event in Anaheim.

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D23 attendees dressed as Maui and Hei Hei from "Moana" are seen in Anaheim, Calif. on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026.
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Aug 16, 2026, 3:04 AM GMT

The Yeti returns!

"We're bringing the yeti back to life!"

It was announced at the showcase that the iconic Yeti will be brought back to life inside Expedition Everest at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom

To celebrate the return of the Yeti, icon Gloria Gaynor sang her classic song, "I Will Survive."

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Aug 16, 2026, 3:00 AM GMT

Space Mountain, Spaceship Earth changes announced

Big news for fans of Space Mountain and Spaceship Earth. Several announcements were made during the showcase.

Hyperspace Mountain in Disneyland Paris will close next year and be restored to its original form, Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune, with its original music.

Meanwhile, Disney is partnering with Mark Rober to open Space Mountain: Earthrise at Tokyo Disneyland.

Spaceship Earth at Walt Disney World's Epcot is being restoring for the first time in 20 years -- the new version will be about human connection. It will bring new magic to every scene, but remain "classically Epcot."

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Aug 16, 2026, 2:53 AM GMT

Beloved shows, parades return to Disneyland Resort

It was just announced that in February, the "Remember... Dreams Come True" nighttime spectacular will return to Disneyland Resort.

In addition to the projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle, the show will feature new projections at Rivers of America, the facade of "it's a small world," and all the way down Main Street, U.S.A.

Also in February, an updated take on the original "World of Color" nighttime spectacular will come to Disney California Adventure.

And finally, we're calling all dreamers! The "Magic Happens" parade returns to Disneyland Resort in time for summer 2027.

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Aug 16, 2026, 2:47 AM GMT

Carousel of Progress getting an update at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress at Walt Disney World is being updated with all new stories.

It will start in the 1960s and end in the present day and beyond.

A new scene set in the 1980s was shown during the showcase.

The characters shown will be voiced by Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston

The new take on the classic attraction will debut late spring 2027.