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
Last updated: Monday, August 17, 2026 1:46AM GMT
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.
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."
Aug 16, 2026, 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.
Aug 16, 2026, 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:
Aug 16, 2026, 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.
