23 details revealed at this year's D23

Disney fans always keep a close eye on the annual 'D23' events, with the fan-facing conference rarely disappointing when it comes to unveiling new theme park projects, movies, merchandising and experiences.

Whilst the biggest announcements tend to come bi-annually at the D23 'Expo' events, on the odd-years (like 2025) the 'Destination D23' events have something to engage practically every Disney fan.

Held this year at Walt Disney World’s Coronado Springs, the 2025 Destination D23 event brought a treasure trove of updates, reveals, and surprises from across the Disney universe.

Here, we take a closer look at the new announcement, and pick into some of the details. Without further ado, here are 23 details revealed at this year's D23.

1 - Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom will get a new color palette of gray, cream, blue, and gold.

2 - The new color palette aims to recreate the castle's classic 1970s look

3 - World of Frozen 'Spring' open was confirmed, with Disneyland Paris welcoming guests to Arendelle slightly earlier than some had expected.

4 - Disney World will see a new audio-animatronics figure of Walt Disney himself, debuting in an update to the Carousel of Progress.

4 - The Walt animatronic will welcome new generations of 'time travellers' to the wholesome Magic Kingdom favorite.

6 - Tron: Ares overlay is coming to TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom, this fall. The Ares overlay launches September 15, ahead of the new sequel's release.

7 - Nine Inch Nails has recorded a custom soundtrack, played during the Tron: Ares ride overlay.

8 - A new Disneyland Handcrafted documentary by Leslie Iwerks is coming to Disney+ this winter.

9 - The design for Disney World's Villains Land will be presented as “Conjured Architecture”, a style described as being inspired by Art Nouveau influences from Paris and Barcelona.

10 - Toy Story will be re-released in cinemas in September, to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the breakthrough Pixar animation.

11 - In California, Disneyland's Napa Rose restaurant will reopen with an updated Craftsman-inspired design.

12 - New themed drinks will be introduced at Disney Destiny cruise ship bars.

13 - New novelty popcorn buckets, sippers, and mugs are coming to Disney Parks and Cruise Line.

14 - Dr. Facilier “Play & Greet” is coming to the Disney Destiny cruise ship, with the experience to feature parlor‑style illusions and character interaction.

15 - Hexed, a new Walt Disney Animation Studios movie, is confirmed for a November 2026 release. The plot is about a teenage boy discovering magical powers and exploring his relationship with his mother.

16 - Toy Story 5 will hit theaters in June, 2026. And, D23 attendees were treated to a 3-minute teaser.

17 - Buzz Lightyear to 'fall with style' in this year's Macy's Parade. A newly redesigned balloon will feature in the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in New York, this November.

18 - A new Ursula collector doll joins Mattel’s Darkness Descends villain series, following previous lines that focused on Maleficent (2023) and Cruella de Vil (2024).

19 - Bath & Body Works Villains Collection. The product line, designed with seasonally inspired scents and attention to each villain’s personality, is set to go on sale in-store on 3 September.

20 - Kuzco FOMO. As part of D23, there was an exclusive, one-off Emperor's New Groove party night, called 'Kuzcotopia', at Typhoon Lagoon (and yes, we like the sound of that, and we'd love to see this return in a less temporary format too!)

21 - Villains Takeover in Hong Kong. Uninvited! A Villains Takeover Party is planned for Hong Kong Disneyland featuring a cavalcade, street show, and musical spectacle featuring Disney Villains.

22 - A fan-favourite movie franchise returns, with Ice Age: Boiling Point set for theatrical release in February 2027.

23 - D23 panels confirmed Disney is continuing large-scale expansions at all four Disney World parks.

Okay, some reveals were small details (Disney tends to save its biggest fireworks for the bi-annual full-expo, which comes next year). There was also confirmation of some important dates for Disney diaries.

As projects take shape over the coming months and years, fans can expect even more pixie dust to land in the parks, on Disney Cruise Line, and on screens at home.

In the meantime, we'll be keeping our eyes and ears open for more updates.