One week from right now, we’ll all be watching the primary marquee presentation throughout 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, points of interest, trip reimaginings, idea artwork, and so forth.
This 12 months’s occasion is named “Vacation spot D23: A Journey Across the Worlds of Disney.” In contrast to 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 can be panels on two days of Vacation spot D23: August 30-31, 2025. Throughout these two days, ticketed Vacation spot D23 friends can take pleasure in a full slate of over 25 specifically curated shows 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 perhaps synergistic Parks & Resorts information can be introduced there.
Nonetheless, it’s unclear to us whether or not that’s really true, and if that’s the case, whether or not CEO-in-waiting Josh D’Amaro will seem on stage there (if I had 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 can 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 may 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 as a way 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 can be nothing like 2023–it’ll in all probability be extra corresponding to 2018 or 2021. Each of these years provided 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 shocking even to us. We had been–and nonetheless are–anticipating some surprises.
With all of this in thoughts, let’s rapidly run by way of our 2025 Vacation spot D23 Want Record, together with different prospects and rapidly consider the chance of every:
- Visitor Expertise Wins – Unlikely. No panel that’s a logical match for such a announcement.
- Trip Reimaginings Reveals – Updates had been simply offered on Buzz Lightyear’s House Ranger Spin and Large Thunder Mountain Railroad, so this appears unlikely.
- Nation Bear Christmas – Unlikely. However there’s a panel protecting 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 remains 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 offered main updates on Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets; that announcement would’ve been made then.
- Lion King Trip Reveal – Probably 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 seemingly, particularly after detailed permits had 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 season, however we don’t count on a reveal of that simply but.
- Inside Out in Wonders of Life – Unlikely. The Animation Courtyard mission 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 – In all probability.
- Coco Boat Trip (DCA) Idea Artwork – Presumably.
- Avengers Campus (DCA) Idea Artwork – Presumably.
- Piston Peak Vehicles Idea Artwork – Presumably artwork or footage of Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore. Perhaps 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 flicks followers love, and a glimpse into what to sit up for from Disney’s movie studios.
Though it will focus before everything 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 ideal 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 alternatively, a deeper dive into that is in all probability extra acceptable for an viewers in France versus Florida.
An ideal match right here can be a full reveal of the Walt Disney Studios Lot and Magic of Disney Animation that’ll exchange 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 among the movie–can be enjoyable.
As a wildcard, I’ll go together with Sew’s Nice Escape 2.0, with this actually that means any type of presence for Sew in Tomorrowland. I’d 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 season field workplace efficiency.
Different candidates right here embrace additional dialogue of Avengers Campus enlargement 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 all the time, is for a mushy reboot of the land.
Creating the Happiest Place on Earth
D23’s description: Be a part of Disney Legend, filmmaker and creator, 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. It will largely be a glance again at seven many years of Disneyland in a presentation a couple of incredible guide that largely focuses on the Walt Disney’s unique magic kingdom. This may conclude with a glance ahead that perhaps options new idea artwork for Coco, Avengers Campus, and even Japanese Gateway. Actually, I’d be shocked 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 shows.
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 dwell viewers within the Disney Eats kitchen. From Mickey bars to Michelin stars, this panel is a foodie expertise you gained’t need to miss!
It is a logical spot for sharing new menus, together with the Chook Cage Bar at Grand Floridian and new areas aboard the Disney Future. We’d wager on each. Idea artwork of a brand new gingerbread home for Christmas at Walt Disney World, as an oblique alternative for the one at Grand Floridian that’s being retired, can also be an unlikely darkish horse candidate.
Even much less seemingly is breaking some information, doubtlessly concerning 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 around the globe. Hear straight from the inventive minds behind new tasks and points of interest, plus take pleasure in a particular Villains-themed medley to kick off Vacation spot D23 day 2.
Given the outline, that is very clearly the large 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 concerning the inventive strategy 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 data.
The almost definitely final result right here is the official identify of the land (Villains Land is the best selection for a Magic Kingdom land, so clearly it won’t be that; it’ll be at 4-16 phrases lengthy and comprise 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 perhaps a random piece of artwork for a marquee function of the land with wow-factor (similar to 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 enlargement remains to be fairly far off, and the large information for it strikes me as higher suited to the marquee occasion. It was an enormous hit final time, and specifics would carry 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
Suppose you recognize every little thing about Disney castles? Suppose 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 information from castles throughout the globe. Alongside the way in which, they’ll share the worldwide inspirations, design challenges, and perhaps 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 could be the venue for such an announcement). Perhaps we’ll see imprecise design inspiration or impressionistic artwork, however I’ll wager if follow-up questions had been allowed and somebody requested, “will the fort be outdoor?” it’d be met with radio silence.
By strategy of elimination, the one conceivable fort information for a Walt Disney World fan occasion is both repainting Cinderella Fortress to its basic shade 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 properly beneath 50%. As a lot as I would like 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 12 months, and why announce one thing that’s occurring at Christmas 2026 this early? It might 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 12 months’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 remains to be on the desk for 2025 at Walt Disney World and/or Disneyland. This prediction is principally a strategy of elimination one, as one thing must be mentioned 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 get together or meet & greet in Animation Courtyard made essentially the most sense, it might now seem to be a cavalcade or interactive expertise elsewhere within the park is how Bluey can 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 mission is confirmed as routine upkeep, and not the large trip 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 trip autos for OLED, which has already occurred with a check automobile.
It’s generally the case that these smaller tasks lay the groundwork for greater ones, and that’s what we’re anticipating right here with this 12 months’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 recognize what, we’re going to throw it in right here anyway. The fort panel is title Past the Spire, so maybe they’ll rapidly 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 can be a fast hit or two for the worldwide parks on the Disney Across the World interludes, however remember that these are every 5 minutes lengthy. As a normal 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 shocked if there’s a single all-new announcement and never simply further 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 verify. 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 12 months. 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 area, although! We’ll maintain you posted.
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Your Ideas
What are your predictions about what can be introduced on the 2025 Vacation spot D23? Do you suppose it is going to be a time for large attraction bulletins, or will largely 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 whenever you disagree with us—is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
