During D23, a biannual fan convention celebrating all things Disney, which takes place this weekend, attendees will be among the first to see what new projects are coming to Disneyland and other Disney Parks worldwide.
The sold-out D23 event will return to the Anaheim Convention Center on Aug. 9-11. Disney fans can enjoy shopping, exhibits, panels, presentations, and more at the Anaheim Convention Center. They can also travel to the Honda Center during the evening for larger presentations and panels ranging in topics from Disney theme parks to new movies.
This is the first time the convention is incorporating the Honda Center.
Going into D23, Disney fans have shared theories on what could be announced during the upcoming event.
Here are some projects Disneyland fans are hoping to hear more about.
An opening date for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Disneyland has not yet announced an opening date for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure after more than a year of construction. Previously, the park announced that it would open sometime this year.
Wat Disney World’s version of the ride opened in June.
The new ride expands on the story in the 2009 animated film “Princess and the Frog.” Riders will follow Tiana and Louis as they search for a missing ingredient ahead of a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration she will be hosting. As the ride concludes, guests will discover they are the missing ingredient, or “special spice,” Tiana was looking for.
A potential Tomorrowland renovation
Tomorrowland, a favorite among frequent Disneyland visitors, contains issues like abandoned buildings and the remains of Disneyland’s PeopleMover, which has been dormant for decades.
For years, fans have urged Disney to revamp Tomorrowland. Some fans would prefer a complete overhaul, while others want more rides and entertainment added to the area.
Disneyland’s 70th anniversary
The “Happiest Place on Earth” is seemingly gearing up for its 70th anniversary celebration in 2025. Previous anniversary celebrations, like the park’s 50th and 60th anniversary, saw the return or debut of parades, nighttime spectaculars, food, themed merchandise and more.
On Disneyland’s 69th anniversary, cast members kicked off anniversary preparations with a “Road to the 70th” backstage party, the Orange County Register reported.
Disneyland Forward
The resort’s $1.9 billion expansion proposal, known as Disneyland Forward, received final approval from the Anaheim City Council in May.
The Disneyland Forward proposal is a 40-year agreement that would guide where and how future developments would occur, allowing for new attractions, shops and restaurants to be built within areas of the resort that Disney already owns and operates.
Park attractions would be built alongside hotels on the west side of Disneyland Drive, along with buildings, shopping, dining and entertainment where the Toy Story Parking Area at Katella Avenue and Harbor Boulevard stands today.
Fans hope that lands, rides and attractions based on “Tangled,” “Zootopia” and “Tron” and expanded areas based on “Peter Pan” and “Toy Story” will be in the works.
Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro also talked about the possibility of bringing Frozen’s Arendelle, Black Panther’s Wakanda and Coco’s Santa Cecilia to life in some capacity at the “Happiest Place on Earth” and potentially its sister park in Orlando last year.
Avatar-themed land
Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed that an “Avatar” themed land would be the first to break ground under the Disneyland Forward proposal in May.
However, details about the project have remained minimal.
In the months leading up to D23, Disney fans have shared theories online that the new themed land could replace Hollywood land in Disney’s California Adventure, but Disney has made no official announcement.
Earlier this year, Iger announced that the new Avatar land would be similar to the one in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park in Florida.
Marvel E-ticket attraction
The highly anticipated Marvel E-ticket ride was initially announced at the D23 Expo in 2019, with minimal updates over the years.
In the latest iteration of the ride, guests will fight alongside the Avengers in an epic adventure to Wakanda and encounter King Thanos, a variant who defeated the Avengers before.
Haunted Mansion construction
While the haunting attraction recently re-opened to guests with its Halloween/Christmas overlay, construction around the attraction remains ongoing as crews work on an expanded outdoor queue and new store.
A new elevator is also expected to be built for guests with disabilities to use when they exit the attraction.
Construction began in January, with the new additions expected to “build on the story and lore of the Haunted Mansion.”
Downtown Disney news
Steady progress has continued in Downtown Disney as new shops and restaurants materialize at the outdoor shopping center.
Still, Disney hasn’t shared many details about other additions coming to Downtown Disney such as the arrival of Porto’s Bakery, what’s happening with the EAPN Zone building, or when Earl of Sandwich will get a permanent home.