Destination D23 2025: Every Major Reveal From Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars

Destination D23 2025 transformed Walt Disney World into the ultimate hub of imagination and fan celebration this past weekend, offering a spectacular mix of nostalgia and forward-looking excitement. Far more than a simple gathering of Disney enthusiasts, the event revealed the future of storytelling across Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, while also spotlighting Disney Parks, the Cruise Line, and even Imagineering’s latest magic. From jaw-dropping film previews to bold new park expansions, every moment was carefully designed to surprise and delight. Here’s a complete dive into the biggest announcements and why they matter.

The Walt Disney Studios Showcase: A Star-Studded Opening

The weekend launched with the Walt Disney Studios Showcase, a panel brimming with surprises. Pixar, Disney Animation, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm all brought fresh material, igniting excitement with sneak peeks and announcements that will ripple across the entertainment landscape. Among the biggest reveals was the official unveiling of Toy Story 5, which featured an unusual but hilarious twist: a squadron of futuristic, Hi-Tech Buzz Lightyears stranded on an island. These Buzz units must cooperate to find their way back home, inspired by a distant star reminding them of Star Command. Adding to the fun, Conan O’Brien joins the cast as a potty-training toy called Smarty Pants, promising a comic energy that may rival Mr. Potato Head. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 12, and fans can also look forward to Buzz’s grand return in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Disney Animation also lifted the curtain on Hexed, slated for November 2026. The story follows an awkward teenage boy and his hyper-organized mother, whose lives spiral when the boy’s unusual quirks reveal themselves as magical powers. Suddenly thrust into a hidden magical world, their journey promises both heart and spectacle. Early buzz suggests Hexed could be a bold new original hit in the tradition of Encanto and Frozen.

Lucasfilm’s contribution was no less thrilling. Attendees were treated to a clip from The Mandalorian and Grogu, a film that positions itself as a true cinematic spectacle. The scene evoked memories of Darth Vader’s infamous corridor sequence in Rogue One, showing Din Djarin in a similarly commanding moment. The footage balanced high stakes with plenty of Grogu’s irresistible charm, plus an explosive AT-AT battle on a snow-covered planet that underscored why this story belongs on the big screen.

Pixar’s Expanding World: From Beavers to Zootopia

Pixar used D23 to showcase Hoppers, a quirky adventure that introduces audiences to Mabel, a girl who literally leaps into the mind of a beaver. Teaming up with animals, she must stop Mayor Jerry from bulldozing nature in favor of a highway project. With echoes of Inside Out and Finding Nemo, the premise combines environmental commentary with heartfelt storytelling. The footage suggested a mix of humor, ecological urgency, and classic Pixar emotion.

Fans were also treated to extended footage of Zootopia 2, highlighted by Patrick Warburton’s performance as Mayor Winddancer, which had the crowd roaring with laughter. Add in teasers for Tron: Ares, Ice Age: Boiling Plate, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw, and Pixar proved it has one of its most diverse upcoming slates in years.

Marvel, Tron, and Beyond

Marvel’s presence was teased with a cheeky behind-the-scenes message from the set of Avengers: Doomsday, a project still under wraps but already commanding immense anticipation. Meanwhile, Disney doubled down on Tron: Ares, not just with footage but also by giving its park attractions an electrifying overlay. Beginning September 15 at Walt Disney World’s Tron Lightcycle / Run, and September 16 at Shanghai Disney Resort, fans will experience a red-light reimagining with original music from Nine Inch Nails. To top it off, both Tron and Tron: Legacy are receiving full 4K Ultra HD remasters, arriving September 16 on digital and Blu-ray SteelBook.

The Future of D23: Anaheim 2026

Fans can already mark their calendars: D23, billed as “The Ultimate Disney Fan Event,” returns to Anaheim from August 14–16, 2026. The event will once again occupy both the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center, promising an even larger celebration of all things Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.

Imagineering and Legacy: Walt’s New Place in Progress

One of the most emotional announcements centered on Walt Disney himself. Following the moving Walt Disney – A Magical Life attraction at Disneyland, a new Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt will be added to the Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom. In a new introductory scene, Walt will guide audiences into the ride before they follow the Progress family across decades of American innovation. This addition represents a heartfelt nod to Disney’s legacy and the man whose vision started it all.

On the Imagineering side, filmmaker Leslie Iwerks previewed Disneyland Handcrafted, a documentary chronicling the creation of Disneyland with never-before-seen details. The film will arrive on Disney+ and YouTube later this winter, and the trailer suggests a deeply personal look at the artistry behind the park’s foundations.

Disney Cruise Line: Drinks With a Twist

The Disney Cruise Line also joined the spotlight with a reveal of new themed drinks for the upcoming Disney Destiny ship. Among the most intriguing was the Mirror Dimension cocktail at the Doctor Strange-themed Sanctum lounge. Served in a reactive glass and paired with “electrifying dust,” the drink promises both spectacle and flavor. Another highlight was a beverage served on a levitating platform, pushing the boundaries of themed dining theatrics. Guests can also anticipate Cask & Cannon, a Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired bar where drinks like the Dead Man’s Chest arrive in smoky treasure chests. Fans of the Haunted Mansion Parlor will be pleased to know it is also coming aboard, but with reimagined recipes that ensure fresh surprises.

A Villains’ Playground: Disney’s Boldest Park Expansion

One of the most highly anticipated projects is Magic Kingdom’s new Villains-themed land. Imagineers introduced the concept of “Conjured Architecture” to describe the design philosophy, blending the sinister elegance of Disney villains with the fluid, swirling curves of Art Nouveau. A research trip to Paris and Barcelona shaped the vision: Parisian motifs that make nature appear “cursed,” and Barcelona’s Modernisme, with its melting, almost supernatural facades. The result promises a land unlike anything else in the parks, eerie yet enchanting, celebrating Disney’s most iconic villains.

Frozen, Castles, and More

Disneyland Paris also had its moment, with confirmation that World of Frozen will open in Spring 2026 as part of Walt Disney Studios Park’s transformation into Disney Adventure World. A milestone was reached in the construction of Elsa’s Ice Palace, a highlight sure to dazzle fans. Back in Orlando, Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle is set for a redesign that returns to its “classic and original” look. The new paint scheme – grays, creams, blues, and touches of gold – aims to capture Florida’s sunshine while enhancing the castle’s timeless architecture.

Final Thoughts

Destination D23 2025 proved once again why the event is a cornerstone of Disney fandom. From blockbuster film reveals like Toy Story 5 and Hexed, to park expansions like the Villains land and Cinderella Castle’s refresh, to innovations aboard Disney Cruise Line, every corner of the Disney empire had news to share. More importantly, the event reaffirmed Disney’s dual power: honoring its legacy while forging bold new futures. With Anaheim 2026 already on the horizon, fans are left buzzing with excitement and anticipation.