Disney is hosting a huge event for Disney fans to get a glimpse into the company.

That’s right, we’re talking about Destination D23. This fan convention is taking place this from September 8th through the 10th at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort. This is where Disney executives give a peek into all the things going on at Disney, from the parks to the movies. At the event, there are scheduled panels where Disney often reveals new information about what’s to come. We have 5 things we are HOPING to hear announced at those panels!

Also, note that we will be sharing the information and updates ALL weekend long! So be sure to follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, and TikTok) and check out our newsletter so you can stay updated!

There are so many things that we have been eagerly waiting to hear more about, and we think Destination D23 would be the perfect place for them to be announced! We took a look at the full schedule for the event, and based on that — here are our predictions!

Many of the things we’re expecting (and hoping!) to hear are about timelines. We want opening timelines for so many new things coming to Disney parks! So let’s get into it.

1. Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana Opening Date

We have waited and waited. We have watched walls go up and just recently come down. We even scored a walk-through of this attraction during the cast member previews. Now all we need is the opening date! This new attraction in EPCOT is scheduled to open this fall, but we still don’t have a set opening date. Destination D23 could be a great time to make this announcement. There are 2 panels that we believe it could happen at.

On Saturday, September 9th at 9:15AM, a panel called “A Celebration of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” is scheduled. And later that same day at 4:20PM, a panel called “EPCOT: Always in a State of Becoming” is happening. We think that either one of these panels could make a great opportunity to share this secret! One thing is for certain, we will be keeping an eye on updates about this attraction!

You can watch our video about the Moana attraction right here!

2. EPCOT Updates

Anyone who has been to EPCOT recently can tell you there are a lot of changes happening. There is a panel dedicated just to EPCOT literally called “EPCOT: Always in a State of Becoming”. EPCOT was always meant to be a revolutionary park that is ahead of its time and this panel name says it all. And with that, we are expecting to hear some pretty awesome EPCOT news during it!

There have been so many new attractions and experiences set to come to EPCOT. Some of these are:

1. New fireworks show (late 2023)
2. New CommuniCore Hall space (by the end of 2023)
3. New CommuniCore Plaza area (by the end of 2023)
4. New gardens in World Celebration (by the end of 2023)
5. New Mickey meet-and-greet in CommuniCore Hall (by the end of 2023)

Several other ideas have been discussed but never fully implemented or postponed like an update to Spaceship Earth, a Marry Poppins attraction, and a new movie in the China pavilion. Maybe we’ll get some more information this weekend!

Learn More About How EPCOT is “Always Becoming” Here!

3. Tiana News

As of now, all we know Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to open in Disney World and Disneyland in late 2024. But perhaps we could get MORE information at Destination D23.

It would be great if we could get some more specific details like what to expect on the re-themed ride. Also, we know Tiana is also getting her own restaurant, Tiana’s Palace, (opening September 7th) but will Tiana be getting anything else? Will there be a Tiana-themed gift shop? We feel like there could be more information regarding the Princess and the Frog-themed attractions.

Check out the UPDATE to the plaza near Tiana’s Palace!

4. 2024 Disney World Changes

We already know that 2024 will be bringing changes to Disney World. The Park Pass requirements, Genie+, and the return of the Disney Dining Plan are all changes that have been announced.

But what we don’t know are some specifics. Will the Park Pass removal alter the Park Hopping rules? What changes can we actually expect to come to Genie+ and when? Plus, with a panel dedicated to the future of the parks, we expect some changes to be announced. Oh and maybe we could hear what’s going to happen to the Star Wars hotel building once it’s closed!

We have some info on the Genie+ changes coming in 2024 here!

5. Movie News

With the recent writers’ and actors’ strikes going on, we’re very curious to hear more about what the company has planned for movies! On Sunday, September 10th at 9AM, there will be a Walt Disney Studios Showcase that will give “a sneak peek at exciting upcoming projects from The Walt Disney Studios.”

We know there have been several cancelations of movies and shows for various reasons, so getting an update on what’s to come would be great! This panel is slotted from 9AM to 10:30AM, this leaves LOTS of time to discuss big Disney movie news.

See a clue dropped about certain movies here!

There is really so much that we could hear about during this weekend! We hope to get some pretty BIG updates. Stay up-to-date by following along on our social media and subscribing to our newsletter! We’ll be posting everything as we learn more!

 

Will you be at Destination D23? Let us know in the comments!