Disney World has been pretty busy recently after debuting this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. However, it’s about to get EVEN BUSIER thanks to a major convention coming to the resort — and the results could affect Disney’s theme park resort out West!

Destination D23: A Journey Around the Worlds of Disney is a large fan event taking place at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Disney World from August 29th through 31st, 2025. This event usually sheds a ton of light on The Walt Disney Company’s long-term plans for its entertainment, parks, cruise line, and more. While this year’s event does not have a dedicated parks panel, it’s still possible we could learn a few tidbits regarding upcoming and ongoing projects at the Disneyland Resort!

Not having a park panel doesn’t necessarily mean we won’t get theme park news. It probably indicates we won’t have anything jaw-dropping (we still can’t totally rule out that possibility either), but we still might get updates about projects already in motion — like the big three expansions at Disney California Adventure.

A new Coco ride is coming to California Adventure, and we recently learned that it’ll be located near Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier in areas that are predominantly backstage currently.

The new boat ride will be inspired by “beloved classics, like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. We’re bringing our skeletal cast of characters to life in a big way through the latest Audio-Animatronics technology. These figures will appear in ways you’ll have to see to believe,” according to Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro. 

Construction on the ride is supposed to begin in the fall of 2025 and officially break ground in 2026. We hope to learn more about the timeline and ride specifics during the upcoming Destination D23!

We’re already seeing construction on the Avengers Campus expansion, and since this project is incredibly tangible and moving along, there’s a chance we could actually learn some real information regarding ride specifics and timelines.

Disney announced TWO new Marvel attractions coming to the land: Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab. Avengers Infinity Defense is described by Disney featuring the following plot:

“Technology that allows the Avengers to jump between worlds has gone missing, and King Thanos is using it to wreak havoc everywhere. Recruits will travel to iconic locations like Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City alongside the likes of big and small heroes…You also just might find yourself face-to-face with King Thanos, too.”

Stark Flight Lab will feature Robert Downey Jr. reprising his role as Tony Stark as riders “sit in two-person pods and deploy to a test station. Then a robot arm grabs your pod and starts whirling you around in a simulated flight.” 

We’re hoping to get some timeline news and land expansion specifics — after all, more things have to occupy the space than just ride buildings — although no one will complain about getting ride updates, either!

Finally, we know that Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! is closing permanently early next year to make way for a new Avatar expansion, but aside from knowing about one attraction, there’s still a lot to learn.

According to Disney, this new land will “draw inspiration from Avatar: The Way of Water and upcoming Avatar films to bring Pandora to life in a brand-new way.”

There will be a boat ride similar to the Shanghai Disneyland version of Pirates of the Caribbean that will feature the “adventure of a lifetime in search of majestic natural wonders that can only be found on Pandora and the beauty – and danger – that come along with the journey. This new and thrilling excursion will bring all the action, excitement, and wonder of Avatar, taking guests all the way to the wide-open seas of Pandora. This is going to be a dynamic, intense and emotional experience on a grand scale that we know our guests will love.”

We know that the land will occupy much of the current Hollywood Backlot area, but we still don’t know the exact date construction will start. Destination D23 could provide a closing date for the Monsters, Inc. ride and an elaboration on the new land timeline. Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2026, but Disney has noted that the project is still in the early stages of development. This fan event could potentially shed more light on what Disneyland Resort fans should expect.

What are you hoping to learn more about at this year’s Destination D23? Let us know in the comments and continue to follow us here at DFB for the latest Disney news and updates!

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How are you feeling about these Disney California Adventure projects? Are you hyped, worried, or indifferent? Share your thoughts in the comments below!