These Disney Announcements Could Be GAME-CHANGERS

While August may feel like it’s a world away, the truth is that it’ll be here before we know it. And this August is extra special, because D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event returns to Anaheim for its bi-yearly event August 14th-16th, and we couldn’t be more stoked.

©Disney

We often get LOTS of major announcements this weekend, ranging from Disney media news to new film and TV shows we can expect, and sometimes, if we’re extra lucky, information on new expansions, attractions, or other plans Disney has for its parks. While this news can be spread out across the panels at both the Honda Center and the Anaheim Convention Center, there are a few panels we can already expect BIG news to come from. If you’re planning to attend this year and you want to be one of the first to hear the news, these are the two panels you CANNOT miss.

Currently, Disney has only announced three of the panels coming to The Honda Center for D23. They are:

Disney Entertainment Showcase (August 14th at 7 PM)
Disney Experiences Showcase (August 15th at 7 PM)
Disney Legends Award Ceremony (August 16th at 1:30 PM)

While it’s very much expected there WILL be more announced for this spot, many people stay at the Anaheim Convention Center all day for the panels there, as well as the show floor, and then head over to the Honda Center for these big panels at the end of each day. The Disney Legends Award Ceremony is pretty self-explanatory, especially since Disney has already announced who the legends being honored will be this year, but the other two? We could get A LOT of news out of those.

©Disney

When it comes to the Disney Entertainment Showcase, the first evening, this is likely where we’ll hear A LOT of news about Disney’s upcoming film and TV offerings, both those that have already been announced and new ones. We’ve often seen them bring out celebrities to help them break some of this big news. It could include trailers or first looks at upcoming films, like the sequel to Lilo & Stitch, Incredibles 3, some of the currently untitled Disney and Marvel films coming in 2028, and perhaps announcements about the slots Disney is holding in theaters for 2029.

©Disney

Now, the Disney Experiences Showcase on August 15th is where things could get VERY interesting, as it’s possible we could get LOTS of news about what could be coming soon to Disney Parks around the world…or very little. This presentation could give us news and new looks at the new Villains Land and/or Piston Peak coming to Magic Kingdom, the Monsters Inc. Land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Pueblo Esperanza coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, not to mention all the expansions coming to Disneyland Resort. This is also where we could hear news about upcoming lands, attractions, or refurbishments coming to rides at Disney parks around the world. Not that we necessarily see Disney doing it, but if they WERE going to announce a fifth gate for Disney World, this is when they’d likely do it.

Monster’s Inc. rollercoaster model at D23 (2024)

However, as we’ve seen multiple times before, what’s announced here are often Blue Sky projects, meaning that there’s always a chance they WON’T end up happening, or will see lots of change before they actually come to life. There have been numerous times where Disney announces a big project, like a new ride or hotel, and alas, it ends up falling off the project list, never to be heard of again (we’re looking at you, EPCOT Mary Poppins ride).

©Disney

Tickets go on sale beginning on March 31st for D23 Charter Members, then D23 Gold Members on Essential, Choice, and Preferred plans will get access at 10 AM PT on April 2nd, followed finally by D23 Gold Members on complimentary plans through Disney+, who will get access on April 2nd at 12 PM PT. We’ll be in attendance at D23 and will be bringing you all the latest news from each and every panel and showcase we attend, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB!

SNEAK PEEK at What Is Coming to Disney’s Biggest Fan Event of the Year

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