Disney’s D23 Annual convention has come and gone. D23 is the official fan club for The Walt Disney Company, created to bring Disney enthusiasts closer to the magic of Disney’s films, theme parks, television shows, and other entertainment ventures. The name “D23” refers to the year 1923, when Walt Disney founded the company.

D23 is known for several key activities and benefits:

1. D23 Expo: The D23 Expo is a biennial event that serves as the ultimate Disney fan experience. Held in Anaheim, California, the Expo features exclusive presentations, panels, and exhibits. Fans get sneak peeks at upcoming Disney projects, including films, theme park attractions, and more. It’s also a place where Disney unveils major announcements.
2. Membership Tiers: D23 offers different levels of membership, including free and paid options. Paid members receive special perks like exclusive merchandise, collectible items, a subscription to Disney twenty-three magazine, and access to special events.
3. Exclusive Events: D23 hosts various events throughout the year, ranging from film screenings and tours to exclusive meet-and-greets with Disney legends and creatives. These events are often held at Disney parks and studios, offering members unique behind-the-scenes experiences.
4. D23 Website and Magazine: The D23 website features news, articles, and exclusive content for Disney fans. Members receive the Disney twenty-three magazine, which includes in-depth stories about Disney history, upcoming projects, and more.
5. Disney Archives: D23 often collaborates with the Walt Disney Archives to bring rare and historical Disney artifacts to its events and exhibitions, offering fans a deep dive into Disney’s storied past.

In essence, D23 is the ultimate club for Disney fans, providing them with a direct connection to the company and its rich history, as well as a community of like-minded enthusiasts who share a love for all things Disney.

This Year’s Announcements

This year’s announcements were nothing short of amazing if you are a fan of Disney World in Florida. For the first time in, well, forever… Disney World received the majority of the focus of new rides and attractions. Here is a list of the major announcements that were made from the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA on Saturday, August 10, 2024.

Disney Starlight

Coming in the Summer of 2025, a NEW Nighttime Parade in Magic Kingdom, “Disney Starlight”. This will be the first nighttime parade in Magic Kingdom since “Disney’s Electrical Light Parade” last performed on September 1, 2022.

Disney Starlight is described to continue the nighttime spectacular legacy started by the “Main Street Electrical Parade” using the latest technology to tell new stories about the characters you love. All of this is brought to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy, in addition to beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios films “Peter Pan,” “Encanto,” “Frozen,” and more.

Tropical Americas Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney will be revamping the Dinoland section of AK with a new theme, two new attractions and a revamped attraction.

Dinoland in AK has always seemed to have been an afterthought from when the park was originally built. With only one attraction and one quick-service restaurant, it was not a prime destination in the park. Disney hopes to change this by re-imagining Dinoland into “The Tropical Americas”. The new land will have lush tropic flowers and greenery that will make you feel as though you were transported into the jungles of Central and South America.

The only current attraction in the Dinoland section of AK, “Dinosaur”, will be re-imagined into a new Indiana Jones ride with a new story line set in the Tropical Americas. In this new venture, the man with the hat has recently discovered a perfectly preserved Maya temple, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to explore it. He’s heard rumors about a mythical creature deep within the temple — and he’s got to see it for himself. So, he brings us along on the adventure… but will there be snakes? We’ll just have to wait and see.

A brand new carousel will also be coming the the Tropical Americas. The space will be lush and sprawling, featuring a large fountain in the center where the villagers like to gather and tell stories. Additionally, a woodcarver has created a giant working carousel featuring his favorite animals from Disney stories. It’s a new take on a classic attraction that young families are going to love.

Encanto

If you’re a fan of drawers, floors, and doors, let’s go! The first-ever “Encanto”-themed ride-through attraction is coming to Animal Kingdom, featuring the beloved Madrigal family from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film. Inside the Casita, Antonio has just received his special gift — the ability to communicate with animals — and his room has transformed into a rainforest. It’s time to go explore alongside him, and you never know what member of the family you might bump into…

Construction on the Tropical Americas will start soon and the land is expected to open in 2027.

CHECK BACK SOON FOR PART 2 OF THE D23 ANNOUNCEMENTS