The Disney Experiences Showcase, titled Horizons: A Carousel of Progress and hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, laid out a roadmap for the company’s global parks and cruise lines.
The Bottom Line
- Nostalgia and Reimagining: Disney Legends Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston are stepping into the Carousel of Progress as Mom and Dad starting in late spring 2027, while classic dark rides from Paris to Tokyo receive major overhauls.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe Anchors California Adventure’s Expansion
Disney is doubling down on that strategy at Disney California Adventure. According to Disney Experiences, the upcoming Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab will open in 2028, doubling the size of Avengers Campus.
Avengers Infinity Defense will feature Robert Downey Jr. returning as Iron Man, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, and Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel, as guests help reassemble the team to battle King Thanos. Meanwhile, over at Hong Kong Disneyland, the skyline of Stark Expo is expanding with a new Avengers Pavilion and Quinjet landing platform.
Nostalgia Meets Modern Tech: Casting Changes and Animatronic Triumphs
While new lands command headlines, Disney is also updating legacy attractions. The Carousel of Progress is getting a cultural refresh. Disney Legend Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston have been cast as the new Mom and Dad, alongside a newly updated 1980s scene debuting in late spring 2027.
Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum confirmed regarding Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest that the team is bringing the Yeti back to life inside the attraction.
| Attraction / Project | Location | Projected Timeline / Debut |
|---|---|---|
| Avengers Infinity Defense & Stark Flight Lab | Disney California Adventure | 2028 |
| Carousel of Progress (New Cast & 1980s Scene) | Disneyland | Late Spring 2027 |
| Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto | Walt Disney World (Animal Kingdom) | Upcoming (Tropical Americas) |
| The Imagineering Story Season 2 | Disney+ | Early 2028 |
Global Immersive Strategy Across Parks and Platforms
The announcements extended far beyond domestic borders. At Disneyland Paris’ Disney Adventure World, The Lion King is receiving its first Disney Parks attraction, featuring a 120-foot-high Pride Rock and a flume system complete with a 52-foot drop depicting Simba’s final confrontation with Scar. In Tokyo, the reimagined Tomorrowland will welcome Space Mountain: Earthrise, while Disneyland Paris prepares to transition Hyperspace Mountain back to its roots as Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune.
Back at Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom’s upcoming Tropical Americas area received a specific title for its Encanto attraction: Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto. According to production updates, the ride will feature original voice talent reprising their roles, including Stephanie Beatriz (Mirabel), Jessica Darrow (Luisa), and Diane Guerrero (Isabella).
As D23 2026 continues through the weekend at the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center—with the upcoming Disney Legends Awards Ceremony hosted by Ryan Seacrest honoring figures like Chris Berman, Jerry Bruckheimer, Susan Egan, Eric Goldberg, Anne Hathaway, Bob Iger, Kim Irvine, Dwayne Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Alan Tudyk—the message from the corporate leadership is clear.
The Takeaway
What do you think of these major park additions, and which upcoming attraction tops your must-visit list? Let us know in the comments below.
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