Disney just wrapped up Day 1 of Destination D23, and they packed some major announcements into the event. From a groundbreaking Carousel of Progress update to new popcorn buckets and even a levitating cocktail, here’s everything you need to know from the Disney fan convention.
Carousel of Progress Gets Its First Major Update in Over 30+ Years
The biggest news of the day? Imagineer Chris Beatty took the stage and shared that Carousel of Progress is getting its first major update in over 30 years. Not only that, they’re also adding a new introductory scene that features a brand new Walt Disney animatronic.
This is huge news for several reasons. First, Disney just debuted their first Walt Disney animatronic at Disneyland this summer as part of “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.” But this new Walt figure will sport a different look. Instead, he’ll be wearing the iconic blue cardigan from the 1964 Disneyland Goes to the World’s Fair TV special, when Walt first introduced Carousel of Progress to the world.
I absolutely love this update. Walt personally worked on Carousel of Progress, and it he loved this attraction attractions. Having him appear in the attraction feels like the perfect “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” for this classic show that’s one of the few attractions at Walt Disney World that Walt personally worked on.
Disney says to stay tuned for more details on what the rest of the family is up to, so it sounds like Imagineering has a lot planned for John, Sarah, Rover, and everyone else. I think we might see updates beyond just the new introductory scene with Walt.
D23 2026 Dates
Disney shared that D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will return to the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center from August 14-16, 2026. Tickets go on sale in the spring.
Tron Gets a Tron: Ares Movie-inspired Overlay
Tron: Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom is getting a makeover that has me seeing red. Tron Lightcycle Run is getting a Tron: Ares inspired overlay with red and orange visuals, and new music by Nine Inch Nails.
The overlay debuts September 15th at Magic Kingdom, and September 16th at Shanghai Disneyland. This is a smart way to tie the attraction into the upcoming Tron: Ares film while giving the ride a fresh feel with new visuals and soundtrack. I’m keeping my fingers crossed the new red look sticks around in some way.
New Leslie Iwerks Disneyland Documentary Coming to Disney+
Imagineering Story Director Leslie Iwerks has a new parks documentary about the making of Disneyland using rarely seen footage of a film crew that Walt hired to document the building of the park from 1954 to 1955.
Called Disneyland Handcrafted, it debuts this winter on Disney+. For Disney history buffs, this looks like an incredible deep dive into the making of the Happiest Place on Earth.
Dining and Merchandise Updates
Disney Eats shared several food and beverage updates:
Napa Rose Refurbishment: Napa Rose at the Grand Californian Hotel is being refurbished, the menu is getting an overhaul, and we got a look at the brand new al fresco outdoor dining area that will feature two fireplaces.
Holiday Merchandise: Disney Eats also gave a sneak peek at the seasonal dining options (there’s a lot of gingerbread coming to the parks this winter). Plus, there will be plenty of popcorn buckets and souvenir mugs coming this holiday season and next year. New items include a Monsters, Inc scream canister popcorn bucket and this Winnie the Pooh and piglet easter popcorn bucket that got a big awww out of the crowd.
Disney Destiny Cocktail: Perhaps the most eye-catching reveal was a crazy Doctor Strange-inspired cocktail that will levitate and electrify coming to the Sanctum, the Dr Strange themed lounge on the Disney Destiny.
Looking Ahead
This was just Day 1 of Destination D23. The Carousel of Progress update is particularly exciting because it shows Disney’s commitment to preserving and updating their classic attractions while honoring Walt’s legacy.
The addition of Walt himself to introduce one of his favorite attractions feels incredibly fitting. Carousel of Progress has always been about progress and looking toward tomorrow, and having Walt kick off each show should add even more meaning to this timeless attraction as it continues to revolve for generations to come.
What are your thoughts on these announcements? Are you excited to see Walt Disney himself introduce Carousel of Progress?
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