Disney has been moving fast lately, and honestly, it’s starting to feel like the theme parks are changing in real time. One week, everything feels normal. The next, there’s a new permit, a construction wall, a rumor swirling online, or a major announcement that makes fans immediately start planning their next trip.
And if you’ve been paying attention, you already know Disney isn’t slowing down.
The wild part is that some of the biggest updates for 2026 might not even be fully revealed yet. Disney has teased just enough to keep fans talking, but there are still huge question marks hanging over multiple projects.
The D23 Announcements We’re All Waiting For
At this point, it feels pretty obvious that Disney is saving some major reveals for D23 this year.
Sure, we already know about several upcoming lands and rides, but Disney has been unusually quiet about timelines, ride systems, and what these new areas will actually look like when they’re finished. That silence usually means one thing: they’re holding back key details until they can make a big splash on stage.
Coco Ride Coming to Disney Parks
Disney’s first Coco ride was announced at D23 2024, and construction to expand Disney California Adventure and install the ride began in 2026. However, we’re still lacking some major details.
Disney still needs to reveal what the expanded area around the family-friendly boat ride will look like, what kind of special effects and animatronics we should expect, and other ride details.
If Disney drops new concept art or a projected opening window at D23, this could easily become one of the most talked-about updates of the year.
A Brand New Spider-Man Coaster
We also expect updates on Disney Adventure World and the Spider-Man Roller Coaster at Shanghai Disneyland.
That may not sound huge at first, but Disney’s international expansions have been some of its biggest and most ambitious projects lately. When Disney builds overseas, it usually means high-budget attractions, cutting-edge ride technology, and brand-new lands designed to pull in global tourism.
If Disney gives major progress updates at D23, it could signal that 2026 will be the year these overseas parks steal even more attention.
EPCOT Might Be Planning Something Bigger Than We Think
EPCOT has been suspiciously quiet on the expansion front, so it would not shock us to learn that big plans are in the works there, as well. Even though EPCOT has recently received quite a few changes, maybe Disney is just focusing on other areas for now.
Still, EPCOT feels like the kind of park where Disney could drop a surprise announcement at any time, especially if it involves a major franchise addition or a reimagined pavilion.
The New Avatar Land Has Huge Unanswered Questions
Disney first confirmed that an Avatar-themed land was coming to Disney California Adventure at D23 in 2024. We learned that the area will differ from Animal Kingdom’s Pandora, inspired by Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) and future Avatar films.
Disney also confirmed that it will include a thrilling, beautiful adventure boat-style experience that takes guests into the oceans of Pandora. In 2025, we learned that the land will replace much of the Hollywood Land backlot area, including the Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! dark ride, which is expected to close in early 2026. But that’s about it…
Disney still hasn’t revealed a land name, ride name, or projected opening window, and fans are basically stuck guessing what the final layout will look like. That’s why this year’s D23 feels like the perfect opportunity for Disney to finally drop real concept art, clearer timelines, and more details on how this land will connect to the rest of Disney California Adventure.
New Expansions Across Disney’s Parks
For the last several years, Disney has really zeroed in on expanding its theme parks overseas. Tokyo, Shanghai, Paris, and Hong Kong have all seen major projects move forward rapidly.
From Lion King lands to new Worlds of Frozen, Disney has made it clear that its international parks are no longer side projects. They’re becoming headline destinations.
That’s why it would be shocking if D23 doesn’t bring big updates on projects like The Lion King Land at Disney Adventure World and the Spider-Man Roller Coaster at Shanghai Disneyland.
Avengers Campus Is About to Level Up
Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure is doubling in size with two new attractions and more offerings. Construction has been underway for around a year, and the progress has been noticeable.
We already know we’re getting Avengers Infinity Defense, a major dark ride where Thanos wins, and Stark Flight Lab, a flight simulator-style attraction featuring Tony Stark himself.
Now Disney needs to do the next thing fans want most: provide official timelines. D23 would be the perfect moment for Disney to start locking in dates and building even more hype.
Disneyland Additions Are Next in Line
Disneyland Park flew under the radar in 2025 compared to Disney California Adventure’s momentum from its massive expansion.
That’s why it wouldn’t be surprising if Disney uses D23 to tease what’s next for the original park. Whether it’s a new attraction, a reimagined land, or a major upgrade to an existing area, Disneyland feels overdue for a big headline announcement.
Disney World’s New Lands Get Timelines and Ride Details
And then there’s Disney World, where the list of upcoming expansions is already huge.
Between Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom, Piston Peak and Villains Land at Magic Kingdom, and Monstropolis coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the resort is clearly headed toward a major transformation.
But Disney still hasn’t offered enough clarity on timelines. Fans have concept art, but they want real projected dates and ride details. If Disney provides those at D23, it could completely reshape how guests plan their Disney World trips for 2026 and beyond.
Final Thoughts
If Disney plays its cards right, 2026 could be one of the most exciting theme park years in a long time.
Between Disney California Adventure’s growing list of expansions, major international projects, and Disney World’s incoming lands, there’s a lot on the table. Now it’s just a matter of Disney finally connecting the dots and revealing what’s coming next.
The post 8 NEW Disney Expansion Updates That Could Transform the Parks in 2026 appeared first on Inside the Magic.
