Looking for breaking Disney news? These are the latest updates from the D23 Expo about Disneyland, Disney World and Adventures by Disney!

Thank you to Disney for hosting me as media at the D23 Expo.

The D23 Expo was filled with Disney news, and the Boundless Future for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products  panel? Had information that every Disney fan NEEDS to know.  From a new Disney Cruise ship, to new land updates, to new attractions to updates on  the NEW ISLAND…….there was epic info for EVERY Disney vertical!

This is an outline of the latest news from the Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland News:

Disneyland has some BIG updates coming, and quite a few of them will be coming VERY soon.  If you're searching Disneyland Vacation Guides for info, be sure to bookmark this page and add the latest parade info to your upcoming plans.

Avengers Campus: The Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure will be welcoming a third attraction (it currently has Webslingers: A Spider-Man Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission – Breakout).  The new attraction will expand the multiverse and will welcome MORE Avengers to the campus as you battle King Thanos.  This is expected to be a family friendly attraction. 

Magic Happens Parade: MAGIC HAPPENS IS COMING BACK!  Magic Happens is a daytime parade that features a Moana float, a Coco float, all our favorite classic characters, and an amazing song produced by singer-songwriter Todrick Hall.  This parade was a crowd favorite that had a VERY short run right before the Disneyland shutdown, and it's return has been highly anticipated!  The parade will return in the spring.

Nighttime Spectaculars: Disneyland will be getting not one, but TWO new nighttime spectaculars in 2023.  World of Color – One will be in Disney California Adventure and will feature all new song, Start a Wave.  Wondrous Journeys will be in Disneyland (this will be a projections and potentially fireworks show surrounding the castle) and will pay homage to ALL 60 Disney films as the 100th anniversary of the company is celebrated.

Pacific Wharf in Disney California Adventure Park: Big news!  The Pacific Wharf area will be reimagined into San Fransokyo from “Big Hero 6”, complete with a Baymax meet and greet. This project is still in the earlier phases, but there will be all new eating and shopping locations (this announcement was VERY positively received from the D23 Expo crowd)!

Downtown Disney Additions: Downtown Disney is getting some amazing new dining options.  Earlier this year, it was announced that Din Tai Fung, a restaurant that originated in Taiwan and specializes in soup dumplings will be opening.  During the D23 Expo, it was announced that Porto’s Bakery and Café, an incredibly popular Southern California bakery that serves pastries, cakes, and Cuban-inspired dishes, will also be opening at Downtown Disney.

Pixar Place Hotel: We got the info! Paradise Pier Hotel will become the Pixar Place Hotel.  There will be a Finding Nemo splashpad, some great dining options (including a Great Maple location), and PLENTY of Pixar theming throughout.  No dates have been announced for completion.

New Character Appearances: We got a LOT of new characters who will be appearing inside Disneyland resort.  The Mandalorian and Grogu will appear on Batuu at Disneyland park starting in November. In mid-September for a limited time, The Incredible Hulk who will be in Avengers Campus in his Quantum Suit.

Run Disney: BREAKING NEWS!  After a long break, Run Disney will be returning to Disneyland in 2024.  No specific races or dates have been announced, but more information should be available soon!

Toontown: Based on information provided both in the panel and in exhibits, the Toontown refurbishment is moving forward and nearing completion, it was announced that Toontown will reopen in early 2023.  Toontown will include new play areas, and an all new attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.  Fan favorites like Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin and Gadget's Go Coaster (to be renamed as Chip and Dale's Coaster) will remain.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: WE FINALLY HAVE INFO! The remimagined Splash Mountain will be opening at the Disneyland Resort (and Walt Disney World Resort) in late 2024 as Tiana's Bayou Adventure. The attraction will tell a new story that starts where “The Princess and the Frog” ended. Tiana will be hosting a party for the people of New Orleans during Carnival Season. When she realizes that she is missing a key ingredient, we will all head out on a search to find it.

Disney100 Celebration: The Disney company's 100th anniversary celebration will start in late January and will showcase many limited time events throughout the year.  There will be new decor, new outfits for our favorite Disney pals, special food and drink options….and a ton of surprises!

Which of these Disneyland Resort updates are you the most excited about?