Disney’s Destination D23 Day 1 Delivers Major Park and Fan-Event Announcements

ORLANDO, FLORIDA (August 30, 2025) - Disney kicked off Day 1 of its Destination D23 fan celebration with a slate of breakthrough park updates, exclusive trailers, and the first look at next year’s Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

New Audio-Animatronic Walt Disney Debuts in Carousel of Progress At 3:30 p.m., Walt Disney Imagineering revealed that the classic Carousel of Progress attraction at Magic Kingdom will receive a brand-new scene featuring an Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney himself. This marks the first update to the iconic show in 30 years, aiming to introduce “a great big, beautiful tomorrow” to a new generation of visitors.

TRON Lightcycle Runs to Get Nine Inch Nails Soundtrack Overlay Disney Parks announced that beginning September 15, Walt Disney World’s TRON Lightcycle / Run will debut a red “Ares” overlay accompanied by music composed by Nine Inch Nails. Shanghai Disney Resort’s TRON Lightcycle Power Rides follows on September 16, offering fans an immersive, industrial-rock experience.

Studios Showcase: Major Trailers and Projects The Walt Disney Studios showcase featured new footage for several high-profile projects:

  • Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu trailer, including BDX droids battling an AT-AT walker and Sigourney Weaver’s surprise appearance. The feature hits theaters May 22, 2026.
  • Avatar: The Last Airbender - Fire and Ash teaser reel, showcasing elemental battles in stunning Pandora locales.
  • Marvel’s Russo Brothers joined Paul Rudd to discuss The Avengers: Doomsday, slated for December 2026.

Jodi Benson Announced as D23 Fan-bassador; Next Ultimate Fan Event Dates Revealed Michael Vargo, President of D23, introduced Disney Legend Jodi Benson as the first official D23 “Fan-bassador.” He also confirmed that D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will return to Anaheim on August 14-16, 2026, with tickets going on sale next spring.

Behind-the-Scenes Previews and Fan-Favorite Panels Throughout the afternoon, Destination D23 attendees enjoyed:

  • Sneak peeks at Zootopia 2 concept art and holiday parade floats.
  • A surprise performance of “Trashin’ the Camp” from Tarzan by Joey Fatone and Michael James Scott.
  • Previews of a new Disney Eats holiday menu and reopening plans for Napa Rose at Disneyland.
  • Announcements about upcoming D23 Spotlight Series events, including a Halloween “Boo-nanza” in California and a Percy Jackson celebration on Disney+.

Destination D23 continues Sunday with panels on Broadway’s Disney shows, global Disney archives exhibits, and the fan-favorite Kuzcotopia Night at Typhoon Lagoon.