Disney has had a huge year. New movies are coming. New rides are being built. Big changes are happening at the parks too. This guide breaks it all down in one simple place.
Disney Just Held Its Biggest Fan Event of the Year
Every so often, Disney throws a massive event called D23. It’s built just for fans. This year, it happened August 14 through 16, 2026, in Anaheim, California.
Thousands of fans showed up. Neil Patrick Harris hosted the event. Disney used the weekend to share news about movies, parks, and more. Let’s walk through the biggest moments.
New Disney Movies Coming Soon
Disney has a packed movie schedule ahead. A lot of big titles are on the way.
Toy Story 5 is one of the most anticipated releases. It brings back Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie. This time, the story explores what happens when toys meet new technology. New voices are joining the cast too, including Conan O’Brien and Bad Bunny.
Avengers: Doomsday is set to hit theaters this December. Before that, Disney is bringing back Avengers: Endgame for a limited theatrical re-release on September 25.
Other new titles are coming too. The Bluey Movie arrives in 2027. The New Simpsons Movie is set for September 2027. A new X-Men movie is coming in 2028, featuring stars like Adam Driver and Kit Connor. Lilo & Stitch 2 is also planned for 2028.
For younger fans, Disney is also expanding into new animated projects, including a LEGO Star Wars special tied to The Mandalorian, debuting on Disney+ this September.
Big Changes Coming to Disney Parks
Disney isn’t just focused on movies. The parks are getting a serious upgrade too.
A brand-new Villains Land is coming to Magic Kingdom. It will include a roller coaster themed around Maleficent. There’s also a dark ride based on the Evil Queen’s Magic Mirror. Expect other villains to show up too, including Cruella de Vil.
Over at EPCOT, Journey Into Imagination is getting a full makeover. Fans are especially excited that Figment and Dreamfinder are coming back.
Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park is also being reimagined. Disney hasn’t shared every detail yet, but fans can expect a fresh new look and feel.
Animal Kingdom is getting new additions too. One is an Indiana Jones-themed ride, taking guests into an ancient Maya temple. Another new attraction is based on Encanto. It’s called Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto and lets guests explore the Madrigal family’s magical home.
There’s also exciting news for Pixar fans. The first-ever Coco ride is being developed, with Imagineers working closely with Pixar. It ties into the upcoming Coco 2 movie as well.
One classic favorite is also making a comeback. The Yeti in Expedition Everest is being brought back to life after being inactive for years.
New at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
At Disney World, changes are already underway. A new experience called The Magic of Disney Animation is set to open September 14, 2026, at Hollywood Studios. It’s designed as a family-friendly attraction celebrating the art of animation.
The BoardWalk Entertainment District is also getting an update. A new lounge is expected to open there later in 2026.
Leadership Changes at Disney
Disney has also seen some leadership shifts this year. Jeff Vahle, who served as President of Walt Disney World Resort, retired on July 31, 2026. Joe Schott has stepped into that role.
Former Disney CEO Bob Iger was also honored this year. He received the title of Disney Legend at D23 2026. Iger led the company for more than two decades. During that time, he oversaw major acquisitions like Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. He also helped launch Disney+ back in 2019.
Other big names joined the 2026 Disney Legends class too, including Dwayne Johnson and a member of the Jonas Brothers.
New Movie Technology: Infinity Vision
Disney also introduced something new for movie theaters. It’s called Infinity Vision. This is a custom large-format screen system, similar to premium formats used for big blockbuster releases.
It’s expected to officially launch with the re-release of Avengers: Endgame on September 25, 2026.
Disney’s Streaming Success
Disney+ continues to be a major part of the company’s strategy. Shows like The Mandalorian remain hugely popular, with more than 1.3 billion hours streamed globally. That success is part of why Disney keeps expanding its slate of Star Wars content, including new specials built around fan-favorite characters.
Why 2026 Is a Big Year for Disney
Between new movie releases, major park expansions, and leadership changes, 2026 has been packed with Disney news. The company continues to invest heavily in both its theatrical lineup and its theme park experiences, showing no signs of slowing down.
Fans have plenty to look forward to, from new rides breaking ground this year to major films landing in theaters over the next few years.
Final Remarks
Disney’s 2026 lineup shows just how much the company continues to grow across movies, parks, and streaming. From nostalgic returns like Toy Story 5 and Avengers content, to brand-new park lands like Villains Land, there’s something for every type of Disney fan. With even more announcements likely on the horizon, this is a great time to be following along with everything Disney is building next.
