D23 Expo 2026 Offers New Looks at Walt Disney World Projects, Including Tropical Americas, Piston Peak and Villains Land
D23 2026: First Looks at Tropical Americas, Piston Peak, Villains Land and Monstropolis at Walt Disney World
This year’s D23 Expo is officially underway, and Disney Imagineering is giving fans an exciting first look at some of the projects in development for Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, and beyond.
From new models and maquettes to attraction costumes and concept artwork, the D23 displays offer a glimpse into how Imagineers are bringing some of Disney’s biggest upcoming projects to life.
For Walt Disney World fans, several of the biggest reveals focus on Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios..
Carousel of Progress Gets New Details
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, at the Magic Kingdom’s exhibit has several new pieces offering a look at the work going into the attraction.
The display includes two new costumes—one inspired by the 1960s scene and another representing the attraction’s Future scene.
The display provides another glimpse at how Disney is continuing to honor the attraction’s history while incorporating new elements.
Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
One of the biggest areas of interest for Walt Disney World fans is Tropical Americas, the new land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The D23 Expo display gives guests a closer look at the upcoming Encanto attraction, including Audio-Animatronics figures that will appear in one of the attraction’s scenes.
Imagineering also has a model of the Indiana Jones attraction’s temple façade. This gives fans another look at the architecture for the new attraction.
Adding even more character to the pavilion are four sculpted figures representing animal friends that guests will encounter on the carousel coming to Tropical Americas.
Piston Peak National Park Comes Into Focus
Over at Magic Kingdom, Disney is also offering a spectacular look at Piston Peak National Park.
The centerpiece of the display is a massive 19-by-19-foot model depicting the upcoming Cars-inspired area.
The model provides an expanded look at the new themed environment and, perhaps most excitingly, includes a first glimpse at the area’s second attraction.
Based on what is shown, the attraction appears to draw inspiration from Fritter Time from Cars 3. I’m honestly getting Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree or Alien Swirling Saucer vibes here. We’ll get those details later this weekend. So stay tuned.
Monstropolis Comes to Life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The future of Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also represented with a closer look at Monstropolis, the upcoming land inspired by Monsters, Inc.
Guests can see a mood board showcasing the design inspiration behind the various neighborhoods of Monstropolis. The display includes sketches and design renderings that help establish the look and feel of the future land.
Imagineers are also displaying painted maquettes of several monster-fied critters, including a pigeon, squirrel, and rabbit.
A First Look at Villains Land
One of the most anticipated additions coming to Magic Kingdom is the mysterious Villains-themed land.
While Disney continues to keep many details under wraps, the D23 pavilion provides a small glimpse at the direction Imagineering is taking.
The display includes two themed tree sculpts, offering a taste of the atmosphere, environment, and visual language being developed for the new land.
Research & Development Projects
The D23 experience isn’t limited to attractions and lands already announced for Walt Disney World.
Guests can also experience an interactive Star Wars-inspired activation as part of Disney Imagineering’s Research & Development projects.
The display also includes a look at Hugo’s Sweets & Fizz, a new Star Wars food truck animatronic show planned for Disneyland Resort.
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