Destination D23 Day 1: Major Movie, Ride & Park Announcements You Can’t Miss

Published on 8/30/25 by Craig Smith

Welcome to our full recap of Day 1 at Destination D23 – and wow, Disney delivered big! From new animated films to ride overlays, we’ve got all the highlights right here (and a video below, too).

Disney Animation revealed Hexed, a quirky original feature about an awkward teen discovering magical powers- landing November 2026. (Hexed gets us excited for a fresh wave of storytelling.)

Pixar fans got an early peek at Toy Story 5: introducing Smarty Pants, voiced by Conan O’Brien, and a theatrical release set for June 19, 2026.

Meanwhile, Zootopia 2 revealed Patrick Warburton as Mayor Winddancer and new story details – coming November 26.

The Ice Age franchise turns up the heat-literally-with the official title Ice Age: Boiling Point, hitting screens February 5, 2027.

Disney also gave a nod to classic sci-fi: TRON and TRON: Legacy get 4K Ultra HD SteelBook releases September 16, just ahead of a fiery Tron: Ares ride overlay debuting at Magic Kingdom on September 15.

Over at the parks, Walt Disney himself joins the Carousel of Progress as a brand-new Audio-Animatronic.

Disneyland lovers got concept art for the revamped Napa Rose outdoor dining patio-with cozy warmth, lush design, and two fireplaces-

and a new documentary, Disneyland Handcrafted, tracing the park’s origins, is coming this winter to Disney+ and YouTube.

Lastly, save the date — D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event returns to Anaheim August 14–16, 2026, with Jodi Benson as the first-ever “Fambassador” and interactive events already brewing.

Watch our video below for the full rundown — and be sure to subscribe for Day 2 highlights!