Every Major Update for Disney Parks, Resorts, & Cruise Line from D23 2025

Disney held its Destination D23 event over the weekend, inviting fans from around the world for three days of announcements, showcases, and celebration.

This year, the annual fan event was held at Coronado Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort from Aug. 29 to 31, 2025. Over three days, attendees were given access to a series of panels where spokespersons revealed upcoming updates to Disney parks, resorts, and cruise line.

Disney has released the date and location of next year’s D23, promising another year of showcases filled with sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes moments, performances, shopping, surprises, and more. D23 2026 will be held from Aug. 14 to 16, 2026 at Disneyland.

Cinderella Castle Revitalization

Disney revealed Walt Disney World’s Cinderella Castle, the iconic structure found in Magic Kingdom, is getting a nostalgia-based repaint. Currently, the structure is still featuring the 50th anniversary paint job, which incorporated pale pink and blue tones with gold embellishments.

The new color palette of greys, creams, blues, and gold touches is inspired by the castle’s original appearance (picture above). The paint system incorporates UV- and weather-resistant, automotive-grade materials, including high-gloss finishes on gold elements that will shimmer under the Florida sunlight.

No timeline has been announced for when the repaint will be completed.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Refresh

Destination D23 also put a spotlight on enhancements to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at Disneyland Resort. Disneyland Resort culinary director John State shared a first look at concept art for the new outdoor patio planned for restaurant Napa Rose, part of the ongoing renovation at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Napa Rose is undergoing an extensive reimagining. It closed in spring 2025 and is scheduled to reopen in fall 2025 with a refreshed interior drawing on California’s wine heritage—featuring reclaimed French oak, artisan metals, a grapevine-inspired chandelier, expanded patios with fireplaces, and both new and enduring menu items.

Disney Cruise Line: Disney Destiny Bar and Cocktail Details Revealed

Disney Destiny: Signature Lounges and Cocktails

Ahead of the new cruise ship Disney Destiny’s maiden voyage on Nov. 20, D23 revealed new details about the upcoming ship’s themed bars and beverage offerings.

• Haunted Mansion Parlor (also featured on Disney Treasure) will debut an exclusive cocktail menu. Highlights include a new version of the Chilling Challenge, crafted with Camus VSOP Cognac, Cointreau Noir, Joto Yuzu Sake, orange blossom foam, and edible viola flowers. The lounge will also also debut two new mugs for purchase: a Poseidon mug and a siren mug.
• Cask & Cannon, like The Beak & Barrel lounge at Walt Disney World, is themed to “Pirates of the Caribbean.” At D23, Disney Cruise Line unveiled art for a new shareable cocktail called The Dead Man’s Chest, which blends Zacapa 23 Solera rum, pineapple, lime juice, agave nectar, and coconut froth.
• The Sanctum, a Marvel-themed lounge inspired by Doctor Strange, will serve Mirror Dimension. Made with Stoli Elit vodka, lychee, lemon juice, pink peppercorn, and Electricdust Buzz Rock, the drink is presented in a unique, touch-reactive glass.

Entertainment: Dr. Facilier Experience

A new character-driven offering will bring Dr. Facilier from “The Princess and the Frog” aboard the Disney Destiny. Guests may encounter the villain in the Grand Hall or in his own makeshift parlor, where he will perform sleight of hand, card tricks, and interactive illusions.

Disney Park Updates

TRON: Ares Overlay on TRON Lightcycle / Run

In alignment with the upcoming “TRON: Ares” release, Disney is introducing a limited-time overlay to TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom. Starting Sept. 15, 2025, the ride will transition from its usual blue theme to red and orange lighting, and will feature a new soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails, enhancing the ride with a renewed, adrenaline-fueled ambiance.

Walt Disney Joins Carousel of Progress via New Animatronic

Disney is refreshing the Carousel of Progress experience at Magic Kingdom by inserting a new Animatronic of Walt Disney himself at the show’s beginning. In this new opening scene, Walt will personally welcome guests and present his forward-looking vision, before the ride’s familiar story unfolds.