LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The biggest Disney fan event of the year delivered a mix of nostalgia, live performances and exciting news about attractions around the world.
Held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Destination D23 gathered some of the creative minds behind projects for future and classic attractions.
Disney officials announced significant changes across its Florida resort over the weekend, including a new color scheme for its iconic Cinderella Castle and the addition of a Walt Disney audio-animatronic figure to one classic attraction.
Cinderella Castle, Magic Kingdom’s centerpiece since 1971, will receive a makeover featuring shades of gray, cream, and blue with gold accents. The 189-foot landmark’s new color palette draws inspiration from its original design while maintaining the castle’s architectural prominence.
The Carousel of Progress, one of Walt Disney’s personal creations, will welcome guests with a new audio-animatronic figure of Disney himself. The attraction, which has operated at Magic Kingdom since 1975, holds the record for most performances in American theater history.
Starting Sept. 15, TRON Lightcycle/Run will feature an overlay themed to “Tron: Ares,” the upcoming Walt Disney Studios film releasing Oct. 10. The limited-time experience will incorporate red color schemes and a custom soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails.
Disney Imagineers also revealed architectural research for the planned Villains-themed land at Magic Kingdom. The creative team visited Paris and Barcelona to study Art Nouveau architecture, developing what they term “Conjured Architecture” – a blend of historical and fantastical elements that will define the new area’s design.
The developments are part of a broader expansion across Walt Disney World’s four theme parks. Company officials said the changes reflect Disney’s commitment to innovation while preserving classic attractions.