Day One of Destination D23 2025 delivered updates for fans of Disney Parks, films, Disney+, and classic franchises. Unlike the Anaheim D23 Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Destination D23 doesn’t include a dedicated parks panel, but the announcements still gave fans plenty to celebrate. These Destination D23 2025 Day 1 Highlights show why the event matters for park-goers and movie lovers alike.
Parks & Experiences
1) Carousel of Progress Welcomes Walt Disney
For the first time in more than three decades, Magic Kingdom’s Carousel of Progress is getting a major update. Extending Disneyland’s 70th anniversary success, where an Audio-Animatronic Walt Disney debuted in Walt Disney: A Magical Life, the Magic Kingdom version will soon feature Walt himself in a new opening scene. This change reconnects the attraction to its World’s Fair origins and reminds guests that progress means “a great big beautiful tomorrow.”
2) TRON: Ares Lightcycle Overlay (Orlando & Shanghai)
Starting Sept. 15 at Walt Disney World and Sept. 16 in Shanghai, TRON Lightcycle / Run will debut a Tron: Ares overlay with striking red visuals and a Nine Inch Nails soundtrack. This limited-time experience blends film promotion with a thrilling park ride.
3) Officer Clawhauser’s U.S. Debut
The cheerful cheetah from Zootopia made his first U.S. appearance onstage. This ties into the upcoming Zootopia: Better Zoogether 4D attraction opening November 7, 2025 at Animal Kingdom and the release of Zootopia 2 in November 2026. Both projects will keep Clawhauser front and center.
Films, TV & Fan Community
4) Toy Story 5: First-Look Opening
Guests saw an early version of the opening featuring 50 Buzz Lightyears stranded on an island. They must work together to find Star Command, offering a playful new twist.
5) New Toy Story 5 Characters
Two new toys join the cast: Smarty Pants, a potty-training toy voiced by Conan O’Brien, and LilyPad, a tablet-inspired villain. Both characters add humor and conflict.
6) Hexed — New Disney Animated Feature
Walt Disney Animation Studios announced Hexed, directed by Josie Trinidad and Jason Hand. Releasing in November 2026, this rare non-sequel film adds fresh storytelling to Disney Animation’s lineup.
7) Pixar’s Hoppers: First Footage
Pixar previewed Hoppers, arriving March 2026. Fans enjoyed a beaver teaching “pond rules” and a dam-building montage set to “Working for the Weekend.”
8) Star Wars Sneak Peeks
The Studios presentation continued with a look at Star Wars showcasing LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy: Pieces of the Past launching Sept. 19 and The Mandalorian & Grogu premiering May 2026. Clips featured alternate-universe Grogu, AT-AT battle action, Sigourney Weaver in a commanding new role, and wait… was that a Hut in a colosseum battle?
9) Leslie Iwerks’ Disneyland Documentary
Filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, known for The Imagineering Story, revealed a new Disneyland documentary. The film will premiere on Disney+ this winter and highlight the park’s enduring legacy.
10) Jodi Benson Named First-Ever D23 FAN-bassador
Disney Legend Jodi Benson created one of the day’s most emotional moments. Before her appointment, she sang “Disneyland” from Smile, a song loved by fans dreaming of Walt’s original park. Moments later, she became the first D23 FAN-bassador. This role celebrates the connection between Disney Legends and fans.
Honorable Mentions
- Toy Story (1995) returns to theaters Sept. 12, 2025, celebrating 30 years of Pixar magic.
- Emperor’s New Groove marked its 25th anniversary with a reunion featuring Don Hahn and Patrick Warburton.
- Disney Eats shared foodie updates, including the Beak & Barrel Tavern, seasonal treats, and collectible popcorn buckets.
- Phineas & Ferb creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh held a live drawing session that delighted fans.
- Joey Fatone performed “Trashin’ the Camp” alongside Broadway star Michael James Scott, surprising the crowd.
- Fresh Zootopia 2 artwork and a Macy’s Parade preview offered a colorful glimpse of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde’s next adventures.
