Theme Park News - August 25-31, 2025

Destination D23 Brings Big Announcements to Walt Disney World Resort

This past weekend’s Destination D23 event at Walt Disney World Resort served up a string of announcements, sneak peeks and updates across the parks. From a new Audio‑Animatronics figure to a limited time ride overlay and a refreshed castle palette, here’s a concise roundup of what fans can expect. 

Walt Disney’s Audio‑Animatronics Figure Coming to the Carousel of Progress 

Disney announced that a new Audio‑Animatronics figure of Walt Disney will be added to “Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress” at Magic Kingdom. Imagineers say the attraction’s heart will remain intact while being refreshed for a new generation of fans. Details about the rest of the family—John, Sarah and others—are still to come, but the addition aims to enhance the nostalgic storytelling that’s long been central to the show. 

Tron: Ares Overlay Debuts on TRON Lightcycle / Run 

A new limited time overlay called Tron: Ares will transform TRON Lightcycle / Run into an even more intense digital race. The experience swaps the ride’s usual blue and orange neon for vivid red and orange light trails, amplifying the sensation of speed and immersion. The overlay will also feature a pulse of industrial soundscapes—announced to include music by Nine Inch Nails—to heighten the ride’s energy. Guests can experience Tron: Ares at Magic Kingdom starting September 15 for a limited run. 

Cinderella Castle Gets a New Color Palette 

Cinderella Castle will receive an updated color scheme inspired by classic, original looks. The new rendering shared at D23 features a palette of grays, creams, blues and touches of gold designed to highlight the castle’s architecture while honoring its five-decade legacy as the park’s centerpiece. 

That’s the latest from Destination D23—expect more details and timelines as Disney releases them. Stay tuned for further updates on these stories. 

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Featuring Muppets Set for 2026 Launch

Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will race into Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026, and new details reveal a zanier, more musical take on the highspeed classic. 

The Electric Mayhem headlines the reimagined attraction, but there’s a twist: the band is missing the night of their big Hollywood concert. Park guests will get a VIP tour of G-force Records—now under Muppet management—where Scooter and a cast of familiar faces scramble to locate the musicians and get them onstage. 

G-force has been given a colorful Muppet makeover (with some help from Scooter’s uncle, real estate magnate J.P. Grosse), and the attraction’s signature oversized guitar gets a psychedelic facelift inspired by classic Muppet style. A piano motif at the guitar’s base even features a golden key nodding to the band’s flamboyant leader. 

Inside the studio, penguin audio engineers keep the amps humming while Scooter tries to herd the jam happy Electric Mayhem toward the show. When diplomacy fails, Muppet Labs and a supersonic limousine provide the solution—a twisting, screaming road trip across Hollywood to reach the concert in time. Iconic Tinseltown sights appear with unmistakable Muppet twists while the Mayhem’s rock ready setlist keeps the adrenaline pumping. 

Disney promises more reveals ahead as the attraction’s story, visual details, and soundtrack are finalized. For fans of frenetic rides and irreverent Muppet humor, 2026 can’t come soon enough. Stay tuned for more updates.