In this episode of Daps Magic – Disney and Positive Stuff, host Mr. Daps is joined by IGN writer and Talking Disney Magic co-host Adam Bankhurst for an in-depth breakdown of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Focusing heavily on the Horizons: A Carousel of Progress, the duo dives into the biggest news, favorite reveals, and key takeaways across Disney Parks and Experiences worldwide.
From Neil Patrick Harris’s hosting antics to major updates across Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disney Cruise Line, Mr. Daps and Adam explore how Imagineering is blending nostalgia with cutting-edge tech to shape the future of Disney magic.
Key Topics Covered:
- Showcase Highlights & Tone: Reactions to host Neil Patrick Harris, Jack McBrayer’s hilarious recurring gags, and how Imagineering presented past achievements alongside in-progress and future projects.
- Disneyland Resort Updates: Teases for the future of Tomorrowland, fresh concept details on DCA’s upcoming Coco dark ride, and progress on Avengers Campus expansions (Infinity Defense & Stark Flight Lab).
- Walt Disney World Reveals:
- Animal Kingdom: Deep dive into Tropical Americas, featuring the Encanto attraction and Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent.
- Magic Kingdom: Updated timelines and casting for Carousel of Progress (featuring Bryan Cranston & Jamie Lee Curtis), Villains Land (including the Mirror Realm attraction), and the Cars Ridge Run Rally model at Piston Peak.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios & EPCOT: Early looks at Monstropolis/Monsters, Inc. land, updates to Spaceship Earth, and the return of Dreamfinder alongside Figment.
- International Parks & Disney Cruise Line: The Return of Space Mountain’s original theme at Disneyland Paris, The Lion King land at Disney Adventure World, Wreck-It Ralph at Tokyo Disneyland, and updates on the newest fleet additions for Disney Cruise Line, including the Disney Believe.
- Personal Standouts: Adam and Mr. Daps share their absolute favorite takeaways from the event—ranging from the emotional resonance of the Coco attraction to the triumphant return of Dreamfinder.
Join the conversation! What was your favorite announcement from D23? Let us know in the comments, drop a post over at Daps Magic HQ, or connect with us on social media. Don’t forget to rate and subscribe wherever you listen!
