The big week is finally here! D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will be taking place this coming weekend. A highlight for many fans of Disney parks and experiences is the Disney Experiences showcase on Saturday night. This year, called Horizons: A Carousel of Progress, it will be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris. He will be joined by the artists, storytellers, and creative leaders who are helping Disney to “keep moving forward” into the next chapter of The Walt Disney Company. This story is now over 100 years old. It is also entering the early stages of a new chapter, with a new CEO, Josh D’Amaro, who formerly led Disney Experiences. In his place, Thomas Mazloum now leads this segment. On Saturday, August 15, 2026, Disney fans around the world will get to see what is coming next for their favorite parks, cruise line, and resorts!
At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in 2024, the Disney Experiences Showcase revealed a lot of what is coming to the Disney Parks and beyond. These announcements can be seen in the video below. This meant new attractions, lands, and even ships! This time around, Disney shares that it will be sharing how those projects are being designed, engineered, built, tested, and brought to life by teams across the globe. This truly will lean into the theme of the Carousel of Progress as Disney shares the projects in the continuation of the turbocharged Disney Experiences segment.
Looking at This Carousel of Progress
Throughout this showcase, there will be conversations with Walt Disney Imagineering leaders and also creative talent that are helping shape the projects that were announced two years ago. These projects are happening around the globe. These conversations will take the audience on a journey that showcases Disney’s unmatched storytelling legacy, the spirit of adventure that is found in the center of so many Disney stores, the creative process that is anchored to exploration and curiosity, and the bold promise of possibility that has guided Imagineers for over seven decades.
The conversations will also have some incredible high-energy performances, special moments, and of course, some Disney magic.
Throughout the showcase, fans can expect project updates, first looks, new artwork and renderings, behind-the-scenes stories, creative insight, and a closer look at how some of Disney Experiences’ biggest projects are progressing. Disney says it will pull back the curtain on its work, collaboration, and imagination for many of the experiences in development that Disney fans have been tracking.
On the most recent episode of Daps Magic – Disney and Positive Stuff, Clocky joined Mr. Daps to share their predictions for this showcase (some of which have already been confirmed and others perhaps refuted). This episode can be seen here (or on any podcast service like Apple Podcasts or Spotify):
On the Stage of Horizons
There will be a fantastic lineup of Disney leaders and dreamers taking to the stage at the Honda Center for Horizons: A Carousel of Progress. This will include Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum, along with a lineup of Imagineers who are helping lead Disney into this next chapter. Together, they will have conversations that provide context and a look at the progress that is being made on so many projects around the world. They will share how projects move from concepts and artwork into experiences guests will eventually explore, ride, sail aboard, and love.
Ahead of the showcase, Disney has shared that the following Imagineers will be a part of this very special event. These Imagineers bring different roles and perspectives to the conversations. They range from large-scale portfolio planning, overseeing creative development, shaping immersive environments, or collaborating across global teams; each Imagineer will share their own passions and perspectives on how they create experiences that generations of fans will love. Here is who will be a part of this showcase:
Bruce Vaughn, President and Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney Imagineering
For Bruce, the magic happens when storytelling meets imagination. Throughout his career, he’s helped turn bold ideas into immersive experiences that bring Disney stories to life for guests around the world. Passionate about pushing creative boundaries while preserving the emotional heart of Disney, Bruce believes every great experience starts with a simple question: What if?
Ali Rubinstein, Senior Vice President, Global Creative & Development Studios
Ali fell in love with storytelling through theater and film and has been creating worlds that bring stories to life ever since. Today, she brings together art and innovation to shape places that feel joyful, exciting, and deeply human. She believes the best experiences strike a balance between the familiar and the new, creating moments of nostalgia, surprise, connection, and, above all, fun.
Michael Hundgen, Vice President Creative, Walt Disney World
For Michael, becoming an Imagineer is a true full-circle moment. After a childhood encounter with the Country Bear Jamboree sparked a fascination with Disney Parks and Imagineering, that passion eventually became a career. Today, he helps bring some of the biggest dreams on the horizon for Walt Disney World to life. As a lifelong EPCOT fan, being part of a showcase inspired by Horizons feels especially meaningful.
Emily “Emo” O’Brien, Portfolio Creative Producer, Disneyland Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort
Emo believes the best Disney stories are the ones guests can step right into. Throughout her Imagineering career, she’s helped create immersive experiences around the world, from Cars Land at Disney California Adventure to Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea. Today, she helps shape the future of Disneyland Resort, inspired by the power of storytelling to bring people together and spark new memories.
Caroline May, Executive Creative Director, Walt Disney World
Inspired by creative pioneers like Mary Blair, Caroline has always believed in the power of visual storytelling. Her love of art and design led her to Imagineering, where she helps create immersive experiences that surprise, delight, and spark curiosity. Caroline is passionate about finding unexpected ways to tell stories and creating moments that help guests see Disney worlds through a new lens.
Claire Weiss, Portfolio Creative Director, Disney Cruise Line
Claire believes every space has a story to tell. With a passion for design and immersive environments, she helps create experiences that transport guests into new worlds and unforgettable adventures. She loves discovering the details that bring storytelling to life in surprising ways, creating places that guests don’t just visit, but truly feel part of.
Brent Strong, Executive Creative Director
A lifelong Disney fan, Brent Strong grew up dreaming about the experiences that inspired him and now helps create new ones for future generations. Guided by optimism and a belief in the power of imagination, he loves building stories that bring people together. For Brent, the most rewarding moments are when guests become the heroes of their own adventure.
Chris Beatty, Portfolio Executive Creative Director, Walt Disney World
Chris has spent decades helping Disney stories leap from imagination into reality. An artist, storyteller, and creative leader, he’s passionate about creating experiences that inspire wonder and spark new dreams. For Chris, storytelling is about creating connections across generations and leaving guests with memories they carry long after the adventure ends.
Jason Grandt, Executive Creative Director, Walt Disney World
Jason’s fascination with Disney began when he discovered that the stories he loved on screen could become worlds he could step inside. Inspired by Walt Disney’s vision and a lifelong excitement for possibility, he now helps create experiences that bring imagination to life. For Jason, the most rewarding moments are those that spark wonder, inspire creativity, and leave guests excited for what comes next.
How to Watch
There are thousands of seats at the Honda Center where fans will be watching Horizons: A Carousel of Progress. However, there are many more fans who will also be able to watch it virtually. Disney+ subscribers will be able to watch this presentation from the comfort of their own home (or corner of the Anaheim Convention Center). Daps Magic will also be on hand and provide full coverage as well (per what is allowed).
What do you think of what is coming to Horizons: A Carousel of Progress? What are YOUR predictions for this showcase? What do you most hope comes out of it? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
