Week of September 1, 2025
Destination D23 Delivers Major Disney Announcements
Disney's premier fan event brought a weekend packed with exciting announcements across parks, entertainment, and beyond. From villain lairs to castle makeovers, continue reading below for everything that made magic at this year's Destination D23.
We’re rapid-firing the news this week with links to its source so you can skim at a high-level and dive into the details after each jump. Follow those links for details.
Parks, Resorts, & Cruising
TRON Receives Ares Makeover
©Disney
The popular TRON Lightcycle/Run attractions will soon feature a new Tron: Ares overlay, replacing the signature blue and orange light trails with vibrant red and orange hues. Guests will race through twisting tunnels in this updated version of the high-speed attraction that bends reality into the digital frontier. Tron: Ares launches in in theaters October 10, 2025.
Read More: Disney Parks Blog
Walt Disney Joins Carousel of Progress
©Disney
Magic Kingdom's beloved Carousel of Progress will welcome a new Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics figure, bringing the park's namesake founder, Walt Disney, into the attraction that celebrates progress and innovation.
Read More: Disney Parks Blog
Cinderella Castle Gets a Royal Refresh
After careful research and design consideration, Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom will receive an updated color palette featuring elegant grays, creams, blues, and touches of gold.
The new paint scheme aims to enhance the castle's architectural details while maintaining its iconic presence.
Cinderella Castle’s current rose gold palette was introduced in July 2020 for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration the following year.
©Disney
Read More: Disney Parks Blog
Disney Destiny’s Themed Bars
©Disney
The upcoming Disney Destiny cruise ship revealed three new themed drinking establishments: The Sanctum (artist rendering above) from Doctor Strange, Haunted Mansion Parlor, and Cask & Cannon (Pirates of the Caribbean). Each space draws inspiration from Disney's larger-than-life stories with elevated theming and refined interpretation.
Read More: Disney Parks Blog
Media & Entertainment
Disney+ September Highlights
©Disney
Fall programming kicks into high gear with several must-watch premieres. Lilo & Stitch makes its Disney+ debut on September 3 (today), while Marvel Zombies premieres September 24 with all episodes available immediately. Dancing with the Stars returns for Season 34 on September 16, airing live every Tuesday at 8/7c.
Read More: D23
New Disney+ Perks Available
©Disney
Disney+ recently introduced an always-on rewards program offering subscribers access to exclusive experiences, sweepstakes, and everyday savings. New perks were added this week that include a complimentary D23 Gold membership, Disney+ Throwbacks from DisneyStore.com, and 3 months of Kroger Boost. Log in or Regsiter at Disney+ to browse all the perks!
Read More: D23
Merchandise & Licensing
Eight New Novelty Items Coming Soon
©Disney
Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line announced eight new specialty items including popcorn buckets, sippers, and mugs. These collectible pieces will debut across select Disney locations, giving guests new ways to commemorate their magical experiences.
Read More: Disney Parks Blog
Celebrate 95 Years With Pluto
Mickey’s best friend is celebrating his 95th anniversary and the Disney Store has some exclusive merchandise to spoil fans.
For a limited time, receive Free Shipping on orders of $85 or more using code: SHIPMAGIC.
Read More: DisneyStore.com
Creator Spotlight
The Disney Dish with Jim Hill
©Jim Hill Media
Learn more about the latest doings at Disney with TouringPlans.com's Len Testa and Jim Hill from JimHillMedia.com. Each week they delight listeners as they talk about rumors, upcoming projects, and look back at Disney’s storied past.
Before You Disembark
More Magic This Week
Villains-Themed Land Architecture Revealed - Magic Kingdom's upcoming villains land showcased new "Conjured Architecture" concept - Disney Parks Blog
Napa Rose Reimagined - The first concept art for the reimagined Napa Rose restaurant released - Disney Parks Blog
Mattel Releases New Ursula Collectible - The sea witch joins the Disney Darkness Descends Series as a premium collectible doll - Disney Parks Blog
Disneyland Documentary Coming This Winter - Leslie Iwerks announced her new documentary exploring the creation of the original Disneyland - Disney Parks Blog
Disney Castle Details and Hidden Gems Revealed - Destination D23 panel shared insider secrets and lore about Disney castles across the parks - Disney Parks Blog
Marvel Comics September Releases - New issues include Doctor Strange #450 celebrating 450 issues, Imperial War: Exiles #1, and Spider-Man '94 #1 - Marvel
ESPN Announces Fall Sports Lineup - Enhanced NFL studio programming and college football commentator roster revealed for the 2025 season - ESPN Press Room
US Open Tennis Coverage - ESPN's exclusive 15-day coverage begins August 24, with ESPN2 programming available to Disney+ subscribers - ESPN Press Room
That’s a Wrap
Destination D23 showcased Disney's commitment to expanding storytelling across all platforms, with particular emphasis on bringing beloved characters and stories to life in new ways. Whether through theme park experiences, streaming content, or collectible merchandise, Disney continues to find innovative ways to connect with fans.
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The Monorail Newsletter is published weekly and focuses exclusively on official Disney news from verified Disney sources.