Disney's "D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event" (D23) was held in Anaheim, California, from Aug. 9 to 11. The fan-focused event presented The Walt Disney Company's ambitions to expand its various brands and franchises. One highlight for Chinese fans was the announcement of a new Marvel-themed ride coming to Shanghai Disneyland. This marks the first major Marvel attraction for the park. 

A concept design for Shanghai Disneyland's new Spider-Man-themed ride. [Image courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]

The future attraction, which will be located adjacent to the newest themed section of the park, Zootopia, will be a rollercoaster themed around Spider-Man. The new ride promises to captivate adventure seekers and Marvel fans with the unique charm of the Marvel Universe, according to Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, at the "Horizons – D23 Disney Experiences Showcase" event. 

D'Amaro mentioned that initial preparation for the construction of the new attraction has already begun, having started earlier this year. The resort's current expansion projects also include a third Disney-themed hotel next to the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel.

In addition to the new Spider-Man attraction in Shanghai, Hong Kong Disney Resorts will also see new additions to its park. The Avengers' presence will continue to expand with a new immersive attraction coming to Tomorrowland, also featuring Spider-Man. This new attraction will see Spidey go head-to-head against one of his most formidable foes.

The Disney executive unveiled plans for new cruise ships, lands, attractions, shows and storytelling platforms spawned from Disney's brands and businesses. Other presentations at D23 included exclusive announcements and interactive show floor opportunities from beloved franchises during the fan gathering on Aug. 10.

A concept design for an all-new "Avatar" experience at Disney California Adventure is shared on stage in Anaheim, California, United States, on Aug. 10, 2024. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]

Among the many announcements was plans for four new cruise ships and six new movie themed lands and areas, including "Monsters, Inc.," "Cars" and "Avatar." D'Amaro announced plans for 14 new attractions featuring stories such as "The Avengers," "Spider-Man" and the first-ever attraction based on the movie "Coco," which will be a new addition at Disney California Adventure Park. 

Additionally, five new shows and nighttime spectacles are coming to Disney parks worldwide, including the first-ever Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney for a show at the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland in Anaheim.

"Today we unveiled an extensive slate of new experiences that only Disney can deliver," D'Amaro said. "Work is well under way on all of the new projects we announced, and fans will start to see them come to life in the near future."

In September last year, Disney executives revealed at an investor summit plans to nearly double capital expenditures in its parks, experiences and products to approximately $60 billion over the next 10 years. This increase will fund expansions and enhancements in domestic and international parks, as well as cruise line capabilities.

During D23, fans were treated to exclusive announcements as part of the "Disney Entertainment Showcase" at the Honda Center. This included updates, trailers and teasers about highly anticipated films and series such as "Zootopia 2," "Moana 2" and "Frozen 3," as well as live-action projects "Snow White" and "Mufasa: The Lion King." In addition, a musical theater adaptation of "The Greatest Showman" is currently in development. 

A photo capturing event-goers at the "D23 Disney Entertainment Showcase" held in Anaheim, California, United States, Aug. 9, 2024. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]

The gathering also shared updates about its already established live-action film franchises, including the juggernaut blockbuster series "Avatar." Stars such as Zoë Saldaña and Sam Worthington, along with director James Cameron, discussed the next installment "Avatar: Fire And Ash," scheduled for release on Dec. 19, 2025. Other "Avatar" installments are planned for 2029 and 2031.

Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, speaks to fans at the opening of the D23 event in Anaheim, California, United States, on Aug. 9, 2024. [Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]

The Walt Disney Company Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger kicked off the event by thanking fans for their enduring passion, and to highlight what sets Disney apart as a global leader in creative storytelling and innovation. "Our deep bond with fans, forged over a century of storytelling, is stronger today than ever before — driven by the unmatched strength of our creative studios, the wide appeal of our brands and franchises, and the innovative ways that we bring our stories to life in our theme parks and experiences."

"We have a lot to be proud of and even more to look forward to," he added.

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