Overview
- Thomas Mazloum made his first appearance as chairman at D23 in mid‑August and told the Disney Parks Blog that talking directly with fans was his favorite part of the event.
- Mazloum said fans are "at the center of everything we do" and that Disney Experiences will use that feedback to guide which projects move from concept to build.
- The D23 showcase paired high-profile restorations—like reanimating the Yeti, returning Figment and Dreamfinder, and updating Spaceship Earth—with new franchise 'firsts' including a Villains Land and the company’s first Coco, Encanto, and Lion King rides.
- Mazloum emphasized that Cast Members, Crew Members, and Imagineers are central to guest loyalty and that announced projects will be phased over multiple years, with many major items lacking final schedules or budgets.
- Going forward, Imagineering must translate theatrical D23 reveals into practical construction plans that balance complex technical refits, possible extended closures, and preserving everyday guest experience.