In case you missed it, Saturday, August 15th was a BIG day for Disney fans.

During the Walt Disney Imagineering showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, we got a ton of news about projects that are ongoing for the theme parks and cruise line. There were some big reveals and a few surprises along the way, and let’s just say that our team had WILD reactions to the news.

The Opening Number

To start, you need to know that this year’s Imagineering Showcase was streamed live on Disney+, so many of us were following the news updates from home. Neil Patrick Harris hosted this go around, and he kicked off everything with a MASSIVE musical number about Disney animatronics.

Of course, we’re not only Disney nerds, we’re also theater nerds over here, so we had immediate messages rolling in like “Is this giving anyone else 2013 Tony Awards?” and “Tony Awards opening number vibes.” Brian said, “This is the most Disney theater kid-coded thing ever, and I mean that in kinda the best way.”

Tbh, not everyone was jazzed though, because Ashley said “with all of these musical numbers, we’ll be here until 4AM.” (That’s a little bit of foreshadowing for ya.) But of course, the best part of the opening number was all the Disney references. My coworker Kelly freaked out over the snowman fall, while my contribution to the chat was: “This is a wild assortment of people dressed as Haunted Mansion ghosts.” Oh NPH, you know how to put on a show!

The Yeti Surprise

One of the biggest surprises of the night was when it was revealed that Walt Disney Imagineering will be bringing the yeti from Expedition Everest back to life. Emily literally screamed “YETIIII” into our group chat, and that pretty much expresses our feelings on the matter. The thing that shocked me more, though was the musical number that followed. I said, “Gloria Gaynor singing the yeti back to life was not on my bingo card for tonight.”

But the news was a real treat for Wendy, who had a near-spiritual moment. “I haven’t been deeply in love with the world lately. Tonight is changing that a little bit. It’s all so ridiculous and wonderful.” We’re happy for you, Wendy.

See the Yeti News!

Tropical Americas and Monstropolis

The middle of the showcase featured some updates on lands we already knew were coming, but we were LOVING some of these details. When Disney showed the photo of the animals for El Carrusel de los Animalitos we were pretty delighted to see some of the representation. Brian said, “Is that Heimlich?!?” and Jessica chimed in with an “omg Kuzco carousel animal.” Underrated characters represent!

Before Disney dove into Monstropolis, though, they paused for yet ANOTHER musical number (this was like the third one at this point!). Our teammate Robin had been lamenting the fact that this panel was happening so late at night for us East Coasters, and Hayden said, “You could’ve been in bed by now if not for all the musical numbers @Robin.” So true, Hayden, so true.

For Monstropolis, the big reveal was that part of the land is opening next year! Wendy was shocked, jumping in with an all-caps “WHOA NEXT YEAR MONSTROPOLIS.” But Emily kept us in check with reality, saying “Next year aka December.” Yeah…maybe that’s more realistic hahaha!

Get More Info on Monstropolis!

Villains Land

Admittedly, the Villains Land announcements didn’t provoke much screaming from our team, but I did comment that “Hellfire is a killer way to open this.” The music set the mood REAL fast.

The thing that really made our team freak out? “GLENN CLOSE!” “THE HEELS OMG!” “I KNEW IT WAS HER!” Glenn’s appearance as Cruella was truly iconic and served serious star power, though it was a bit confusing since she’s not getting her own ride in the land.

See More About Villains Land Here!

ANOTHER Music Number?

Just when we thought we couldn’t possibly pause the show for more music, Disney surprised us. At home we said, “more music, you’re kidding,” while one of our reporters on the scene shared that, “People have been leaving the last 20 minutes. Not in droves, but noticeably.”

That led to one of my favorite comments of the night from Wendy: “‘Not in droves, but noticeably.’ That’s how I prefer to leave places.” Wendy, you’re a model for all of us.

Tomorrowland

The Disneyland Tomorrowland overhaul news had our team shouting “Yuuuusssss!” and “Woot woot!” from our computers at home. Brian said, “Well that’s a silver bullet.”

At this point, you know we love a little bit of snarky commentary around here, and Hayden added “it’ll be done in time for the 100th.” Brian pointed out that “2055 is technically ‘soon’” in Disney terms.

Get the Story on the Tomorrowland Reveal Here!

Figment and Dreamfinder

But the #1 announcement that made our team lose our ever-loving minds? When Neil Patrick Harris came out on stage dressed as Dreamfinder to reveal that the beloved character would return to EPCOT in an updated version of the Figment ride. In fact, there was so much screaming and excitment that I just had to screenshot the page. Take a look for yourself:

So those are our team’s reactions to some of the major Disney news that was revealed over the weekend! For more updates on all the Disney Experiences projects, subscribe to our newsletter.

Disney Just Made 12 Major Announcements!

Which of these reactions summed up your feelings the best? Tell us in the comments!