D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event always sparks incredible excitement, but this year felt extra special for Thomas Mazloum. As the new Chairman of Disney Experiences, he made his D23 debut, spending the weekend connecting with fans from across the globe. He shared exciting updates and, more importantly, listened firsthand to what Disney truly means to so many of us.
From the buzz around Horizons: A Carousel of Progress to countless chats on the show floor, D23 2026 offered endless chances to connect with the passionate community that breathes life into Disney every single day. These moments reinforced a belief Thomas has held for a long time: guests and fans stand at the very heart of everything Disney Experiences creates.
Beyond the fan interactions, there was so much to be excited about, leaving us all with plenty to anticipate in the years ahead. We caught up with Thomas after the event to get his take on his first D23 as Chairman, the moments that really resonated with fans, and why listening to us will always shape the future of Disney Experiences.
For Thomas, this new role is a dream come true. He finds himself in a unique position, watching Disney’s full potential unfold in real time – cruising Route 66 with Lightning and Mater in Anaheim, exploring Arendelle with Olaf in Hong Kong or Paris, walking through Zootopia in Shanghai, soaring with the Na’vi in Orlando, dancing with Beauty and the Beast in Tokyo, or sailing with Captains Mickey and Minnie on one of our ships. He knows no one else can bring these real-world fantasies to life quite like Disney Experiences.
What excites him most? The ‘firsts’ – the things Disney has never done before. Imagine our first Villains Land! It’s such a bold, different concept. Our villains are some of the most iconic characters, and what Imagineers and Live Entertainment teams are building promises to be ‘nightmarishly magical’ in the best possible way. He’s also thrilled for the first attractions dedicated to other beloved stories like Coco and Encanto, plus our first Lion King attraction. These new experiences are powerful because they resonate deeply with returning guests and will undoubtedly welcome new visitors who’ve never stepped foot in a Disney park before.
Sharing D23 with Disney’s biggest fans meant everything to him. He says fans are at the center of everything, just like guests in the parks and on ships, bringing incredible energy and passion. Being on stage was great, but his favorite part was simply walking the expo floor, talking to people one-on-one about their love for Disney. Getting to surprise them one night and thank them the next was a real thrill.
The biggest reactions? Without a doubt, the fan-favorite announcements like the reanimation of the Yeti at Expedition Everest, the return of Figment, Dreamfinder, and Spaceship Earth to Epcot, and of course, the transformation of Tomorrowland in Disneyland. Thomas emphasizes that while Figment and the Yeti might not be household names to everyone, they are absolute favorites among loyal fans. He wants us to know they hear us, and as a Disney fan himself, he can’t wait to see these characters back in action. Tomorrowland’s evolution also proves they’re listening, showing they care as much about existing lands and attractions as they do about new ones. Tomorrowland, a vital part of Walt’s original park, represents dreams and aspirations for the future, and it must keep evolving and improving, just like Disneyland itself.
As Disney Experiences grows, ensuring exceptional experiences remains a daily focus. Thomas believes everyone in the company should share one guiding principle: make every moment magic. This means blending creativity with hospitality, and mixing friendliness with the unexpected. It’s about holding themselves to a standard nobody else attempts, and then living up to it every single day. He still remembers his Disney Traditions orientation almost 30 years ago, feeling a little nervous about living up to the company’s reputation. That feeling never left him; it simply transformed into motivation.
Ultimately, it all comes down to our Cast, Crew, and Imagineers. They are the world’s greatest storytellers and the heart of this business. Guests visit first for the stories and characters they love, but they return again and again, generation after generation, because of how our Cast makes them feel. There’s a deep trust there, and that’s what Thomas wants to hold onto as Disney continues to grow. Honestly, that’s what excites him most for what’s still to come!
