D23 2026: Latest theme park news from Disney, recap of live updates

D23 has already delivered a packed weekend for Disney fans, from a marathon of movie and television news — including new looks at “Frozen 3,” “Hexed,” “Star Wars: Starfighter” and more — to interactive experiences, exhibits and surprises throughout the show floor.

TL;DR: The biggest announcements from D23 “Horizons”

That was a LOT. Disney’s “Horizons: A Carousel of Progress” delivered major news across the parks and Disney Cruise Line, including:

• Dreamfinder is returning for a new Journey Into Imagination at Epcot.
• The Expedition Everest Yeti is being brought back to life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
• Disneyland’s Tomorrowland will undergo a major renewal, with more attractions and more open spaces promised.
• Villains Land will be comparable in scale to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, with two major attractions (one is a coaster the other is a dark ride), dining, and shopping.
• Major new details for “Indiana Jones,” “Encanto” and the Piston Peak “Cars” attractions at Walt Disney World.
• “Coco” boat ride and Avengers Campus received significant details for Disney California Adventure.
• Disney shared more about Monstropolis, including Harryhausen’s restaurant and the door coaster.
• International announcements included Space Mountain updates in Paris and Tokyo, plus “The Lion King” attraction in Paris.
• Disney unveiled more of the future of Disney Cruise Line, including the Disney Believe and an entirely new class of ships.

And somehow, that only scratches the surface. Read below for everything we couldn’t possibly fit into one little summary.

LIVE: Disney’s D23 Experiences announcements

The following announcements are in reverse order, meaning that as announcements were made on Aug. 15, the newest ones were added to the top.

NEWS: A new Disney patent could make it possible for rides to become more personalized based on your preferences.

Closing announcements: Dreamfinder and Disneyland’s Tomorrowland

Dreamfinder returning to Journey Into Imagination

12:30 a.m. ET update: Disney saved one of its biggest surprises for last: A new Journey Into Imagination featuring Figment will have Dreamfinder some day in the near future at Epcot. Confetti filled the arena following the announcement as the crowd erupted.

Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum told fans, “We heard you,” with his voice slightly emotional as he wrapped the presentation. Disney did not reveal additional details, a timeline or an opening date for the reimagined attraction.

Disneyland’s Tomorrowland is next

12:27 a.m. ET update: As Disneyland approaches its 75th anniversary, Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum said it is time to renew Walt Disney’s original promise for the park — and that next chapter will begin with Tomorrowland.

Mazloum confirmed Disney will begin renewing Tomorrowland, promising the optimism guests have been longing for, along with more attractions and more open spaces. He described the project as the beginning of Disneyland’s next great chapter, but Disney did not reveal specific attractions, designs or a timeline for the transformation.

Glenn Close brings Cruella on stage

12:22 a.m. ET update: Glenn Close fully embraced Cruella de Vil during her surprise appearance, reacting with outrage to the news that Maleficent is getting her own Villains Land attraction. Cruella mocked Maleficent’s “overstuffed purple handbag” look and joked that dragon skin is passé before demanding Imagineers get to work on a Cruella attraction of her own — with ride vehicles full of little dogs.

While Imagineers supposedly got to work, Beck took the stage to perform “Cruella De Vil” then transitioning to “Friends on the Other Side,” providing a musical finale to the unexpected Villains Land moment.

12:19 a.m. ET update: Glenn Close made a surprise appearance as Cruella de Vil, bringing her iconic Disney Villain back to the stage during the Villains Land presentation. Close famously portrayed Cruella in Disney’s live-action “101 Dalmatians” and “102 Dalmatians.”

Walt Disney World updates

Villains Land will rival the scale of “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge”

12:17 a.m. ET update: Bruce Vaughn said Villains Land will be comparable in scale to “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge,” with immersive landscapes, food, shops and two major attractions anchoring the Magic Kingdom expansion.

The first will be a thrilling coaster experience centered on Maleficent. Guests will encounter Maleficent herself while racing through an enchanted briar, with Imagineers promising elements Disney has never attempted on a coaster before.

The second attraction will be a boat (or perhaps trackless) dark ride descending into the Evil Queen’s catacombs, where the Magic Mirror will share the story from his perspective on the other side of the glass. Disney teased appearances by an array of Disney Villains throughout the experience.

Villains Land is officially Villains Land

12:13 a.m. ET update: After a deliberately slow reveal, Disney confirmed the official name of Magic Kingdom’s new land is simply “Villains Land.” Imagineers joked, “Why mess with a good thing?” and “Sometimes the obvious answer is the right one,” noting that the straightforward name fits alongside Magic Kingdom lands such as Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland.

Monstropolis will open before the door coaster

12:10 a.m. ET update: Imagineers shared new details about the Monsters, Inc. door coaster, including how its ride vehicles will prepare guests for “human ridership.” The vehicle will first settle onto the ground before being lifted into the air in about 40 seconds and launched into the door vault, recreating the film’s signature suspended-door experience.

Disney also revealed that Monstropolis will begin opening in early 2027, before the door coaster itself is ready, allowing guests to experience portions of the new Disney’s Hollywood Studios land ahead of its headline attraction.

Harryhausen’s will be a real restaurant in Monstropolis

12:09 a.m. ET update: Michael Hundgen confirmed that Harryhausen’s, the restaurant seen in “Monsters, Inc.,” will become an operating restaurant in Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Concept art shows the restaurant’s familiar octopus sushi chef, appearing to be brought to life as a figure within the space. Disney teased a menu unlike anything currently offered at Walt Disney World.

Disney also offered a peek behind the construction walls at other Monstropolis locations, including the Glob Theater, Archie’s Scare Pizza, the Alumni Club + Elite Scarers Club.

“Welcome to Monstropolis” coming to the Glob Theater

12:08 a.m. ET update: Disney revealed “Welcome to Monstropolis,” a new show coming to the Glob Theater in Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The production will feature an original song of the same name written by Disney Legend Randy Newman — his first original song created specifically for a Disney theme park.

The show explores the idea that humans and monsters may be more alike than they realize, with Mike and Sulley putting on a production to welcome humans to Monstropolis. Sulley envisions something simple, while Mike has much bigger show-business ambitions, setting the stage for plenty of mayhem.

Disney Cruise Line

An entirely new class of Disney cruise ship is coming

12:03 a.m. ET update: Disney Cruise Line revealed an entirely new class of ship debuting in 2029, designed to fall between its classic vessels and the larger Wish-class ships. Disney says the new size will allow the ships to visit more ports around the world, opening additional destinations to Disney Cruise Line itineraries. The presentation also offered a first preview of the design for the new class.

Disney introduced its new class of cruise ship with archival audio of Walt Disney discussing animation, followed by his familiar philosophy of continuing to “keep moving forward” and trying new things.

The preview showed expansive panoramic windows overlooking the ocean on the ship’s lower decks, designed to bring guests visually closer to the sea. Disney says the new class will combine innovation with a smaller footprint that allows Disney Cruise Line to reach more ports around the world.

Tinker Bell, Buzz and Woody helm Disney Believe

12:01 a.m. ET update: Disney Cruise Line revealed the Disney Believe, the fourth ship in the Wish class. Imagineer Claire Weiss said the ship will celebrate belief in magic and family, the power of nature and believing in yourself, with those themes woven throughout the stories and experiences on board.

Tinker Bell will adorn the bow, a fitting character for the ship’s theme of belief, while Buzz Lightyear and Woody will appear on the stern. Even the Disney Believe script on the stern takes inspiration from “Toy Story,” with playful lettering reflecting the franchise.

Moana statue in Grand Hall of Disney Believe

Inside, Moana will be the signature statue in the Grand Hall of the Disney Believe ship, standing proudly with her paddle alongside Pua and Heihei. Imagineer Claire Weiss said Moana was chosen because she embodies one of the ship’s central themes: believing in yourself.

The future of Disney Cruise Line

11:57 p.m. ET update: Walt Disney Imagineer Claire Weiss joined the stage as “Horizons” turned to the future of Disney Cruise Line.

Claire Weiss announced that Disney Cruise Line will double the number of sailings departing from Southern California through the Port of San Diego, expanding Disney’s cruise presence on the West Coast. And reiterated that the Disney Wish will be going to Europe in summer 2027 and the Magic and Wonder going back to Alaska.

Piston Peak

“Cars: Lightning Racers” Disney Jr show announced

11:49 p.m. ET update: Disney also turned to “Cars: Lightning Racers,” the upcoming animated series coming to Disney Jr. and Disney+. Sheryl Crow has recorded a new original song, “Built to Last,” for the series and performs it on the D23 stage. Crow has a history with the franchise, having performed “Real Gone” for the original 2006 “Cars” soundtrack.

“Piston Peak Rally Racers” and “Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along” revealed

11:46 p.m. ET update: Imagineer Jason Grandt shared new details about Piston Peak’s rally attraction, where each vehicle competes to be the fastest car in the “Wheelderness” — a “Cars” spin on wilderness. The adventure includes a bouncy climb up a mountain toward a snow-covered, sparkling peak before racing downhill over a series of camelback humps.

The course then heads through a geyser field featuring “Old Tankful,” a “Cars” take on Old Faithful. Vehicles circle toward the top of the geyser before racing to the finish, with the footage shown at D23 suggesting splashing and water effects will be part of the experience.

International parks

“Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue” races into Tokyo Disneyland

11:41 p.m. ET update: A staged “technical disruption” gave way to “Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue,” the new “Wreck-It Ralph” attraction coming to Tokyo Disneyland. Jack McBrayer, the voice of Fix-It Felix Jr., joined the presentation to introduce the adventure, which will have guests help Ralph and Vanellope.

Disney also revealed an impressive look at the Ralph Audio-Animatronic created for the attraction. “Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue” will open next spring.

“The Lion King” brings Disney’s first ride based on the film to Paris

11:38 p.m. ET update: Imah O’Brien shared new details about “The Lion King” attraction coming to Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris, which will be Disney’s first ride based on the classic animated film. The attraction will retell Simba’s journey from cub to king, bringing familiar moments from the movie into a new ride experience.

Disney also revealed concept art for Simba’s climactic battle with Scar, which O’Brien said will feature a brand-new interpretation of the scene in the animated movie.

Coco and Encanto attractions

“Coco” comes to Disney California Adventure

11:37 p.m. ET update: Imagineers said the new “Coco” attraction will celebrate the characters, music, culture and love of family traditions at the heart of the films. The ride’s story takes place about one year after the original movie and includes a museum dedicated to Héctor Rivera, Miguel’s great-great-grandfather.

The attraction will be a boat ride into the Land of the Dead, with memories playing a central role in the experience. Ali Rubinstein said the attraction will also celebrate traditions surrounding Día de los Muertos as guests journey through the colorful world of “Coco.”

Like the new “Encanto” attraction, the “Coco” ride will have no height requirement, allowing the entire family to experience it together.

11:34 p.m. ET update: Ali Rubinstein and Imah O’Brien turned to the new “Coco” attraction coming to Disney California Adventure, describing it as a classic Disney attraction designed for the whole family — and the first Disney ride based on “Coco.”

With “Coco 2” now in development, Imagineers are working directly with the filmmakers to ensure the attraction fits with both movies. O’Brien said the team wants to capture the vibrancy of Mexican culture and the music and emotional themes that connect the story, recalling that the first time she saw “Coco,” she was “a puddle of tears.”

No height requirement for the Encanto ride

11:26 p.m. ET update: Jared Bush explained how Antonio’s gift of communicating with animals makes his story a natural fit for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with Antonio preparing to celebrate alongside both his family and his extended animal family.

Imagineer Chris Beatty then revealed more about the ride system. Casita assembles pieces of furniture — including pianos, tables and chairs — into whimsical ride vehicles that carry guests through the house.

New concept art showed the vehicles traveling upstairs and entering Antonio’s room, transformed into a lush rainforest filled with animals.

Disney says more than 50 animal figures and animatronics will appear throughout the attraction, including a capybara humorously diving headfirst into a present. Imagineers partnered with Disney’s animal sciences and care team to help accurately represent animals in Colombia.

The attraction will have no height requirement, so the entire family can ride together — something Neil Patrick Harris compared to a classic, old-school Disney family attraction.

“Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto” brings the Madrigals together

11:25 p.m. ET update: Jared Bush revealed the name of the new “Encanto” attraction, “Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto.” The entire original voice cast of the Familia Madrigal recorded new dialogue for the attraction, with Disney showing footage of the actors back in the recording studio.

The story has Casita transporting guests to Antonio’s party, with the Madrigal family joining the adventure along the way. Isabela even has an excuse ready for anyone running behind: “If you are late, just blame it on Mirabel.”

“El Carousel de los Animalitos” brings Disney animals together

11:20 p.m. ET update: Disney shared new details about “El Carousel de los Animalitos,” coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom with 22 unique ride figures inspired by animals from Disney stories. Characters represented include Squirt, Simba, Kuzco, Bambi, Thumper, Kevin, Meeko, Pua, Scuttle, Pascal, Heimlich and Kaa.

“Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent” revealed

11:19 p.m. ET update: Imagineer Chris Beatty revealed new details about “Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent,” the new attraction coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Imagineers are drawing from Maya culture and its connections to nature, with Disney showing a first look at an intricately detailed temple facade.

Set in 1950, before the events of “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” the original story sends Indiana Jones in search of a jade artifact before the adventure pulls guests through a portal into the underworld. Along the way, riders will encounter monstrous bats, larger-than-life scorpions and, naturally, snakes — including a giant mythological serpent guarding the underworld.

11:14 p.m. ET update: Neil Patrick Harris returned to his “Carousel of Progress” John impression, working Jungle Cruise and Radiator Springs jokes into the presentation before a major surprise: Harrison Ford walked onto the D23 stage. Ford discussed Indiana Jones and revealed that he is serving as the model for the Audio-Animatronic figure being created for the new Indiana Jones attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Walt Disney Imagineering’s Michael Hundgen and Chris Beatty then joined the stage to share more about Disney’s Animal Kingdom Indiana Jones attraction.

A look at the digital model of Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones audio-animatronic.

Marvel attractions worldwide

“Stark Flight Lab” joins Avengers Campus in 2028

11:12 p.m. ET update: Brett and Kevin revealed new details for “Stark Flight Lab,” the second attraction coming to the expanded Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure. Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, Brie Larson as Captain Marvel and Anthony Mackie as Captain America will serve as guests’ flight instructors as they train with Avengers technology.

Both “Stark Flight Lab” and “Avengers: Infinity Defense” are set to open in 2028.

“Avengers: Infinity Defense” recruits some familiar heroes

11:11 p.m. ET update: Brett Strong revealed that guests will enter “Avengers: Infinity Defense” as new recruits, with Ms. Marvel leading the pre-mission briefing. Kevin Feige then announced that several Marvel stars are reprising their roles for the Disney California Adventure attraction, including Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, before Disney debuted a special clip from behind the scenes of the filming of these performances.

Marvel in Hong Kong and Shanghai

11:05 p.m. ET update: Walt Disney Imagineering’s Brett Strong shared new details about the expansion of Stark Expo at Hong Kong Disneyland, including a new Quinjet landing platform and opportunities to encounter Avengers. Kevin Feige also discussed the Avengers Research Lab, teasing how Peter Parker’s powerful new technology will inevitably attract villains. Disney showed plans for 120 vertical feet of new storytelling, including large-scale dimensional displays incorporated into the building.

Attention then shifted to Shanghai Disney Resort, where Disney is developing its first land dedicated entirely to Spider-Man. The land will be home to Shanghai’s WEB Brigade, where young recruits can experiment with new technology. Imagineers are also collaborating with more than 20 local artists on the project — an approach Ali Rubinstein discussed during the TEA panel earlier this year.

Is Marvel parks news assembling next?

11:04 p.m. ET update: Walt Disney Imagineering’s Brett Strong joined Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige onstage as “Horizons” turned its attention to Marvel and its stories inside Disney parks.

11:00 p.m. ET update: Neil Patrick Harris returned to his John-from-“Carousel of Progress” persona following Gloria Gaynor’s performance, turning his attention to Avengers Campus with jokes about Peter Quill and Peter Parker.

John Stamos is now on stage, as Neil Patrick Harris joked that he had to leave to take care of some very important D23 business: Disney Lorcana.

Yeti and Space travel (Spaceship Earth, Space Mountain)

The Yeti is coming back to life at Expedition Everest

10:55 p.m. ET update: The Yeti celebration continued with Gloria Gaynor taking the stage to perform “I Will Survive” — a fitting anthem for the Expedition Everest figure affectionately nicknamed the “Disco Yeti” after years of operating without its original full-motion effect.

10:54 p.m. ET update: In one of the night’s biggest surprises, Thomas Mazloum teased the unmistakable sounds of a crumbling mountain as the Yeti appeared on the screens — then announced that the Expedition Everest Yeti will be brought back to life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The reveal drew a huge reaction from the D23 crowd.

This is major news considering the massive Audio-Animatronic has operated without its original full-motion effect for many years, with a strobe effect used during the encounter instead.

Spaceship Earth will tell a new story of human connection

10:52 p.m. ET update: Mark Rober highlighted the engineering behind EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth and the ride system that carries guests through the attraction. Ali Rubinstein then revealed that Spaceship Earth’s story will be updated for the first time in nearly 20 years. While today’s version centers on communication, the new story will focus on human connection, adding new magic throughout every scene while preserving the attraction’s journey through time and celebration of human progress.

Space Mountain updates for Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland

10:50 p.m. ET update: Ali Rubinstein turned to Space Mountain: Earthrise, describing the transformation coming to Tokyo Disneyland as “breathtaking.” The reimagined attraction will have guests board a rocket that literally blasts off into space, and Disney showed an early animation of the attraction’s new launch sequence.

10:48 p.m. ET update: Engineer and YouTube creator Mark Rober joined Ali Rubinstein, senior vice president of Global Creative & Development Studios at Walt Disney Imagineering, for a conversation about Imagineering. Starting in Paris, where Hyperspace Mountain will close in 2027 as Imagineers transform the attraction with an updated experience inspired by its original “Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune” identity. The original Jules Verne-inspired version debuted at Disneyland Paris in 1995, and the original soundtrack.

Disneyland celebrates its classics with returning favorites

10:45 p.m. ET update: Disneyland’s “Calling All Dreamers” celebration will also welcome back the award-winning “Magic Happens” parade, bringing the colorful daytime spectacular back to Disneyland Park.

Initial announcements

“Carousel of Progress” takes center stage at D23

10:44 p.m. ET update: Disney shared scenes from the new “Carousel of Progress,” featuring Disney Legend Jamie Lee Curtis and Emmy Award-winning actor Bryan Cranston.

Debuting late spring 2027.

10:42 p.m. ET update: Thomas Mazloum said the Honda Center is becoming its own “Carousel of Progress,” with four stories exploring Disney’s legacy, adventure, exploration and possibility while imagining “an even greater and even more beautiful tomorrow.” “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” then played before Neil Patrick Harris returned to the stage in the style of John from Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.

“The Imagineering Story” is getting a second season

10:38 p.m. ET update: Leslie Iwerks revealed that she is currently filming a second season of “The Imagineering Story,” continuing the Disney+ documentary series exploring the people, creativity and innovation behind Walt Disney Imagineering.

The new season will debut in early 2028. A reel of the second season shows during the presentation and live stream.

Leslie Iwerks pays homage to her father and recaps her documentaries

10:36 p.m. ET update: Leslie Iwerks reflected on her family’s multigenerational Disney legacy, including her grandfather, Disney Legend Ub Iwerks. Following the recent death of her father, Disney Legend Don Iwerks, she said she is thankful his spirit lives on through Walt Disney Imagineering and the broader Disney community.

Filmmaker Leslie Iwerks paid tribute to her late father, Disney Legend Don Iwerks, before reflecting on her documentaries chronicling the history, creativity and people behind Disney and Walt Disney Imagineering.

Bruce Vaughn takes stage

10:32 p.m. ET update: Bruce Vaughn reflected on Walt Disney Imagineering’s history and the Disney Legends who have helped shape it, recognizing Tony Baxter, Wing T. Chao, Rob’t Coltrin, Bob Gurr, Joe Rohde and Kim Irvine. Irvine is the newest Disney Legend among the group, joining the 2026 class. Then Vaughn introduces Leslie Iwerks.

10:30 p.m. ET update: Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum said Disney has more projects underway than at any point in its history, pointing to the new theme park resort planned for Abu Dhabi, enhancements across existing destinations and additional Disney Cruise Line ships.

Mazloum credited Walt Disney Imagineering for that growth before welcoming Bruce Vaughn, president and chief creative officer of Walt Disney Imagineering, to the stage.

Experiences chairman takes stage

10:28 p.m. ET update: Thomas Mazloum, chairman of Disney Experiences, joined Neil Patrick Harris onstage as the first guest of the evening. “We want to make every moment you spend with us magic. We put you in the center of every decision we make,” Mazloum said. He then recaps some of the milestones that have happened since the last D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience in 2024.

Opening number continues

10:27 p.m. ET update: Disney Legend and former Imagineer Joe Rohde made a surprise appearance, coming onstage to “fix” the malfunctioning Audio-Animatronics following an overhead announcement. The elaborate opening number then ended with Neil Patrick Harris transformed into John, the father from Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.

10:25 p.m. ET update: An Audio-Animatronic roll call kept the jokes coming, including a nod to attractions operating in “B-mode.” The bit culminated with a performer portraying an Olaf Audio-Animatronic suddenly toppling over onstage, drawing a big laugh from the crowd.

10:24 p.m. ET update: The opening musical number continues with a joke about Expedition Everest’s famously stationary Yeti, followed by a tribute to Walt Disney and the Imagineers who have helped bring Disney’s theme parks to life.

Presentation and live stream started

10:21 p.m. ET update: Skylar Astin and Darren Criss joined the “Horizons” stage as “Pirates of the Caribbean”-style Audio-Animatronics, continuing the showcase’s musical celebration of classic Disney attractions. Two minutes later, they are dressed as the Hitch Hiking Ghosts.

10:18 p.m. ET update: Neil Patrick Harris paid tribute to Disney cast members around the world before breaking into an opening musical number celebrating Disney destinations — and the promise of a “great big beautiful world (or land)” because of Disney World or Disneyland, then it becomes a song about animatronics with performers like famous Disney animatronics like Ellen from Ellen’s Energy Adventure.

10:15 p.m. ET update: Host Neil Patrick Harris opened “Horizons” with jokes about Disney virtual queues and D23 Lorcana collectibles, welcoming attendees as the “coolest, smartest, brokest Disney fans in the world.”

10:14 p.m. ET update: The Disney+ livestream is now live as “Horizons: A Carousel of Progress” gets underway following a roughly 14-minute delay.

Disney parks and Fortnite connect before the showcase

7:52 p.m. ET update: The parks news actually started before the Disney Experiences Showcase began. Disney revealed a new connection between Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Fortnite’s new “Smuggler’s Gambit” island. Players can complete missions in Fortnite and generate a code that unlocks a special mission aboard the real Millennium Falcon attraction at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. “Smuggler’s Gambit” launches Aug. 16.

The presentation begins at 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET and will stream live on Disney+. Disney says the showcase will include project updates, first looks, new artwork and renderings, behind-the-scenes stories and a closer look at what’s ahead.

Attractions Magazine will update this article throughout the presentation, with the newest announcements appearing first.

More news to come!

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