Toy Story 5 Updates: Destination D23 Announcements!
- cowgirlamanda95
- Sep 3, 2025
- 3 min read
Hoo boy, what a weekend!
This past weekend, D23 had it's "Destination D23" expo in Orlando, Florida, a first for D23 to hold a bigger expo outside of Anaheim! I was definitely living vicariously through some followers that were there!
I honestly did not have high expectations for any Toy Story 5 news since it appeared it was not really on the schedule, but it was one of the first things announced!
Woody, Buzz, and Jessie came out on stage, did a little skit, and actress Yvette Nicole Brown graced the stage to update the audience on all things Toy Story.
The first thing to be announced was the first Toy Story's return to theaters starting on September 12th for the 30th anniversary. With the film's re-release, there will be a popcorn bucket and cup commemorative of the 30th anniversary. These are actually starting to pop up in movie theaters as we speak, so keep your eye out!
Next, have you noticed someone has been missing from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? Well, if you answered Buzz Lightyear, you would be correct!
It has been announced that the Buzz Lightyear balloon float will once again soar to infinity and beyond in the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade! I am so excited Buzz is back in the parade, and it just adds to the hype for Toy Story 5.
On to Toy Story 5; it has been confirmed once again that Tom Hanks will be returning as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz, and Joan Cusack as Jessie. (Can we just appreciate how the top 3 are back? I know they are Toy Story 4 renders, but they look great.)
Brown goes on explaining that the premise will be "toy versus tech" and how the toys will be squaring up with a new tablet Bonnie receives named Lilypad. Lilypad will be an antagonist that will put the toys to the test by proving they are still relevant in Bonnie's lives. There is no official announcement of Lilypad's voice actor at this time.
Next, it was reiterated that Conan O'Brien will be voicing a character named Smarty Pants. We have all been wondering what exactly this toy would be and it turns out...it is a potty training device. My question is, isn't Bonnie beyond toilet training age? I don't have children so I can't speak on that, but a potty training object seems random, but I'll be curious to see!
Finally, the audience got a first look at the army of updated, high-tech Buzz Lightyear toys. The image below was shared depicting the new renders of Buzz and the changes added to these updated figures. Furthermore, audiences were treated to the opening of Toy Story 5. The opening focuses on the army of Buzz Lightyears crash landing. That is really all I am going to say on that.
(NOTE! There are leaks everywhere of the opening, so practice due diligence online if you do not like spoilers.)
Check out this video from Laughing Place on YouTube from the whole announcement segment:
Lastly, for those who collect popcorn buckets and sippers from the Disney parks, they announced that this alien sipper will be available at the Disneyland Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line.
D23 looked like such a great time and I am looking forward to more Toy Story 5 news in the coming months! I am so excited for this movie, but I also do enjoy the ride to release day.
I also want to alert everyone that the "Black Tie Bundle" figures are now on pre-order at Entertainment Earth here:
One last thing I want to call out. There are many leaks and rumors going around such as a potential Toy Story 5 teaser being shown before the first film in theaters next week. While that is very exciting, it is unconfirmed. While we are all excited for the fifth movie, we need to be respectful to Pixar and how they want to announce things. It is unfair to the creators that things are leaking before they get the chance to share with us officially.
Thanks for reading and talk to you in the next blog!
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