Disney has unveiled an extensive and star-studded programming lineup for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, scheduled to take place from August 14-16 in Anaheim, California. This highly anticipated gathering promises an immersive experience for fans, offering unprecedented access to upcoming projects, celebrations of beloved anniversaries, and intimate encounters with legendary talent. The event, held annually by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, serves as a cornerstone for the Disney community, bridging the gap between the company’s vast creative output and its dedicated global audience.
Michael Vargo, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, articulated the event’s core mission: "At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, the magic never stops. From the moment the first guest walks through the doors of the Anaheim Convention Center to the final curtain at the Honda Center, every hour is filled with something extraordinary. This is where fans become part of the story and every part of the Disney universe comes to life." This sentiment underscores the event’s evolution from a simple convention to a comprehensive celebration of all things Disney, encompassing film, television, theme parks, gaming, music, and animation.
The three-day extravaganza is meticulously structured to cater to a diverse range of interests, with distinct showcases dedicated to Disney Entertainment, Disney Experiences, and the prestigious Disney Legends Awards Ceremony. This strategic programming ensures a dynamic flow of content, from groundbreaking announcements to heartfelt retrospectives.
A Grand Opening: The Disney Entertainment Showcase
Kicking off the event on Friday, August 14, the Honda Center will host the Disney Entertainment Showcase. This prime-time event is poised to be a highlight, featuring world-class storytellers from The Walt Disney Company. Attendees can anticipate surprise celebrity appearances, exclusive first looks at highly anticipated films and series, significant new announcements, and captivating musical performances. The showcase aims to honor the stories that have resonated with audiences while offering a tantalizing glimpse into the future of Disney’s expansive content portfolio across movies, television, gaming, and live stage productions. This segment is particularly crucial for setting the tone and generating buzz for the company’s forthcoming creative endeavors.
Charting the Future: Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase
Saturday, August 15, is dedicated to the future of Disney’s immersive attractions with the "Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase." Hosted by the charismatic Neil Patrick Harris, this segment will delve into the creative vision behind the next wave of Disney Experiences worldwide. Building upon ambitious projects revealed in 2024, the showcase promises deeper insights from the Imagineers, storytellers, artists, and innovators who are shaping the future of Disney parks and beyond. Inspired by the iconic "Carousel of Progress," Harris will guide conversations, offering behind-the-scenes looks, special performances, and unexpected announcements that illuminate the ongoing evolution of Disney’s physical and digital realms. This focus on experiences is vital for a company whose theme parks are a significant driver of its brand identity and revenue.
Honoring Legacy: The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony
The culmination of the event on Sunday, August 16, will be the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, hosted by Ryan Seacrest. This esteemed ceremony bestows Disney’s highest honor upon a distinguished group of individuals who have made indelible contributions to the company’s legacy. This year’s honorees represent a remarkable spectrum of talent, including Chris Berman, Jerry Bruckheimer, Susan Egan, Eric Goldberg, Anne Hathaway, Bob Iger, Kim Irvine, Dwayne Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Alan Tudyk. The ceremony will feature heartfelt tributes and memorable moments celebrating their impactful careers, further cementing their place in Disney’s storied history. The inclusion of figures like Bob Iger, the former CEO, alongside creative powerhouses and performers, signifies the breadth of contributions recognized by the Legends program.
A Symphony of Celebrations: Anniversaries and Musical Tributes
Beyond the main stage events, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is packed with a diverse array of panels, presentations, and performances across all five stages at the Anaheim Convention Center. Music enthusiasts are particularly well-catered for, with a special appearance by Disney Legend and eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken performing a rare one-man concert, "A Whole New World of Alan Menken." This intimate performance will offer a deep dive into the songs and stories behind his legendary contributions to Disney films and stage musicals.
Adding to the musical tapestry, the "Disney Rewind Concert" will transport attendees back to the vibrant ’80s and ’90s with beloved Disney hits, performed by a stellar lineup of Disney and Broadway stars, including Disney Legends Bill Farmer and Jodi Benson, alongside incoming Disney Legend Susan Egan. Furthermore, Grammy-nominated vocalist and Emmy winner Seth MacFarlane, alongside special guests, will celebrate the timeless "Muppets" songbook, offering insights into the inspiration behind his upcoming Muppets orchestral album.
The event will also commemorate significant milestone anniversaries. Fans can revel in 75 years of Alice in Wonderland, 35 years of the animated classic Beauty and the Beast, 25 years of the beloved video game franchise KINGDOM HEARTS, and an impressive 65 years of Marvel’s iconic superhero, Spider-Man. These anniversaries will be honored through dedicated panels and retrospective presentations, providing a nostalgic journey through decades of beloved storytelling.
Deep Dives into Beloved Franchises
The programming schedule features a wealth of content dedicated to specific franchises, promising something for every fan. The critically acclaimed animated series The Simpsons will be explored in "Stories from Springfield," where cast and creative team members will discuss the art of storytelling in their long-running satirical universe. For fans of the beloved puppet characters, "The Muppets Musical History with Seth MacFarlane" will offer a unique perspective on their enduring legacy.
The popular Percy Jackson and the Olympians series will have a dedicated segment, with cast and producers teasing what’s to come in Season 3, which will adapt The Titan’s Curse. The global phenomenon Bluey will be celebrated in "From the Backyard to the Big Screen," tracing its journey from a humble Australian animation to a worldwide sensation and previewing The Bluey Movie slated for 2027.
Star Wars fans can anticipate a special screening event for an all-new LEGO Star Wars animated adventure, promising action-packed fun and humor for all ages. The culinary world of Bob’s Burgers will be brought to life in "Lettuce Show You How We Make Bob’s Burgers!", featuring the creative team, voice cast, and live drawing demonstrations.
The celebration of Beauty and the Beast will extend beyond its anniversary, with a panel featuring filmmakers and stars from both the animated feature and the Broadway production, including Disney Legends Paige O’Hara, Susan Egan, Don Hahn, and Mark Henn. The vibrant world of Zootopia will be explored in "Ten Years in the Mammal Metropolis," with stars and filmmakers like Jared Bush and Byron Howard discussing the film’s impact and its transition to Disney Parks attractions. The groundbreaking collaboration between Disney, Pixar, and Square Enix will be commemorated in a "DEEP DIVE into KINGDOM HEARTS," marking 25 years of the iconic game series.
Animation, Comics, and Digital Storytelling
The artistry of animation will be a recurring theme. A new feature-length documentary from Leslie Iwerks, focusing on how Disney’s greatest storytellers draw inspiration from the parks, will debut on Disney+. Director Ron Clements will discuss his new book, Making Disney Magic, alongside special guests from his illustrious career. A new Disney+ documentary from Don Hahn, "HUZ: Drawn to Life," will explore the inspiring story of Disney Animator Ron Husband. The magic of the Disney Animation Ink & Paint Department will be showcased live, demonstrating the meticulous process from rough animation to vibrant color.
The world of Disney and Marvel comics will be thoroughly explored. "Disney | Marvel: A Legacy of Stories" will trace the intertwined history of these iconic brands, offering insights from Marvel creatives and Disney archivists, with M&M’s Marvel Mini Poster Fan Packs as a special giveaway. The future of digital comics will be highlighted in "Future of Digital Comics: Disney, Marvel, & WEBTOON," showcasing beloved stories reimagined for WEBTOON’s mobile-first format. The enduring legacy of Marvel’s Spider-Man, celebrating 65 years, will be honored with sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes stories. "Marvel Fanfare" will delve into Spider-Man’s most iconic stories and offer an exclusive comic giveaway.
Innovations in Storytelling and Gaming
Disney’s foray into innovative storytelling will be on full display. "Animating the Action: Disney Magic Live on ESPN" will reveal how ESPN and Disney are merging live sports with iconic characters and immersive worlds for enhanced fan experiences. Composer Michael Giacchino will offer an inside look at his creative process in "Disney Music Presents: The Art of the Score," covering his work across Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Marvel, with a special performance by Anthony Gonzalez.
The burgeoning world of Disney gaming will be represented by "Your Dream, Your Valley: Disney Dreamlight Valley," celebrating the life-sim adventure game and offering a sneak peek at its 2026 arrivals. Hasbro’s technological prowess will be showcased in "The Force of Innovation – Hasbro’s Grogu Animatronic," detailing the expertise required to bring the beloved character to life as an animatronic.
Nostalgia and Enduring Characters
Fan-favorite characters and their evolving narratives will also take center stage. The magical evolution of Tinker Bell, from her origins in Peter Pan to her own enchanting universe, will be explored in "Worlds of Tinker Bell: Never Land to Pixie Hollow." The enduring charm of Enchanted will be celebrated in "20 Years of Enchanted: A Love Letter to Disney," featuring director Kevin Lima and special guests.
The enduring appeal of Alice in Wonderland will be commemorated in "75 Years of Nonsense," with a look at rarely seen production art and the newly restored version of the film. One Hundred and One Dalmatians‘ 65th anniversary will be marked with a retrospective featuring art from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library. The foundational work of The Sherman Brothers will be highlighted in "The Sherman Brothers on The Record," featuring rare recordings and interviews.
The critical work of preserving Disney’s vast library will be discussed in "Restoration at Disney: Preserving our Legacy," where fans will learn about the challenges and triumphs of restoring classics like Steamboat Willie and The Sound of Music.
The Spotlight Stage and Reservation System
Returning to the show floor, the Spotlight Stage presented by Fandango will offer a continuous stream of panels, interviews, musical performances, and interactive moments. This includes the popular D23 Disney Stars Trivia Showdown, sing-alongs with Nina West, and electrifying performances like Måneskin: The Music of Disney – Electrified! The stage will also feature demonstrations in voice acting, sketching, and dancing, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the creative process. This vibrant hub is situated within the largest show floor in the event’s history.
To manage attendance for popular presentations and experiences, Disney is implementing a randomized Reservation Selection Process (Reservation RSP). This system will be open from Monday, July 20, at 12 p.m. PT through Friday, July 24, at 12 p.m. PT. Attendees can rank their preferences and request reservations for groups of up to six people for most offerings. Confirmed reservations will be communicated via email starting August 7. While reservations are not guaranteed, standby queues will be available for most presentations at the Anaheim Convention Center, Talent Central, and Show Floor Experiences. It is important to note that Honda Center shows are exclusively for D23 Ultimate Fan Pass and D23 Ultimate Preferred Fan Pass ticket holders, with no reservation or standby options available.
Further details regarding Spotlight Stage programming and the complete event schedule are available on the official D23 website, D23.com. This comprehensive lineup solidifies D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event as a pivotal gathering for enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the magic of Disney across all its creative dimensions.
