Disney has unveiled the full scope of what fans can expect at this year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, and it’s shaping up to be massive. Taking place from August 14–16, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center, this year’s show floor is being billed as the largest in the event’s history, packed with exclusive activations, immersive experiences, and a massive slate of panels.
A Weekend Kickoff: D23 Day
The festivities actually begin a day early on Thursday, August 13, with “D23 Day at Disneyland Resort.” The celebration includes a Disney Legends Cavalcade at Disneyland Park, a special giveaway (while supplies last), and the return of the Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party at Disney California Adventure Park.
Perhaps the biggest draw of the kickoff is the Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration at Disney California Adventure Park. This limited-capacity event promises the largest gathering of Disney Princess talent ever assembled, celebrating the music and legacy of the beloved characters. For those unable to attend in person, the concert will be streamed on Disney+ and broadcast on Disney Channel, Freeform, and ABC on Sunday, August 16.
Immersive Experiences on the Show Floor
Disney is pulling out all the stops for the Anaheim Convention Center show floor, utilizing the expanded space to bring their various brands to life:
- Marvel Studios: Fans can jump into the multiverse with “Marvel Studios’ TVA Experience: Your Next Assignment,” an immersive walkthrough experience.
- Lucasfilm: The pavilion returns with props, costumes, and fireside chats with filmmakers. Additionally, attendees can catch a special screening of LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian.
- Animation Showcase: Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios are teaming up for a massive pavilion, featuring a 40th-anniversary celebration of Pixar. Fans can look forward to artist demonstrations and autograph signings for upcoming films like Hexed, Frozen 3, Gatto, and Incredibles 3.
- Disney+ & Hulu: This space will feature a signature 4D theater, exclusive merchandise, and photo ops themed to Percy Jackson and the Olympians, FX’s American Horror Story, and Only Murders in the Building.
- Imagineering: Horizons: The popular Disney Experiences pavilion returns, with “Imagineering: Horizons” offering an up-close look at the future of Disney Parks globally.
- Walt Disney Archives: Uncrated: For the first time, fans will get to peer into the hidden warehouses of the Walt Disney Archives, featuring themed displays of props, costumes, and puppets from across Disney history.
- ESPN: Ahead of the upcoming football season, the “We’re Going to the Super Bowl!” activation will offer stadium-inspired environments and victory celebrations.
Talent Central and More
“Talent Central presented by M&M’S®” will serve as the hub for meet-and-greets throughout the weekend. Fans will have the chance to interact with notable Disney figures, including incoming Disney Legend Eric Goldberg, Pixar’s Pete Docter, and various Imagineers. Stars from shows like Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Bob’s Burgers, and Dancing with the Stars are also confirmed to appear.
Additionally, Fandango returns as the presenting sponsor of the Spotlight Stage, which will host live interviews, musical performances, and interactive demonstrations on everything from voice acting to sketching.
Between the sponsor-driven activations—including everything from a Cars-themed Chevrolet booth to an Encanto-inspired Honda display—and the massive collection of exhibits, this year’s D23 promises to be the definitive fan experience for everything Disney.
For the latest updates and tickets, keep an eye on D23.com.
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