Updated August 14, 2026
Disney fans have arrived in Anaheim for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, and the celebration is already delivering new experiences, entertainment and glimpses of what is coming next.
This year’s event runs August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center. The weekend includes more than 50 panels and presentations, Disney’s largest D23 show floor yet, special Disneyland Resort events and major showcases covering Disney entertainment and destinations.
Here is everything Disney has officially announced so far—and what it could mean for your next Disney vacation.
D23 Day brought the celebration to Disneyland Resort
The festivities began August 13 with D23 Day at Disneyland Resort. Guests were invited to enjoy a Disney Legends Cavalcade along Main Street, U.S.A., complimentary Mickey Mouse ear hats while supplies lasted, themed entertainment and unlimited digital Disney PhotoPass downloads for the day.
Disney California Adventure also hosted the Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party and a special performance of Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration. Disney describes the production as its largest gathering of Disney Princess talent, combining live music with projections, lighting and fountains.
The concert will be shown on Disney+, Disney Channel, Freeform and The Wonderful World of Disney on ABC on August 16. Read Disney’s official D23 Day details.
Disney unveiled its largest D23 show floor ever
The Anaheim Convention Center show floor brings Disney’s many worlds together through exhibits, interactive experiences, previews and character encounters.
New and expanded experiences include:
- Marvel Studios’ TVA Experience: Your Next Assignment, an immersive walkthrough inspired by the Time Variance Authority.
- A Lucasfilm pavilion, featuring conversations with filmmakers and experiences from a galaxy far, far away.
- A celebration of Pixar’s 40th anniversary, honoring four decades of Pixar storytelling.
- The Disney+ Hulu Experience, including a 4D theater, merchandise, a mystery pin quest and photo opportunities inspired by productions such as Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Camp Rock 3, The Simpsons and Marvel Television’s VisionQuest.
- Imagineering: Horizons, Disney Experiences’ largest D23 pavilion yet. The exhibit explores the people, creative process and technology shaping future Disney destinations.
- Walt Disney Archives: Uncrated, an exhibition designed to resemble the rarely seen warehouses holding Disney props, costumes, puppets and other historical treasures.
- The Bluey Movie booth, where guests with reservations can meet Bluey and Bingo.
- A new Simpsons movie photo experience, tied to the movie Disney says is scheduled for theaters on September 3, 2027.
Disney’s complete description of the show floor is available through The Walt Disney Company.
New shopping experiences and rare Disney treasures
D23 has also introduced an expanded shopping program with event-exclusive apparel, collectibles, pins, artwork, books and brand collaborations.
Highlights include:
- A new D23 Marketplace Pin Store.
- A new Disney
.YNSDcollection from Mickey’s of Glendale. - A collection inspired by Walt Disney’s historic Suite 3H office in Burbank.
- Collaborations with Spirit Jersey, Nike, Loungefly, RSVLTS and HARVEYS.
- HARVEYS merchandise created with decommissioned seatbelts from Soarin’ Over California.
- The Disney Experiences Auction—Rare and Remarkable Finds, featuring artwork, props and other Disney Parks treasures.
Disney says that select merchandise from the event will become available through DisneyStore.com beginning August 17 at 8 a.m. Pacific Time, while supplies last. See Disney’s official shopping announcement.
Major anniversaries take center stage
Several important Disney milestones are receiving special attention throughout the weekend:
- 75 years of Alice in Wonderland.
- 35 years of Beauty and the Beast.
- 25 years of Kingdom Hearts.
- 65 years of Marvel’s Spider-Man.
- 40 years of Pixar Animation Studios.
The programming also includes a rare solo concert with Disney Legend Alan Menken, a Disney Rewind concert celebrating music from the 1980s and 1990s, and a musical tribute to the Muppets.
Official D23 video
The following official Disney video offers a preview of the scale, entertainment and surprises planned for D23 2026:
Disney and D23 also released an official programming preview:
The biggest destination announcements are still ahead
The weekend’s headline presentations include:
- Disney Entertainment Showcase — August 14: New announcements and previews covering Disney movies, television, games and stage productions.
- Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase — August 15: Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, this presentation will explore the future of Disney Parks, resorts, cruise vacations and other global experiences.
- Disney Legends Award Ceremony — August 16: Disney’s highest honor will recognize creators, performers and leaders whose work has shaped the company.
Disney has stressed that the Experiences presentation will build upon projects announced in 2024 and take fans deeper into the creative plans behind upcoming destinations. Until Disney’s presentations conclude, rumored attractions, opening dates and cruise developments should not be treated as confirmed announcements.
What this means for Disney travelers
D23 announcements often influence when families decide to visit. A newly announced attraction, resort experience, festival or cruise itinerary can make one travel window more appealing than another.
Before changing vacation dates around a D23 reveal, remember that concept announcements and confirmed opening dates are not the same thing. Construction schedules and specific debut dates can change. The best approach is to compare the newly announced experiences with your family’s priorities, budget and preferred travel season.
The Travel Heroes can help you sort through the announcements, identify which developments matter to your family and plan a Disney vacation without an added planning fee.
Ready to start your next adventure? Contact The Travel Heroes and let us help create the magic for your family.
Editor’s note: D23 2026 continues through August 16. This article reflects official information available as of August 14 and should be updated as Disney releases additional announcements.