D23: The Ultimate Fan Event 2026 Programming Slate Revealed

July 13, 2026 Roger Palmer

Disney has announced the programming slate for their upcoming “D23: The Ultimate Fan Event”, which takes place in Anaheim, California, on August 14, 15, and 16th, 2026.

The “D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event” is the biggest event of the year in Disney fans’ calendars, offering fans of all ages, and there are even more ways for fans to experience all the worlds of Disney like never before with nostalgic panels, showstopping performances, and all-new offerings.

This three-day event will bring together the stories, characters, and experiences that have inspired generations of fans around the world, offering an unparalleled celebration of the creativity, innovation, and enduring legacy of The Walt Disney Company. As Disney continues to create new ways for audiences to engage with the worlds they love, this event serves as the ultimate gathering place for fans—pulling back the curtain on the company’s most exciting upcoming projects while celebrating the deep emotional connections that make Disney fandom unlike any other.

Michael Vargo, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, said in a statement regarding the event’s programming:

“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.”

Disney has announced that this year’s programming will celebrate the company’s past, present, and future. The event will be packed with legendary talent, milestone anniversaries, and all-new reveals across three unforgettable days. Music fans can experience Disney Legend and eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken in a rare one-man concert, join Broadway and animation stars for some of the best Disney hits of the ’80s and ’90s at the Disney Rewind Concert, and hear Grammy-nominated vocalist and Emmy winner Seth MacFarlane and other special guests celebrate the timeless Muppets songbook. Milestone anniversaries take the spotlight with 75 years of Alice in Wonderland, 35 years of Beauty and the Beast, 25 years of KINGDOM HEARTS, and 65 years of Marvel’s Spider-Man—while members of the newest class of Disney Legends sit down for an intimate conversation. With showstoppers like D23 Mousequerade: The Ultimate Disney Costume Contest presented by AT&T and the all-new Disney Experiences Auction, there truly is something extraordinary across every stage.

Fans attending the event will be required to enter a randomised Reservation Selection Process (RSP) to get reservations for select presentations and experiences based on preferences and availability.

The Reservation RSP will be open from Monday, 20th July 2026, at 12 p.m. PT through Friday, July 24, at 12 p.m. PT. Guests may rank their choices and request reservations for groups of up to six people for most offerings.

Confirmed reservations will be emailed beginning August 7th 2026. While reservations are not guaranteed, standby queues will be available for presentations at Anaheim Convention Center Event stages, Talent Central, and most Show Floor Experiences.

There will also be three major presentations taking place in the evenings at the Honda Center, which are available only to D23 Ultimate Fan Pass and D23 Ultimate Preferred Fan Pass ticket holders. There are no reservations or standby queues available for the Honda Centre shows, as those seats are allocated when the tickets are purchased.

These major presentations will feature never-ending moments of surprise and delight, performances, and announcements, as well as sneak peeks at the incredible films, shows, attractions, experiences, and more from Disney’s creative powerhouses and groundbreaking innovators.

Disney hasn’t yet confirmed if it will be livestreaming any of the events on social media or on Disney+. In previous years, highlights were made available on Disney+.

For Disney+ subscribers, the biggest panel of the event will be the Disney Entertainment Showcase, which takes place on Friday, 14th August 2026, in the Honda Centre. This is where we will find out more details on the upcoming films and shows heading to our screens.

Here are details on the three major showcases:

Friday, August 14 – Disney Entertainment Showcase

Friday night, the world-class storytellers of The Walt Disney Company will take center stage at the Honda Center for the Disney Entertainment Showcase. Guests can expect surprise celebrity appearances, exclusive first looks at upcoming films and series, exciting new announcements, and unforgettable musical performances. The star-studded presentation will celebrate the stories audiences love while offering an exclusive preview of what’s coming next across Disney’s movies, television, games, and live stage productions.

Saturday, August 15 – Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase

Join host Neil Patrick Harris for a journey into the stories shaping the future of Disney Experiences around the world. Building on the ambitious projects announced in 2024, this year’s showcase will take fans deeper into the creative vision behind what’s to come, hearing directly from the Imagineers, storytellers, artists, and innovators bringing these experiences to life. Inspired by the Carousel of Progress, Neil will guide the show and lead engaging conversations with the people creating the future of Disney Experiences—complete with behind-the-scenes looks, special performances, exciting announcements, and a few surprises along the way.

Sunday, August 16 – Disney Legends Awards Ceremony

Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony will feature tributes and memorable moments celebrating the lasting impact of this year’s honorees, bestowing Disney’s highest recognition to a distinguished group of creatives, performers, and leaders, 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.

Disney has also revealed details on the panels taking place across all five stages at the Anaheim Convention Center:

A New Feature-Length Documentary from Leslie Iwerks

Discover how Disney’s greatest storytellers draw inspiration from the parks where their worlds were always meant to live, featuring a panel with top filmmakers and special guests, followed by the debut screening of Leslie Iwerks’ new feature coming to Disney+.

Hey Jonas! Live at D23: Celebrating Disney Legends

Celebrate Disney Legends Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas during a live recording of their hit iHeartPodcast, Hey Jonas! Hear unforgettable Disney stories, behind-the-scenes memories, and special guests as they celebrate this incredible milestone together.

Disney Rewind Concert

Relive the magic of VHS vibes with the ultimate throwback event showcasing some of the best Disney hits of the ‘80s and ‘90s, filled with nostalgic favorites performed by Disney and Broadway stars, including Disney Legends Bill Farmerand Jodi Benson, as well as incoming Disney Legend Susan Egan.

A Whole New World of Alan Menken

In this rare, one-man concert Disney Legend and eight-time Academy Award® winner Alan Menken shares the songs and stories behind legendary Disney films and beloved stage and screen musicals that have shaped generations of audiences around the world.

D23 Mousequerade: The Ultimate Disney Costume Contest presented by AT&T

Join host Nina West for the return of the ultimate Disney costume contest. Fans will showcase their Disney-inspired creations on the runway, so join us to vote alongside judges Yvette Nicole Brown, Ashley Eckstein, and Bobby Kim.

The Simpsons: Stories from Springfield

Join the cast and creative team of The Simpsons as they explore the art of storytelling in Springfield, from character-driven comedy and cultural satire to finding fresh stories more than three decades later.

The Muppets Musical History with Seth MacFarlane

Join Grammy-nominated vocalist and Emmy winner Seth MacFarlane and other special guests for a conversation about the timeless Muppets songbook. Seth will share the inspiration behind his upcoming Muppets orchestral album.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 3

Join the cast and producers behind Percy Jackson and the Olympians for a must-see celebration packed with behind-the-scenes stories and exciting teases as Season 3 brings The Titan’s Curse to life later this year on Disney+.

Camp Rock 3: The Next Generation

Fresh off the world premiere of Camp Rock 3, join the stars as they share behind-the-scenes stories and favorite moments from bringing a new era of the beloved Camp Rock franchise to life.

Bluey: From the Backyard to the Big Screen

Join the team behind Bluey and get stuck into everything you’d ever want to know about the homegrown Aussie icon turned true-blue global phenomenon. Take a journey from a backyard in Brisbane all the way to the big screen in 2027’s The Bluey Movie.

The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds

Through live and online bidding, join your host Bret Iwan (official voice of Mickey Mouse, Disney Fine Artist) to discover select, verified pieces from Disney’s theme parks and resorts that are ready for their next chapter with the fans who treasure them most. Auction information and registration instructions coming soon.

LEGO Star Wars Screening Event

Experience a special screening of an all-new LEGO Star Wars animated adventure filled with iconic characters, unexpected laughs, and action-packed fun. Perfect for Star Wars and LEGO fans of all ages. More details to come.

Lettuce Show You How We Make Bob’s Burgers!

Order up! The Emmy-winning Bob’s Burgers creative team takes you from script to screen through a live demonstration featuring voice cast, live drawing, storytelling insights, and a closer look at how they bring the episodes you know and love to life.

Scrubs: Scrubbing Back In

Celebrate the return to Sacred Heart with a conversation with the cast and executive producers of Scrubs featuring behind-the-scenes stories, fan-favorite moments, and a look at why the revival resonates today— daydreams and all.

Beauty and the Beast: A Tale as Old as Time

Celebrate 35 years of Disney Animation’s classic tale Beauty and the Beast—from the screen to the stage and beyond—with filmmakers and stars from the animated feature film and the Broadway production it inspired, including Disney Legends Paige O’Hara, Susan Egan, Don Hahn, and Mark Henn, as well as incoming Disney Legend Susan Egan.

Zootopia: Ten Years in the Mammal Metropolis

Celebrate ten years of Disney Animation’s Zootopia films—from theaters and Disney+ to Disney Parks attractions around the world—with the stars and filmmakers behind the mammal metropolis, including Jared Bush, Byron Howard, and Michael Giacchino.

Beyond the Magic: Disney Pin Trading

A panel discussion with the Pin Trading product design team on their role, concept design, and the innovation in pins. The panel will include a D23 talent host and Pin Trading design team with a visual presentation to go with the discussion.

The Quests Ahead for Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game (A.K.A. Ravensburger)

Join the Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game team at Ravensburger as they share what fans can expect from upcoming set releases in 2027 and beyond, future events fans won’t want to miss, and more exciting behind-the-scenes details. They will cover all the highlights of developing this amazing card game as well as some thrilling announcements that you won’t want to miss.

DEEP DIVE into KINGDOM HEARTS

Join us for a journey through light and darkness as we commemorate 25 years of KINGDOM HEARTS. Discover how this saga united Disney, Pixar, and Square Enix, with insights from the creative minds, character voices, and more behind the magic.

Disney Legends in Conversation

Hosted by Disney Legend Robin Roberts, listen in as members from the newest class of Disney Legends partake in an enlightening conversation about their storied careers.

Disney & Nat Geo: Capturing the Wonder of Nature

Go behind the scenes with Disney and National Geographic storytellers as they explore how animals, ecosystems, conservation, and real-world adventures have inspired some of Disney’s most beloved stories, projects, and experiences.

Animating the Action: Disney Magic Live on ESPN

Discover how ESPN and Disney are redefining live sports storytelling—bringing iconic characters and immersive worlds from Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., Mickey and Friends, and more into animated broadcasts that elevate the fan experience.

Disney | Marvel: A Legacy of Stories presented by M&M’S

Chart the legacy of Disney and Marvel storytelling through classic comics, epic crossovers, and unique insights from Marvel creatives and Disney archivists. Session includes M&M’S and M&M’S Marvel Mini Poster Fan Packs giveaway.

Future of Digital Comics: Disney, Marvel, & WEBTOON

Explore beloved worlds in a whole new way as Disney, Marvel, and WEBTOON come together to spotlight iconic comics stories reimagined for WEBTOON’s immersive, mobile-first vertical format.

Celebrate 65 Years of Marvel’s Spider-Man!

From the recent return to the big screen in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, to fan-favorite animated series including Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends, Spider-Man’s 1,000th comic, toys, and more, Spidey’s been an enduring pop culture icon for nearly 65 years. Join us to celebrate Spider-Man with sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes stories, and more.

Marvel Fanfare

Join Marvel Comics for a talk about the enduring appeal of Spider-Man, his biggest stories from the past 65 years, and more. After the panel, fans will receive an exclusive comic giveaway.

Making Disney Magic with Ron Clements

Legendary Disney Animation director Ron Clements takes you inside his new book, Making Disney Magic, along with very special guests from his prolific legacy of animated films, including Disney Legends Jodi Benson, and Mark Henn, as well as incoming Disney Legends Susan Egan and Eric Goldberg.

Floating Mountains: A Conversation with Joe Rohde

Join Disney Legend Joe Rohde for an exclusive discussion of his memoir Floating Mountains. He’ll explore creativity, collaboration, and his work on Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Aulani, and beyond—offering rare insight into one of Disney’s most visionary artists.

HUZ: Drawn to Life

Discover Disney Animator Ron Husband’s inspiring story in a new Disney+ documentary from Don Hahn. Hahn and a panel of animators and storytellers share behind-the-scenes stories in a celebration of the artistry and mentorship behind many Disney classics.

Walt Disney: 125 Years of Inspiration

Join D23 as we salute Walt Disney’s 125th birthday. Hear from those who knew him, legends who were inspired by Walt and continue his legacy, plus enjoy some special performances—all inspired by, and in fun celebration of, Walt Disney.

Disney Music Presents: The Art of the Score

Grammy Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino shares an inside look at his creative process—across Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Marvel—and how he develops music that supports a filmmaker’s vision, featuring a special performance by Anthony Gonzalez.

Disney and The Grammys: A Musical Legacy

Disney Grammy Award-winning musical artists reflect on the songs, stories, and creative choices that shaped their careers—and the enduring legacy they continue to build across generations.

Ink & Paint at Disney Animation

Experience the magic behind the Disney Animation Ink & Paint Department come together before your eyes—from rough animation by incoming Disney Legend Eric Goldberg, to an inker transferring the image onto a cel, and then a painter bringing it to life with vibrant color.

Your Dream, Your Valley: Disney Dreamlight Valley

Join us to celebrate Disney Dreamlight Valley, a life-sim adventure game that lets you build and explore a world filled with Disney magic, rich stories, and beloved Disney and Pixar characters. Join the game’s creators for a retrospective and an exciting sneak peek at arrivals in 2026.

Disney Style Around the World

Enjoy a showcase of iconic Disney fashion and exciting product reveals from around the globe and hear from panelists Bobby Kim (Vice President, Global Creative Director for Disney Consumer Products), Tiia Chandler (Senior Director, Global Brand Partnerships for Crocs), and Lily Aldridge (supermodel, mother, entrepreneur, and Disney Style fangirl).

Disney-fying Your Home with Interior Design Magic

Fandom meets interior design with a panel of those who have infused Disney magic into their homes—from minimalist to the extreme design and decor—there’s endless ways to bring Disney’s films and parks to life in your very own home.

The Force of Innovation – Hasbro’s Grogu Animatronic

Join the galaxy’s favorite foundling and the development team behind Hasbro’s Ultimate Grogu collectible as they discuss the expertise and ingenuity needed to bring a character to life as an animatronic… and maybe reveal a few secrets along the way.

The Impact & Legacy of Disney Toys

Disney’s 100‑year toy legacy comes to life as experts Alex Miller, David Pacheco, and Becky Cline explore how Disney toys shaped the company, the industry, and generations of fans through stories, rare art, and iconic artifacts.

Worlds of Tinker Bell: Never Land to Pixie Hollow

Join host Ashley Eckstein and special guests as we explore the magical evolution of Tinker Bell from Peter Pan (1953) to her own enchanting universe in this lively celebration of a favorite Disney fairy.

20 Years of Enchanted: A Love Letter to Disney

Join host Nina West and director Kevin Lima as we celebrate 20 years of Enchanted with a fast-paced, Easter egg-filled tribute featuring special guests and surprises from the Walt Disney Archives collection.

75 Years of Nonsense: Alice in Wonderland

Celebrate 75 years of Disney Animation’s Alice in Wonderland with a look back at rarely seen art from the production and go behind the scenes of the newly restored version of the classic film.

One Hundred and One Dalmatians 65th Anniversary

Celebrate Disney Animation’s pioneering feature film with a look back at rarely seen art from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library.

Searching for the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House

Join Disney artist Kevin Kidney as he shares about his journey to the tropical island to visit the original filming locations from Swiss Family Robinson (1960)—including the legendary tree house that inspired the Disneyland Park attraction.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks: 55 Magical Years

Disney’s dazzling musical has been enchanting audiences since 1971. This multi-media presentation uses rare photos and art to weave a behind-the-scenes spell about the Oscar®-winning masterpiece—including the involvement of Walt Disney himself.

The Sherman Brothers on The Record

The Sherman brothers began their Disney career at what is now Walt Disney Records. Grammy Award®-winning producer and Disney Music Historian Randy Thornton shares rare recordings, demos, and interviews from his many years collaborating with “The Boys.”

Great Moments with Walt Disney

Disney historian Tim O’Day and editor of Disney Files magazine Ryan March share humorous stories and rare video footage of Walt Disney, showing the comedic side of the man behind the magic.

Houses Walt Built: The Walt Disney Family Museum
See rare photos and hear intimate stories about Walt and Lillian Disney’s Woking Way, Carolwood, and Smoke Tree Ranch homes.

The Carolwood Foundation Presents: Walt’s Barn

Come take a ride on the Carolwood Pacific Railroad as you discover the history of Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn. Along the way you’ll learn about our discoveries, secrets, and upcoming projects. All aboard!

Restoration at Disney: Preserving our Legacy

Fans will learn how the award-winning Disney Restoration team preserves and restores its vast library of classics, from Steamboat Willie to The Sound of Music. They’ll also get to hear about the challenges and surprises encountered during the process.

Sounds Delightful: An Illustrated Audio Adventure
Disney artist and historian Stacia Martin gives fans an all-new nostalgic trip through Disney music throughout the decades, playing some of her favourite clips from her personal collection of rare and vintage vinyl records.

The Spotlight Stage presented by Fandango will once again return to the show floor with a host of panels, interviews, presentations, musical groups, and interactive moments for fans to enjoy all day long, including the return of the popular D23 Disney Stars Trivia Showdown and sing-alongs with Nina West, as well as exciting performances like Mëtal Möuse: The Music of Disney – Electrified! With demos and lessons in voice acting, sketching, dancing, and more, the Spotlight Stage presented by Fandango is the place for fans to find some extra magic while immersing themselves in the largest show floor in event history.

Here is the full schedule:

Roger’s Take: Without a doubt, the Friday night presentation in the Honda Centre is the most important event of the whole weekend for Disney+ subscribers. These are where the big moments happen, new announcements regarding new shows for Disney+ and major new films are likely to be revealed. Plus, first looks and trailers revealed for upcoming titles.

It’s also interesting that video games and live-stage shows are also included in the Entertainment showcase, as that is also going to eat into the amount of reveals, though, as a “Kingdom Hearts” fan, plus this new Fortnite-style video game, does sound interesting to me. This might be why Marvel Studios is having its own panel at San Diego Comic-Con later this month, to give them more space.

In terms of other presentations throughout the weekend, for Disney+ fans, there are many presentations on upcoming originals, including a new LEGO animated special, a documentary from Leslie Iwerks and the third season of “Percy Jackson” to look forward to.

I always feel like I need to remind people that we are no longer in the era of the previous D23 events from 2019 or 2022, where dozens of new titles for Disney+ were revealed. Back in 2022, Disney had multiple presentations for its studios; this time, it’s just one, and it’s only scheduled to run for two hours. Throw in some live musical numbers and special guests, and that time will quickly disappear. Expect something interesting, but set expectations low to avoid being disappointed. I’m also really hoping Disney+ subscribers will be able to stream along from home (pretty please, Josh!).