D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Details Announced

Disney has announced details on this year’s “D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event”, which returns this summer in Anaheim, California, and it will offer fans exclusive first access to the latest in Disney storytelling, creativity, and innovation. Across three packed days, the event will bring together stars and storytellers for unforgettable moments, including sneak peeks, behind-the‑scenes access, thrilling performances, immersive experiences, expanded shopping, and surprises that only Disney can deliver. 

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will showcase the full strength of Disney’s storytelling engine—bringing together beloved franchises, bold new visions, and the creative leaders shaping what’s next. There will be a marquee presentation at the Honda Center each day, featuring stars, storytellers, and unforgettable surprises: the Disney Entertainment Showcase on Friday, the Disney Experiences Showcase on Saturday, and the Disney Legends Award Ceremony on Sunday.

For Disney+ subscribers, the Disney Entertainment Showcase will be the most important panel, as we’ll get an idea of some of the biggest and best films and shows coming to our screens in the next two years.    Disney has also confirmed that the Disney Legends Award Ceremony will stream live on Disney+, but its unclear if the other two showcases will be streamed globally.

Asad Ayaz, Chief Marketing and Brand Officer of The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement regarding the D23 event:

“D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is a powerful expression of the lasting connection Disney has with its fans.  This event is designed for our most passionate fans who connect deeply with our stories, characters, and experiences, and who want a front row seat to our biggest announcements. From honoring this year’s class of Disney Legends to unveiling some of the best of our creativity across film, television, streaming, sports, and experiences, D23 celebrates the global community at the very heart of Disney.”

Throughout the weekend, the Anaheim Convention Center will host more than 50 panels and presentations created exclusively for fans, offering behind-the-scenes insights, first looks, and conversations with the storytellers behind some of Disney’s most iconic worlds. Returning fan-favourite programming includes D23 Mousequerade: The Ultimate Disney Costume Contest, a signature celebration of Disney fandom that spotlights fan creativity, craftsmanship, and community.

Additional programming includes the premiere of a new feature-length documentary from acclaimed filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, offering fans an exclusive first look at a powerful new Disney story told through her singular lens.

D23’s largest and most innovative show floor ever will immerse fans in interactive environments that bring Disney storytelling to life. Fan-favourite experiences are returning, including opportunities to get up close with the latest from Disney Experiences and Walt Disney Imagineering; dive into the worlds of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic; experience favourite movies and series with Disney+ and Hulu; and explore the very best of Disney shopping, products, and more.

All-new experiences include Mundo Pixar: The D23 Experience, providing fans with a special D23 preview of the immersive walk-through experience touring worldwide, featuring life-size sets of some favorite Pixar films; ESPN and the Road to the Super Bowl, highlighting the intersection of sports and entertainment; activations inspired by Bluey, Camp Rock 3, The Simpsons; and a standout display featuring Mickey F1 and a Formula 1 car.

Fans can also compete in a first-of-its‑kind experience for the event as Ravensburger hosts the Disney Lorcana Challenge Championship Qualifier, where the winner earns a guaranteed seat at the 2027 Disney Lorcana North American Championship.

Walt Disney Archives: Uncrated is an all-new exhibition on the show floor that invites intrepid fans to uncover an unforgettable journey into the vast and hidden warehouses of the Walt Disney Archives — spaces previously reserved for access to Disney archivists, alone. Guests will have the chance to explore themed displays featuring shipments of iconic props, costumes, and puppets from some beloved films, television series, and theme parks, which span generations of history at The Walt Disney Company.

Disney has also revealed details on the tickets for the event, which will include a special Disney+ Perk for subscribers, with all D23 Gold Members — including those enrolled in a complimentary Gold Member plan via Disney+ Perks or on Gold Essential, Choice, and Complete plans — may purchase event tickets, subject to availability. Additionally, for a limited time only, Disney+ subscribers on the D23 Gold Monthly plan can also take advantage of a new Disney+ Perk, upgrading to a paid Gold Essential, Choice, or Complete plan for 20% off. Visit disneyplus.com/perks for more details.

To prioritise our most dedicated fans and the core D23 community, ticket access will roll out in tiers. Tickets for the event will go on sale beginning Tuesday, March 31, at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET for current D23 Gold Charter Members during an exclusive 24-hour window. A priority purchase window for D23 Gold Members on Essential, Choice, and Complete plans will start on Thursday, April 2, at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. All other D23 Gold Members will be able to join the queue at 12 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. ET that same day.

Each Gold Member may purchase tickets for themselves and up to five (5) guests (six [6] tickets total). Guests of D23 Gold Members do not need to be D23 Gold Members themselves to attend. 

This year’s event is more accessible than ever before with expanded show floor hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and a new D23 Fan Pass – Afternoon Only ticket, offering later day entry to the Anaheim Convention Center.. Ticket options span a range of experiences, including:

• D23 Fan Pass (Anaheim Convention Center only), available for $49 (Afternoon Only), $99 (1‑Day), or $297 (3‑Day)
• D23 Ultimate Fan Pass, which includes access to both the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center showcases, with pricing beginning at $99 for a 1‑Day and $297 for a 3‑Day package
• The D23 Ultimate Preferred Fan Pass delivers three days of floor seating at the Honda Center, three days of Anaheim Convention Center access, and exclusive Random Selection Process (RSP) opportunities for select limited-edition pins, with pricing ranging from $1,299 to $2,599 depending on location.
• Each ticket is subject to a $11.25 service fee, and each transaction is subject to a $16 delivery fee.

D23 Gold Members who are unable to purchase tickets may join a limited-time waitlist after ticket sales close. Due to limited availability, tickets are not guaranteed.

Disney will be announcing additional details on D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, including programming and shopping information, in the months leading up to the event.

Roger’s Take: The bi-annual D23 event is without a doubt the biggest event in the Disney calendar, and we will no doubt get to see plenty of previews of upcoming Disney+ content, either during the main showcase or in other panels.  It’s certainly going to be a popular and busy weekend.

Are you looking forward to the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event?  Let me know on social media!