Disney has announced details on this year’s major new event, “Destination D23: A Journey Around the Worlds of Disney”, which will be taking place at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida on August 29rd, 30th, and 31st, 2025.

Over the two days, ticketed guests can enjoy a full slate of over 25 specially curated presentations from across The Walt Disney Company, including Walt Disney Studios, Disney Entertainment Television, Disney Experiences, and the Walt Disney Archives.

This programming will feature the creative visionaries and talent behind popular films and series, Imagineers, archivists, and Disney Legends, providing exclusive access and behind-the-scenes looks at fan-favorite entertainment and experiences.

Michael Vargo, Head of D23 said in a statement:

“Disney is uniquely beloved by generations of people who are captivated by the magic of our timeless stories and the imaginative ways we bring them to life.  Destination D23 will bring together some of Disney’s most passionate fans for an immersive event allowing them to celebrate and experience what they love most from across the worlds of Disney.”

There will be a exclusive shopping experience available to Destination D23 attendees starting Friday, 29th August 2025 and run throughout the weekend. Returning favorites include The Walt Disney Company Store and Mickey’s of Glendale, and new this year, is Disney Studio Store Hollywood. All three locations will offer specialty merchandise, including limited-edition pins that will only be available through a Random Selection Process (RSP) opportunity. The return of the Ink & Paint Marketplace will feature an assortment of items from some fan-favorite brands and friends of Disney.

On Saturday, 30th August 2025, all attendees are invited to celebrate 25 years of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Emperor’s New Groove during D23 Kuzcotopia Night at Typhoon Lagoon, which will feature complimentary snacks, photo opportunities, special activities, and exclusive entertainment.

On Sunday, 31st August 2025, Disney ‘80s-’90s Celebration in Concert, presented by Disney+, caps off the weekend’s festivities as Broadway and Disney Animation stars take attendees on a musical journey with show-stopping performances, rock-concert lighting, and larger-than-life projections tied to musical moments from some of the best hits of these groundbreaking decades.

Throughout the weekend, additional experiences will be available for Destination D23 attendees to enjoy at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, including The Walt Disney Archives Presents: Charting the Course, Disney’s Global Stories & Inspirations. This all-new exhibit celebrates the world around us and the global locations and cultures that have inspired Disney storytelling for generations. From Dwayne Johnson’s Jungle Cruise (2021) costume to animation maquettes from The Lion King (1994) and Mulan (1998) to original puppets from EPCOT’s Tapestry of Nations, fans will discover a vibrant global celebration.

During the week leading up to the event, fans can enjoy D23 Nights at Disney Springs, featuring a variety of additional fun activities and offers. And, on Thursday, 28th August 2025, D23 is hosting A Goofy Movie Throwback Premiere.

Tickets for the event will go on sale for D23 Gold Members at 10 a.m. PDT / 1 p.m. EDT on April 14, 2025.  General admission tickets are available for $299. In addition, a limited number of Preferred ($549) and Premiere ($799) seating tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. These tickets will include dedicated queues for reserved seating areas. D23 Gold Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest for General, Preferred, or Premier seating. Tickets will be available at D23.com.

All ticketed Destination D23 event guests will receive access to the following D23-exclusive experiences:

• Walt Disney Archives exhibit, photo opportunities, and D23 Shopping Spree starting Friday, August 29
• Guaranteed seat at all Destination D23 2025 panels and presentations on Saturday, August 30, and Sunday, August 31
• Access to D23 Kuzcotopia Night at Typhoon Lagoon on Saturday, August 30
• Commemorative gifts, including a Lug bag, event-exclusive pin, lanyard, credential, and shopping bag created exclusively for the event

Additional presenters, presentations, and activities for Destination D23 will be announced by Disney soon.

Roger’s Take:   At previous Destination D23 events, Walt Disney Studios and Disney Entertainment have had panels highlighting upcoming shows and films, though it’s important to note that the Destination D23 event is much smaller than the D23 Expo event that takes place in California every other year.  Generally, the Destination D23 event is more aimed at Walt Disney World fans.

With the event taking place in August, I wouldn’t be surprised if those in attendance get a small preview of some upcoming titles like “Tron: Ares”, “Zootopia 2″ and the second season of”Percy Jackson”, which will be coming out in the months after “Destination D23”. 

Are you going to be attending this year’s Destination D23 event?  Let me know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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