If you thought D23 was big before, 2026 is about to take it to a whole new level!
Disney has officially released a full wave of details for the upcoming D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, and this isn’t just an update—it’s a major expansion of what the event has traditionally been. From multi-day programming to city-wide experiences and massive showcase presentations, here’s everything Disney has confirmed so far.
Disney has officially unveiled an extensive slate of offerings for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026, positioning it as the largest and most immersive version of the event to date.
The event will take place August 14–16, 2026, in Anaheim, California, with programming split between the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center. However, this year’s experience extends well beyond those three days, with Disney confirming a week-long lineup of D23-themed activities leading up to the main event.
A Citywide Celebration
For the first time, D23 will expand into a broader Anaheim-wide celebration, bringing Disney experiences beyond the convention center and into the surrounding area.
This includes additional fan activations, entertainment offerings, and community events designed to create a more immersive, festival-style atmosphere throughout the week.
This shift signals a major evolution for D23, transforming it from a convention into a multi-day destination experience.
Honda Center Showcases Return
One of the biggest highlights of D23 is officially returning: the evening showcase presentations at the Honda Center.
These large-scale presentations will once again feature major announcements, exclusive first looks, and appearances from Disney executives, filmmakers, and talent across multiple divisions—including Disney Entertainment and Disney Experiences.
Historically, these showcases have been where Disney reveals major updates for:
- Upcoming films and series
- Disney Parks and Resorts projects
- New technologies and experiences
- Franchise expansions across Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and more
While specific announcements have not yet been detailed, Disney has confirmed that these presentations will play a central role in the 2026 event.
Anaheim Convention Center Experiences
During the daytime, the Anaheim Convention Center will host the bulk of the event’s programming, including:
- Over 50 panels and presentations
- Interactive exhibits and immersive experiences
- Live demonstrations and behind-the-scenes showcases
- Talent appearances and Q&A sessions
These panels will span across Disney’s major brands and divisions, offering fans deeper insight into the creative process behind films, attractions, and storytelling experiences.
Shopping, Exclusives & Fan-Favorite Events
Fan-favorite elements are also returning—and expanding—for 2026.
The D23 show floor will feature a wide range of exclusive merchandise, collectibles, and limited-edition items, many of which are only available during the event.
In addition, Disney confirmed the return of the Mousequerade costume contest, a staple of D23 that highlights fan creativity and cosplay.
Additional entertainment offerings will include:
- Live performances
- Special appearances
- Interactive fan experiences
Expanded Experiences & Immersive Activations
Disney is placing a strong emphasis on immersion for this year’s event, with themed environments and large-scale activations designed to bring Disney stories to life.
These experiences will highlight content from across Disney’s portfolio, including:
- Walt Disney Studios
- Disney+ and streaming content
- Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products
- Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and more
The goal is to create spaces where fans can step directly into the worlds they love, rather than simply viewing presentations about them.
Ticketing & Access
Disney has confirmed that ticket sales will roll out in phases, beginning with early access for D23 Gold Members, followed by general public sales.
As with previous years, demand is expected to be high, particularly for showcase presentations and limited-capacity experiences.
The Bigger Picture
Since its debut in 2009, D23 has grown into one of Disney’s most important fan-facing events—serving as the central stage for major announcements across the company.
With the 2026 event, Disney appears to be taking that concept even further.
Between the expanded timeline, increased programming, and citywide integration, D23 is evolving into something closer to a full-scale entertainment festival—one that reflects the growing scope of Disney’s global storytelling.
For now, Disney has indicated that additional announcements (including panel schedules and specific reveals) will be shared closer to the event.
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