Disney is gearing up for one of its most ambitious fan celebrations yet as D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event returns to Anaheim, California from August 14 to 16, 2026.
The event will feature major showcases, more than 50 panels, immersive experiences, and a starโstudded Disney Legends ceremony that’s set to be an unforgettable celebration of all things Disney.
Events will take place around Anaheim, including Disneyland Resort, Honda Center, Anaheim Convention Center, and Angels Stadium.
Big announcements take the centre stage
Disney is once again splitting its headline presentations across three days, each hosted at the Honda Center. Fans can expect major reveals, celebrity appearances, and first looks at upcoming films, series, and expansions at the theme parks.
- Friday: Disney Entertainment Showcase, covering Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, 20th Century, and more.
- Saturday: Disney Experiences Showcase, looking at the future of Disney Parks, Imagineering, and global attractions.
- Sunday: Disney Legends Ceremony, honouring the 2026 class of storytellers, actors, and creatives.
Beyond the tentpole presentations, more than 50 panels will run at the Anaheim Convention Center, offering behindโtheโscenes insights from filmmakers, animators, Imagineers, and creative teams who work across the company.
A show floor built for every fan
Disney is promising its largest show floor to date, and itโs once again shaping up to be filled with fun things for every fan. The Anaheim Convention Center will host interactive worlds inspired by Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, with handsโon exhibits, photo ops, and themed spaces. D23 Mousequerade: The Ultimate Disney Costume Contest also returns.
New additions this year include:
- Mundo Pixar: The D23 Experience, a walkโthrough attraction featuring lifeโsize recreations from iconic Pixar films.
- ESPN’s Road to the Super Bowl, blending sports storytelling with Disney spectacle.
- Activations inspired by Bluey, Camp Rock 3, The Simpsons, and more.
- Plus a fullโscale Mickey F1 Formula 1 car on display.
Fans of Disney Lorcana can also compete in a Championship Qualifier, with the winner earning a spot at the 2027 Disney Lorcana North American Championship.
Celebrating the 2026 Disney Legends
The Disney Legends will pay tribute to some of the actors, storytellers, and leaders who have shaped Disney for decades, and this year’s honourees represent a wide crossโsection of Disney history.
“D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is where we come together to give our incredible fans an early look at whatโs coming next across our company, while celebrating the legacy of the extraordinary people whose creativity has shaped Disney into what it is today,โ said Josh DโAmaro, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. โItโs an honour to celebrate our Disney Legends–their impact is felt in everything we do and recognizing them alongside the fans who love their work is what makes this event so meaningful.โ
The event takes place on Sunday, August 16, at 1:30 PM (PT) at the Honda Center. The 2026 class includes:
- Bob Iger, former Walt Disney Company CEO and influential leader
- Susan Egan, the original Broadway Belle in Beauty and the Beast and voice of Megara in Hercules
- Dwayne Johnson, actor, producer, and the voice of Maui in Moana
- Anne Hathaway, star of The Princess Diaries and Alice in Wonderland
- Eric Goldberg, legendary animator and designer behind Genie and countless Disney characters
- Jerry Bruckheimer, producer of blockbuster films and TV, including the Pirates of the Caribbeanย franchise
- Chris Berman, iconic ESPN broadcaster
- The Jonas Brothers, Disney Channel alumni and global music stars
- LinโManuel Miranda, songwriter behind Moana, Encanto, and much more
- Kim Irvine, influential Walt Disney Imagineer and creative leader at Disneyland Resort
- Alan Tudyk, film and voice actor behind countless roles, including K-2SO in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Duke Weaselton in bothย Zootopiaย andย Zootopia 2
Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the ceremony will stream on Disney+ so fans can watch from around the world.
Lots of events before D23 even starts
While the main events kick off on August 14, this year’s D23 events will begin with
- A new Walt Disney Archives exhibition, Capturing Life, Creating Character: The Art of LiveโAction Reference, at the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center starting on August 8.
- D23 Night at the Anaheim Packing District on August 11, with music, trivia, fan activities, and a tasting event.
- D23 Night at Angel Stadium on August 12, complete with a special D23 Mickey Mouse Bobblehead for the first 23,000 attendees.
- D23 Day at Disneyland Resort on August 13, featuring a Disney Legends Cavalcade, complimentary Mickey Mouse ear hats, and more.
Downtown Disney will also offer limitedโtime experiences, discounts, and themed offerings throughout the week.
