Epic 3-day fan event will feature a ‘Muppets’ songbook celebration with Seth MacFarlane, new Leslie Iwerks documentary, and anniversary panels for ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ ‘KINGDOM HEARTS,’ and ‘Spider-Man’ as well as exclusive first looks, new announcements, musical performances, and Disney Legends programming running August 14-16 in Anaheim.
Disney has just released the programming lineup for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event coming to Anaheim, California August 14-16.
According to the company, the expansive 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. “
“At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, the magic never stops,” said Michael Vargo, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. “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.”
The lineup of stage programming celebrates Disney past, present, and future, and includes legendary talent, milestone anniversaries, and all-new reveals. 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 include 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.
Programming Highlights:
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.
Across all five stages at the Anaheim Convention Center, fans can experience a wide variety of panels, presentations, and performances, including:
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+.
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.
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+.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
A randomized Reservation Selection Process (“Reservation RSP”) will distribute reservations for select presentations and experiences based on preferences and availability. The Reservation RSP will be open from Monday, July 20, 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 7. 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.
Honda Center shows 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 Center shows.
For more information on Spotlight Stage presented by Fandango offerings as well as the full schedule of programming across the Anaheim Convention Center, visit D23.com.
Source: Disney
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
