D23 GIVES FANS A SNEAK PEEK OF WHAT’S COMING AUGUST

Disney has officially revealed new details for the highly anticipated return of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, set to take place August 14–16, 2026, in Anaheim, California. Presented by Visa, the three-day celebration will once again bring together Disney fans from around the world for exclusive announcements, sneak peeks, and immersive experiences spanning the company’s vast entertainment empire.

The multi-day event transforms Anaheim into the center of the Disney fandom universe, offering fans a chance to experience everything from behind-the-scenes panels and live performances to exclusive shopping and interactive exhibits tied to Disney’s biggest brands.

“D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is a powerful expression of the lasting connection Disney has with its fans,” said Asad Ayaz, Chief Marketing and Brand Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “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.”

According to Disney, the event will showcase storytelling across film, television, streaming, sports, and Disney Experiences, while also celebrating the global community that continues to fuel Disney fandom.

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Ticket Sales and Membership Access

Ticket sales for the 2026 event will roll out in tiers, beginning with the most dedicated members of the D23 fan club.

• March 31, 2026 – 10 a.m. PT: Exclusive 24-hour purchase window for D23 Gold Charter Members
• April 2, 2026 – 10 a.m. PT: Priority window opens for Gold Members on Essential, Choice, and Complete plans
• April 2, 2026 – 12 p.m. PT: All remaining D23 Gold Members may enter the queue

Each Gold Member can purchase tickets for themselves and up to five additional guests.

Disney also announced a Disney+ perk allowing subscribers on the D23 Gold Monthly plan to upgrade to a paid Gold Essential, Choice, or Complete plan with 20% off for a limited time.

Ticket Options

Disney is expanding access this year with new ticket tiers and longer show floor hours.

• D23 Fan Pass (Convention Center Only)
  • Afternoon Only: $49
  • 1-Day Pass: $99
  • 3-Day Pass: $297
• D23 Ultimate Fan Pass (Convention Center + Honda Center showcases)
  • Starting at $99 for a 1-day pass
  • $297 for a 3-day package
• D23 Ultimate Preferred Fan Pass
  • Includes three days of floor seating at the Honda Center, full convention access, and exclusive limited-edition pin opportunities
  • Pricing ranges from $1,299 to $2,599

Each ticket includes an $11.25 service fee and $16 delivery fee per transaction.

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Major Presentations and Weekend Highlights

As with previous events, the Honda Center will host the event’s biggest presentations, each focusing on a different pillar of the Disney brand.

• Friday: Disney Entertainment Showcase
• Saturday: Disney Experiences Showcase
• Sunday: Disney Legends Award Ceremony

Fans can expect appearances from stars, filmmakers, Imagineers, and creative leaders, along with surprise reveals and first looks at upcoming projects.

The celebration actually begins a day early on August 13, when D23 Day at Disneyland Resort kicks off the festivities with a Disney Legends Cavalcade, special giveaways including Mickey Mouse ear hats (while supplies last), and additional surprises.

Families will also be able to attend the returning Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party at Disney California Adventure Park, featuring character appearances and activities designed for younger fans.

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Panels, Experiences, and Show Floor Attractions

Inside the Anaheim Convention Center, fans can expect more than 50 panels and presentations offering behind-the-scenes insights into Disney’s creative process.

Fan-favorite programming is returning, including the D23 Mousequerade: The Ultimate Disney Costume Contest, a celebration of Disney cosplay and fan creativity.

The show floor itself will be the largest in D23 history, featuring interactive environments themed to Disney’s biggest franchises, including:

• Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic
• Streaming experiences tied to Disney+ and Hulu
• Expanded shopping featuring exclusive merchandise

Among the new attractions this year:

• Mundo Pixar: The D23 Experience – a walkthrough featuring life-size sets inspired by beloved Pixar films
• ESPN and the Road to the Super Bowl – highlighting the intersection of sports and entertainment
• Activations inspired by Bluey, Camp Rock 3, and The Simpsons
• A Formula 1 display featuring Mickey F1 and an actual F1 car

Fans of tabletop gaming will also have a chance to compete in the Disney Lorcana Challenge Championship Qualifier, where the winner earns a guaranteed seat at the 2027 North American Championship.

Another major attraction will be Walt Disney Archives: Uncrated, an all-new exhibition allowing guests to explore rarely seen props, costumes, and artifacts from across Disney history.

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Sweepstakes and Exclusive Prizes

The popular Ultimate Disney Sweepstakes: Fantastic Prizes will return, offering fans the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Some of the prizes already announced include:

• A chance to sail on Disney Cruise Line’s new ship, Disney Believe during its inaugural season
• A National Geographic Journeys safari trip to Kenya celebrating the upcoming series Lion from Jon Favreau
• A trip to the red-carpet premiere of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday

Additional prizes will be revealed as the event approaches.

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A Citywide Disney Celebration

D23 isn’t just confined to the convention center. The festivities will extend across Anaheim throughout the week leading up to the event.

Highlights include:

• August 8: Opening of Capturing Life, Creating Character: The Art of Live-Action at the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center
• August 11: D23 Night at the Anaheim Packing District featuring music, trivia, and food events
• August 12: D23 Night at Angel Stadium as the Angels take on the Texas Rangers, with the first 23,000 fans receiving a D23 Mickey Mouse bobblehead

Downtown Disney will also host themed experiences, special offers, and fan activities throughout the week.

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With major announcements, immersive exhibits, and a celebration of Disney’s vast storytelling legacy, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest gatherings of Disney fans yet.

More programming announcements and event details will be revealed in the months leading up to August.