Disney has confirmed that D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will officially make its grand return in Summer 2026, once again taking over Anaheim, California, with three days of showcases, surprises, and fan-favourite activations.
Running from August 14 to 16, 2026, the event will be hosted across the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center, promising to deliver the latest from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. Tickets will go on sale in Spring 2026.
What to Expect at D23 2026
This will mark the full-scale return of the convention following 2025’s smaller-scale offering, and Disney is promising to raise the bar for fans across the globe.
Head of D23, Michael Vargo, said:
“D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event offers fans from around the globe a chance to experience the very best in storytelling and innovation in a way that only Disney can deliver. We are already hard at work dreaming up ways to continue raising the bar for Disney fans next year when we return to Anaheim, and we can’t wait to bring them a truly unforgettable event.”
Among the returning favourites are D23 Day at Disneyland, D23 Day at Angel Stadium, and a host of marquee showcases and presentations, immersive experiences, and exclusive shopping opportunities.
Last year’s D23 delivered a packed slate of updates across films, Disney Parks, and Disney+. Fans were treated to the unveiling of Toy Story 5, Frozen 3, and Incredibles 3, alongside footage from upcoming projects like Tron: Ares, Ironheart, Daredevil: Born Again, Agatha All Along, Skeleton Crew. Disney also discussed live-action projects, including Snow White, Lilo & Stitch, and Mufasa: The Lion King, while Moana 2 and Pixar’s Hoppers expanded the animation lineup.
On the parks side, Disney revealed huge expansions. Villains Land was confirmed for Magic Kingdom, alongside Cars Land, Monsters, Inc. Land, Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom, and a brand-new Avatar destination at Disney California Adventure. Attractions based on Coco, The Lion King, and Encanto were also announced.
Looking ahead, expectations are already high for what might headline D23 2026. Marvel Studios could finally pull back the curtain on Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, while Lucasfilm may showcase its upcoming feature Star Wars: Starfighter. On the parks front, updates are likely for expansions such as Villains Land, Encanto and Indiana Jones at Animal Kingdom.
Upcoming D23 Events Before 2026
In the lead-up to the Anaheim event, Disney has revealed an extensive calendar of fan events:
- D23 Spotlight Series – including a Halloween “Boo-nanza” in California, a Spooktacular event with Walt Disney Imagineering in Orlando, and a celebration of Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 this December.
- D23 On the Road – launching November 1 with immersive screenings celebrating the 35th anniversary of Home Alone, touring more than 18 U.S. cities.
- A Jolly Holiday on the Lot – returning to The Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank on December 14.
- D23 Gold Theater Virtual Event – hosted by Disney Legend Don Hahn, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
- Walt’s Los Angeles Tour – an all-new immersive experience for D23 Gold Members featuring stops at the Walt Disney Studios lot, Walt Disney Imagineering, Carolwood Barn, and more.
- Walt Disney Studios Walking Tour – updated with new interactive elements and expanded ticket opportunities.
D23 Fan-Bassador
In a first for the event, Disney Legend Jodi Benson, the original voice of Ariel, has been named the first official D23 Fan-bassador. She will appear at events and engage with fans in the run-up to the 2026 convention.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event takes place in Anaheim, California, from August 14–16, 2026. Tickets will be available in Spring 2026.