D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 is almost here! Disney fans will gather in Anaheim, California, from August 14–16, 2026, for three days packed with announcements, entertainment, Disney history, animation, Marvel, National Geographic, Imagineering, and much more.
And like previous D23 events, Sam’s Disney Diary will be there covering the event. Disney has now revealed an incredible lineup of programming across five stages at the Anaheim Convention Center. That is in addition to the massive evening presentations at the Honda Center. There is a lot happening, so let’s dig into some of the highlights.
The Big D23 Honda Center Presentations
The biggest crowds — and potentially the biggest announcements — will come during three major presentations at the Honda Center.
Friday, August 14, the Disney Entertainment Showcase takes center stage.
Disney says fans can expect surprise celebrity appearances, exclusive first looks, new announcements, and musical performances. The presentation will look ahead at Disney movies, television, games, and live stage productions.
Saturday, August 15, Neil Patrick Harris hosts Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase.
This is where Disney will turn its attention toward the future of Disney Experiences around the world. Disney says the presentation will build on the ambitious projects announced in 2024. Imagineers, storytellers, artists, and innovators will also share more about the creative vision behind what is coming next. Expect behind-the-scenes looks, performances, announcements, and, according to Disney, “a few surprises.”
For a Disney Parks fan, Saturday night at the Honda Center is going to be appointment viewing.
Finally, Sunday, August 16, brings the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony.
Ryan Seacrest will host as Disney honors the 2026 class of Disney Legends. Honorees include Bob Iger, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jerry Bruckheimer, Susan Egan, Eric Goldberg, Alan Tudyk, the Jonas Brothers, Chris Berman, and Kim Irvine.
Beyond the Honda Center: D23 Panels and Presentations Across the Convention Center
The Honda Center will deliver the biggest D23 showcases, but that is only part of the weekend.
Across the Anaheim Convention Center, Disney has scheduled panels, conversations, concerts, anniversary celebrations, and behind-the-scenes presentations covering nearly every corner of the company.
Here are some of the highlights.
Disney Legends in Conversation
Disney Legend Robin Roberts will host members of the newest Disney Legends class for a conversation about their careers and the experiences that shaped them.
This is separate from Sunday’s Disney Legends Awards Ceremony. Instead, expect a more personal discussion with some of Disney’s newest honorees.
A New Feature-Length Documentary from Leslie Iwerks
Filmmaker Leslie Iwerks will take part in a panel exploring how Disney storytellers draw inspiration from the parks and the places where their stories come to life.
The presentation will be followed by the debut screening of a new feature-length documentary coming to Disney+.
A Whole New World of Alan Menken
Disney Legend and eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken takes center stage for a rare one-man concert. Menken will share songs and stories from the Disney films and stage productions that have defined his remarkable career.
For longtime Disney fans, this could be one of the most memorable presentations of the weekend.
Making Disney Magic with Ron Clements
Legendary Disney Animation director Ron Clements will discuss his new book, Making Disney Magic. He will be joined by an incredible group of Disney Animation talent, including Jodi Benson, Mark Henn, Susan Egan, and Eric Goldberg.
Floating Mountains: A Conversation with Joe Rohde
Disney Legend and former Imagineer Joe Rohde will discuss his memoir, Floating Mountains. The conversation will explore creativity, collaboration, and Rohde’s work on projects including Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Aulani.
For Disney Parks and Imagineering fans, this one should be especially interesting.
Walt Disney: 125 Years of Inspiration
D23 will also celebrate Walt Disney’s 125th birthday. The presentation will include people who knew Walt, Disney Legends influenced by him, and others who continue to carry his creative legacy forward.
Special performances are also planned.
Disney Animation Anniversaries and History
Disney Animation will have a major presence throughout the weekend. Beauty and the Beast: A Tale as Old as Time celebrates the film’s 35th anniversary with Paige O’Hara, Don Hahn, Mark Henn, and Susan Egan. Zootopia: Ten Years in the Mammal Metropolis looks back at a decade of the franchise with Jared Bush, Byron Howard, and Michael Giacchino.
Meanwhile, Ink & Paint at Disney Animation will demonstrate the traditional animation process live, from rough animation by Eric Goldberg to the finished painted cel.
Classic Disney Celebrations
Several classic Disney films are also getting anniversary presentations. Alice in Wonderland celebrates 75 years, while One Hundred and One Dalmatians marks its 65th anniversary. Bedknobs and Broomsticks celebrates 55 years.
Other history-focused presentations will explore the Sherman Brothers, rare footage of Walt Disney, Walt and Lillian Disney’s homes, Walt’s Carolwood Barn, and Disney’s film restoration work. For Disney history fans, there is a lot buried in this schedule.
Disney & Nat Geo: Capturing the Wonder of Nature
Disney and National Geographic storytellers will come together to explore how the natural world influences Disney storytelling. The discussion will focus on animals, ecosystems, conservation, and real-world adventures that have inspired Disney projects and experiences.
That should be especially interesting for fans of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Marvel, Spider-Man and Digital Comics
Marvel will also have plenty happening throughout D23.
Disney, Marvel, and WEBTOON will also explore how classic stories are being reimagined for mobile-first digital comics.
Muppets, Bluey, Kingdom Hearts and More
The schedule stretches far beyond Disney Parks and animation. Seth MacFarlane will explore the music of the Muppets and his upcoming Muppets orchestral album. Bluey: From the Backyard to the Big Screen will look at the character’s rise from Australian television to the upcoming Bluey Movie.
Meanwhile, Kingdom Hearts celebrates 25 years with a deep dive into the franchise that brought Disney, Pixar, and Square Enix together.
There are also presentations covering Disney pin trading, Lorcana, Disney toys, Tinker Bell, Disney music, fashion, collectibles, and much more.
Three Days of Disney Everywhere You Look
That is what makes D23 such a difficult event to plan.
The Honda Center presentations will generate the biggest headlines. However, the Convention Center schedule is packed with Disney history, creative conversations, anniversary celebrations, and behind-the-scenes stories.
Sam’s Disney Diary will be in Anaheim throughout D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, covering the announcements, presentations, show floor, and surprises.
But when Saturday night arrives, you’ll know exactly where to find me.
I’ll be glued to the Honda Center for Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase. That is where Disney turns its attention to the future of the parks, resorts, cruise line, and experiences around the world.
And I can’t wait to see what comes next. Full Programing Schedule below….
