D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is almost here, but this year you do not need to be in Anaheim to experience some of the biggest moments.
Disney+ will stream a selection of D23 panels and showcase presentations globally throughout the weekend. Most importantly for Disney Parks fans, that includes the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase on Saturday night.
So, if you are watching from home, grab the remote. Disney is bringing a pretty impressive piece of D23 directly to Disney+.
D23 Comes to Disney+
The streaming lineup begins Friday, August 14, and continues through Sunday.
Here is what Disney+ subscribers can watch.
Friday, August 14
- Beauty and the Beast: A Tale as Old as Time 35th Anniversary Celebration
Live at 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET
Saturday, August 15
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 3 Panel
Live at 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET - Disney Rewind Encore Concert
Live at 6:30 p.m. PT / 9:30 p.m. ET - Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase
Live at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET
If you only watch one D23 presentation this weekend, Horizons is the one I would pick.
For Disney Parks fans, this is the big presentation. It is where Disney Experiences can pull together what is next for the parks, resorts, cruise line and destinations around the world.
Several major projects are already underway across Disney’s global destinations. However, fans still have plenty of questions about what comes next.
As a result, Saturday night could be one of the most interesting moments of the entire weekend.
Best of all, fans at home get to watch it happen live.
Sunday Brings Disney Storytellers and Legends
Disney+ keeps the D23 coverage going on Sunday, August 16.
The Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration
Recorded live from Disneyland Resort and begins streaming Sunday.
Disney Worldbuilders
Live at 10:15 a.m. PT / 1:15 p.m. ET
This panel brings together Jared Bush, Pete Docter, Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni and Kevin Feige. Leslie Iwerks will moderate the conversation.
That is a pretty remarkable group of Disney storytellers in one place. Later that evening, Disney+ will also stream the:
Disney Legends Awards Ceremony
Recorded live and begins streaming at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET
Between the parks showcase, creative panels and Legends ceremony, there is plenty to watch for fans who cannot make the trip to California.
More D23 Fun in Anaheim
Meanwhile, fans attending D23 in person will find a large Disney+ and Hulu presence at the Anaheim Convention Center.
The Disney+ Hulu Experience in Hall A will include a 4D theater, a collectible mystery pin quest and themed photo opportunities.
Featured titles include Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Camp Rock 3, The Simpsons, Only Murders in the Building and Marvel Television’s VisionQuest.
In addition, fans can shop exclusive merchandise and collectibles, including pins, trading cards and Disney Channel soundtrack vinyl.
Disney+ Perks will extend outside the convention center as well.
From August 13 through August 15, a Disney+ Perks Treat Truck will be located near the Downtown Disney District. Guests can find themed donuts and collectible patches inspired by Disney+ and Hulu favorites.
Throughout the weekend, Disney will also offer six limited-edition Disney+ Perks patches at select locations.
The Best Seat for D23 Might Be Your Couch
Of course, there is nothing quite like being inside the room when a major Disney announcement happens.
Still, streaming Horizons and several other D23 presentations changes the experience for everyone watching from home.
Instead of fighting convention crowds, fans can simply turn on Disney+. There is no need to worry about getting into a panel or waiting for social media clips to see what Disney announced.
This year, some of the biggest D23 moments will unfold directly on Disney+.
For Disney Parks fans, Saturday night is the one to watch.
Horizons begins at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 15.
I will be watching closely, and Sam’s Disney Diary will be following whatever Disney has to share.
