Destination D23, presented by Lug, marked one of the most magical gatherings for Disney fans in 2023. Though the event is sold out, Disney fans around the world could still join the celebration thanks to a special one-day livestream on Saturday, September 9. From panels and exhibits to exclusive shopping and sneak peeks, this was the ultimate fan experience celebrating Disney’s 100th anniversary.
Must-See Exhibits
The 60 Years of Disney’s Audio-Animatronics® Technology Exhibit stood out as a centerpiece of the event. Created by the Walt Disney Archives and Walt Disney Imagineering, the exhibit offered a rare look into the evolution of Audio-Animatronics, from Walt’s earliest ideas to modern-day marvels.
Shopping Highlights
Attendees explored a reimagined shopping experience with returning favorites like Mickey’s of Glendale and the Ink & Paint Marketplace, plus a first-ever Destination D23 appearance from The Walt Disney Company Store.
Saturday, September 9: Livestream Schedule
The livestream featured major announcements and behind-the-scenes panels:
- 9:00 A.M. – Destination D23 Welcome
- 9:15 A.M. – Disney Parks, Experiences and Products: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow with Josh D’Amaro
- 10:45 A.M. – D23 Updates with Michael Vargo
- 10:55 A.M. – The Early ‘Ears – Ub, Oswald, and Mickey with Becky Cline
- 11:15 A.M. – 100 Years of Classic Characters hosted by Ashley Eckstein
- 2:00 P.M. – National Geographic Live: Secrets of the Whales with Brian Skerry
- 2:35 P.M. – Disney Cruise Line: 25 Years of Innovative Design at Sea
- 3:30 P.M. – Marvel’s Avengers: Beyond Earth’s Mightiest with C.B. Cebulski
- 4:20 P.M. – EPCOT: Always in a State of Becoming
Sunday, September 10: The Celebration Continues
Highlights from Sunday included:
- 9:00 A.M. – Walt Disney Studios Showcase
- 10:45 A.M. – 100 Years of Walt Disney Animation Studios
- 11:25 A.M. – Weird Disney: Centennial Edition
- 2:00 P.M. – The Road to 1923: Walt Goes West with Don Hahn and Becky Cline
- 2:45 P.M. – Down the Rabbit Hole: The Disney You Didn’t Know
- 3:15 P.M. – 100 Years of Creativity: A Playful Look at Disney Imagination
- 3:45 P.M. – See Ya Real Soon: A FAN-Tastic Finale
Evening Magic
The DISNEY+ HALLOWSTREAM COSTUME BASH added festive flair with spooky photo-ops, treats, and entertainment, capping off a weekend full of fan-focused fun.
A Thank You to Sponsors
Presented by Lug, and supported by Disney Rewards, Destination D23 wouldn’t be complete without its magical partners. Learn more about sponsor perks and D23 Gold Member benefits at D23.com.
Whether you’re reliving the excitement or discovering it for the first time, Destination D23 2023 was a once-in-a-century event celebrating Disney’s legacy of innovation and storytelling.
