With just under a month until D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa®, Disney has unveiled what attendees can expect at the Anaheim Convention Center. The event, already sold out, will feature over 230 panels, presentations, show floor offerings, and Talent Central interactions.
The multi-day event will host more than 55 panels and presentations spread across five stages, highlighting the creativity and innovation from various branches of The Walt Disney Company. The Walt Disney Archives and Disney Experiences have put together an extensive lineup, including behind-the-scenes access, rarely seen items, first-look showcases, and anticipated reunions. Returning favorites include D23 Mousequerade: The Ultimate Disney Costume Contest, Disney Princess – The Concert, and Disney Character Voices: Inside the Studio.
This year’s show floor is the largest in the event’s history, offering even more ways for fans to engage with beloved brands, stories, and talent. Immersive pavilions will represent Disney Experiences, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disney+, Hulu, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and National Geographic. New additions include a full pavilion for Avatar, ESPN and ABC News presences, and Lucasfilm’s ILM Stagecraft™ technology. The Walt Disney Archives will showcase its largest exhibition to date, “A Great Big Beautiful Car Show.” Talent Central will provide opportunities to meet stars and creative minds from popular films and series like Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Descendants: The Rise of Red, The Simpsons, and Raven’s Home.
For the first time, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will expand beyond the Anaheim Convention Center, marking its largest footprint ever. Activities will extend throughout Anaheim, including the inaugural D23 Day at Disneyland Resort on August 8, three evening showcases at the Honda Center on August 9, 10, and 11, and D23 Day at Angel Stadium on August 4. Additionally, Disney has launched a company-wide sweepstakes, D23: The Ultimate Disney Sweepstakes – FANtastic Prizes, offering exclusive prizes and experiences to celebrate the fans.
EXCLUSIVE STAGE PRESENTATIONS
30 Years of Toy Story
Filmmakers and Pixar Legends come together to reflect on the making of the groundbreaking classic nearly three decades ago, sharing never-before-heard anecdotes about the creation of this historic film.
Exploring New Parts of the Mind: Behind the Design of Inside Out 2 + a Dreamy Surprise!
Inside Out 2 production designer Jason Deamer provides an in-depth look at designing the new emotions joining Headquarters as Riley enters her teenage years. Attendees can also enjoy a special sneak peek of an upcoming Pixar series.
Jolly Holiday: A D23 Musical Celebration of Richard M. Sherman
A heartwarming and joyous musical tribute to Disney songwriting legend Richard M. Sherman, featuring performances and surprise appearances by those who knew and admired him, celebrating his work from Mary Poppins to Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room.
Marvel Animation Sneak Peek
An exclusive preview of upcoming Marvel Animation projects for Disney+, with special guests and first looks at anticipated series like Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Eyes of Wakanda, future seasons of What If…?, X-Men ’97, and more.
Marvel Comics: Celebrating 50 Years of Wolverine
Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski and writer Jason Aaron discuss the legacy of Wolverine, reflecting on 50 years of the character and what’s next. Includes an exclusive giveaway and a sneak peek at Marvel’s 85th anniversary plans.
Disney Princess – The Concert
An enchanting evening celebrating the music of Disney Princesses, heroes, and villains, performed by stars from Disney on Broadway and animation. Disney Princess – The Concert returns to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
From Book to Screen: How Bestselling Novels Become Hit TV Series and Films
Creators and producers from Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale, the Disney Original Movie Out of My Mind, the anthology series Goosebumps, and FX’s Shōgun discuss their creative processes and how their teams bring bestselling novels to life on screen.
The Animation Greats + Cast and Creator Sessions featuring Bob’s Burgers, Futurama, and The Simpsons Presented by Hulu Animayhem & 20th Television Animation
Renowned animation creators Matt Groening (The Simpsons, Futurama), Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy, American Dad!), Mike Judge (King of the Hill), and Loren Bouchard (Bob’s Burgers, The Great North) will engage in a rare and significant conversation. Following this, voice talents and creative teams from Bob’s Burgers, Futurama, and The Simpsons will share clips, engage in discussions, and answer fan questions, making this a valuable session for both longtime fans and aspiring animators.
D23 Mousequerade: The Ultimate Disney Costume Contest
Hosted by Nina West, this event features a panel of celebrity judges who will witness the collision of fandom and fashion in an impressive display of cosplay creations, celebrating the best in Disney-inspired costumes.
Behind the Summer Shenanigans with the Phineas and Ferb Creators
Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, the creators behind Phineas and Ferb, will reflect on the creation and enduring legacy of the animated series. Attendees will enjoy behind-the-scenes stories and humorous anecdotes from the creators.
Disney Character Voices: Inside the Studio
Participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at Disney Character Voices, experiencing live recording sessions with beloved Disney characters. There may even be opportunities for attendees to voice a character themselves.
Making A Goofy Movie: The Road to Lake Destiny
The creative team behind A Goofy Movie will reunite to reminisce and share clips from a new documentary that explores the origin story of this beloved cult classic.
Charles Phoenix’s Big Retro Disneyland Slide Show
Charles Phoenix will take the audience on a nostalgic journey through early Disneyland, sharing backstories and highlights of classic and long-gone attractions from Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland, including the revamped Tomorrowland of 1967.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
The cast and creative team of the Disney+ Original series Percy Jackson and the Olympians will discuss their journey through the first season and share their excitement for the upcoming second season.
Stay Tuned: You’re Watching Disney Channel
Beloved Disney Channel stars will gather on the Walt Disney Archives Stage to reflect on the iconic series and movies that have captivated generations of fans. The session promises laughs, fun, and memorable moments.
Grey’s Anatomy: 20th Celebration
Join the staff of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital as they celebrate 20 seasons of Grey’s Anatomy, the longest-running primetime medical drama in TV history. The panel will reflect on the series’ impact, from gripping surgical procedures to unforgettable characters.
Abbott Elementary: Class is in Session!
Explore the charm, wit, and comedic brilliance of Abbott Elementary, an award-winning workplace sitcom set in a Philadelphia public school. The ensemble cast will discuss their portrayals of educators’ relatable struggles and analyze what makes the show a standout in television.
Donald Duck’s 90th Quacktacular
Celebrate 90 years of Donald Duck with special screenings, never-before-seen art from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, and insights from Disney Animation artists. The event will also feature the voice of Donald Duck himself.
Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation Screening
Join the creators and executive producers Chris and Shane Houghton for a screening of Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation. This outer-space adventure promises laughs and fun for all ages.
Once Upon a Costume: Fashion and Design in Disney Animation Films
Disney Animation costume designers Lorelay Bové, Brittney Lee, and Griselda Sastrawinata-Lemay, along with the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, will discuss how historical and contemporary fashion design has inspired iconic costumes in animated films and reveal some designs that didn’t make the cut.
Restoring Disney Animation Classics
Director of Restoration Kevin Schaeffer, along with Disney Animation artists Eric Goldberg and Michael Giamo, will delve into the history of Disney’s preservation program. They will showcase before-and-after clips and share insights into how classic films are restored.
Bringing the Worlds of Disney Animation to Life in Disney Parks
Team members from Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios will discuss the process of bringing Disney Animation worlds to life in Disney Parks worldwide. The session will cover projects like World of Frozen (Hong Kong Disneyland), Zootopia (Shanghai Disneyland), Fantasy Springs (Tokyo DisneySea), and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Magic Kingdom and Disneyland).
Dream Chasing: Four Decades with Walt Disney Imagineering
Leslie Iwerks, Bob Weis, and Wendy Lefkon invite audiences to join an intimate conversation spanning four decades of creating Imagineering projects worldwide, from Anaheim to Paris, and Tokyo to Shanghai. This inspiring session encourages attendees to believe that any dream worth pursuing is worth chasing.
Disney Legends in Conversation
Members of the newest class of Disney Legends engage in an enlightening discussion about their illustrious careers, offering insights into their contributions to the Disney legacy.
The Muppets 70: A Glamorous Miss Piggy Retrospective
Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline and The Muppets Producer Dani Iglesias present a fabulous retrospective celebrating 70 years of The Muppets, with a special focus on Miss Piggy. Delving into the archives, they uncover nostalgic artifacts and discuss the preservation of this beloved collection.
National Geographic’s A Real Bug’s Life LIVE
Insect experts and enthusiasts come together for a live presentation showcasing insects featured in National Geographic’s popular Disney+ series A Real Bug’s Life. Narrated by Awkwafina, this event previews the upcoming second season set for early 2025.
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed – The Return of a Beloved Classic
Join Disney Games and Epic Mickey Creative Director Warren Spector for a conversation about the return of Disney Epic Mickey in its reimagined form, set to release this fall. Explore how this beloved classic adventure was brought back to life.
National Geographic Investigates
Emmy® Award-nominated investigative reporter Mariana van Zeller discusses her hit series Trafficked, while subjects and experts from the Stanford Prison Experiment and Cult Massacre: One Day in Jonestown explore the allure of true crime investigations. They reflect on balancing storytelling with the realities faced by their subjects.
Spotlight Stage Reimagined
Guests at the show floor can enjoy exclusive programming on the reimagined Spotlight Stage, featuring content from National Geographic, Beauty and the Beast on Broadway, Disney on the Yard, Lorcana, Disney Global Ambassadors, surprise talent appearances, and a musical performance by the award-winning pop-punk band Simple Plan.
ENGAGING SHOW FLOOR INTERACTIONS
Imagineering: Behind the Dreams, Disney Experiences
The Imagineering: Behind the Dreams pavilion offers unprecedented access to Disney’s Imagineering team for both dedicated fans and newcomers alike. Showcasing design models, interactive demos, live prototypes, and exclusive presentations, guests can witness firsthand the innovative storytelling shaping Disney’s parks, resorts, cruise ships, and future experiences.
Walt Disney Archives Presents: “A Great Big Beautiful Car Show”
“A Great Big Beautiful Car Show” by the Walt Disney Archives celebrates vintage car culture and Americana. Featuring over 20 vehicles from the Archives’ collection, the exhibit includes a “Worlds Beyond” area with fantastical vehicles from distant lands.
Pixar Animation Studios & Walt Disney Animation Studios Pavilion
Join Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios at their collaborative pavilion for an immersive animation experience at D23. Featuring artist demonstrations, filmmaker signings, fan giveaways, and interactive photo opportunities, this pavilion promises something exciting for animation enthusiasts.
ESPN: Showcasing College Football in the Mighty Marvel Manner!
ESPN teams up with Marvel to celebrate college football and the College Football Playoff with original artwork inspired by classic Marvel covers. This collaboration marks the beginning of a decade-long partnership honoring the spirit of college football through unique artistic interpretations.
The Magic of Disney on Broadway
Celebrate 30 years of Disney on Broadway with “The Magic of Disney on Broadway” at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Guests can dive into the theatrical world with live demonstrations, intimate looks at props and costumes, and meet-and-greets with talented artists from acclaimed Disney Broadway productions. Experience magical moments like Michael James Scott showcasing Genie from Aladdin, John Austin bringing Scar from The Lion King to life, and Collin Baja transforming into Sven from Frozen, among other enchanting performances throughout the weekend.
Lightstorm
The Avatar Pavilion promises an immersive journey through the alien beauty and rich storytelling of Avatar. Guests will delve into the captivating culture of the Na’vi, wander through the Bioluminescent Forest, and soar among the mountains on the backs of banshees.
Lucasfilm Ltd.
At D23, Lucasfilm showcases the groundbreaking ILM StageCraft™ technology that brings to life the worlds of The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and more. Visitors can hear from industry luminaries such as Doug Chiang and the creature team from Legacy Effects for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look.
Marvel Studios’ TVA Walkthrough Experience
Fans can step into the Time Variance Authority through an immersive walkthrough experience, where pivotal moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe are recreated. Explore what lies ahead—but remember not to disrupt the timelines.
Disney+
Disney+ invites fans to celebrate five years of unforgettable stories with themed environments and surprises around every turn. Subscribers and D23 Gold Members visiting the booth can also receive a special gift (while supplies last) as part of The Great Pin Pursuit.
The Hulu Experience
Explore The Hulu Experience for immersive activations featuring iconic scenes from Only Murders in the Building and The Kardashians, along with the vibrant world of Hulu Animayhem. Participate in The Great Pin Pursuit for exclusive opportunities.
The National Geographic Hexadome Experience
Step into the National Geographic Hexadome for a 360-degree immersive audio-visual journey around the globe and beyond. Discover remarkable photo ops from National Geographic Expeditions outside the Hexadome, and join The Great Pin Pursuit for more excitement.
Good Morning America Anchor Desk: Fan Photo Opportunity
Experience sitting behind the iconic GMA news anchor desk and capture a memorable photo moment as part of The Great Pin Pursuit at D23.
Abbott Elementary Presents: A.V.A. Fest
Join Abbott Elementary for A.V.A. Fest, a carnival-themed activation inspired by fan-favorite episodes. Enjoy games, activities, exclusive giveaways, and more as part of The Great Pin Pursuit.
Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween
Spin the Wheel of Misfortune at Freeform’s booth and celebrate the spooky season with tricks, treats, and surprises as part of The Great Pin Pursuit.
Disney Jr. Let’s Play!
Visit the Disney Jr. play park for character meet and greets, dance parties, photo opportunities, and more family-friendly fun as part of The Great Pin Pursuit.
Disney Channel Wand ID
Create your own Disney Channel Wand ID behind the scenes and take home a unique memento from D23 as part of The Great Pin Pursuit.
Descendants: The Rise of Red
Immerse yourself in the world of Descendants: The Rise of Red inside Red’s castle. Explore multiple themed rooms with exclusive photo opportunities and experience the Villain Kid adventure as part of The Great Pin Pursuit.
FX
At D23, FX presents an interactive experience featuring The Bear restaurant, where guests can enjoy premiums inspired by FX’s The Bear. Step into the Shōgun garden and explore a costume display showcasing items from the series, all set in a fully immersive Shōgun-inspired atmosphere. Dare to visit the AHS Wax House exhibit, inspired by the award-winning American Horror Story franchise.
The Great Pin Pursuit
Experience D23 in a new way with The Great Pin Pursuit! Participate in select activations offering commemorative pins as part of interactive experiences. Visit the Disney+ Pavilion or The Hulu Experience to collect a pin lanyard and start your pin-collecting adventure!
World of Disney: The Product Experience
Explore the reimagined shopping destination, World of Disney, featuring interactive experiences for all guests:
Star Wars Darkade: Test your skills at the first-ever Star Wars villains-themed arcade while discovering new Star Wars products.
Marvel Block Party: Step onto a Marvel-inspired New York City street, snap photos, and explore a variety of Marvel lifestyle products.
Disney Princess Create Your World featuring LEGO: Pose with LEGO® builds of beloved Disney Princess dresses and contribute to an interactive LEGO mural.
Pixar Putt: Enjoy a pop-up mini-golf sensation themed around Pixar’s beloved films.
Mickey & Friends: Immerse yourself in a festival-inspired space with live art, a DJ, and engaging photo opportunities.
Disney Publishing featuring Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co.: Discover Disney’s storytelling legacy with books and a new sip-and-shop experience featuring Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co.’s latest blend.
Disney Store: Take photos with a plush mountain backdrop and try your luck at winning the cuddliest plush in one of three claw machines.
Live at World of Disney: The Product Experience: Meet authors, artists, and participate in pin trading sessions throughout the weekend.
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