Walt Disney

GUIDE: Presentations on Disney History and More Coming to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event

It’s always fascinating to learn about Disney history especially in a setting surrounded by Disney historians. D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is a great place to learn about Disney history. There may be things you never heard or knew about, and some things may be a refresher course for you. Either way, there is something for everyone at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

The Muppets 70: A Glamorous Miss Piggy Retrospective – Join the Walt Disney Archives for a fabulous look back on the last 70 years of The Muppets, but mostly Miss Piggy! Let’s dive into the Muppet vaults to uncover nostalgic artifacts along with how we preserve this collection today! This presentation will happen Friday, August 9 at 12:45pm at the Walt Disney Archives Stage.

30 Years of Toy Story – Celebrate 30 Years of Toy Story with filmmakers and Pixar Legends as they reflect on the making of the groundbreaking classic nearly 30 years ago and share never-before-heard anecdotes about how the historic film came to be. This presentation will take place Friday, August 9 at 1:30pm at the Premiere Stage.

Walt Disney and El Grupo: A Journey Through Latin America – Join a panel of Disney historians for a look back on the impact of Disney’s Latin America research trips during the 1940s, followed by a glimpse at how those journeys continue to inspire contemporary Disney artists! This presentation will take place Friday, August 9 at 2:45pm at the Walt Disney Archives Stage.

A Beautiful Tomorrow—Just a Dream Away: Disney at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair – Explore the 60-year legacy of the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair through a hosted panel about its groundbreaking technologies, grand partnerships, and resonance across pop culture—the spirit of the Fair is as relevant today as the day it premiered! This presentation will happen Saturday, August 10 at 10:15am at the Walt Disney Archives Stage.

The Road To Cherry Tree Lane—Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins – Join Grammy® Award-winning producer and Disney music historian Randy Thornton as he shares how Walt’s daughters Diane and Sharon, Davy Crockett, Disneyland/Vista Records, and Annette Funicello were all crucial intersections on “The Road to Cherry Tree Lane ” and Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins. This presentation will take place Saturday, August 10 at 11:45am at the Hyperion Stage.

Stay Tuned: You’re Watching Disney Channel – Join beloved Disney Channel stars on the Walt Disney Archive Stage for a look at some of the iconic series and movies that have created generations of fans. Stay tuned for laughs, fun, and moments you won’t want to miss! This presentation will happen Saturday, August 10 at 5:30pm at the Walt Disney Archives Stage.

MARVEL COMICS: Celebrating 50 Years of Wolverine – Look back at 50 years of Wolverine with Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski & writer Jason Aaron as they dive into the legacy of Marvel’s most popular mutant (and what’s next!). PLUS: an exclusive giveaway while supplies last, and a sneak peek at what’s in store for Marvel’s 85th anniversary! This presentation will happen Saturday, August 10 at 2:30pm at the Walt Disney Archives Stage.

Magic Journeys: Memories of the Sherman Brothers – Gregg and Jeff Sherman, sons of composers Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman, sit down with some of Richard’s longtime friends for stories from the songwriting duo’s incredible musical legacy; insights into their unique relationship; and rare footage of Richard’s many delightful performances. This presentation will happen Saturday, August 10 at 6:30pm at the Walt Disney Archives Stage.

Inside the Walt Disney Studios: a Cinemagical History – Join historian Jim Fanning as he takes a magical look at the history of the Walt Disney Studios’ famous backlot, soundstages and more! This presentation will happen Sunday, August 11 at 10:15am at the Hyperion Stage.

Jolly Holiday: A D23 Musical Celebration of Richard M. Sherman – From Mary Poppins to Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, a heartwarming and joyous musical tribute to our beloved Disney songwriting legend Richard M. Sherman—with unbelievable performances and delightful surprise appearances by some of the people who knew and admired him best. This presentation will take place Sunday, August 11 at 12:15pm at the Premiere Stage.

Donald Duck’s 90th Quacktacular – We’re celebrating 90 years of Donald Duck with special screenings, never-before-seen art from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, the Disney Animation artists who bring him to life, and even the voice of the duck himself! This presentation will take place Sunday, August 11 at 1:45pm at the Walt Disney Archives Stage.

Sounds Delightful with Stacia Martin – An entertaining trip across the decades via vintage Disney vinyl recordings from her extensive personal collection, including forgotten favorites, rare promotional and production tracks, and never-before-heard musical moments from Walt Disney’s own ‘journey down the Yellow Brick Road.’ This presentation will happen Sunday, August 11 at 5:15pm at the Hyperion Stage.

Down the Rabbit Hole—The Disney You Didn’t Know – Join Disney archivists and authors Kevin M. Kern and Steven Vagnini for a journey down the rabbit hole as they uncover astonishing Disney discoveries, connections, and little-known facts that will change everything—well, at least some things—you thought you knew about the Disney universe! This presentation will take place Sunday, August 11 at 6pm at the Backlot Stage.

To see these panels, remember that reservations will be available. There may be standby as well but that isn’t guaranteed. For more information about D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, stop by Daps Magic’s comprehensive page dedicated to this very special event.

Which Disney history presentation are you looking forward to seeing at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Even? Let us know in the comments.