Details Revealed for Destination D23: A Journey Around the Worlds of Disney – Presented by Lug

Destination D23: A Journey Around the Worlds of Disney – Presented by Lug is coming in August to the Walt Disney World Resort! This year’s D23 major event will be exploring all of the worlds of Disney. D23 says that this will be the biggest Destination D23 yet. The event will take place from Friday, August 29, through Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Tickets for Destination D23 will go on sale on the D23 website for D23 Gold Members on April 14, 202,5, at 10:00 AM PT/1:00 PM ET.

“Disney is uniquely beloved by generations of people who are captivated by the magic of our timeless stories and the imaginative ways we bring them to life,” said Michael Vargo, Head of D23. “Destination D23 will bring together some of Disney’s most passionate fans for an immersive event allowing them to celebrate and experience what they love most from across the worlds of Disney.”

There will be a lot of exciting things happening throughout the weekend of Destination D23. This includes two days of panels, an exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives to explore, shopping opportunities, and special events specifically created for those in attendance. Below are the specific offerings that D23 has announced for Destination D23: A Journey Around the Worlds of Disney – Presented by Lug:

Here is an overview of the offerings for the Destination D23 2025 weekend:

Programming

Throughout Saturday and Sunday (August 30 and August 31st), ticketed guests will have the opportunity to enjoy over 25 presentations. These will come from across The Walt Disney Company and include Walt Disney Studios, Disney Entertainment Television, Disney Experiences, and the Walt Disney Archives. During these panels, guests will hear from creative visionaries and talent behind popular films and series, Imagineers, archivists, and Disney Legends. They will provide exclusive access and behind-the-scenes looks at fan-favorite entertainment and experiences.

Shopping

There will be an exclusive shopping experience available for Destination D23 attendees. Called the D23 Shopping Spree, it will begin on Friday August 29, and continue throughout the weekend. Guests will be able to shop at The Walt Disney Company Store and Mickey’s of Glendale. They will also to shop at the new Disney Studio Store Hollywood. There will be specialty merchandise, including limited-edition pins that will only be available through a Random Selection Process (RSP) opportunity at all three locations. The Ink & Paint Marketplace is returning as well and will feature a wide range of items from fan-favorite brands and friends of Disney.

Special Experiences

There will be several special experiences offered throughout Destination D23 as well. The first will be a celebration of 25 years of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Emperor’s New Groove during D23 Kuzcotopia Night at Typhoon Lagoon. This will include complimentary snacks, photo opportunities, special activities and also exclusive entertainment.

Sunday, August 31, will see the arrival of Disney ‘80s-’90s Celebration in Concert, presented by Disney+. Broadway and Disney Animation stars will take attendees on a musical journey with show-stopping performances, rock-concert lighting, and larger-than-life projections. These will be tied to musical moments from the greatest hits of the 80s and 90s!

There will also be other special experiences to be had throughout the weekend at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. This includes The Walt Disney Archives Presents: Charting the Course, Disney’s Global Stories and Inspirations. This is an “all-new exhibit that celebrates the world around us and the global locations and cultures that have inspired Disney storytelling for generations.” It will include Dwayne Johnson’s costume from Jungle Cruise (2021), animation maquettes from The Lion King (1994) and Mulan (1998), and even original puppets from EPCOT’s Tapestry of Nations.

Other Activations

Throughout the week leading up to the event, there will also be other offerings to enjoy This includes D23 Nights at Disney Springs. This will include a variety of fun activities and offers. On Thursday, August 28, D23 is hosting A Goofy Movie Throwback Premiere. More information will be announced about this separately ticketed event that will be available to all D23 Members. There will also be another event on Friday, August 29th. Details about this event will be released at a later date.

Specifics

Here is a look at the specifics released by D23 for Destination D23 2025:

Presentation Highlights of Destination D23 2025 will include*:

• See Disney archivists, historians, Imagineers, cast members, filmmakers, Disney Legends and luminaries in two days of programming spanning all the worlds of Disney!
• Enjoy panels celebrating the attractions, entertainment and experiences that define Disney theme parks and cruise ships.
• Discover exciting upcoming projects from creators and storytellers at The Walt Disney Studio!
• Take a trip around the world with the Walt Disney Archives, featuring interstitial programming focusing on Disney’s vast connections and history to locales around the globe, including a special 80th anniversary celebration of all things south of the border with The Three Caballeros!
• Go down the rabbit hole to discover the “Disney you didn’t know” as the Walt Disney Archives shares more of the most astonishing Disney discoveries, connections, and little-known facts that will change everything—or at least some things—you thought you knew about the Disney universe. In this all-new and updated outing, you’ll never guess where we’ll end up next!

Plus, more presenters, presentations, and activities to be announced!

Note: Presentations may utilize haze, strobe effects, and/or other special effects.

Exciting Experiences at Destination D23 2025 will include*:

• D23 Kuzcotopia Night at Typhoon Lagoon: Saturday, August 30 — Boom, baby! All Destination D23 2025 ticket holders are invited to celebrate 25 years of Disney Animation’s The Emperor’s New Groove with a splash at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park! Following the day’s presentations, be sure to lever-age this after-hours exclusive celebration of the cult classic, including special tributes to Disney’s water parks. Look out for complimentary snacks, photo opportunities, special activities, and exclusive entertainment at this ultra neat, squeak squeakin’ member-only party!***

• Disney ’80s-’90s Celebration in Concert, presented by Disney+, caps off the weekend’s journey with the ultimate throwback experience showcasing the very best hits of these fan-favorite decades. Dig out those flip phones and grab some shoulder pads as Broadway and Disney Animation stars flashback through a defining generation of films and TV shows, with showstopping performances, rock-concert lighting and larger-than-life projections. It’s a fan-inspired, Disney+ extravaganza as we go from “Zero to Hero” and see it “I 2 I” with musical moments from: Hercules, A Goofy Movie, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, The Lion King, The Disney Afternoon and more! Specially presented by Disney+ at Destination D23 2025, in partnership with Disney Concerts and 10th & Main Productions, this live concert event is sure to spark nostalgia in any Disney fan.
  

• The Walt Disney Archives Presents: Charting the Course, Disney’s Global Stories & Inspirations — Disney storytelling is a vibrant tapestry woven from global inspiration. An all-new exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives celebrates that influence by exploring how the world around us sparks creativity. Through a thoughtfully curated selection of photography, artwork, and dimensional artifacts, we follow Disney creatives on an artistic journey— watching black-and-white reference images evolve into vivid concepts. The experience culminates in a dynamic showcase, featuring models, props, and costumes inspired by diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes, all reflecting the enduring legacy of Disney’s storytelling.

D23 Shopping Spree at Destination D23 2025 will include shopping experiences at***:

• The Walt Disney Company Store is back on the East Coast! At this location, D23 Gold Members will have access to official Destination D23 merchandise along with new D23 Member-exclusive items and other unique merchandise from TWDC Store. Please note that limited-edition trading pins for this event will be offered to attendees exclusively through a Random Selection Process (RSP) opportunity.**
• Mickey’s of Glendale. The Walt Disney Imagineering campus store returns to the event with a pop-up shop featuring selections of specialty merchandise! Trading pins for this event will be offered to attendees through a RSP opportunity.**
• Disney Studio Store Hollywood. For the first time, the magic of Tinseltown is coming to Florida for Destination D23! The Disney Studio Store Hollywood will have a pop-up location at this year’s event that will feature new apparel, accessories and pins!  Limited-edition trading pins for this event will be offered to attendees through an RSP opportunity.**
• Ink & Paint Marketplace. Returning to Destination D23, the Ink & Paint Marketplace will feature an assortment from fan favorite brands and friends of Disney including Lug, and more!**

*Please be advised: All schedules, events, and merchandise are subject to change without notice. For the enjoyment of all event guests, access in and out of the Veracruz Ballroom may be limited during presentations.

**For the convenience of our event guests, you will be offered the opportunity to reserve a shopping window for Mickey’s of Glendale, The Walt Disney Company Store, Disney Studio Store Hollywood, and Ink & Paint Marketplace, all of which will take place on Friday, August 29. Details will be shared via email closer to the event.  Please note: Limited-edition merchandise not sold during the RSP process may be sold at future D23 events, after Destination D23.

***For guests who do not get tickets to Destination D23 2025, a limited number of additional tickets will be offered to D23 Gold Members for D23 Kuzcotopia Night at Typhoon Lagoon and D23 Shopping Spree at Destination D23 at a later date.

Additional D23 Member Experiences Happening the Week of Destination D23 2025:

These special opportunities will be open to all D23 Members and may include separately ticketed events. More details to come!

A Goofy Movie Throwback Premiere: Thursday, August 28. Did you know that A Goofy Movie had its 1995 Florida premiere at the AMC Theater now located at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World Resort! We’re going to be seeing fans “I 2 I” with a special 30th anniversary screening of A Goofy Movie at the same theater as the Florida premiere for a standout ’90s throwback!  Stay tuned for more information on this separately ticketed event available to all D23 Members, which will go on sale at a later date.

D23 Nights at Disney Springs: Throughout the week leading up to Destination D23 2025, D23 Members can visit Disney Springs for a variety of additional fun activities and offers! Stay tuned for more information at a later date.

Also, stay tuned for more details about a spooktacular event happening the evening of August 29!  It’s sure to be a wicked good time!

Here are the specific details about the event that D23 shared this morning:

All Destination D23 2025 event guests will receive access to the following D23-exclusive experiences:

• Access to photo opportunities, gift bag pick-up, exhibits and shopping starting Friday, August 29, 2025, including:
  • D23 Member-exclusive The Walt Disney Company Store pop-up shop
  • D23 Member-exclusive Mickey’s of Glendale pop-up shop
  • D23 Member-exclusive Disney Studio Store Hollywood pop-up shop
  • D23 Member-exclusive Ink & Paint Marketplace
  • A special exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives
• Guaranteed General seats at all Destination D23 2025 panels and presentations on Saturday, August 30, and Sunday, August 31, 2025
• Access to D23 Kuzcotopia Night at Typhoon Lagoon on Saturday, August 30
• Commemorative gifts, including a Lug bag, event-exclusive pin, lanyard, credential, and shopping bag created exclusively for the event

In addition, a limited number of Premier and Preferred seating tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. These tickets will include dedicated queues for reserved seating areas.

TICKETING INFORMATION

Tickets for Destination D23 will go on sale exclusively to D23 Gold Members on April 14 starting at 10 a.m. PDT / 1 p.m. EDT. General admission tickets are available for $299. In addition, a limited number of Preferred ($549) and Premiere ($799) seating tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. These tickets will include dedicated queues for reserved seating areas. D23 Gold Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest for General, Preferred, or Premier seating.

Filming or Photography Guidelines

Photography, video or audio recording will be permitted during most panels throughout the weekend, unless specified prior to the start of the session.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• D23 Gold Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest for General, Preferred, or Premier seating.
• D23 Gold Members must be logged into their active D23 Gold Membership account at the time of ticket purchase to complete their reservation.
• Each adult ticket must be assigned to a unique individual name and a valid, unique email address at the time of purchase if you would like to participate in shopping experiences.
  • Duplicate names or email addresses will not be accepted for multiple ticket purchases.
• Any adult ticket purchased without a unique name and valid email address at the time of purchase will be deemed ineligible for ALL shopping experience reservations:
  • Participation in the Random Selection Process (RSP) for The Walt Disney Company Store, Mickey’s of Glendale, and the Disney Studio Store Hollywood

• All event guests under age 18 must have a valid event ticket and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to attend this D23 event. Children under three (3) years of age receive complimentary admission to Destination D23.
• D23 Gold Members attending must bring their photo ID, Gold Membership Card and event tickets or they will not be admitted to the event. Membership card may be a physical card or a digital membership card found in the Disney D23 app.
• Photography, video or audio recording will be permitted during most panels throughout the weekend, unless specified prior to the start of the session.

• All ticket holders for this event agree to comply with the latest guidelines put forth by the Walt Disney World Resort. Find the latest guidelines here.
• Event guests who are not staying at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort during the event may be required to park off-site to be shuttled to the venue. Parking information for event guests will be released at a later date.
• There may be reduced rate hotel rooms available for event guests at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.  Link to book a hotel room will be distributed within the confirmation email for event ticket purchases. Cost of the hotel stay is not included in the event ticket pricing; reduced rates are not guaranteed and are based on hotel availability. A Disney Resort stay is NOT required to purchase tickets to Destination D23 2025.
• Meals are not included as part of the event. Meals will be available for purchase at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. More details will follow for amenity services.
• All ticket holders for this event agree to comply with the latest health and safety guidelines put forth by the Walt Disney World Resort.  Find the latest guidelines at Know Before You Go.

Any ticketed Members or their guests who do not personally attend the event, forfeit their place, as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. D23 Members must be present or guests will not gain admittance to the event.

All D23 events are subject to change without notice. All ticket sales are final. There are strictly no cancellations or refunds regardless of reason (including, without limitation, due to illness, change in travel plans, etc.) and tickets are not transferable.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: Disney Worldwide Services, Inc., and its parent, affiliated, and subsidiary companies (collectively, “Disney”), vendors, contractors, agents and/or assigns (collectively with Disney, “Producer”), and/or its licensees, sponsors, exhibitors (together, “Designees”) may be taking photos, filming and/or making other recordings at the Destination D23 2025 (“Event”) locations (including, but not limited to, the Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and/or Walt Disney World Resort). By entering these locations, for yourself and on behalf of any children accompanying you, you: (i) irrevocably consent to and authorize Producer and Designees to photograph you, make audio and/or video recordings of you in whatever medium, and use such photographs and recordings for all purposes (including advertising and promotions) in all media, now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity, and in any language without notice, attribution, permission or payment; (ii) acknowledge all such photographs and/or recordings will be the sole property of Disney and/or Designees; and (iii) assume all risks and danger of personal injury (including death), property loss or damage, and all other hazards arising from or related or incidental to the event, whether occurring prior to, during, or after the event, and release Disney from any liability for loss or damage to persons or property, infringement of any right or any other claim or course of action of any kind.

MORE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING THE EVENT CAN BE FOUND AT http://d23.com/destinationd23/terms.  

What do you think of this year’s Destination D23? What offering do you think is the best? Are you hoping to attend? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!