D23 Announces First Details For D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will be returning to Anaheim, California, on August 14, 15, and 16, 2026. This will be the culmination of a week of celebrations leading up to this ultimate Disney fan event. Daps Magic was invited to The Walt Disney Studios to learn about what is coming for this very special event. The multi-day celebration will once again offer fans exclusive first access to the latest in Disney storytelling, creativity, and innovation. Throughout the three packed days, Disney will bring together stars and storytellers for some incredible moments that will include sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes access, thrilling performances, immersive experiences, expanded shopping, and surprises that only Disney can deliver.

During the media preview today, event details were shared. This included an early look at some of the programming that will be offered, ticketing, and also D23 Member benefits. The preview began with a video with new Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro and included moments with Asad Ayaz, Disney Legend Jodi Benson, and head of D23 Michael Vargo. Along with details about the event being shared, this year’s class of Disney Legends was also revealed.

“D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is a powerful expression of the lasting connection Disney has with its fans,” said Asad Ayaz, Chief Marketing and Brand Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “This event is designed for our most passionate fans who connect deeply with our stories, characters, and experiences, and who want a front row seat to our biggest announcements. From honoring this year’s class of Disney Legends to unveiling some of the best of our creativity across film, television, streaming, sports, and experiences, D23 celebrates the global community at the very heart of Disney.”

Tickets

Details about tickets were revealed during this event. This includes a new afternoon ticket option for guests to attend, along with the other ticketing options that will be available to purchase exclusively by D23 Gold Members. Below are the official ticketing details for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event:

How to Purchase
All D23 Gold Members — including those enrolled in a complimentary Gold Member plan via Disney+ Perks or on Gold Essential, Choice, and Complete plans — may purchase event tickets, subject to availability. Additionally, for a limited time only, Disney+ subscribers on the D23 Gold Monthly plan can also take advantage of a new Disney+ Perk, upgrading to a paid Gold Essential, Choice, or Complete plan for 20% off. Visit disneyplus.com/perks for more details.
To prioritize our most dedicated fans and the core D23 community, ticket access will roll out in tiers. Tickets for the event will go on sale beginning Tuesday, March 31, at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET for current D23 Gold Charter Members during an exclusive 24-hour window. A priority purchase window for D23 Gold Members on Essential, Choice, and Complete plans will start on Thursday, April 2, at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. All other D23 Gold Members will be able to join the queue at 12 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. ET that same day.
Each Gold Member may purchase tickets for themselves and up to five (5) guests (six [6] tickets total). Guests of D23 Gold Members do not need to be D23 Gold Members themselves to attend. For more information, please visit D23.com.
Ticket Options
This year’s event is more accessible than ever before with expanded show floor hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and a new D23 Fan Pass – Afternoon Only ticket, offering later day entry to the Anaheim Convention Center.. Ticket options span a range of experiences, including:
D23 Fan Pass (Anaheim Convention Center only), available for $49 (Afternoon Only), $99 (1‑Day), or $297 (3‑Day)
D23 Ultimate Fan Pass, which includes access to both the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center showcases, with pricing beginning at $99 for a 1‑Day and $297 for a 3‑Day package
The D23 Ultimate Preferred Fan Pass delivers three days of floor seating at the Honda Center, three days of Anaheim Convention Center access, and exclusive Random Selection Process (RSP) opportunities for select limited-edition pins, with pricing ranging from $1,299 to $2,599 depending on location.
Each ticket is subject to a $11.25 service fee, and each transaction is subject to a $16 delivery fee.
D23 Gold Members who are unable to purchase tickets may join a limited-time waitlist after ticket sales close. Due to limited availability, tickets are not guaranteed.

Programming

There will be plenty of programming for guests to enjoy when attending D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. This includes moments with Disney’s beloved franchises, a look toward Disney’s vision for the future, and access to creative leaders who shape what is coming next. On each day, there will be a marquee presentation at the Honda Center. These presentations will feature stars, storytellers, and some incredible surprises. Here is the lineup for the Honda Center:

Disney Entertainment Showcase on Friday
Disney Experiences Showcase on Saturday
Disney Legends Award Ceremony on Sunday

At the Anaheim Convention Center, there will be over 50 panels and presentations offered. Each of these is created exclusively for fans and offers behind-the-scenes insights, first looks, and conversations with storytellers throughout The Walt Disney Company. This year will see the return of the fan-favorite D23: Mousequerade: The Ultimate Disney Costume Contest. This is a celebration of Disney fandom that spotlights fan creativity, craftsmanship, and community. Registration for this opened today. There is also a new feature-length documentary from acclaimed filmmaker Leslie Iwerks. This will offer fans an exclusive first look at a powerful new Disney story that is told through her singular lens.

The show floor for D23 will be the largest and most innovative to date and will immerse fans in interactive environments that bring Disney storytelling to life. There will be some favorite experiences that return, including opportunities to get up close with the latest from Disney Experiences and Walt Disney Imagineering. Fans will also have the chance to dig into the worlds of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. There will also be the chance to experience favorite movies and series from Disney+ and Hulu. On top of that, there will be the very best opportunities for Disney shopping, products, and more!

Mundo Pixar: The D23 Experience is a brand-new experience at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. This will give fans a special D23 preview of the immersive walk-through experience that is touring worldwide. This features life-size sets of some favorite Pixar Films. There will also be a chance to check out ESPN Road to the Super Bowl with an area that will highlight the intersection of sports and entertainment. There will also be activations that are inspired by Bluey, Camp Rock 3, The Simpsons, and a new standout display that features Mickey F1 and a Formula 1 car!

There will also be the opportunity for fans to compete in a first-of-its-kind experience at the event. Ravensburger will be hosting the Disney Lorcana Challenge Championship Qualifier. The winner will earn a guaranteed seat at the 2027 Disney Lorcana North American Championship.

Always a popular exhibition, the Walt Disney Archives will be returning to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event once again. This time, the exhibition will be called Walt Disney Archives: Uncrated. This will let fans uncover an unforgettable journey into the vast and hidden warehouses of the Walt Disney Archives. These are spaces that are generally reserved for access to Disney archivists alone. Guests will get the chance to explore themed displays that feature shipments of iconic props, costumes, and puppets from beloved films, television series, and theme parks, which span the history of Disney.

The Ultimate Disney Sweepstakes: Fantastic Prizes is returning with some incredible rewards and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. This continues the tradition of delivering exclusive experiences that only Disney can offer. Some of the prizes include:

Be among the first to sail during the inaugural season of Disney Cruise Line’s recently announced ship, Disney Believe!
The chance to embark on a National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures trip to Kenya, Africa and experience all it has to offer, including going on a safari to see beautiful lions in celebration of the upcoming landmark series Lion (working title) from Jon Favreau, set to debut on Disney+ and Hulu later this year
Win a 3-day, 2-night trip to Los Angeles, California to attend the red-carpet world premiere of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday.

D23 will reveal more prizes in the months leading up to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

D23 Day at Disneyland Resort will be returning on Thursday, August 13th. This will include the Disney Legends Cavalcade at Disneyland, Mickey Mouse ear hats, complimentary giveaways (while supplies last), magical surprises, and more. Over at Disney California Adventure, Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party will return for a one-day special event that is tailored for families with young children. This will include live entertainment, Disney Jr. characters and activities, fun photo opportunities, and more. Details can be found at D23.com.

City-Wide Celebrations

Throughout the week leading up to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, there will be multiple ways to celebrate Disney and its fandom. These begin on Saturday, August 8th. On this day, Walt Disney Archives’ newest exhibition at the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center will open. Called Capturing Life, Creating Character: The Art of Live-Action will feature rare photography, costume pieces, artwork, and interactive elements that explore the connection between live-action performance and animation. Tickets will be going on sale for this on Friday, March 27, at 10:00 AM PT/1:00 PM ET on D23.com.

On Tuesday, August 11th, D23 Night at the Anaheim Packing District will take place. This features music, trivia, fan activities, and the sixth annual World Taste of the Packing District.

D23 Night at Angel Stadium will take place on Wednesday, August 12th, when the Angels face off against the Texas Rangers. The first 23,000 attendees who enter the stadium will receive a themed D23 Mickey Mouse Bobblehead, with 2,300 of these being an exclusive gold variant. Discounted tickets are available for D23 Members. There will also be special D23 event spaces on gameday, along with a commemorative gift. More details can be found at D23.com.

Downtown Disney District will also have special offers, discounts, and themed fun throughout the week.

There will be more details found at D23.com in the months leading up to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. This will include details about programming and shopping. Daps Magic will be covering all of these things as well.

Additional details on D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, including programming and shopping information, will be announced in the months leading up to the event.

What do you think of this year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event so far? Will you be attending? What are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!