Several times a year, D23 hosts special events where a small group of D23 members gets to enjoy time with Disney Legends who will share about their Disney career, all while enjoying a special lunch.
Now D23 Gold and General Members can embark on an unforgettable afternoon as they are invited to a special D23 lunch with Disney Legend Joe Rohde at California Grill at Walt Disney World Resort! The event will take place at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 11:30 am.
Step into the visionary world of the Imagineer whose creative genius helped shape some of Disney’s most extraordinary destinations. Guests will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch high above Walt Disney World Resort overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon in the renowned California Grill—the perfect setting for this intimate gathering.
Following your meal, fans will enjoy a special 45-minute conversation with Joe Rohde himself, including fascinating insights into his creative career, tales from expeditions far and wide, and the stories behind making the magic.
Each attendee will take home a signed copy of his new book, Floating Mountains: The Art of Imagining the Impossible, as a keepsake from this remarkable experience.
Make memories with fellow fans at this uniquely inspiring event— your legendary lunch experience awaits!
Tickets for the event are: $159 + $3 Processing Fee per ticket for Gold Members. Tickets go on sale on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 11am PT / 2pm ET here. Tickets for General Members are $199 + $3 Processing Fee per ticket. General Member tickets go on sale on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 12pm PT / 3 pm ET here.
Here’s what is included with the event ticket:
- Buffet lunch at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Signed copy of Disney Legend Joe Rohde’s new book, Floating Mountains: The Art of Imagining the Impossible
- Listen to a 45-minute moderated conversation with Rohde
Here is important parking information for the event:
Parking is not available on site at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Please park at the Transportation and Ticket Center and use bus or monorail transportation to reach the venue. The Transportation and Ticket Center is located at:
1180 Seven Seas Drive
Orlando, FL 32836Other notes:
- Joe Rohde will not be able to sign any items in addition to the provided book and will not be providing individual guest photographs.
- All guests attending this event must be 12 years of age or older, to ensure the best experience for this event. All guests must have a purchased ticket.
Ticketing Terms and Conditions:
- D23 Gold and General Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and up to one (1) guest for this event.
- Each attendee, including the D23 Member and their guest(s), must possess a valid, individual event ticket to be admitted.
- Ticket quantities are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- To reserve tickets, D23 Members must log in using their valid D23 Member account credentials and assign a legal first and last name for each guest’s ticket.
- Tickets are non-transferable and must be used by the individual(s) named at the time of purchase. D23 Members and each of their guests over the age of 18 may be required to show a valid government-issued ID matching the name on their ticket.
What do you think of this special D23 event with Joe Rohde? Are you a D23 member who is interested in this event? Let us know in the comments.
