On the last day of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa®, Disney enthusiasts from around the world gathered at the Anaheim Convention Center to experience the best of what Disney has to offer. This event, a haven for Disney fans, has provided an immersive experience into Disney’s rich legacy, innovative storytelling, and exciting future across its vast array of beloved brands and franchises.
The final day of the event featured a packed schedule of specialty presentations spread across five stages, each offering unique insights into the magic of Disney. Highlights include a musical tribute to Disney legend Richard M. Sherman and a nostalgic session with the voice actors who have brought iconic Disney characters to life over the years.
In the morning, fans attended the “Disney Legends in Conversation” at the Walt Disney Archives Stage, where newly inducted Disney Legends, including Martha Blanding, Mark Henn, Colleen Atwood, and Joe Rohde, shared stories from their illustrious careers. After the ceremony, there was the “Dream Chasing: Four Decades with Walt Disney Imagineering,” where audiences were treated to a discussion about the past, present, and future of Disney’s Imagineering projects, from Anaheim to Shanghai.
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One of the day’s most anticipated events was “Jolly Holiday: A D23 Musical Celebration of Richard M. Sherman,” a heartwarming tribute to the legendary songwriter behind classics like Mary Poppins and Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. Attendees were also able to see the history of Donald Duck with “Donald Duck’s 90th Quacktacular” or experience the magic of voice acting with “Disney Character Voices: Inside the Studio,” featuring a live recording session with some of Disney’s most beloved voices.
The day also included a special presentation on restoring Disney animation classics and a nostalgic slide show journey through Disneyland’s early days, giving fans a chance to relive the magic of the park’s beginnings.
The weekend’s festivities culminated in the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, hosted by Ryan Seacrest at the Honda Center. The ceremony honored 14 individuals who made significant contributions to Disney’s legacy. The ceremony will be available for streaming on Disney+ starting at 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT on Monday, August 12th.
On Saturday evening, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro hosted a musical celebration at the Honda Center, where he unveiled exciting future plans for Disney parks, cruise ships, and beyond.