Disney has unveiled an expansive first look at what fans can expect at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026, promising its largest and most immersive show floor ever when the convention returns to the Anaheim Convention Center from August 14–16, 2026. The company also announced a special kickoff celebration at Disneyland Resort on August 13, highlighted by an unprecedented Disney Princess concert.
With more than 50 panels, live shows, exclusive merchandise opportunities, and interactive exhibits spanning nearly every corner of The Walt Disney Company, this year’s event is designed to immerse fans in Disney’s biggest brands including Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Disney+, Disney Parks, ESPN, and Walt Disney Animation Studios.
“No one tells stories like Disney, and this year we’re bringing those stories to life on the largest show floor in D23 event history,” said Michael Vargo, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. “The show floor experience invites guests to explore, engage with, and celebrate the brands and franchises they love through immersive activations, unforgettable moments, and one-of-a-kind offerings that bring them closer to the magic than ever before.”
D23 Weekend Begins at Disneyland Resort
The festivities begin a day before the convention officially opens with D23 Day at Disneyland Resort on Thursday, August 13.
The celebration will include a Disney Legends Cavalcade at Disneyland Park, complimentary Mickey Mouse ear hats (while supplies last), the return of the Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party at Disney California Adventure, and a special performance of Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration. The concert, timed to coincide with World Princess Week, will feature the largest gathering of Disney Princess performers ever assembled and will later stream on Disney+ while also airing on Disney Channel, Freeform, and ABC’s The Wonderful World of Disney on August 16.
Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and Disney+ Take Center Stage
Among the biggest attractions announced is Marvel Studios’ TVA Experience: Your Next Assignment, an immersive walkthrough that places guests inside the Time Variance Authority and across multiple corners of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Lucasfilm will once again have a major presence, featuring props, costumes, interactive displays, filmmaker conversations, and a special screening of LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian.
Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios are combining forces for a massive pavilion celebrating Pixar’s 40th anniversary while showcasing upcoming projects, including Hexed, Frozen 3, Gatto, and Incredibles 3through filmmaker demonstrations, autograph sessions, and interactive exhibits.
Meanwhile, the Disney+ and Hulu Experience will feature a signature 4D theater alongside exhibits inspired by series and films including Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Camp Rock 3, VisionQuest, Only Murders in the Building, American Horror Story, and The Simpsons.
Also Check Out: Disney Unveils Full Programming Lineup for D23: The Ultimate Fan Event
Disney Parks, Archives, and ESPN Expand Their Presence
Disney Experiences is returning with its largest pavilion to date through Imagineering: Horizons, giving guests a behind-the-scenes look at the future of Disney Parks around the globe.
The Walt Disney Archives will debut Walt Disney Archives: Uncrated, an all-new exhibit allowing fans to explore rarely seen props, costumes, puppets, and artifacts from Disney’s extensive history.
Sports fans can also experience ESPN’s interactive “We’re Going to the Super Bowl!” activation, featuring stadium-inspired environments, championship celebrations, exclusive giveaways, and photo opportunities ahead of this season’s Super Bowl broadcast on ESPN and ABC.
Interactive Experiences Across the Show Floor
Disney is also bringing numerous interactive attractions to Anaheim, including:
- Mundo Pixar: The D23 Experience, offering life-size recreations of beloved Pixar films.
- An immersive Avatar Experience transporting guests to Pandora.
- Meet-and-greet opportunities with Bluey and Bingo.
- A pavilion celebrating the upcoming Simpsons theatrical film.
- Disney Theatrical Group’s showcase featuring Broadway productions, costumes, props, and live presentations.
- Disney VoluntEARS charity experiences benefiting Make-A-Wish, Blue Star Families, and the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
- Disney Music Group’s interactive booth featuring live interviews, Disney Concerts exhibits, and recording opportunities for fans.
Exclusive Merchandise and Collectibles
Collectors will find plenty to hunt for throughout the weekend.
Topps will make its D23 debut with exclusive Topps Chrome Disney trading cards, while Wizards of the Coast will showcase Magic: The Gathering | Marvel Super Heroes. Ravensburger returns with Disney Lorcana experiences and exclusive offerings.
Hasbro will also be on hand with interactive displays featuring Marvel Legends role-play products and the new Ultimate Grogu animatronic. Additional exclusive merchandise and activations will come from Loungefly, Crocs, Pandora, Little Words Project, Just Play, Atari, Chevrolet, Heinz, Honda, M&M’S, and numerous other partners.
Stars, Artists, and Creators Meet Fans
Talent Central will once again bring together creators and performers from across Disney.
Confirmed guests include Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, Disney Legends Eric Goldberg, Mark Henn, and Joe Rohde, as well as stars from Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Camp Rock 3, Bob’s Burgers, The Proud Family, The Simpsons, Phineas & Ferb, and Dancing with the Stars.
Fans will also have opportunities to meet authors, artists, Imagineers, Disney Lorcana illustrators, and the official voices of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Bret Iwan and Kaitlyn Robrock.
Spotlight Stage Returns
For the first time, Fandango will sponsor the Spotlight Stage, featuring live interviews with Disney talent and filmmakers, musical performances, demonstrations, and interactive programming throughout the weekend. The stage will host Fandango Front Row, giving attendees behind-the-scenes conversations about upcoming Disney films, series, and creative projects.
With immersive experiences spanning Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Disney Parks, animation, streaming, and live entertainment, Disney is positioning D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 as its biggest fan convention yet. The event runs August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, with festivities beginning August 13 at Disneyland Resort.
