The “Ultimate Fan Event” returns to Anaheim next August
During a presentation at the Destination D23 event in Orlando this morning, Michael Vargo, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club announced the next D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will be held in Anaheim, CA from August 14 through 16, 2026.
Vargo also confirmed that D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will repeat the format introduced in 2024. Many of the typical “D23 Expo” activities will still take place at the Anaheim Convention Center, with exhibits from Disney brand partners; myriad shopping opportunities; plus the smaller panels and presentations. Each night, a marquee presentation will be held at the Honda Center. In 2024, these included the Disney Entertainment Showcase, the Disney Experiences Showcase, and the Disney Legends Award ceremony.
Attendees can also experience “extra magic” events the week prior to the August 14 start date, including the return of D23 Day at Disneyland. Tickets for the 2026 event will go on sale in spring 2026, and no pricing or package details were available at press time.
Disney Legend Jodi Benson is the first D23 FAN-bassador. Photo by Alan Dalinka.
During Destination D23, Michael Vargo also announced that Disney Legend Jodi Benson will be the first “D23 FAN-bassador,” and will be part of the marketing push for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026, appearing at D23 events leading up to the event. Disney D23 shared a schedule of additional events for 2025 and 2026, including:
D23: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT PRESENTED BY VISA – Fans of all ages express their creativity through costumes celebrating their favorite characters and films. D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center on August 9, 10, and 11, 2024, is a one-of-a-kind, multi-day fan experience showcasing the very best in creative storytelling and unrivaled innovation from across the worlds of Disney. The event has been reimagined to be more expansive and more immersive than ever before, offering fans access to more of what they love. (The Walt Disney Company)
New offerings from the D23 Spotlight Series such as a D23 Spooktacular Spotlight event with Walt Disney Imagineering coming to Orlando, FL; a Halloween “Boo-nanza” event in California, featuring a panel of some Imagineering and Walt Disney Archives favorites, themed activities, a DJ, and more; and an event celebrating the second season of the Disney+ Original seriesPercy Jackson and the Olympians this December in California.
The next D23 On the Road series, kicking off November 1 and celebrating 35 years of the family holiday classic Home Alone with immersive, interactive screenings in over 18 U.S. cities—bringing D23 directly to the fans.
D23: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT PRESENTED BY VISA – On Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the Honda Center, DARREN CRISS, RACHEL POTTER, BOYZ II MEN, PENTATONIX, SKYLER ASTIN took the stage during the DISNEY EXPERIENCES marquee showcase. Fans of all ages and from around the world experienced the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, with marquee showcases taking place for the first time at the Honda Center on August 9, 10, and 11, 2024, is a one-of-a-kind, multi-day fan experience showcasing the very best in creative storytelling and unrivaled innovation from across the worlds of Disney. The event has been reimagined to be more expansive and more immersive than ever before, offering fans access to more of what they love. (The Walt Disney Company)
DARREN CRISS, RACHEL POTTER, BOYZ II MEN, PENTATONIX, SKYLER ASTIN
The fan-favorite “A Jolly Holiday on the Lot” will be returning to The Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, CA on Sunday, December 14.
The next D23 Gold Theater virtual event, hosted by Disney Legend Don Hahn and featuring a never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes look at the Haunted Mansion’s transformation overlay that occurs each year as it becomes Haunted Mansion Holiday.
Details for the all-new Walt’s Los Angeles Tour for D23 Gold Members that will include visits to the Walt Disney Studios lot, Walt Disney Imagineering, Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn, the location of Walt’s first studio on Kingswell Ave, and so much more, ending with dinner at one of Walt’s favorite restaurants. More information on Walt’s Los Angeles Tour coming soon.
Additional dates to be released soon for The Official Walt Disney Studios Walking Tour – Presented by D23, which will feature new interactive tour elements and expanded ticket opportunities allowing D23 Members to purchase up to four (4) tickets as well as full tour buy outs.
Tickets for “D23: The Ultimate Fan Event” will go on sale in Spring 2026. Until then, this is the perfect time to make your hotel reservations for that week, and purchase theme park tickets at 2025 prices. Our travel partners at Get Away Today are ready to help.
