One of the earliest announcements to come out of this year’s Destination D23 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is the confirmation that D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will be returning to Anaheim from August 14 through 16, 2026. Not only that, but Disney Legend Jodi Benson (and voice of Ariel) was confirmed as the first-ever D23 FAN-bassador for the whole event.
Here’s everything we learned about D23 2026 from Destination D23 2025.
Michael Vargo, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, confirmed not just that the fan-favorite event was returning but that for the first time, there will be an official D23 FAN-bassador engaging with fans and making appearances in promotion of the event. Disney Legend Jodi Benson holds the distinction of being the very first D23 FAN-bassador. Tickets for the spectacular event will go on sale in Spring 2026.
No other specific details were confirmed about offerings but fans can expect to find themselves once again at at both the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center over the course of the weekend to be amongst the first hear exciting announcements during marquee showcases and presentations. Of course, Disney will be cooking up new immersive experiences, exclusive shopping opportunities, and also bring back D23 Day at Disneyland and D23 Day at Angel Stadium.
Ahead of all the festivities in 2026, Vargo also confirmed several more things for fans to look forward to in 2025, including:
- 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 series Percy Jackson and the Olympians this December in California.
- D23 On the Road is 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.
- “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.
- Walt’s Los Angeles Tour for D23 Gold Members is an all-new tour 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.
- The Official Walt Disney Studios Walking Tour – Presented by D23 soon 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.
See it for Yourself
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event returns to the Anaheim Convention Center from August 14 through 16, 2026. This event was formerly known as the D23 Expo.
MORE INFO: See all MouseInfo coverage of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event
Destination D23 takes place at Walt Disney World from August 29-31, 2025. As a perk of membership, D23 Gold Members are able to stream select panels as they happen at the D23 Gold Theater.
