With less than one month to go to the highly anticipated D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, Disney today revealed details about what fans will be able to experience at the Anaheim Convention Center during this sold-out event, which will include an outstanding lineup of over 230 panels and presentations, show floor offerings and Talent Central interactions. This announcement builds upon plans previously shared about this year’s D23 gathering, which is set to be bigger and better than ever before.
“We are thrilled for fans of all ages to join us in Anaheim next month for what will truly be the ultimate Disney fan experience,” said Michael Vargo, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. “This year, D23 has been reimagined to showcase even more of what they love from across the worlds of Disney. Guests will enjoy the incredible programming and show floor offerings we have in store at the Anaheim Convention Center, where our exceptional storytelling and experiences will come to life through spectacular entertainment with many of the creative masterminds behind the magic.”
Over 55 panels and presentations across five stages are coming to the multi-day fan experience, showcasing the very best in creative storytelling and innovation from across The Walt Disney Company. Disney’s award-winning storytelling engines, along with the Walt Disney Archives and Disney Experiences, have carefully curated an expansive lineup of extraordinary panels and presentations featuring behind-the-scenes access, rarely seen treasures, first-look showcases, and highly anticipated reunions. And fan-favorite presentations including D23 Mousequerade: The Ultimate Disney Costume Contest, Disney Princess – The Concert, Disney Character Voices: Inside the Studio, and more will once again return to the Anaheim Convention Center.
This year’s show floor is the largest in the event’s history and provides even more ways for fans to interact with beloved brands, stories, and talent, including immersive pavilions from Disney Experiences, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disney+, Hulu, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, National Geographic and more. There’s something for everyone with incredibly immersive experiences for all fans. And, for the first time, Avatar will have a full pavilion, ESPN and ABC News will have a presence on the show floor, while Lucasfilm’s groundbreaking ILM Stagecraftä technology will make its D23 debut for fans to interact with. The Walt Disney Archives has curated its biggest exhibition in history with “A Great Big Beautiful Car Show.” Talent Central will once again offer guests the opportunity to meet many of the extraordinary stars and creative visionaries behind popular films and series, including Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Descendants: The Rise of Red, The Simpsons, Raven’s Home and more.
For the first time, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will expand beyond the Anaheim Convention Center for the largest footprint in event history, with events and programming throughout the city of Anaheim, including the first ever D23 Day at Disneyland Resort on August 8, three nights of larger-than-life evening showcases at the Honda Center on August 9, 10 and 11, and D23 Day at Angel Stadium on August 4. Announced earlier this week, to celebrate the fans who are at the heart of the magic, Disney launched a company-wide sweepstakes including 23 spectacular offerings. D23: The Ultimate Disney Sweepstakes – FANtastic Prizes features an impressive lineup of exclusive prizes and engaging experiences that only Disney can deliver. The full list of prizes can be found on fantasticprizes.d23.com.
The Reservation Random Selection Process (“Reservation RSP”) for Anaheim Convention Center event stages, Talent Central and most show floor experiences will open on Monday, July 15 at 12 p.m. PT, and run through Friday, July 19 at 12 p.m. PT. Reservations can be made on ultimatefanevent.reservations.
Below is a selection of animation-centric opportunities coming to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Additional details around the reservation system and information on the full lineup of offerings can be found on ultimatefanevent.d23.com.
Animation on Stage at D23
30 Years of Toy Story
Celebrate 30 Years of Toy Story with filmmakers and Pixar Legends as they reflect on the making of the groundbreaking classic nearly 30 years ago and share never-before-heard anecdotes about how the historic film came to be.
Exploring New Parts of the Mind: Behind the Design of Inside Out 2 + a Dreamy Surprise!
Join Inside Out 2 production designer Jason Deamer as he gives an in-depth look at designing the new emotions joining Headquarters as Riley enters teenagehood. And stick around for a special dreamy sneak peek of an upcoming Pixar series!
Jolly Holiday: A D23 Musical Celebration of Richard M. Sherman
From Mary Poppins to Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, a heartwarming and joyous musical tribute to our beloved Disney songwriting legend Richard M. Sherman (The Jungle Book, The Sword in the Stone) — with unbelievable performances and delightful surprise appearances by some of the people who knew and admired him best.
Marvel Animation Sneak Peek
See what’s coming next to Disney+ from Marvel Animation, with special guests and first looks at hotly anticipated series including Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Eyes of Wakanda, future seasons of What If…?, X-Men ’97, and more!
Disney Princess – The Concert
Be our guest for a magical evening celebrating the music of Disney Princesses, heroes, and (yes!) villains, performed by Disney on Broadway and animation stars, as Disney Princess – The Concert returns to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
The Animation Greats + Cast and Creator Sessions featuring Bob’s Burgers, Futurama and The Simpsons Presented by Hulu Animayhem & 20th Television Animation
Four of the most influential creators in the world of animation — Matt Groening (The Simpsons, Futurama), Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy, American Dad!), Mike Judge (King of the Hill) and Loren Bouchard (Bob’s Burgers, The Great North) — come together for a historic and extraordinary conversation you won’t want to miss. Then, the voice talent and creative teams behind Bob’s Burgers, Futurama, and The Simpsons take the stage to entertain with clips, conversation, and fan Q&A. Whether you’re a longtime fan or an aspiring animator, this is a must-see panel for all!
Behind the Summer Shenanigans with the Phineas and Ferb Creators
Join Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, the masterminds behind the beloved animated show Phineas and Ferb as they look back at the creation and legacy of this pop culture phenomenon. Hear behind-the-scenes stories and get ready to laugh!
Disney Character Voices: Inside the Studio
Take a trip behind the scenes with Disney Character Voices and join us in the studio for live recording sessions with your favorite Disney characters! (Who knows, you may even get the chance to voice a character yourself!)
Making A Goofy Movie: The Road to Lake Destiny
The creatives behind the A Goofy Movie phenomenon reunite, reminisce, and share clips from a new documentary about the incredible origin story of this beloved cult classic.
Stay Tuned: You’re Watching Disney Channel
Join beloved Disney Channel stars on the Walt Disney Archives Stage for a look at some of the iconic series and movies that have created generations of fans. Stay tuned for laughs, fun and moments you won’t want to miss!
Donald Duck’s 90th Quacktacular
We’re celebrating 90 years of Donald Duck with special screenings, never-before-seen art from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, the Disney Animation artists who bring him to life, and even the voice of the duck himself!
Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation Screening
Blast off for a hilarious outer-space adventure with a screening of the animated comedy Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation, introduced by the talented creative team, including creators and executive producers Chris and Shane Houghton.
Once Upon a Costume: Fashion and Design in Disney Animation Films
Disney Animation costume designers Lorelay Bové, Brittney Lee and Griselda Sastrawinata-Lemay join with the Walt Disney Animation Research Library to show how historical and contemporary fashion design has inspired some of the most iconic costumes in animated films and even reveal a few designs that didn’t make the cut.
Restoring Disney Animation Classics
Director of Restoration Kevin Schaeffer and Disney Animation artists Eric Goldberg and Michael Giaimo will delve into the history of Disney’s preservation program, showcase before-and-after clips, and share how classic films are brought back to life.
Bringing the Worlds of Disney Animation to Life in Disney Parks
Team members from Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios discuss bringing the worlds of Disney Animation to life in Disney Parks around the world, including such projects as World of Frozen (Hong Kong Disneyland), Zootopia (Shanghai Disneyland), Fantasy Springs (Tokyo DisneySea) and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Magic Kingdom and Disneyland).
Disney Legends in Conversation
Listen in as members from the newest class of Disney Legends partake in an enlightening conversation about their storied careers.
The Muppets 70: A Glamorous Miss Piggy Retrospective
Join Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline and The Muppets Producer Dani Iglesias for a fabulous look back on the past 70 years of the Muppets, but mostly Miss Piggy! We will dive into the vaults to uncover nostalgic artifacts along with how we preserve this collection today!
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed – The Return of a Beloved Classic
Wield the paintbrush once more in Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed out this fall! Join Disney Games, Epic Mickey Creative Director Warren Spector, and more special guests, for a conversation that delves into how this beloved classic adventure came to life.
Interactive Show Floor Experiences
Imagineering: Behind the Dreams, Disney Experiences
Imagineering: Behind the Dreams is a one-of-a-kind pavilion that gives our biggest fans and fans-to-come unprecedented access to Imagineering’s passionate and talented team of artists, engineers, and craftspeople. Through design models, interactive demos, live prototypes, and exclusive presentations, guests will get a first-hand view of the innovative and immersive storytelling that will fuel the growth of Disney’s parks, resorts, cruise ships, and other experiences for decades to come.
Pixar Animation Studios & Walt Disney Animation Studios Pavilion
Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios once again join forces for a must-see animation experience at D23. Artist demonstrations, filmmaker signings, fan giveaways and interactive photo opportunities make this booth one to visit over and over again.
Disney Jr. Let’s Play!
Join in on the fun at the Disney Jr. play park—with scheduled character meet and greets, dance parties, photo moments, and more! *The Great Pin Pursuit participant
The Great Pin Pursuit
The Great Pin Pursuit offers a new way to explore D23! Select activations will feature commemorative pins as part of their interactive experiences and encourage those stopping by to collect them all. Visit the Disney+ Pavilion or The Hulu Experience to collect a pin lanyard and get started!
World of Disney: The Product Experience
The expansive, reimagined, and must-visit shopping destination will also be home to interactive experiences for guests to enjoy, including:
- Disney Princess Create Your World featuring LEGO: Snap a photo alongside LEGO® builds of beloved Disney Princess dresses and participate in an interactive LEGO mural.
- Pixar Putt: Play the pop-up mini-golf sensation inspired by the stories, characters, and icons from some of Pixar’s most beloved films.
- Mickey & Friends: A festival-inspired space that features a live art installation, a DJ, and an engaging photo moment.
