Having exciting Disney events to look forward to is always a lot of fun, and now, thanks to the great information received from this weekend’s D-23 event, we’ve got some exciting news about the Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026, where innovation and storytelling will take center stage for an unforgettable weekend.
This jam-packed event will take place in Anaheim, California, from August 14-16, 2026.
“D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event offers fans from around the globe a chance to experience the very best in storytelling and innovation in a way that only Disney can deliver,” said Michael Vargo. “We are already hard at work dreaming up ways to continue raising the bar for Disney fans next year when we return to Anaheim, and we can’t wait to bring them a truly unforgettable event,” says Michael Vargo, head of D23.
Disney Legend, Jodi Benson, will be the first official D23 FAN-bassador, engaging with fans and making appearances with D23 throughout the year, leading up to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in August 2026.
What can guests look forward to during this highly anticipated event? Here are just a few of the items on the schedule to engage all of the lucky fans who attend.
• Being first to hear about exciting Disney announcements
• Marque showcases and presentations
• Immersive experiences
• Exclusive shopping experiences
• Magic around every corner.
Michael Vargo also shared a bit about what fans can look forward to in 2025, including:
• Exciting new offerings from the D23 Spotlight Series, such as a D23 Spooktacular Spotlight event with Walt Disney Imagineering coming to Orlando.
• A Halloween “Boo-nanza” event in California, featuring a panel of some Imagineering and Walt Disney Archives favorites, themed activities, a DJ, and more.
• An exciting event celebrating the second season of the Disney+ Original series Percy 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.
• 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 behind-the-scenes looks that have never been seen before of the Haunted Mansion’s transformation overlay that occurs each year as it becomes Haunted Mansion Holiday in Disneyland.
• Details about the 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.
• Additional dates are coming for The Official Walt Disney Studios Walking Tour – Presented by D23. This tour will feature new interactive tour elements.
With so much to look forward to, Disney fans are going to have a magical year!