D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will officially return to Anaheim, California, from August 14 through 16 in 2026, and it will once again be a celebration and look forward of all things Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, and more.
The news was announced during Destination D23 alongside other big D23 events fans can expect, and it was confirmed that the event will once again be held at both the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center.
There will also be “marquee showcases and presentations,” “immersive experiences, exclusive shopping opportunities,” and “extended magic throughout the week leading up to the event, including the return of D23 Day at Angel Stadium and D23 Day at Disneyland.”
For those interested in attending, Disney announced that tickets will go on sale in Spring 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, head of D23. “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.”
As for the other D23 events fans can look forward to in the future, the team has shared the following;
- Exciting 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 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 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.
Furthermore, Vargo also helped share the news that Disney Legend Jodi Benson (the voice of Ariel!), will be the first official D23 Fan-bassador, meaning she will be “engaging with fans and making appearances with D23” leading up to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in 2026.
For more, check out all the big news from Destination D23’s Walt Disney Studios Showcase and everything announced at the Disney Experiences Showcase and Disney Entertainment Showcase from last year’s D23!
Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst, Instagram, and TikTok, and listen to his show, Talking Disney Magic.
