During the first day of programming at Destination D23 presented by Lug at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Michael Vargo, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, kicked off the festivities and revealed a number of exciting programming offerings D23 Members can look forward to over the coming year, including the return of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event to Anaheim, California from August 14 through 16, 2026.
Vargo also shared the news that 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.
“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,” Vargo said “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.”
Last year, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event was reimagined to be more expansive and immersive than ever before, and in 2026, the highly anticipated event will again be held at both the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center. Fans can be among the first to hear exciting announcements during marquee showcases and presentations, and can also look forward to 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.
Tickets for the spectacular event will go on sale in Spring 2026. Stay connected with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club on social media and through their weekly newsletter to be among the first to hear all of the exciting news to come.
In addition to the dates for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026, Michael Vargo announced even more things for fans to 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, 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.
Destination D23: A Journey Around the Worlds of Disney is bigger than ever before with an expanded footprint in an all-new location at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, offering fans three days of exclusive programming, limited-edition shopping, and specialty events.
Stay tuned for more announcements and exciting moments coming out of Destination D23. Fans can join D23 at D23.com and keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, by following DisneyD23 on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.