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D23 2026: Here’s What Disney Fans Can Expect at This Year’s Ultimate Fan Event

Disney fans are officially taking over Anaheim this weekend as D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event returns to Southern California from August 14 through August 16.

The three-day celebration is bigger than ever, with events taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center. Disney says this year’s event features an expanded show floor, more immersive experiences, more shopping and bigger presentations.

And if you're hoping for some big Disney announcements, this is definitely the weekend to pay attention.

The Big Showcases

The action kicks off Friday night at Honda Center with the Disney Entertainment Showcase. Disney promises celebrity appearances, first looks at upcoming movies and TV shows, new announcements and musical performances covering movies, television, games and live entertainment.

Saturday brings the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris. That presentation will focus on the future of Disney Parks and Experiences, with Imagineers and other creatives offering behind-the-scenes looks at attractions and projects in development, along with new announcements and surprises.

Sunday wraps things up with the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, hosted by Ryan Seacrest. This year's class includes Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Bob Iger, Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Jonas Brothers, Alan Tudyk, Jerry Bruckheimer, Chris Berman, Susan Egan, Eric Goldberg and Kim Irvine.

Movies, TV and Streaming Take Center Stage

There is plenty happening beyond the big showcases.

Fans can get a look at Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 3, which will adapt The Titan's Curse, as well as a special presentation for Camp Rock 3: The Next Generation. Disney is also putting the spotlight on Bluey, with a panel looking ahead to the Bluey Movie, which is scheduled for 2027.

There's also a panel dedicated to The Simpsons, a special LEGO Star Wars screening and a presentation about the Muppets featuring Seth MacFarlane and other special guests.

Disney Is Celebrating Some Big Anniversaries

D23 is also going old school this year.

The event will celebrate 75 years of Alice in Wonderland, 35 years of Beauty and the Beast, 25 years of Kingdom Hearts and 65 years of Marvel's Spider-Man.

There will also be a Disney Rewind Concert, featuring Disney and Broadway stars performing songs from the 1980s and '90s, plus a rare one-man concert from Disney Legend and eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken.

And, because no Disney fan convention would be complete without costumes, D23 Mousequerade returns with fans competing in the ultimate Disney costume contest.

The Show Floor Is Bigger Than Ever

The Anaheim Convention Center will feature what Disney calls the largest show floor in D23 history, packed with exhibits, interactive experiences, celebrity appearances, merchandise and panels.

The Disney+ and Hulu experience includes a 4D theater, photo opportunities inspired by shows including Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Simpsons, Only Murders in the Building, American Horror Story and Marvel's VisionQuest, along with exclusive merchandise and collectibles.

There's even a Disney Experiences Auction, giving fans a chance to bid on verified pieces from Disney theme parks and resorts.

You Don't Have to Be in Anaheim to Watch

One of the biggest changes this year is that Disney is bringing more of D23 directly to fans at home.

Disney+ will stream several events globally, including the Beauty and the Beast 35th anniversary celebration, the Percy Jackson Season 3 panel, the Disney Rewind Concert, the Horizons showcase and the Disney Legends ceremony.

The Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase is scheduled to stream Saturday at 7 p.m. PT, making it one of the biggest events for fans watching from home.

And Then There's the Speculation...

As always, the official schedule is only part of the D23 story. Fans and Disney-watchers are expecting the company to use the event to tease or announce additional projects involving Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and the theme parks.

There has already been plenty of speculation about potential Disney World and Disneyland announcements, but Disney has not confirmed many of those rumored reveals. The safest bet is to expect surprises — especially during Friday night's entertainment showcase and Saturday's Parks-focused presentation.

So whether you're looking for new movies, Marvel and Star Wars news, theme-park announcements, nostalgic Disney favorites or just a weekend surrounded by thousands of other Disney fanatics, D23 2026 is packed with things to see.

And with the event officially kicking off Friday, August 14, the biggest question now is simple: What is Disney about to announce?

VOTE HERE

Image Credit: Barrett Media

The Industry According To... Every Tuesday we speak with a different expert or leader from somewhere in the vast music industry — label executives, artist managers, programmers, talent, artists, consultants, and beyond.

Today we sit down with one of the most successful and durable morning hosts of the past 30 years, Frank Kramer. Most know him as one half of The Heidi & Frank Show, which has dominated mornings on KLOS/Los Angeles for the past 15 years. Before that, Frank had several high-profile stops, and he’s the founder and owner of Toad Hop Entertainment, a digital content and production company.

Having worked closely with Frank twice in my career, I can tell you firsthand: he’s not only a great entertainer who truly understands how to connect with an audience —he’s also a shrewd businessman, which is obvious when you look at his side projects and the longevity of his brand. Frank is one of the rare hosts who can blend improv, structure, humor and strategy into a show that consistently performs.

So, let’s dive in.

To continue reading the interview, click here.