Major reveals from Marvel, Pixar, and Disney Legends highlight a weekend of fanfare in Anaheim
Category: Arts & Culture
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is officially underway in Anaheim, California, running from August 14 to 16, 2026. This year's event will likely be the largest yet, featuring more than 50 panels, three major presentations at the Honda Center, and an expansive show floor at the Anaheim Convention Center, which spans nearly 1,000,000 square feet.
Disney is streaming seven major events from D23 on Disney+, allowing fans worldwide to participate from home. Key presentations include the Beauty and the Beast 35th Anniversary Celebration, the Disney Entertainment Showcase featuring major announcements from Marvel and Pixar, and the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony honoring industry icons.
On Friday, August 14, the festivities kicked off with the Beauty and the Beast celebration at 11 a.m. PT, followed by the highly anticipated Disney Entertainment Showcase at 7 p.m. PT. This showcase is particularly notable as it marks Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro's first appearance at D23 in his leadership role. During the event, D'Amaro emphasized the importance of fan engagement, stating, "I believe that in order to lead this company, you have to understand what it actually feels like to be a fan. And I do."
The Disney Entertainment Showcase featured a range of announcements across Disney's major franchises. Marvel Studios teased major upcoming releases, including Avengers: Doomsday, which is described as a culmination of 26 years of MCU storytelling. Anne Hathaway also provided an update on The Princess Diaries 3, confirming that it is in development.
Star Wars fans received updates on Ahsoka Season 2 and the new film Star Wars: Starfighter, which will be released on the same weekend as the original Star Wars film did 50 years ago. Pixar showcased its upcoming projects, including Coco 2 and Incredibles 3, offering fans a glimpse into the future of beloved franchises.
Saturday, August 15, continued the excitement with the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 3 Panel at 3:30 p.m. PT, where cast members shared insights about the new season's darker themes and higher stakes. The day also featured the Disney Rewind Encore Concert celebrating classic Disney music at 6:30 p.m. PT.
One of the most anticipated presentations, Horizons: A Carousel of Progress, took place at 7 p.m. PT, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris. This showcase focused on upcoming projects and developments within Disney Parks and Experiences, making it a must-watch for Disney Parks enthusiasts.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, often referred to simply as D23, is a biennial celebration that began in 2009. It is named for the official Disney fan club, with the "D" representing Disney and "23" symbolizing the year 1923 when Walt Disney founded the company. The event has grown significantly over the years, now attracting fans from around the globe.
This year, the event showcases upcoming films and series and offers immersive experiences tied to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. The Anaheim Convention Center hosts various panels and exhibits, including the largest Disney-themed show floor in event history, allowing fans to engage with their favorite characters and stories.
In addition to the major presentations, D23 features a variety of activities, including the D23 Mousequerade costume contest and interactive booths displaying memorabilia from iconic Disney films and shows. The event is a celebration of Disney's rich history and its commitment to future storytelling.
As D23 continues, fans can look forward to the Disney Worldbuilders Panel on Sunday, August 16, at 10:15 a.m. PT, which will feature the world premiere of Leslie Iwerks' new documentary. This panel is expected to provide insights into the creative processes behind Disney's storytelling.
Later that day, the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m. PT, hosted by Ryan Seacrest. This ceremony honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on Disney's legacy, including Bob Iger, who played a key role in the company's expansion and the launch of Disney+. Other honorees include Dwayne Johnson and Lin-Manuel Miranda, both of whom have made substantial contributions to Disney's entertainment offerings.
For fans unable to attend in person, select events from D23 will be available to stream on Disney+, ensuring that the magic of the event reaches audiences worldwide. This includes the live broadcast of the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony at 6 p.m. PT on August 16, allowing fans to witness the celebration of Disney's most influential figures from the comfort of their homes.
As the weekend progresses, the excitement surrounding D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event continues to build, with fans eagerly anticipating the latest announcements and glimpses into Disney's future. The event celebrates Disney's storied past and sets the stage for its next chapter in storytelling, innovation, and fan engagement.