The full programming schedule for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 has arrived, and there is plenty for park fans to sort through. From a Carousel of Progress-inspired parks showcase to the Disney Legends ceremony, the three-day event packs stages across Anaheim with panels, performances, and announcements. Here is a clear look at the dates, the main stage shows, the reservation process, and the panels worth planning around.
When and Where the Event Takes Place
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa runs August 14, 15, and 16, 2026, in Anaheim, California. Programming spans the Anaheim Convention Center and the nearby Honda Center.
Tickets remain available at the time of the announcement. If you are weighing a trip, keep in mind that some shows have access tied to specific ticket types, which we cover below.
Friday: The Disney Entertainment Showcase
Friday night opens the event at the Honda Center with the Disney Entertainment Showcase. This presentation focuses on the film, television, and live stage side of the company.
Guests can expect first looks at upcoming films and series, new announcements, musical performances, and celebrity appearances. It sets the tone for the weekend by previewing what is coming next across Disney’s movies and shows.
Saturday: Horizons, the Disney Experiences Showcase
For park fans, Saturday is the highlight. The Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase is hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and takes its structure from the Carousel of Progress.
Building on the projects announced in 2024, the showcase digs deeper into the creative vision behind what is coming to Disney Experiences worldwide. Harris will guide the show and lead conversations with the Imagineers, artists, and innovators working on these projects. Expect behind-the-scenes looks, special performances, announcements, and a few surprises. If your main interest is theme parks and resorts, this is the session to prioritize.
Sunday: The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony
The weekend closes on Sunday with the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, hosted by Ryan Seacrest. The ceremony bestows Disney’s highest honor on a group of creatives, performers, and leaders.
This year’s honorees include Chris Berman, Jerry Bruckheimer, Susan Egan, Eric Goldberg, Anne Hathaway, Bob Iger, Kim Irvine, Dwayne Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Alan Tudyk. The show features tributes and moments celebrating the lasting impact of each honoree.
How the Reservation Process Works
To attend select presentations and experiences at the Anaheim Convention Center, guests use a randomized system called the Reservation Selection Process, or Reservation RSP. It distributes reservations based on your ranked preferences and availability.
The RSP window is open from Monday, July 20, at 12 p.m. PT through Friday, July 24, at 12 p.m. PT. You can rank your choices and request reservations for groups of up to six people for most offerings. Confirmed reservations go out by email beginning August 7.
Reservations are not guaranteed, but standby queues will be available for presentations at the Convention Center event stages, Talent Central, and most show floor experiences. Honda Center shows work differently. They are available only to D23 Ultimate Fan Pass and D23 Ultimate Preferred Fan Pass holders, with no reservations or standby queues.
Notable Panels to Watch For
Beyond the main stages, five stages at the Convention Center host a wide range of panels and performances. A few stand out for their broad appeal:
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 3, with the cast and producers teasing The Titan’s Curse coming to Disney+ later this year
- Beauty and the Beast: A Tale as Old as Time, marking 35 years with filmmakers and stars from the animated film and the Broadway production
- Bluey: From the Backyard to the Big Screen, tracing the series toward 2027’s The Bluey Movie
- Zootopia: Ten Years in the Mammal Metropolis, with filmmakers Jared Bush, Byron Howard, and composer Michael Giacchino
- A Whole New World of Alan Menken: A rare one-man concert from the eight-time Academy Award winner
- Hey Jonas! Live at D23: A live recording of the Jonas Brothers’ podcast celebrating their Disney Legends honor
More Highlights Across the Show Floor
The schedule runs deep beyond those headline panels. Fans can look forward to a Kingdom Hearts 25th anniversary deep dive, a Scrubs reunion, a Simpsons storytelling session, and a Muppets music conversation with Seth MacFarlane.
Park-focused guests also have plenty to choose from, including Floating Mountains: A Conversation with Joe Rohde about his Disney’s Animal Kingdom work, a Swiss Family Robinson tree house feature, and a new documentary from Leslie Iwerks debuting at the event. The Spotlight Stage presented by Fandango rounds things out with trivia, sing-alongs, and interactive demos throughout each day.
Conclusion
The 2026 lineup gives Disney fans a full slate across all three days, with the Saturday Disney Experiences Showcase standing out as the key stop for park enthusiasts. With the Reservation RSP opening July 20 and running through July 24, now is the time to review the schedule and rank your priorities. Whether you are drawn to the parks preview, the Legends ceremony, or a favorite panel, planning ahead will help you make the most of your time in Anaheim.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
