D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is taking shape, and the latest announcement gives fans a clear picture of what the weekend holds. From a throwback concert to a rare solo show with one of Disney’s most celebrated composers, the schedule covers a lot of ground. Here is a look at the programming announced so far, along with the details you need to plan your visit.
When and Where the Event Takes Place
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event runs from August 14 through August 16, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center in California. Across all three days, the event brings more than 50 panels, shows, and presentations spread across five stages, so there is plenty to fill a fan’s schedule.
The Disney Rewind Concert
One of the headline offerings is the Disney Rewind Concert, a throwback show built around Disney hits of the 1980s and 1990s. The performance leans into a live mixtape style, pulling from music tied to Powerline, the Disney Afternoon, the Muses, and more, paired with concert lighting and large-scale visuals.
The concert premieres at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, with an encore performance at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 15. The cast features Disney Broadway performers including Jared Dixon, Alyssa Fox, Arielle Jacobs, Josh Strickland, and Raena White. Disney Legends Bill Farmer and Jodi Benson will make special appearances, along with 2026 Disney Legend recipient Susan Egan.
A Whole New World of Alan Menken
On the final day, Disney Legend and eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken takes the stage for A Whole New World of Alan Menken. The one-man concert pairs his songs with the stories behind them, drawing from a catalog that includes “Beauty and the Beast,” “A Whole New World,” “Colors of the Wind,” and “Go the Distance.”
Menken’s body of work spans films such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Hercules, Enchanted, Tangled, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Newsies. The show is written by Menken and directed by Richard Kraft, with additional material by Kraft and Jennifer Lucy Cook. It takes place at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 16.
Friday Panels and Presentations
Friday’s lineup gives fans several reasons to arrive early. Walt Disney: 125 Years of Inspiration marks Walt’s 125th birthday with stories from those who knew him, appearances by legends who continue his legacy, and special performances.
Other Friday offerings include Ink & Paint at Disney Animation, which shows the process of moving an animator’s drawing onto a cel and bringing it to life with color. Fans can also catch 20 Years of Enchanted: A Love Letter to Disney, co-hosted by Nina West and director Kevin Lima, along with a Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game panel covering new events and upcoming releases. Houses Walt Built: The Walt Disney Family Museum rounds out the day with rare photos and stories about the Disney family homes.
Saturday Panels and Presentations
Saturday continues the mix of history and fandom. Worlds of Tinker Bell: Never Land to Pixie Hollow, hosted by Ashley Eckstein, traces the character’s path from Peter Pan to her own stories.
The day also includes Disney | Marvel: A Legacy of Stories presented by M&M’S, which looks at the storytelling history of both brands through comics, crossovers, and production insights. Disney Style Around the World showcases Disney fashion and collaborations, featuring panelist Bobby Kim, Vice President and Global Creative Director for Disney Consumer Products. Disney historian Tim O’Day and Disney Files editor Ryan March also return with Great Moments with Walt Disney, sharing humorous stories and rare footage.
Sunday Offerings
Sunday brings a few unique experiences. The Disney Experiences Auction offers verified pieces from Disney’s theme parks and resorts through live and online bidding, hosted by Bret Iwan, the official voice of Mickey Mouse.
Fans of classic animation can attend the One Hundred and One Dalmatians 65th Anniversary panel, featuring rarely seen art from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library. Disney artist Kevin Kidney also presents Searching for the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House, sharing his trip to the original filming locations from the 1960 film, including the tree house that inspired the Disneyland attraction.
Highlights on the Show Floor
Beyond the stages, the show floor offers interactive experiences from across Disney. The Disney+ Hulu Experience brings streaming worlds to life with a 4D theater, photo experiences, exclusive merchandise, a pin-hunting adventure, and subscription support.
Marvel Studios returns with the TVA Experience: Your Next Assignment, an immersive walkthrough across the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while the Lucasfilm pavilion features photo ops, props, and costumes from current and upcoming stories. Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios team up for an animation experience that includes previews of Disney’s Frozen 3 and Disney and Pixar’s Gatto, alongside Mundo Pixar: The D23 Experience, a preview of the touring immersive exhibition.
The Disney Lorcana Challenge Championship Qualifier
The Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game has a notable presence at the event. The first Disney Lorcana Challenge Championship Qualifier of the next Challenge season takes place on Saturday, August 15, with the top players advancing to compete on Sunday, August 16. The activation joins a roster of brand partners bringing offerings and experiences throughout the weekend.
Ticket Options and Pricing
D23 Gold Members, including those enrolled through Disney+ Perks or on Gold Essential, Choice, and Complete plans, can purchase tickets subject to availability. Each Gold Member may buy tickets for themselves and up to five guests, for a total of six, and those guests do not need to be Gold Members to attend.
For access to the Anaheim Convention Center, the D23 Fan Pass is available for $49 as an Afternoon Only option on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. A 1-Day Fan Pass for Sunday is available for $99.
Conclusion
With concerts, panels, an auction, and a show floor packed with interactive experiences, the announced programming for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 gives fans a full slate to look forward to in Anaheim this August. More details are expected in the months ahead, so it is worth keeping an eye on official D23 channels as additional programming and shopping information is shared.
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.
