Disney has shared the details fans have been waiting for regarding its big theme park presentation at the 2026 D23 Expo. If you cannot make it to Anaheim, you will still have a front-row seat to the news. Here is what you need to know about the livestream, the people taking the stage, and what the presentation is likely to cover.
When and Where to Stream
The “Horizons: A Carousel of Progress” Disney Experiences showcase streams live on Disney+ at 7:00 PM PT on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Anyone with a Disney+ subscription can tune in from home, which means you do not need a ticket to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event to follow the announcements as they happen.
The presentation itself takes place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, where a live audience will watch alongside those streaming online. Setting a reminder ahead of time is a good idea, since these presentations tend to move quickly once they start.
Who Is Taking the Stage
The showcase is hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, joined by Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum. Together they will guide a group of Imagineers and creative leaders through the conversations rather than reading from a set list of talking points.
Bruce Vaughn, President and Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Imagineering, leads the group of nine creative names. He is joined by Ali Rubinstein, Senior Vice President of Global Creative and Development Studios, and Michael Hundgen, Vice President Creative for Walt Disney World.
The rest of the lineup covers several parts of the company. Emily “Emo” O’Brien serves as Portfolio Creative Producer for Disneyland Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort. Caroline May is Executive Creative Director for Walt Disney World, while Claire Weiss holds the role of Principal Designer and Creative Director for Disney Cruise Line. Three more Executive Creative Directors round things out: Brent Strong, Chris Beatty, and Jason Grandt.
A Different Kind of Presentation
This year’s format takes its cues from Carousel of Progress rather than a standard keynote. Instead of a single presenter delivering announcements from a podium, Harris will lead a series of conversations with the creative team. The result should feel more relaxed and discussion-driven than a typical stage event.
That approach fits the theme of the showcase, which centers on movement and progress. For viewers at home, it may also make the presentation easier to follow, since the back-and-forth format tends to bring more context to each project.
What to Expect During the Show
Much of the attention will likely fall on projects Disney first revealed at the 2024 D23 Expo. That earlier event brought a large slate of announcements, including new Disney Cruise Line ships, Villains Land at Magic Kingdom, and Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom. This year’s presentation is set up to show how those plans have advanced.
Rather than a long list of brand-new reveals, the focus points toward progress reports. Expect updates on how these projects have moved from early concept art into design, engineering, and active construction. New artwork, renderings, and behind-the-scenes stories are all part of what Disney says will be shared.
Perks for Disney+ Subscribers
Beyond the stream itself, Disney+ subscribers can take advantage of added perks throughout the weekend. These include special offers and experiences tied to the event.
Guests attending D23 in person can also visit the Disney+ Hulu Experience on the show floor. That space offers photo opportunities, a 4D theater experience, and limited-edition merchandise, giving in-person attendees another reason to stop by.
Final Thoughts
The Horizons showcase gives fans a clear look at how Disney’s announced park and cruise projects are coming together, and the Disney+ livestream makes it easy to follow along no matter where you are. If you have been tracking updates on Villains Land, Tropical Americas, or the next Disney Cruise Line ships, Saturday evening is worth marking on your calendar. As Disney put it, the next chapter of Disney Experiences is not just being imagined. It is being built.
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.
