Everything You Need to Know About D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event

 

Guests should get ready for three days jam-packed full of Disney magic, with the return of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa for 2024! We’re less than one month away from the big event, and to kick things into high gear, D23 revealed the lineup of every panel, presentation, and offering guests can experience across the Anaheim Convention Center. Get the download on D23 now.

Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase, will take place on Saturday, August 10 at the Honda Center. Josh D’Amaro will welcome fans as he takes the stage with surprise stars and special guests for a live celebration of the music and creativity that power our stories and — of course — news and updates about projects in development around the world. The future is bright for Disney Experiences and this can’t-miss showcase will show fans what’s on the horizon and beyond.

We’re only just getting started with everything fans can see, do, and experience August 9-11. Here’s just a small sampling of what’s in store:

PANELS, PAVILIONS, & MORE

Imagineering: Behind the Dreams
Imagineering: Behind the Dreams is a one-of-a-kind pavilion that gives our biggest fans unprecedented access to Imagineering’s passionate and talented team of artists, engineers, and craftspeople. Through design models, interactive demos, live prototypes, and exclusive presentations, guests will get a first-hand view of the innovative and immersive storytelling that will fuel the growth of Disney’s parks, resorts, cruise ships, and other experiences for decades to come.

Bringing the Worlds of Disney Animation to Life in Disney Parks
Team members from Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios discuss bringing the worlds of Disney Animation to life in Disney parks around the world, including such projects as World of Frozen (Hong Kong Disneyland), Zootopia (Shanghai Disneyland), Fantasy Springs (Tokyo DisneySea) and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Magic Kingdom and Disneyland).

Dream Chasing: Four Decades with Walt Disney Imagineering
Guests can join Leslie Iwerks, Bob Weis, and Wendy Lefkon for an intimate conversation spanning four decades of creating Imagineering projects from Anaheim to Paris, Tokyo to Shanghai. Audiences will be inspired to believe any dream worth doing is worth chasing.

The Costuming Artistry Behind Disney Experiences
Join Disney Live Entertainment costume designers as they share the design inspiration, creative process, and up-close details behind costumes worn at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and more.

Magic After Dark—The Story of Disney’s Nighttime Spectaculars
Fireworks above the castle became an iconic “kiss goodnight” at Disneyland, and every Disney park has filled the night with light, music, water, and fire. Guests can join Disney’s nighttime magicians to hear the stories behind their favorite after-dark shows.

60 Years of Disney Ambassadors – The Stories You’ve Never Heard
Guests take a trip down memory lane with Disney Ambassadors who’ve been a part of the 60-year legacy started by Walt Disney, as they share favorite moments ranging from unforgettable to unforeseeable!

Disneyland Foods – Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
Thanks to Walt Disney himself, dining has always been an essential part of the Disneyland experience! Guests can join the Disneyland Resort chefs and Pam Brandon―coauthor of the Official Disney Parks Cookbook series―to learn about the early days of the Disneyland food scene, today’s methods for concept creation and menu development of fan favorites, and a look toward the resort’s culinary future.

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed – The Return of a Beloved Classic 
Wield the paintbrush once more in Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed out this fall! Join Disney Games, Epic Mickey Creative Director Warren Spector, and more special guests, for a conversation that delves into how this beloved classic adventure came to life.

Disney Legends Awards Ceremony
Since 1987, the Disney Legends Awards program has honored gifted individuals for the significant impact they’ve had on the Disney legacy. We’ll be honoring the 2024 class of Disney Legends, including Disneyland Resort’s Martha Blanding and longtime Imagineer Joe Rohde on Sunday, August 11, at 5 p.m. at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.

World of Disney: The Product Experience
A must-see D23 shopping and immersive destination showcases new and limited-edition products and experiences across guests’ favorite Disney brands and franchises, including DisneyStore.com, Mickey & Friends, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney Princess.

Disney Publishing 
Disney publishes stories that foster a love of reading, inspire a natural curiosity, and excite families and fans. Guests can shop for first-to-market Disney books, beloved fan-favorite stories, and collectible titles in this premiere bookstore destination located in World of Disney: The Product Experience.

And this is only just scratching the surface for D23 2024! Guests can find the full slate of programming and schedule their weekend for D23: The Ultimate Fan Experience now.

Don’t Miss Limited-Time D23 and Disney Jr. Offerings at Disneyland Resort

Before D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event begins in Anaheim, guests are invited to the ultimate kickoff party – the first-ever D23 Day at Disneyland Resort – on Aug. 8, 2024!* During this one-day event, guests will discover celebratory offerings inspired by Disney history, classic stories and new favorites.

As part of all the festivities, the Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party in Disney California Adventure park on Aug. 8 will feature fun-filled entertainment and activities that preschoolers and their families will enjoy.

All guests with a valid theme park admission and reservation – including D23: The Official Disney Fan Club Members and D23 Event attendees – are invited to this celebration. If guests are planning to visit Disneyland Resort for multiple days while in Anaheim for the sold-out D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, the limited-time special ticket and hotel offers may be a great value for them and their family.

D23 Day at Disneyland Resort – Aug. 8, 2024

Beginning at park opening and while supplies last, a limited quantity of complimentary Mickey Mouse ear hats featuring the D23 Day at Disneyland Resort logo will be handed to guests entering Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on Aug. 8.*** It will be a stylish way to celebrate this extraordinary event!

The ultimate kickoff party will be hallmarked by a themed cavalcade at 12:15 p.m. in Disneyland park, featuring the famous Disneyland Band and some familiar friends. Guests will spot 23 characters and select Disney Legends, who have been recognized for their impact and contributions to the Disney legacy.

At both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, you may encounter characters making limited-time appearances. From sharing a silly moment with Goofy and Max from the animated series “Goof Troop” in Mickey’s Toontown to posing with Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear from Pixar Animation Studios’ “Toy Story 3” in Pixar Pier, who knows who you’ll run into on this special day!

Tomorrowland Terrace at Disneyland park will keep the fun going from day into night. Get your groove on with Stitch and some Disney character friends in an energetic dance party from 1-6 p.m. At set times between the hours of 7-11 p.m., musical group Suburban Legends will kick up the energy in the evening with live music.

A merchandise collection honoring the 25th anniversary of the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “Tarzan” will debut at Disneyland Resort on Aug. 8! For a limited time, the “Tarzan” collection will be available at Disneyana at Disneyland Park, Off the Page at Disney California Adventure Park and WonderGround Gallery at the Downtown Disney District.

Plus, be on the lookout for special apparel and items commemorating the first-ever D23 Day at Disneyland Resort!

From Aug. 8-11, collectors will also be able to search for four new medallions featuring the D23 Day at Disneyland Resort logo on one side and Disneyland Resort artwork on the other. The medallions will be available for purchase at Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen in Disneyland Park, Kingswell Shop at Disney California Adventure Park and near the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage and lawn at the Downtown Disney District.

Guests will be able to commemorate their visit to the first-ever D23 Day at Disneyland Resort with unique photo memories. As part of the festivities, all park guests with valid park admission and theme park reservations on Aug. 8, 2024, will receive complimentary unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken that day.** Plus, Disney PhotoPass service will offer a special Magic Shot guests can find that day!

Additional celebratory offerings include unique photo locations, illusion art installations at Disney California Adventure park and Downtown Disney District, plus a collectible commemorative guide with 23 recommended activities and details to discover.

Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party at Disney California Adventure Park – Aug. 8, 2024

All park guests, including preschoolers and their families, can explore, laugh, sing, dance and craft together at the Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party in Disney California Adventure park, which will celebrate favorite Disney Jr. characters and stories from hit series including “Disney Jr.’s Ariel,” “Mickey Mouse Funhouse,” “SuperKitties” and more.

At 10:30 a.m., the parade route of Disney California Adventure park will be filled with music and fun as iconic Disney Jr. friends hit the road in a parade with dynamic drummers and dressed-out vehicles.  Joining in this whimsical processional and making her Disney Parks debut is Disney Jr.’s Ariel, who will make a special, one-day appearance at Disney California Adventure park on Aug. 8.

Hollywood Land will be the heart of hands-on fun, with a special “Disney Jr.’s Ariel” arts and crafts area. At the Hollywood Backlot Stage, families will be able to play along with Disney Jr. friends in a series of live performances, and kids can decorate cupcakes during “Confection Purrfection with the SuperKitties.”

Families may also encounter and interact with characters from beloved Disney Jr. series, such as Winnie the Pooh, Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First and more.

Extended Fun at the Downtown Disney District

The fun continues with discounts, specialty offerings and unique entertainment at the Downtown Disney District all week long!

Beginning Aug. 4 through Aug. 11, select locations at the Downtown Disney District will have special offers for guests that present their D23 Event badge or D23 Membership card.**** For guests not attending the sold-out D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, there is still the option to partake in these offerings and many other discounts by becoming a member of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. Learn more at D23.com.

Guests can purchase tickets for special happy hour events taking place at Naples Ristorante e Bar on Aug. 9 and Aug. 10, from 3-5 p.m. It will be a fun way to meet fellow fans while enjoying a selection of unlimited bites.

From Aug. 9 through Aug. 11, the Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party fun will continue at the Downtown Disney District from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. The Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage will present a rotation of family-friendly entertainment, from a high-energy DJ leading dance parties with Disney Jr. music, to upbeat live performances featuring favorite Disney Jr. characters and a bubble show inspired by “Disney Jr.’s Ariel.” Closer to the date, guests can check the Disneyland app for show times.

Preschoolers and their families will also be able to play and create together with crafts inspired by the live performances and “Disney Jr.’s Ariel.”

In addition to all the limited-time fun, we have some bonus merchandise news! Beginning Aug. 8 and while supplies last, Create Your Own Headbands will return to Disneyland Resort at The Mad Hatter on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland Park and Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff in Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park.

What a jam-packed celebration! We’re looking forward to seeing guests at Disneyland Resort leading up to and during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

Are you ready to book your Disney vacation? Let Kyle Vacations, an affiliate of Academy Travel, handle all the details for you! Click here to choose your Disney destination, fill out our quick and easy form, and your personalized, free travel advisor will be in touch soon! Follow us @kylevacations on Instagram for updates and insider tips on what not to miss. Get excited; the countdown to your magical vacation is ON!

Guests can check the latest entertainment details and schedules at Disneyland.com or the Disneyland mobile app. Entertainment, experiences, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice.  

*Both valid Theme Park reservation and admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort. 

**Limit one per ticketed Guest, while supplies last. Guest must be present at time of distribution. Subject to change or cancellation without notice or liability. Both a park reservation and valid admission are required for park entry. Embroidery is not available for the D23 Day Mickey Mouse ear hats.

***Disney PhotoPass® digital photo downloads exclude separately priced Disney PhotoPass® packages and products offered at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and other select locations. Disney PhotoPass® service is subject to the Disney PhotoPass® Terms and Conditions and expiration policy found at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass-terms-conditions/. Online registration required.

****Show your D23 event badge or D23 Membership card to receive limited time offer or discount. Restrictions apply. Subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice or liability and are determined solely by the applicable store/location. Disney is not responsible or liable for benefits or discounts offered by any third parties. See locations for details.