By Juliana OctaviniThe D23 2026 of California is already set and promises to be the biggest edition in the history of the event.
Known as "The Ultimate Disney Fan Event" it takes place on the weekend of August 14-16, 2026 in Anaheim, California. However, it is an event for few.
I know that many people dream of going in person, and so many prefer to follow everything from afar, cheering for the announcements of new things in the parks. Anyway, it is worth understanding just how this event works, because it is in it that Disney usually reveals a lot of what comes around for theme parks, movies, series and streaming.
In this guide, I gathered everything you need to know: dates, location, programming, tickets and events preceding the D23 in Anaheim.
What is D23 and why is it so important
D23 is the name of Disney's official fan club, founded in 2009. Every two years, the brand organizes this big event in person, which brings together almost 100,000 people over three intense days of programming. Therefore, 2026 marks the ninth edition of the convention's history.
During the event, Disney usually announces news about movies, series, games and, above all, about the future of theme parks around the world. So it is common for Orlando and Disneyland fans to follow everything closely, as many future attractions and expansions are revealed just on this stage.
In addition, D23 also honors professionals and celebrities who have marked history in the company through the traditional Disney Legends Ceremony. Thus, the event goes far beyond a simple fan meeting, functioning as a true showcase of what is to come.
Dates and location of D23 2026 in California
The D23 2026 takes place between Friday, August 14, and Sunday, August 16, in Anaheim, California. The main activities are divided between two spaces: the Anaheim Convention Center, which receives panels, exhibitions and the shopping area during the day, and the Honda Center, the stage of the great night shows.
One new feature of this edition is that the Anaheim Convention Center will run on extended hours, from 9am to 8pm, every day of the event. Thus, visitors have even more time to enjoy panels, temporary stores and interactive experiences.
Official confirmation has already come straight from Disney itself, so you can write it down in the agenda without fear. You can check all the original details in the Disney's official announcement.
Programming of the shows at the Honda Center
The three great moments of D23 2026 happen at night at the Honda Center, and are usually the most expected by fans, since that is where the most important ads come out. The programming is divided like this:
Friday (14/08) — Disney Entertainment Showcase
This panel is focused on the next film, television and, in addition, productions for the stages. Therefore, those who accompany Disney+, Marvel, Lucasfilm and Pixar animations should pay close attention on that day. The expectation is of surprise appearances of celebrities, exclusive previews and musical performances.
Saturday (15/08) — Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase
This is undoubtedly the most anticipated panel for those who dream of visiting Disney parks. It will be conducted by Neil Patrick Harris in a clear reference to the classic Progress Carousel, and should bring updates on theme parks, cruises and experiences around the world, with the participation, above all, of Imagineers and creators.
Sunday (16/08) — Disney Legends Ceremony Award
To close the weekend with a more nostalgic tone, the Disney Legends ceremony honors the new Disney legends class. The performance is on Ryan Seacrest.
Panels, meetings and attractions at the Convention Center
In addition to the night shows, D23 2026 promises more than 50 panels and presentations spread across different Anaheim Convention Center stages, such as Premiere Stage, Walt Disney Archives Stage, Backlot Stage, Hyperion Stage and Grand Plaza. Among the highlights already confirmed are:
- Panel "Celebrate 65 Years of Marvel's Spider-Man", with backstage and character curiosities
- Deep Dive into Kingdom Hearts, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the franchise created by Disney, Pixar and Square Enix partnership
- Live podcast with Jonas Brothers
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians Panel
- Concert with composer Alan Menken
- Panel on the Disney Dreamlight Valley game, with preview of the news of 2026
- Cosplay dating, including the traditional Mousequerade: The Ultimate Disney Costume Contest
Thus, in addition to official announcements, visitors also have access to voice, drawing and dance workshops, which greatly broadens the interactive proposal of the event. The shopping area should also be the largest ever seen in the history of D23, with exclusive items and limited editions.
Events prior to D23 2026 in California
The D23 2026 program in California begins just before the official weekend. On August 8, the Walt Disney Archives opens the exhibition "Capturing Life, Creating Character: The Art of Live-Action Reference" at the Muzeo Museum in Anaheim, with rare pieces, costumes as well as interactive elements.
Already on August 13, before the official beginning, the traditional happens D23 Day The programme includes Disney Legends Cavalcade, a parade on Main Street, U.S.A. with Disneyland Band and 23 characters in honor of the event. Tomorrowland Terrace also hosts theme parties such as Stitch's Interplanetary Beach Party Bash in the afternoon and Disney+ Hulu Throwbacks Dance Party in the evening.
It is worth remembering that this program is open to any visitor with a valid ticket and reservation for the parks, without the need to participate in the D23 itself. In other words, anyone who is at Disneyland during this period can enjoy the party even without admission to the Convention Center.
Tickets: how D23 2026 passes work
To participate in the event at the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center, you need to purchase a specific ticket, and purchase requires a D23 Gold subscription. There are three main categories:
- D23 Fan Pass: gives access only to Anaheim Convention Center, with options of US$ 49 (afternoon only), US$ 99 (a full day) or US$ 297 (three days)
- D23 Ultimate Fan Pass: also includes seat for the Honda Center showscases, with values from $99 (one day) or $297 (three days)
- D23 Ultimate Preferred Fan Pass: complete package with Honda Center floor seats in three days, full access to the Convention Center as well as exclusive chances of buying limited edition pins, with prices between US$ 1,299 and US$ 2,599
It is important to remember that these values do not include service and delivery fees. Also, as most of the most account lots have already exhausted months before the event, anyone who has a real interest in participating needs to keep an eye on the official website as soon as new sales dates are announced.
Is it worth following D23 2026 to California?
Even for those who will not be present in Anaheim, following the D23 2026 coverage is very worthwhile. After all, it is at this event that Disney usually anticipates important news for Florida parks, including expansions, attractions and experiences that directly impact those travelling to Orlando.
Here on the blog, I have already told you a lot of Disney's plans in the last edition of the event in Anaheim, so you can get an idea of the kind of ad that usually comes out of there. If you want to remember, it's worth checking out. the news revealed in the last edition of D23.
Conclusion
The D23 2026 in California promises to be, in fact, the largest and most immersive edition ever held, with extended programming, full ad shows and a whole week of activities in Anaheim. Between August 14 and 16, the Disney world will be watching the Honda Center and Anaheim Convention Center, waiting for the next news of films, series and, above all, of theme parks.
Guys, stay tuned here on the blog and on our social networks, because as soon as Disney starts releasing official ads during the event, I bring everything around here, with a special focus on what can impact those who travel to Orlando. Don't forget to leave your comment telling if you want to follow the D23 2026!
FAQ - Questions and Answers
The D23 2026 takes place from Friday, August 14, to Sunday, August 16, 2026, in Anaheim, California.
The event is held at the Anaheim Convention Center, which receives daytime programming, and at the Honda Center, the stage of the night shows.
Yes, ticket purchase requires an active D23 Gold subscription. Each member can buy for himself and up to five guests, who do not need to be members.
The amounts start at $49 for the afternoon pass only and can reach $2,599 in the three-day Ultimate Preferred package with seats on the Honda Center floor.
Actor Neil Patrick Harris runs Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase, on Saturday August 15, dedicated to the new Disney parks and experiences around the world.
Yes. D23 Day, on August 13, is open to any visitor with a valid ticket and reservation for Disneyland Resort parks, without any need for admission to the Convention Center.
