By the D23 Team
At this weekend’s record-breaking Destination D23 presented by Lug at Walt Disney World Resort, Michael Vargo, the head of D23, officially announced the dates for the next D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California: August 14, 15, and 16, 2026. The announcement was made at the Coronado Springs Resort and Spa and livestreamed to D23 Gold Members through D23’s exclusive Gold Theater online events program.
D23 announced exciting updates for fans at Destination D23, with Michael Vargo sharing that “D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event offers fans from around the globe a chance to experience the very best in storytelling and innovation in a way that only Disney can deliver…we can’t wait to bring them a truly unforgettable event” when it returns to Anaheim in 2026.
Disney Legend Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid (1989), was introduced as the first-ever D23 FAN-bassador. “The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is honestly one of my very favorite weekends ever,” Benson said. “I’m so excited for what’s to come in 2026.”
In the lead-up to next year’s event, fans can once again enjoy D23 Day at Angel Stadium and D23 Day at the Disneyland Resort, with tickets on sale next spring. The popular D23 Spotlight Series also continues, featuring a Halloween “Boo-nanza” in California, a Spooktacular event with Walt Disney Imagineering in Orlando, and a December celebration of Percy Jackson and the Olympians season two.
Vargo also revealed Walt’s Los Angeles Tour, an exclusive, all-day experience for D23 Gold Members with visits to iconic Disney locations, concluding with dinner at one of Walt Disney’s favorite restaurants. The first tour takes place October 16, with Destination D23 attendees entered into a random selection process for the chance to join.
Other events Vargo announced included:
- D23 On the Road, which this spring and summer brought an exclusive D23 moviegoing experience to fans in more than 20 cities all over the country to celebrate the 30th anniversary of A Goofy Movie, is also returning this fall and winter. This time out, D23 On the Road will mark 35 years of the family holiday classic Home Alone with immersive, interactive screenings in 19 U.S. cities—bringing D23 directly to the fans, starting November 1.
- The continuation of D23 Gold Theater... including an upcoming Gold Theater event hosted by Disney Legend Don Hahn and featuring a never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes look at the Haunted Mansion’s transformation overlay that occurs each year as it becomes Haunted Mansion Holiday.
- D23’s “A Jolly Holiday on the Lot” event will return to The Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California, on Sunday, December 14.
- The Official Walt Disney Studios Walking Tour – Presented by D23 is also continuing—with new, interactive tour elements and a special opportunity for Members to “buy out” an entire tour.
Vargo thanked all the gathered D23 Members “for being a part of this incredible fan community. Members are the DNA of D23—you’re the reason we do what we do!”
Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!
Access Your D23 Benefits Anytime, Anywhere
With the Disney D23 app, your membership card is just a few taps away. Access your benefits from your phone!
Where Disney Fans Belong
Enjoy access to exclusive screenings, special shopping events, immersive experiences, and unique merchandise.