Panel Only: $59 (+$3 Processing Fee) per ticket.
VIP: $159 (+$3 Processing Fee) per ticket.
Tickets go on sale on Friday, August 28, 2026, 10 a.m./1 p.m. PST/EST in the link provided.
Join us in Orlando, Florida, on Sunday, October 4, for our next edition of D23 Spotlight Series—celebrating “55 Magical Years of Storytelling” with the Walt Disney Archives, in honor of Walt Disney: 125 Years of Inspiration and the 55th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort! With two ticket options, there are several fun ways to celebrate these special occasions:
Panel-Only and VIP Tickets
Hosted at an original Opening Day landmark, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, D23 Members will experience an unforgettable program that delves into Walt Disney’s legacy of storytelling.
The event begins with a special session featuring Disney Legend Joe Rohde, a renowned former Imagineer and master storyteller, who will share insights into the power of storytelling and reflect on highlights from his 40-year legacy with Walt Disney Imagineering.
The Walt Disney Archives will then invite guests on a journey through the history and storytelling evolution of one of Walt’s most beloved (and personal) attractions—the Carousel of Progress. Archivists and Disney Imagineers will unveil fascinating stories and discoveries, as well as newly acquired treasures added to the Archives’ collection during the attraction’s ongoing refurbishment. Imagineers working on the newest additions to the Carousel of Progress will also join to reveal their own storytelling inspirations and share a bit of the magic to come to the attraction!
All guests will receive a limited-release event pin, featuring the classic Walt Disney World Resort logo—an enduring symbol of the resort’s storytelling since before Opening Day.
VIP Tickets Only
VIP ticketholders will be treated to a special dessert reception at the West Rotunda outside of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Mix and mingle with fellow members and enjoy two special character meet-and-greet opportunities. After the dessert reception, enjoy breathtaking fireworks viewing from the Contemporary Resort. It’s the perfect way to celebrate “55 Magical Years of Storytelling”!
Panel-Only Ticket
Ticket Includes:
- D23 Spotlight Series: 55 Magical Years of Storytelling panel discussion from Walt Disney Archives
- Limited-release Walt Disney World Resort pin
Itinerary:
- 5:15 p.m.: Check-in begins for panel-only ticket holders at the second-floor registration desk
- 6 p.m. – approx. 7:30 p.m.: D23 Spotlight Series: 55 Magical Years of Storytelling panel
VIP Ticket
Ticket Includes:
- D23 Spotlight Series: 55 Magical Years of Storytelling panel discussion from Walt Disney Archives
- Limited-release Walt Disney World Resort pin
- Dessert reception at the West Rotunda outside Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Two special character meet-and-greet opportunities during the dessert reception
- Coupon package from select partners at Disney Springs
Itinerary:
- 4:45 p.m.: Check-in begins for VIP ticket holders at the second-floor registration desk.
- 6 p.m. – approx. 7:30 p.m.: D23 Spotlight Series: 55 Magical Years of Storytelling panel
- 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.: VIP dessert reception at the West Rotunda
- 9 p.m. – approx. 9:20 p.m.: Fireworks viewing from Disney’s Contemporary Resort
NOTES
Ticketing Terms and Conditions:
- D23 Gold and General Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and up to three (3) guest(s) for this event.
- Each attendee, including the D23 Member and their guest(s), must possess a valid, individual event ticket to be admitted.
- Ticket quantities are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- To reserve tickets, D23 Members must log in using their valid D23 Member account credentials and assign a legal first and last name for each guest’s ticket.
- Tickets are non-transferable and must be used by the individual(s) named at the time of purchase. D23 Members and each of their guests over the age of 18 may be required to show a valid government-issued ID matching the name on their ticket.
- This event has portions that take place outside. Please check the local weather before the event to determine the proper attire.
Parking Information:
- Parking is not available on site at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Please park at the Transportation and Ticket Center and use bus or monorail transportation to reach the venue. The Transportation and Ticket Center is located at:1180 Seven Seas Drive
Orlando, FL 32836
Age Requirements:
- All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must also possess a valid event ticket.
- This event is open to children thirteen (13) and older due to the nature of the presentation and location. Children under the age of thirteen may not be admitted.
Entry Requirements:
- All D23 Members must present a valid D23 Membership card (physical or digital via the D23 App) along with a valid event ticket at check-in.
- D23 Members and each of their guests over the age of 18 may be required to show a valid government-issued ID matching the name on their ticket.
- Failure to present a valid membership card, a corresponding ticket, and a valid government-issued ID matching the name on their ticket may result in denial of admission without refund or further obligation by D23.
Event Conduct and Restrictions:
- Unauthorized video or audio recording of any kind during the presentation and/or screening is strictly prohibited.
- D23 reserves the right to deny admission or remove any individual who fails to comply with event rules, disrupts the event, or violates the terms and conditions of participation.
- To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, all D23 Members and guests attending this D23 event are expected to adhere to the stated Disney rules (as applicable, and, including without limitation, with respect to Guest Courtesy Policies) found here.
Any ticketed Members or their guests who do not personally attend the event, forfeit their place, as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. D23 Members must be present or guests will not gain admittance to the event.
All D23 events are subject to change without notice. All ticket sales are final. There are strictly no cancellations or refunds regardless of reason (including, without limitation, due to illness, change in travel plans, etc.) and tickets are not transferable.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Permission to Film/Photograph/Record:
Disney Worldwide Services, Inc., and its parent, affiliated, and subsidiary companies (collectively, “Disney”), and its vendors, contractors, agents and/or assigns (collectively with Disney, “Producer”), may be taking photos, filming and/or making other recordings at this location during the event you will be attending. By entering the premises for the event, for yourself and on behalf of any children accompanying you, you: (i) irrevocably consent to and authorize Producer to photograph you, make audio and/or video recordings of you in whatever medium, and use such photographs and recordings for all purposes (including advertising and promotions) in all media, now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity, and in any language without notice, attribution, permission or payment; and (ii) acknowledge all such photographs and/or recordings will be the sole property of Disney.