By Mahak Hamid
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is just around the corner—and with three magical days of immersive experiences, musical performances, and an incredible lineup of presentations, mapping out the ultimate schedule can feel like navigating the multiverse.
To help you make the most of this fantastic weekend, I’ve put together a curated list of D23 and Walt Disney Archives staff picks!
From Walt Disney: 125 Years of Inspiration to Celebrating 65 Years of Spider-Man we’ve got you covered!
Jessica M.
Walt Disney: 125 Years of Inspiration
Friday, August 14, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30p.m. |📍Premier Stage
“I always get the feels with any sort of Walt Disney retrospective… so I’m incredibly excited about this panel to celebrate Walt’s 125th birthday. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get to hear from so many people—all in the same room—who personally knew Walt, sharing their stories and fond memories of him. (Plus, I’m personally stoked for the song line-up being performed in the panel!)”
Lindsey G.
Worlds of Tinker Bell: Never Land to Pixie Hollow
Saturday, August 15, 6:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. |📍Walt Disney Archives Stage
“Tinker Bell’s feisty yet loyal personality enchanted me from my first viewing of Peter Pan (1953) and Tinker Bell (2008) to reading books like The Trouble with Tink dozens of times. This panel is sure to be a ‘flitterific’ discussion about both the iconic, multi-generational legacy and current magical adventures of Tinker Bell and the Disney Fairies. My eight-year-old (and current) self is beyond excited to visit Never Land and Pixie Hollow with this session!”
Michael V.
Unforgettable Musical Performances
Friday – Sunday |📍Spotlight Stage
“Our incredible lineup of musical entertainment on the show floor is unlike anything we’ve ever done—and I’m super excited to see new and legacy talent come together for a weekend full of great fun. Metal Mouse, an outrageous rock band playing heavy metal and hard rock tributes to classic Disney songs; a Disney Sing-Along with Nina West; DJ Elliot Hansen spinning tunes; and the Disney on the Yard band performances are just a few that I will definitely check out!”
Mathew J.
The Carolwood Foundation Presents: Walt’s Barn
Saturday, August 15, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. |📍Hyperion Stage
“Walt’s Barn in Griffth Park has always been an inspiring place in Disney history for me. Having volunteered with The Carolwood Foundation for many years, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the unique connection it provides to Walt Disney—not just as the visionary behind The Walt Disney Company, but as a person with passions, creativity, and friendships.
It’s a space where Walt spent time with his colleagues, dreaming up ideas that many consider to be the birthplace of Imagineering. I can’t wait to hear the Carolwood team share the Barn’s remarkable stories and history, giving Disney fans from around the world the opportunity to discover why this special place continues to inspire generations of dreamers and creators.”
Francesca S.
20 Years of Enchanted: A Love Letter to Disney
Friday, August 15, 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. | 📍Walt Disney Archives Stage
“‘How do you know’… you should attend the 20 Years of Enchanted presentation? As someone who’s loved Enchanted since the day it premiered, I can’t wait to celebrate its magic with fellow fans as we step back into Andalasia to uncover hidden Disney references, Easter eggs, and behind-the-scenes stories. With incredible props and costumes, special guests, and a few magical surprises, it’s a celebration of the film’s enduring charm and why Enchanted remains such a heartfelt love letter to Disney animation and storytelling. ‘That’s how you know…’ you won’t want to miss it!”
Cassandra P.
Disney and The Grammys: A Musical Legacy
Sunday, August 16, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. |📍Backlot Stage
“Ask 100 Disney fans to name their favorite Disney song and you’ll receive 100 different answers. That is, if every Disney fan is able to pick just one favorite song—I know I certainly can’t!
The Walt Disney Company’s immense contributions to music history cannot be overstated. Since winning its first awards in the 1990s with fan-favorite songs like ‘A Whole New World’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ Disney has proved to be a mainstay at both the upper echelons of musical achievement and the cultural imagination of generation after generation. I can’t wait to learn even more about the indelible mark that Disney has left on the music industry during this presentation!”
Justin A.
Zootopia: Ten Years in the Mammal Metropolis
Saturday, August 15, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | 📍Walt Disney Archives Stage
“Ten years? Already?? I can’t wait to return to the mammal metropolis and learn how it came to be—and evolved (like any good animal) over the years with the humans who brough Zootopia to life. Some really exciting guests are onboard, including Byron Howard, Jared Bush, and Michael Giacchino—and just like a Gazelle concert, you never know who might show up!”
Van R.
Disney & Nat Geo: Capturing the Wonder of Nature
Friday, August 14, 10:45a.m. – 11:45a.m. |📍The Walt Disney Archives Stage
“The relationship between Disney and National Geographic, and both company’s commitment to telling stories about the Earth (and beyond!) spans all the way back to Walt Disney’s time. This is sure to be an incredible discussion of both history and the present—bringing together Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline, Disney Legend Joe Rohde, and filmmakers Roy Conli and Sophie Darlington. I could listen to that group for hours!”
Kevin K.
Disney Legends in Conversation
Saturday, August 15, 10:30a.m. – 11:30a.m. | 📍The Walt Disney Archives Stage
“This is one of my favorite sessions to take in at the event. There is nothing more inspiring than listening to members from the new class of Disney Legends reflect on their careers, the relationships that made their work special, and the unique experiences they’ve all had in shaping Disney history. This year we have the added treat of our host Disney Legend Robin Roberts, steering what I’m sure will be an amazing conversation with Susan Egan, Eric Goldberg, Kim Irvine, and Alan Tudyk—remarkable talents all, with even more remarkable stories to share. You will not want to miss this!”
Steven V.
Disney Worldbuilders
Sunday, August 16, 10:15a.m. – 12:00p.m. 📍Premier Stage
“I’m especially excited about the premiere of Disney Worldbuilders. Leslie Iwerks’ latest documentary promises a rare and meaningful look at how today’s Disney storytellers have drawn inspiration from their own experiences and memories to help shape incredible new worlds. Experiencing this debut screening in the company of Disney’s biggest fans—and having the opportunity to hear directly from the filmmakers who lovingly crafted it, along with special guests—will no doubt be an unforgettable highlight of this year’s Ultimate Disney Fan Event.”
Kianna K.
Disney-fying Your Home with Interior Design Magic
Sunday, August 16, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | 📍Backlot Stage
“While I don’t have a Haunted Mansion-themed room in my house, there has always been a touch of pixie dust. While my approach leans more minimalist with a display of Mickey/Minnie Mouse ear headbands and old printed FastPasses, there has always been a part of me that has always loved a fully themed room or house. I cannot wait to see what this presentation brings! All I know is, afterwards someone is going to have to keep me from redecorating.”
Mahak H.
Celebrate 65 Years of Marvel’s Spider-Man!
Saturday, August 15, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. 📍Premier Stage
As for myself… as a lifelong fan, whose birthday cake last year may or may not have been Spider-Man themed, my Spidey senses are absolutely tingling! Spider-Man has made a profound impact on generations of fans, and this panel is the ultimate celebration of that legacy. Not only will you get exclusive sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes stories, but you’ll also discover what makes this hero so timeless! It’s sure to be an “amazing” time!
The Reservation Selection Process (“RSP”) is NOW CLOSED. But don’t worry… standby queues will be available for most Anaheim Convention Center panels and experiences.
Don’t miss out on the fun at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—select afternoon tickets are still available, starting at $49!
See ya real soon!