The D23 Expo 2026 schedule is officially underway, with Disney’s biggest fan celebration running August 14–16 across the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center. Now officially branded D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, the three-day gathering has drawn massive crowds eager for sneak peeks, exclusive shopping, and marquee celebrity appearances.
This year’s event marks a notable expansion from previous editions. The Anaheim Convention Center now hosts the largest show floor in the event’s history, spanning nearly 1,000,000 square feet. Fans holding tickets, along with Disney+ subscribers watching from home, have plenty to track across five stages and three days of programming.
When and Where D23 2026 Is Taking Place
The convention runs Friday through Sunday, with the Anaheim Convention Center serving as the main hub for panels, exhibits, and shopping. The Anaheim Convention Center remains open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily throughout the event.
The Honda Center, located nearby, hosts the evening showcases that typically generate the biggest headlines. That venue hosts three marquee events this year: the Disney Entertainment Showcase, the Disney Experiences Showcase, and the Disney Legends ceremony.
Friday, August 14 Highlights
Opening day centers on Disney’s storytelling arm. Friday night, storytellers from across The Walt Disney Company take the stage at the Honda Center for the Disney Entertainment Showcase. This presentation traditionally covers upcoming film and streaming titles across Disney’s studios.
Evening entertainment also kicks off Friday. A special evening performance features Disney animation and Broadway stars, including Disney Legend Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel in “The Little Mermaid,” Disney Legend Bill Farmer, the voice of Goofy, and 2026 Disney Legend honoree Susan Egan, the original Belle in the Broadway production of “Beauty and the Beast.” That performance begins Friday, August 14, at 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 15 Highlights
Saturday shifts focus to Disney’s theme parks and experiences division. The Disney Experiences Showcase takes place at 7 p.m. at the Honda Center, delivering updates on park attractions, resorts, and cruise line developments.
The evening concert series continues as well. According to event programming, a special evening concert honoring an 8-time Academy Award-winning composer features songs spanning Disney classics, with that show set for Saturday evening around 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 16: Disney Legends Award Ceremony
Sunday’s centerpiece is the Disney Legends Award Ceremony, the company’s highest honor. The tradition dates back to 1987 and recognizes individuals who have made a profound impact on Disney’s legacy. Emmy-winning host Ryan Seacrest returns to host the ceremony, taking place Sunday, August 16, at 1:30 p.m. PT at the Honda Center.
This year’s honoree class is one of the largest in recent memory. Disney’s highest honor goes to Chris Berman, Jerry Bruckheimer, Susan Egan, Eric Goldberg, Anne Hathaway, Bob Iger, Kim Irvine, Dwayne Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Alan Tudyk. The 2026 induction brings the total number of Disney Legends to 329.
Recognition spans several industries within the Disney portfolio. Jerry Bruckheimer’s producing career has delivered cinematic spectacles that continue to define blockbuster storytelling, while Chris Berman’s pioneering broadcasting work helped shape ESPN into a global sports and entertainment powerhouse. Kim Irvine’s decades of leadership at Walt Disney Imagineering left a lasting mark on Disney’s parks and experiences.
Key D23 2026 Events at a Glance
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the confirmed schedule:
| Day | Event | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, Aug 14 | Disney Entertainment Showcase | 7:00 p.m. PT | Honda Center |
| Friday, Aug 14 | Broadway & Animation Performance | 7:00 p.m. PT | Honda Center |
| Saturday, Aug 15 | Disney Experiences Showcase | 7:00 p.m. PT | Honda Center |
| Saturday, Aug 15 | Composer Tribute Concert | 6:30 p.m. PT | Honda Center |
| Sunday, Aug 16 | Disney Legends Award Ceremony | 1:30 p.m. PT | Honda Center |
Marvel and Star Wars Presence at D23 2026
Fans hoping for a dedicated Marvel Studios panel should temper expectations this year. There is no standalone Marvel Studios panel at D23 2026, though the studio still has a presence woven through other programming. A panel titled “Celebrate 65 Years of Marvel’s Spider-Man” honors the web-slinger’s legacy, alongside spotlight moments tied to recent Spider-Man film success.
Composer Michael Giacchino also headlines a music-focused session. Giacchino takes the spotlight in “Disney Music Presents: The Art of the Score,” giving a deep dive into his creative process drawn from his work at Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Marvel Studios.
Streaming and Watching From Home
Fans without tickets aren’t shut out entirely. Seven events stream live on Disney+ across the three days, giving subscribers access to major reveals without attending in person. Confirmed streaming programming includes the Horizons parks showcase, the Disney Legends ceremony, and a panel for “Percy Jackson” Season 3.
The convention actually began building buzz a day early. D23 Day at Disneyland Resort took place on August 13, offering special programming across both theme parks for guests with valid park admission. Guests received a complimentary Mickey Mouse ear hat featuring the D23 Day logo.
Ticket Options for D23 2026
Disney restructured its ticketing tiers for this year’s event. The D23 Fan Pass grants access to Anaheim Convention Center events only, including panels, presentations, shopping, and immersive experiences, and is available as an all-day or Afternoon Only ticket.
A higher tier bundles in the evening shows. The D23 Ultimate Fan Pass includes Anaheim Convention Center access plus seats for the Honda Center showcases and the Disney Legends Award Ceremony, available as a single-day pass or a three-day pass covering the entire weekend.
This year also introduces a new D23 Fan Pass – Afternoon Only ticket option, giving budget-conscious fans a lower-cost way to experience part of the convention floor.
A Fan-Focused Convention Beyond Panels
D23 isn’t purely about corporate announcements. Attendees can join Disney VoluntEARS activities, making wish packs for Make-A-Wish kids, welcome kits for military families with Blue Star Families, and care packages for children in hospitals with the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
The convention floor is also known for its community spirit. Cosplay creativity, surprise reunions, and Disney fan joy take center stage, starting from the earliest lines outside the venue each morning.
For those tracking the ever-changing floor schedule, staying flexible pays off. The Spotlight Stage returns with entertainment throughout the weekend, featuring musical performances, Disney trivia, celebrity interviews, and sing-alongs of favorite Disney songs, with showtimes posted on the D23 app or stage signage.
Why the D23 Expo 2026 Schedule Matters This Year
This year’s event follows a notable rebrand and format shift from the traditional “D23 Expo” name. The convention has grown from its earlier iterations, most recently expanding into the Honda Center to better accommodate the massive turnout. With Disney Legends honorees like Bob Iger, Dwayne Johnson, and Anne Hathaway drawing major media attention, plus expanded showcases for Experiences and Entertainment divisions, the 2026 edition represents one of the most ambitious D23 events to date.
Fans planning to attend in person or follow along online should keep the official D23 app handy for real-time schedule updates, since panel times and stage assignments can shift throughout the weekend.
Are you following the D23 Expo 2026 schedule this weekend? Drop your favorite announcement or moment in the comments below!