During the first day of Destination D23 programming at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Michael Vargo, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, unveiled a robust slate of offerings for fans over the next year. Notably, D23 announced the return of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event to Anaheim, California, from August 14 through 16, 2026.
Vargo also revealed that Disney Legend Jodi Benson will serve as the first official D23 FAN-bassador, engaging with fans and making appearances with D23 ahead of the 2026 event.
“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,” Vargo said. “We are already hard at work dreaming up ways to continue raising the bar for Disney fans next year when we return to Anaheim, and we can’t wait to bring them a truly unforgettable event.”
The announcement follows last year’s reimagined, more expansive and immersive event. For 2026, the celebration will again be staged at both the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center. Attendees can expect marquee showcases, immersive experiences, exclusive shopping, and extended magic throughout the week, including the return of D23 Day at Angel Stadium and D23 Day at Disneyland. Tickets for the event will go on sale in Spring 2026, with fans urged to stay connected to D23 channels for the latest news.
In addition to the 2026 event details, Vargo outlined a host of 2025 offerings for fans:
– D23 Spotlight Series expands with a D23 Spooktacular Spotlight event with Walt Disney Imagineering in Orlando, a Halloween “Boo-nanza” in California featuring Imagineering and Walt Disney Archives favorites, themed activities, a DJ, and more, plus an event celebrating the second season of the Disney+ Original series Percy Jackson and the Olympians in California this December.
– The next D23 On the Road series kicks off November 1, celebrating 35 years of Home Alone with immersive, interactive screenings in more than 18 U.S. cities.
– A Jolly Holiday on the Lot returns to The Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California on Sunday, December 14.
– The next D23 Gold Theater virtual event, hosted by Disney Legend Don Hahn, will offer a never-before-seen behind-the-scenes look at Haunted Mansion’s annual transformation into Haunted Mansion Holiday.
– Walt’s Los Angeles Tour for D23 Gold Members will feature visits to the Walt Disney Studios lot, Walt Disney Imagineering, Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn, and more, ending with dinner at one of Walt’s favorite restaurants.
– Additional dates will be announced for The Official Walt Disney Studios Walking Tour – Presented by D23, which will include new interactive elements and expanded ticket opportunities, including the option to purchase up to four tickets or a full tour buyout.
– Destination D23: A Journey Around the Worlds of Disney will expand its footprint at Coronado Springs, offering three days of exclusive programming, limited-edition shopping, and specialty events.
Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for more announcements from Destination D23 and to follow D23 on D23.com, along with DisneyD23 on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube for the latest news and event updates.
Commentary and context:
The lineup signals Disney’s strategy of year-round, multi-platform fan engagement, extending storytelling across live events, studio tours, immersive experiences, and digital content. The appointment of Jodi Benson as the FAN-bassador reinforces Disney’s emphasis on influential, recognizable voices to help engage fans across venues and formats. With expanded venues and more hands-on experiences, the 2026 event aims to amplify excitement and attract longtime fans and new audiences alike, while the 2025 offerings continue to broaden the D23 experience beyond a single annual convention.
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