Disney fans, mark your calendars: the D23 Ultimate Disney Fan Event is officially returning to Anaheim, California, from August 14 to August 16, 2026. The announcement, made by D23 head Michael Vargo on the opening day of Destination D23 on September 1, 2025, has set the stage for what promises to be a spectacular celebration of all things Disney. According to Fantasyland News, tickets for this highly anticipated event will go on sale in the spring of 2026, giving fans ample time to prepare for the festivities ahead.
This isn’t just another convention. As Vargo put it, “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 2026 edition will once again take over both the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center, offering a sprawling playground for Disney enthusiasts. Attendees can expect marquee presentations featuring major announcements, immersive experiences that blur the line between fantasy and reality, exclusive shopping opportunities, and extended “D23 Days” at Disneyland and Angel Stadium. The event will also include panels from Disney Experiences, Walt Disney Studios, and the iconic Legend Award Ceremonies, ensuring that every corner of Disney’s creative universe is celebrated.
But the excitement doesn’t stop at 2026. Vargo also unveiled a packed schedule of D23 offerings for the coming year. Among the highlights: a “Spooktacular Spotlight” event with Walt Disney Imagineering in Orlando, Florida, and a Halloween “Boo-nanza” in California. Starting November 1, 2025, fans across the country can join in interactive screenings of “Home Alone” in over 18 U.S. cities, celebrating the film’s 35th anniversary. Holiday festivities return with “A Jolly Holiday on the Lot” at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, on December 14, 2025. For those who prefer their Disney magic from afar, a D23 Gold Theater virtual event will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.
Tours are also on the horizon, with details forthcoming about a new “Walt’s Los Angeles Tour” and expanded ticketing for The Official Walt Disney Studios Walking Tour. These experiences promise to deepen fans’ appreciation for Disney’s storied past and innovative present.
In a heartwarming moment during Destination D23, Disney Legend and the beloved voice of Ariel, Jodi Benson, was named the first official D23 FAN-bassador. As reported by Fantasyland News, Benson was presented with her new Gold Cast Member name tag on stage and will engage with fans and make appearances leading up to the 2026 event. Her appointment signals a renewed commitment to connecting Disney’s creative icons directly with their most passionate supporters.
If all that wasn’t enough, Disney’s annual D23 showcase in Florida—held over three days at Walt Disney World Resort from August 29 to August 31, 2025—revealed a slate of films and projects that will shape the company’s creative direction for years to come. According to The National, the event served as a launchpad for both original films and sequels, as well as a documentary highlighting Disney’s rich history.
The headline reveal was Hexed, a new original animated film from Walt Disney Animation Studios. Directed by Josie Trinidad and Jason Hand, Hexed is described as a comic adventure set in a world where enchantments rarely behave as expected. Scheduled for release in November 2026, the film is being positioned as Disney’s next big original after hits like Moana and Encanto. With anticipation building, fans are eager to see what magical mischief awaits.
Pixar also had big news: Toy Story 5 is set to hit theaters on June 19, 2026. Woody and Buzz will return, this time exploring how toys navigate a world increasingly dominated by electronics. The first few minutes of the film were previewed for D23 attendees, and while many believed Toy Story 4 would close the saga, Pixar insists there’s more to say about friendship and belonging in the digital age.
Disney Animation delighted fans with the announcement of Zootopia 2, releasing November 26, 2026. Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman reprise their roles as Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, joined by new cast members Ke Huy Quan and Fortune Feimster. Ed Sheeran will contribute an original song, with Michael Giacchino returning to compose the score. The sequel promises to expand the vibrant world and timely themes of the original.
Marvel Studios, never one to be left out, confirmed that filming has begun on Avengers: Doomsday, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo. Actor Paul Rudd appeared in a video message to mark the occasion. The title hints at a darker, higher-stakes storyline as Marvel seeks to maintain its global dominance in the superhero genre. Given the monumental success of previous Avengers films, expectations are sky-high.
Disney also revealed new chapters in beloved franchises. Ice Age: Boiling Point, arriving in February 2027, will see Manny, Sid, and Diego facing volcanic dangers and dinosaurs in their most perilous setting yet. While recent entries have received mixed critical reception, the franchise remains a family favorite. Pixar teased Incredibles 3, confirming the Parr family’s return, though no release date was given. The previous film, released in 2018, earned over $1 billion at the box office, so it’s no surprise interest is running high.
Looking further ahead, Pixar introduced Gatto—a visually bold film directed by Enrico Casarosa—for June 2027. The story follows Nero, a black cat in Venice who becomes entangled with the feline underworld and embarks on a soulful journey with a young girl. The film has been praised for its hand-painted aesthetic. Meanwhile, a sequel to Pixar’s beloved Coco is now officially in development, with directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina returning. While a release date hasn’t been confirmed, the project is expected to debut in or beyond 2028, promising to continue exploring themes of music, family, and Mexican cultural tradition.
Disney is also turning its lens to its own history. This winter, Disney+ will premiere Disneyland Handcrafted, a documentary by filmmaker Leslie Iwerks that explores the creation of Walt Disney’s first theme park in Anaheim. Using rare footage, the film tells the story of the craftsmen and engineers who built Disneyland in the 1950s, offering fans a unique glimpse into the origins of the company’s blend of creativity and engineering.
With a whirlwind of announcements, immersive experiences, and a renewed focus on connecting with fans, Disney is making it clear that the D23 Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026—and the year leading up to it—will be unlike anything before. For Disney devotees, the countdown has begun, and the future looks as magical as ever.