Disney D23 Expo News and Announcements

Hey, Disney fans, it’s Go Time! The D23 EXPO is upon us and we’re rounding up all the Disney D23 Expo News. All the Announcements for Disney Parks and Experiences, Disney Entertainment, and more. Whether you’re eager to hear what’s happening on land, at sea, or on the big and small screens within the next few years her are all the new Disney plans for Parks, Cruises, new Disney Feature Films and everything coming to Disney+ Plus. Let’s dive in.

If you’re heading to the D23 Expo 2026, running August 14-16, be sure to check out the D23 Expo Schedule, Talent Central and Spotlight Stage Schedule and D23 Program Guide for the Full 3-Day Event. Here we’re sharing all the info about the Disney+ Live Stream, and all the news that is released throughout this weekend.

Located at the Honda Center Arena, the Big Three Presentations at D23 EXPO are those that feature Disney Entertainment, Experiences and Legends. These presentations include a mix of Disney News shared by top Disney executives, Performances, and first look video at new plans for the parks, films, cruises, and more. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at each. Doors for the Honda Center will open two (2) hours prior to each presentation start time.

• Entertainment Showcase: Friday, August 14, at 7 p.m.
• Experiences Showcase: Saturday, August 15, at 7 p.m.
• Legends Ceremony: Sunday, August 16, at 1:30 p.m.

D23 EXPO Live Stream on Disney+ Plus

If you’re joining from home and subscribe to Disney+ you are in luck!. Because this year you get an inside look at some of the panels and big presentations right from the coziness of home! A selection of panels and showcase presentations will stream on Disney+ globally, including:

• Disney Legends Awards Ceremony – Recorded live and begins streaming at 6 p.m. PT on Sunday, August 16
• Beauty and the Beast: A Tale as Old as Time 35th Anniversary Celebration – Live at 11 a.m. PT on Friday, August 14
• Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 3 Panel – Live at 3:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, August 15
• Disney Rewind Encore Concert – Live at 6:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, August 15
• Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase– Live at 7 p.m. PT on Saturday, August 15
• Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration – Recorded live from Disneyland Resort and begins streaming Sunday, August 16
• Disney Worldbuilders Panel with Jared Bush, Pete Docter, Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, and Kevin Feige, moderated by Leslie Iwerks – Live at 10:15 a.m. PT on Sunday, August 16

D23 EXPO Disney Entertainment Showcase

On Friday, the Disney Entertainment Showcase highlights Disney Films, Disney+ and Disney Channel Plans for the coming years. Featuring News on Disney Junior, Disney Channel, Disney+, Pixar, National Geographic, Star Wars, Hulu, Fox and ESPN, you can plan on an array of announcements. Appearances by popular Movie stars, and Disney Channel stars typically happen at this event. Attendees also typically receive an exclusive gift, like a movie poster, or a treat. 

The Disney Entertainment showcase shares all the latest Feature Film news, so we’re sure to get more details on the things already teased at ComicCon, including the new Marvel and Star Wars films, as well as Henry Cavill’s Nova, Anne Hathaway’s Princess Diaries 3 and Lindsey Lohan’s Parent Trap reboot.

On Disney+ we’re waiting for news about Daredevil: Born Again Season 3, Star Wars: Ahsoka – Season 2. VisionQuest, which currently has an October releases date, and Oswald The Lucky Rabbit, as well as Whoopi Goldberg’s Sister Act 3. Disney Feature Films set to be discussed could be X-Men, Tangled, Star Wars Starfighter, Gatto. With a slew of New Disney Movies already on the docket, and a lineup of Disney+ Series previously discussed, we’ll be sharing updates here, and in the posts as info is released.

D23 EXPO Disney Parks and Experiences

On Saturday Disney Parks and Experiences takes the stakes the stage at the Honda Center. Here we can expect to hear all the Disney News on Disney Parks, domestic and international. As well as plans for Disney Cruise Line, Video Games, Interactive Experiences, Apps, and more. As such, we’ve already been given quite a few details for our U.S. Parks, so we’ll likely get some opening dates. Fingers crossed. And if you subscribe to Disney+ you’ll be able to see this panel on Disney+ Live at 7 p.m. PT on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Walt Disney World News

D23 Expo two years ago announced so many things that we’re not expecting any mind blowing announcements this year, but rather expansion on the things we already know are in the works. Check out our What’s New and Coming to Walt Disney World post for details on all the new attractions and experiences coming to the park.

• Carousel of Progress New Scene – Magic Kingdom 2027
• Disney Lakeshore Lodge – Summer 2027
• Monstropolis – Hollywood Studios 2027/ 2028
• Piston Peak National Park – Magic Kingdom 2027/2028
• Tropical Americas – Animal Kingdom 2027/ 2028
• Villains Land – Magic Kingdom 2028

Recently Walt Disney World cleared some local building hurdles in Florida to make way for a fifth gate, meaning that a 5th park at Walt Disney World could finally be in the works. That said, we do not expect that announcement at this years D23 Expo. The regulatory hurdle alone is a giant achievement but nonetheless still just a first step in what will be a massive undertaking.

Disneyland News

Over in Anaheim, Disneyland Resort has been slowly chugging along with infrastructure project dreams, like that much needed parking garage, as part of the expansive Disneyland Forward project. That said, there are still several new things coming to Disneyland that are significant. Check out our What’s New and Coming to Disneyland post for details on all the new attractions and experiences coming to the park.

• Avengers Campus Expansion – Disney’s California Adventure Park 2027/ 2028
• Coco Ride- Disney’s California Adventure Park 2027/ 2028
• Pandora World of Avatar- Disney’s California Adventure Park 2028

International Parks News

In addition to a potential update on Disney’s Abu Dhabi Park, which has a 2032-2036 estimated existence, we’re expecting some announcements for projects in the international parks to help keep us going until the next D23 Expo.

Disneyland Paris

• Lion King Pride Lands – Disney Adventure World 2027/2028

Tokyo

• Tomorrowland Overhaul with Wreck it Ralph Ride, and Space Mountain: Earthrise
• New Land- Rumored

Hong Kong

• Marvel Project update

Shanghai

• Second Gate Announcement – Rumored
• Marvel Project update

Abu Dhabi

• Initial Concept Ideas? Park not projected until 2032- 2036

D23 EXPO Disney Cruise News

While we already know about Disney’s Believe Cruise Ship, setting sail at the end of 2027, we’re hoping to get more information about the spaces onboard and will be sure to share them! Check out our What’s New and Coming to Disney Cruise Line post for details on all the new attractions and experiences coming to the park.

• Disney Believe *NEW* 2027
• 2028 Disney Cruise Ship *NEW* 2028
• 2029 Disney Cruise Ship *NEW* 2029 Tokyo port
• 2030 Disney Cruise Ship *NEW* 2030
• 2031 Disney Cruise Ship *NEW* 2031

D23 EXPO Disney Legends Showcase

The Disney Legends Showcase takes place on Sunday and is hosted by Ryan Seacrest. Honorees for 2026 include:

• Susan Egan
• Dwayne Johnson
• Anne Hathaway
• Alan Tudyk
• Jonas Brothers
• Lin‑Manuel Miranda
• Eric Goldberg
• Jerry Bruckheimer
• Chris Berman
• Kim Irvine
• Bob Iger

D23 EXPO Tickets

D23 Expo routinely sells out the day the tickets go live. That said, be sure to bookmark this page for easy access to buy your D23 Expo Tickets when you’re ready. There are three main D23 ticket types to choose from when planning your visit to the expo.

The D23 Fan Pass grants access to events taking place at Anaheim Convention Center only, including panels, presentations, shopping, and immersive experiences. You can buy D23 Fan Passes as all-day or Afternoon Only tickets.

The D23 Ultimate Fan Pass includes Anaheim Convention Center events and seats for showcases and the Disney Legends Award Ceremony at Honda Center on your selected day(s). You can buy D23 Ultimate Fan Passes as a one-day pass (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) or as a three-day pass, covering all of the weekend’s events.

The D23 Ultimate Preferred Fan Pass includes three-day access to all events at Anaheim Convention Center and floor seats for the three Honda Center events, as well as special RSP (random selection process) access to select limited-edition pins.

D23 EXPO Ticket Prices

Ticket prices vary by pass type and prices are subject to additional service and delivery fees. 

• D23 Fan Passes start at $49 for Afternoon Only Passes. 
• D23 Ultimate Fan Passes start at $99 for a one-day pass.
• D23 Ultimate Preferred Fan Pass three-day tickets start at $1,299. 

D23 EXPO 2026 Convention Center

Located at the Anaheim convention Center, the D23 EXPO offers a slew of vendors, panels, exhibits, and events that are well worth the visit. If you’re headed to the EXPO and wondering if you need to spend the extra for the Honda Center Ticket, then here’s a quick glance at some of the things we’ve done in the past. Other panels and spaces included Virtual Disney on Broadway, the Disney Cruise Line exhibit, showcasing future projects, the Hulu exhibit featuring new shows, Marvel, National Geographic, and Star Wars spaces and more. This schedule features the highlighted panel presentations. There are even more D23 EXPO panels on the website to choose from. Check out the COMPLETE D23 EXPO Schedule, for an interactive look at both places and times of all the panels throughout the weekend. 

D23 EXPO 2026 Convention Center Map

You can grab a download of the Convention Center Map with all the D23 EXPO 2026 vendors, booths and offerings, in a Printable Map format here.

D23 EXPO 2026 New Experiences

Keep an eye out for all new experiences at the Convention Center during your D23 Expo visit. You can find booths, and interactions across the convention floor, in between your scheduled panels.

Disney+ Hulu Experience

The space features a signature 4D theater, exclusive merchandise, a collectible mystery pin quest, and personalized subscription support—alongside immersive photo opportunities inspired by Percy Jackson and the Olympians, FX’s American Horror Story, Camp Rock 3, The Simpsons, Only Murders in the Building, Marvel Television’s VisionQuest, and more.

Marvel Studios’ TVA Experience: Your Next Assignment

Fans will once again join the Time Variance Authority (TVA) and step into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in an immersive walkthrough experience across different worlds, both familiar and new.

Lucasfilm pavilion

Guests will also have the opportunity to join fireside chats with the filmmaking teams behind some of their favorite Star Wars shows and movies. Fans can also be among the first to see LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian during a special screening at the Anaheim Convention Center

Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios

Joining forces for a must-see animation experience on the show floor, inclusive of a special celebration of Pixar’s 40th anniversary. Artist demonstrations, autograph signings with some top filmmakers, fan giveaways, and interactive displays featuring the latest films from these iconic animation studios

Mundo Pixar: The D23 Experience

Presented by Disney Rewards Visa® Cards from Chase, will bring a special preview of its globally touring immersive exhibition to the event, inviting guests to step inside their favorite Pixar stories. Bluey and Bingo will be available for photos in The Bluey Movie booth—for real life. Reservations are required for a chance to meet Bluey and Bingo. Guests can also celebrate the new Simpsons movie—in theaters September 3, 2027—with fun, shareable photo moments

Avatar Experience

Welcomes guests to journey through the fascinating wonders of Pandora. Step into a lush, bioluminescent world, experience an immersive 4D moment, and explore a gallery of film artistry that showcases the craftsmanship behind bringing the Na’vi culture and Pandora to life.

Walt Disney Archives: Uncrated

makes its debut on the show floor and invites intrepid fans to uncover an unforgettable journey into the vast and hidden warehouses of the Walt Disney Archives—spaces previously reserved for access to Disney archivists, alone. 

Experience the thrill of a Super Bowl victory through ESPN’s immersive “We’re Going to the Super Bowl!” activation, featuring photo opportunities, stadium-inspired environments, a confetti-filled victory celebration, and keepsake digital content and giveaways, including an exclusive ESPN Super Bowl D23 pin.

Disney Theatrical Group

DTG will spotlight its expanding portfolio of live experiences, from Broadway productions and arena tours to immersive experiences, through a showcase featuring authentic sets, costumes, props, concept art, and dynamic video content.

The Disney VoluntEARS pavilion

Invites attendees to lend a helping hand as Honorary Disney VoluntEARS in different projects, assembling 8,000 kits per day for a charitable organization.

• Friday, August 14, guests build wish kits for children with upcoming Disney Wishes in collaboration with Make-A-Wish
• Saturday, August 15, fans will assemble welcome kits for military families with Blue Star Families
• Sunday, August 16, attendees will put together Disney-themed activity kits for children in hospitals with the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Disney Music Group booth

Invites guests into an interactive, music-filled environment. A dedicated Disney Concerts area gives guests an up-close look at costumes from The Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour.

Disney Consumer Products

Head to Lights, Camera, Sparkle! featuring photo opportunities across two exciting themes—one filled with unique Mickey & Friends and snack-inspired elements and another inspired by Stitch and Angel’s hit “Glitter Glide” music video.

D23 EXPO 2026 Panels Schedule

You can grab a printable D23 Expo 2026 Schedule here, or browse the photos below for everything happening across the stages.

D23 EXPO Hotels Near Convention Center

While there are a bunch of Hotels within Walking Distance of Disneyland, there are a couple that is just closer to the Anaheim Convention Center. However if you’re hoping to stay close to the big events, then the Hotels Close to the Honda Center Arena are a little farther way.  Nevertheless, choosing something close to the arena, may be important if you don’t want to wait for the shuttle transport in the evenings. 

Hilton Anaheim

The Hilton Anaheim Resort is perfect if you’re heading to the Anaheim Convention Center for the D23 EXPO. Grab a suite for a full kitchen in your room. You can also enjoy a grab-and-go breakfast option at the hotel, as well as a pool, large rooms, and dining, and is close walking distance to the parks. Our best strategy here is to walk to the Toy Story parking lot and grab the shuttle to the entrance of the parks.  Walking Time to Disneyland Resort: 21 minutes

Hyatt House Anaheim

We are fans of Hyatt almost anywhere we travel. And the Disneyland Area Hyatt House is no exception. Located in between the Convention Center and the Disneyland Resort, this hotel sits atop shopping and restaurants on the corner of Harbor Blvd and Katella. This means you get access to Blaze Pizza, and Walgreens for necessities, and more. This hotel offers apartment-style rooms with a full kitchen and complimentary breakfast. Hyatt Place at the Convention Center is also a great option. Walking Time to Disneyland Resort: 13 minutes. 

Starbucks Near D23 EXPO Anaheim Convention Center

If you’re anything like us, while we love traveling there are 2 things we always need to know. How close is Target and Where is the Starbucks? As Ohioans, we’re strangely blessed with multiple Starbucks locations, often in the same city. But in other states, we have not found this to be true. As such, if you’re expected to wake up at 3 am to go wait in line for a Hall D23 presentation at the D23 EXPO, there best be a Starbucks nearby you can visit at least 2-3 times while you’re waiting.

The closest Starbucks to the D23 EXPO Anaheim Convention Center is located in the Hilton Anaheim Hotel located at 777 W Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802. It Open hours are from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. The second closest Starbucks is at the Hyatt House Anaheim, a little bit farther walking distance. Located at 1800 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802, this location opens at 5 p.m. and closes at 2 p.m. And lastly, if you’re coming from the Disneyland Resort area, you can grab coffee at the Downtown Disney Starbucks, open from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. 

D23 EXPO Food

One of the biggest challenges during D23 was finding decent food to eat! While the Anaheim Convention Center does have a cafeteria with a variety of quick-service convention food, better food was a mystery for a bit. Thankfully, at the D23 EXPO, the best food can be found just outside the Anaheim Convention Center at the visiting Food Trucks. As well as a little way down the road at Blaze Pizza.

Since NO OUTSIDE FOOD IS ALLOWED inside the D23 Expo ( P.S. No one followed this rule, we saw Starbucks in the hands of everyone). Unless you want the cafeteria-style food inside. Either way, there will be pockets throughout the day where you’re not in a panel, and good to take a break to find food elsewhere. Which we highly recommend. One of the conveniences at the convention center is that cafes are available throughout the expo. From burgers, to wraps, to fruit, and breakfast items, you can plan on being able to get your meals and snacks at D23 EXPO. 

Food Trucks at D23 EXPO

A big perk as part of the D23 EXPO Food options are the local food trucks that form a cul de sac space just outside the Convention center. These trucks offer a gamut of food choices. Indian, Mexican, Pizza, Vegetarian foods, and more can all be found, depending on the Food Truck vendors chosen for the event. 

How Much Does Food Cost at D23 EXPO?

Considered fast food, you can expect to pay between $15-20 per meal, whether you’re getting it inside or at the food trucks, food is generally more expensive in California, to begin with. And the ease of not having to walk away from the convention center lends to the prices being a bit higher. 

Coffee at D23 EXPO Convention Center

If you’re on the search for coffee, there is a small coffee bar at the Anaheim Convention Center that offers basic coffee, and some specialty coffees. They’re not Starbucks, so probably can’t work up any complex coffees, but you can count on alternative milks and packages to go foods as needed. 

D23 EXPO Wrap Up

Hopefully, this post has helped you get a handle on what to expect at the D23EXPO. A fun event, it’s everything you’d expect from a Disney Convention filled with Disney Fans. It’s a crazy, fun and fast-paced weekend. Get ready for coffee and lots of it.