D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event (formerly known as the D23 Expo) is coming to the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center in Anaheim, California August 9, 10, and 11, 2024.
More details about the D23 Expo in 2024 — now known as D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa® — have been revealed. Let’s explore what happens at D23 and take a peek at what’s new for D23 2024.
What is D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event?
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is a celebration of all things Disney that’s organized for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. Held once every two years, it’s the ultimate Disney fan event uniting everything that makes Disney so magical — cutting-edge theme parks, innovative technologies and timeless stories with unforgettable characters.
Throughout D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, attendees of all ages can connect with Disney on a deeper level. The D23 event combines a variety of happenings with something for every Disney fan. The jam-packed events schedule includes exclusive movie previews, enticing exhibitions, presentations and panel discussions from Disney’s most prominent figures, a peek at future attractions and much more. Let’s take a look!
“What makes D23 so unique is that it is something that only Disney can do,” Michael Vargo, Head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, said. Disney is a uniquely positioned brand that has had multigenerational appeal for the last century. On top of that, the number of characters and stories that fans flock to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event to see — from Marvel to Star Wars to Pixar, and of course classics like the Disney Princesses and the company’s slate of fearsome villains — speaks to the one-of-a-kind entertainment offering that Disney provides.
Themed exhibitions
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event’s curated exhibitions immerse fans in the world of Disney while providing a rare look behind the scenes.
This year’s exhibits include:
- Theme park showcases: For the biggest fans of Disney theme parks, the D23 event offers a unique opportunity to get a first look at the inventive, immersive and imaginative experiences currently being produced. For the latest news, fans can attend the Disney Experiences Showcase. This event features Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, as he spotlights new and emerging Disney projects around the world.
- Highlights from the archives: After a century of making history, Disney has built an impressive archive of rare memorabilia and original artwork that’s showcased at each D23 Expo. Disney history buffs won’t want to miss Inside the Walt Disney Studios: a Cinemagical History with historian John Fanning. And fans of Donald Duck can take a look back at all things Donald at Donald Duck’s 90th Quacktacular.
- Animation and Imagineering: The D23 event provides an inside look at Disney’s creative processes with exhibits highlighting its bar-raising animation and Imagineering innovations. For instance, at Dream Chasing: Four Decades with Walt Disney Imagineering, D23 event attendees will be able to peruse the incredible imagineering accomplishments across the globe in the last four decades.
- Interactive experiences: Previous D23 Expos have gone beyond simple observation, inviting guests to experience hands-on activities as well as virtual reality simulations. Disney fans can test their knowledge of Disney villains at Who’s the Baddest? Disney Villainous Trivia Game – Presented by Ravensburger.
Panel discussions and presentations from Disney’s biggest names
In addition to special access to previews of upcoming projects, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event attendees have the opportunity to sit in on panel discussions featuring the minds behind Disney’s most exciting work. Imagineers, filmmakers, animators and even Disney stars join the fun to field questions and provide insight into what makes the magic possible. Attendees can even get ideas for ways to bring the wonder and fun of Disney into their homes at Bring the Magic Home with Sunny Chanel and Ashley Eckstein.
Fan cosplay
The D23 event shines a light on the inventiveness and creativity of Disney fans. Attendees from around the country are encouraged to show off their skills and bring their favorite characters to life at the event, painting a vibrant atmosphere of joy and excitement. Cosplayers won’t want to miss the D23 Mousequerade: The Ultimate Disney Costume Contest.
D23 Community connection
The heart of the D23 event lies in its ability to unite Disney enthusiasts, providing them with a shared space to connect and learn more about what lies in the future. Attendees are invited to become part of a larger, magical community that thrives on imagination and storytelling. Disney fans can bond over some of their favorite aspects of Disney like Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and more!
Celebrate the magic at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event
After over 100 years of Disney, fans have a lot to celebrate. D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event and Destination D23 give fans a chance to do just that with captivating exhibits, exclusive looks at upcoming projects and a vibrant community of like-minded enthusiasts. We hope to see you at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in 2024.