Everything Disney Fans Should Expect From D23 2026

Disney’s biggest fan celebration is almost here, and the buzz around D23 2026 is only getting louder. D23 is set to return to the Anaheim Convention Center from August 14 through August 16, 2026, promising major reveals, immersive experiences, and limited edition merchandise for attendees.

With panels covering Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, and Disney Experiences, this year’s expo is shaping up to be one of the most packed in recent memory. Here is a breakdown of what fans can expect once the doors open in Anaheim.

The Marvel and Entertainment Showcase Lineup

Marvel Television is expected to bring several major updates to the entertainment showcase this year. VisionQuest is expected to play a role in the showcase after missing out on Marvel’s panel at San Diego Comic Con, with a first trailer likely to premiere online alongside the presentation ahead of the series’ October debut on Disney Plus.

Fans of the Spider-Man corner of the Marvel universe also have reason to pay attention. An update on ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’ Season 2 is expected during the Marvel portion of the show, with a trailer and official premiere date likely to be revealed.

There is also chatter that ‘Daredevil, Born Again’ could make an appearance. The show’s third season is currently in production, and Marvel Television may use D23 as the moment to officially confirm the returns of Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and Elektra, characters who have already been spotted in set photos. On top of that, Marvel Studios could use the event to corroborate recent trade reports about a potential Nova movie moving into development.

Beyond Marvel, the Friday, August 14 Disney Entertainment Showcase is expected to spotlight upcoming films, series, games, and stage productions, with celebrity guests, sneak peeks, and musical moments from across Disney’s storytelling divisions.

What the Disney Experiences Showcase Could Reveal

Parks fans have their own can’t miss moment to look forward to. The Disney Experiences Showcase is scheduled for Saturday, August 15 at 7 p.m. Pacific time inside the Honda Center, where Disney is expected to discuss its latest projects across theme parks and the cruise line, along with a few surprises.

Looking back at the last expo offers a hint of scale. During the 2024 event, then Chairman of Disney Experiences Josh D’Amaro unveiled plans for a supercharged era of parks investment, with the division putting nearly 60 million dollars behind new projects. This time around, expectations are being tempered slightly.

Fans are being encouraged not to expect another sprawling list of new projects like they saw two years ago, though updates on construction progress and a handful of surprises are still likely.

On the global expansion front, there is plenty to watch as well. Beyond Walt Disney World, an update is expected on the recently announced Disneyland Abu Dhabi, and possibly news of a new destination for the Disney Cruise Line.

Shopping and Merch Fans Can Expect on the Show Floor

For attendees who treat D23 as much a shopping event as a fan convention, this year brings plenty of new offerings. The D23 Marketplace will serve as the event’s central shopping hub, offering a curated selection tied to Disney’s biggest franchises, including a Princess Diaries 25th anniversary collection, Star Wars and Marvel merchandise, global Disney Parks collections, and the return of Disney Fine Art.

Pin collectors get a dedicated destination this year too. A brand new D23 Marketplace Pin Store will offer limited edition and limited release pins, with fresh designs dropping on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the event.

The official company store is also expanding its footprint. The Walt Disney Company Store returns for a second year across two locations, with one dedicated to the official 2026 D23 Expo collection featuring collaborations with RSVLTS, Spirit Jersey, Nike, and Loungefly, plus a collection inspired by Walt Disney’s own Suite 3H office in Burbank. Additional lines will tie into ‘Epic Rivals’ and Walt Disney Studios landmarks, alongside a new HARVEYS collection made from decommissioned seatbelts pulled from Soarin’ Over California.

The show floor itself is also getting a full reveal ahead of time. A newly released show floor map outlines every experience and vendor location, including a Disney Plus Hulu Experience in Hall A featuring a signature 4D theater, exclusive merchandise, and photo opportunities tied to properties like ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians,’ ‘American Horror Story,’ and ‘Camp Rock 3.’

Fan Experiences and Panels Beyond the Big Showcases

D23 has always been about more than just trailers, and 2026 looks no different when it comes to interactive fan programming. Mundo Pixar, a touring immersive exhibition, will offer a special preview at the event, letting guests step inside their favorite Pixar stories through life size sets and photo moments.

Live programming is also getting a boost this year. The Spotlight Stage returns to the show floor with a full lineup of panels, interviews, presentations, and musical performances, and for the first time Fandango is serving as the presenting sponsor.

Cosplay fans have their own centerpiece event to look forward to as well. D23 Mousequerade, the Ultimate Disney Costume Contest, returns with host Nina West and judges Yvette Nicole Brown, Ashley Eckstein, and Bobby Kim, letting fans show off Disney inspired looks while the audience helps vote.

Collectors and gaming fans are not being left out either. The Disney Experiences Auction, hosted by Bret Iwan, will feature verified pieces from Disney parks and resorts, while gaming panels are set for Disney Lorcana and Disney Dreamlight Valley, along with a deep dive into 25 years of Kingdom Hearts.

For those planning their weekend, reservations matter. The randomized Reservation Selection Process opened Monday, July 20, 2026, and closed Friday, July 24, 2026, with confirmations going out by email starting August 7, though standby queues will be available for those without a confirmed spot.

With Marvel trailers, park updates, and an entire shopping district built around exclusive merch, D23 2026 has the makings of a genuinely stacked weekend for Disney fans. Which panel are you most excited to see updates from once the Anaheim showcases kick off?