We’re sharing what you need to know about Destination D23 from 2025, as well as past announcements from Destination D23 2023.

Every other year, Disney celebrates their fans with Destination D23, alternating years with D23: The Ultimate Fan Event. Destination D23 is typically a smaller event but with plenty of news and updates to celebrate. And now, the 2025 dates and information have been revealed.

Destination D23 2025 Dates and Details

Destination D23: A Journey Around The Worlds of Disney will take place from August 29 to August 31, 2025 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. The smaller-scale version of D23: The Ultimate Fan Event will include looks behind-the-scenes at Disney projects, as well as plenty of exciting announcements. The event will be taking place at a larger location than the 2023 version, which was held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Destination D23 2025 Schedule

The event will take place Friday, August 29, through Sunday, August 31. Here’s a full breakdown of the schedule you can expect, including what presentations are available.

Friday, August 29, 2025

• 8 AM to 6 PM: Shopping (by reservation time, RSP Limited Edition Merchandise Pick-Up & Gift Pick-Up

Saturday, August 30, 2025

• 9:00 – 9:15 AM | Welcome!: A kick-off Destination D23 weekend in a morning of music and magic.
• 9:15 – 10:30 AM | Walt Disney Studios Showcase: An exclusive look at the movies fans love, and a glimpse into what to look forward to from Disney’s film studios.
• 10:30 – 10:45 AM | Morning Break
• 10:45 – 10:55 AM | Welcome Back with Michael Vargo: Michael Vargo, head of D23, shares some exciting news and updates about what Members can look forward to from D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.
• 10:55 – 11:05 AM | The Three Caballeros: From El Grupo to Goodwill Classics (Part 1): Join the Walt Disney Archives for an 80th anniversary celebration of The Three Caballeros (1945)! Using the vibrant cultural settings of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort as a springboard, these short programs will explore Walt Disney’s research and goodwill trips across Latin America through rarely seen artwork, photography, and other archival materials that spotlight the lasting legacy of the landmark films they inspired.
• 11:05 – 11:30 AM | X Atencio: The Untold Story of a Disney Legend: Disney Legend, X Atencio, is most well-known for writing the song lyrics and attraction scripts for Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion. However, in the shadow of such iconic works, the rest of his story has remained largely untold— until now. Learn more about X’s legacy as one of Walt’s most versatile employees in an intimate conversation with his family and authors of the upcoming book Xavier “X” Atencio: The Legacy of an Artist, Imagineer, and Disney Legend, ahead of its wide release on November 4th. Guests will get the opportunity to view unreleased artwork and photographs from X’s personal collection and hear previously untold stories chronicling his 46-year career.
• 11:30 – 11:35 AM | Disney Around the Globe: India: Take a trip around the world with the Walt Disney Archives through a series of interstitial programs exploring fascinating Disney connections to legendary destinations around the globe.
• 11:35 AM – 12:00 PM | Be Our Guest With Disney on Broadway: “BE OUR GUEST WITH DISNEY ON BROADWAY” will feature performances by Michael James Scott (Genie) in Aladdin on Broadway and Danny Gardner (Lumiere) in the North American Tour of Beauty and The Beast. In between performances, Susan Egan (original Belle in Beauty and The Beast on Broadway), will join her Disney on Broadway family for a magical panel conversation.
• 12:00 – 2:00 PM | Lunch Break
• *1:30 – 1:45 PM | Hulu Trivia: Enjoy trivia themed to some of your favorite shows on Hulu towards the end of the lunch break before jumping into our afternoon panels!
• *1:55 – 2:00 PM | Lorcana: A message from our friends at Ravensburger!
• 2:00 – 2:25 PM | What’Cha Doin’ With Phineas and Ferb’s Dan Povenmire and Swampy Marsh: Get ready for some big laughs and doodles with “Phineas and Ferb” co-creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh. Draw along with them for this lively and interactive session as they share insider sketching tips and fun behind-the-scenes stories on the latest season of the show. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the world of Danville, this is one panel you won’t want to miss.
• 2:25 – 2:30 PM | Disney Around the Globe: Japan: Take a trip around the world with the Walt Disney Archives through a series of interstitial programs exploring fascinating Disney connections to legendary destinations around the globe.
• 2:30 – 3:00 PM | D2K Animated Classics: We’re throwin’ it back to the early 2000s-era of Walt Disney Animation Studios! Join us for a look back at some fan favorite titles from this bold, colorful, and nostalgic decade that brought many iconic films that booted up the new millennium, including Tarzan, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Treasure Planet, and Brother Bear. This deep dive is sure to be a total blast from the past!
• 3:00 – 3:30 PM | Creating the Happiest Place on Earth: Join Disney Legend, filmmaker and author, Don Hahn, and acclaimed filmmaker with deep Disney roots, Leslie Iwerks, for a discussion on The Happiest Place on Earth. Together, they’ll explore Walt Disney’s vision and the legacy and nostalgia of Disneyland in honor of the resort’s 70th anniversary.
• 3:30 – 3:45 PM | Afternoon Break
• 3:45 – 4:30 PM | What’s Cooking with Disney Eats?: Take your seat at the table! We’re cooking up something special and you’re invited to be a part of the live audience in the Disney Eats kitchen. From Mickey bars to Michelin stars, this panel is a foodie experience you won’t want to miss!
• 4:30 – 5:00 PM | Boom, Baby! 25 Years of The Emperor’s New Groove: A panel celebrating 25 years of The Emperor’s New Groove? Bring it on. Join us for a conversation about how this quirky, fan-favorite film found its groove to become an iconic Disney classic. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories, little known fun facts, and more surprises for a must-see panel to lever-age!
• 5:00 – 8:00 PM | Evening Break
• 8:00 – 11:00 PM | D23 Kuzcotopia Night at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon: Boom, baby! All Destination D23 2025 ticketholders are invited to celebrate 25 years of Disney Animation’s The Emperor’s New Groove with a splash at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park! Following the day’s presentations, be sure to lever-age this after-hours exclusive celebration of the cult classic, including special tributes to Disney’s water parks. Look out for complimentary snacks, photo opportunities, special activities, and exclusive entertainment at this ultra neat, squeak squeakin’ member-only party!

Sunday, August 31, 2025

• 9:00 – 9:05 AM | Welcome!: Welcome back, D23 Gold Members! Be prepared for a kick-off of Destination D23‘s final day, where poor unfortunate souls are invited to peek through the magic mirror with our friends from the other side.
• 9:05 – 9:50 AM | Disney Villains: Icons of Evil: Join Disney Experiences (and some of your favorite troublemakers) for a panel discussion on how Disney Villains experiences come to life around the world. Hear directly from the creative minds behind new projects and attractions, plus enjoy a special Villains-themed medley to kick off Destination D23 day 2.
• 9:50 – 10:10 AM | Part of Our World with Jodi Benson & Ron Clements: Get the tea from under the sea! Join us for a conversation between Disney Legend (and voice of Ariel) Jodi Benson and The Little Mermaid co-director Ron Clements, as they share stories and reminisce about their work together at Disney. Ride the currents and get close to being part of their world, one with princesses of the land and sea, plus whozits, whatsits and more to shell-ebrate!
• 10:10 – 10:20 AM | The Three Caballeros: From El Grupo to Goodwill Classics (Part 2): Join the Walt Disney Archives for an 80th anniversary celebration of The Three Caballeros (1945)! Using the vibrant cultural settings of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort as a springboard, these short programs will explore Walt Disney’s research and goodwill trips across Latin America through rarely seen artwork, photography, and other archival materials that spotlight the lasting legacy of the landmark films they inspired.
• 10:20 – 10:45 AM | The Disney Family Legacy with Roy P. Disney: From a Dreaming Tree to the Disney Family Tree— D23 Gold Members are invited to take an intimate look into Disney family life with Roy P. Disney, as he shares photographs and stories about his childhood, his memories of his great uncle Walt Disney, his grandfather Roy O. Disney, and more, in a conversation moderated by Director of the Walt Disney Archives, Becky Cline!
• 10:45 – 11:00 AM | Morning Break
• 11:00 – 11:10 AM | The Three Caballeros: From El Grupo to Goodwill Classics (Part 3): Join the Walt Disney Archives for an 80th anniversary celebration of The Three Caballeros (1945)! Using the vibrant cultural settings of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort as a springboard, these short programs will explore Walt Disney’s research and goodwill trips across Latin America through rarely seen artwork, photography, and other archival materials that spotlight the lasting legacy of the landmark films they inspired.
• 11:10 – 12:00 PM | Down the Rabbit Hole With the Walt Disney Archives: Go down the rabbit hole to discover the “Disney you didn’t know” as the Walt Disney Archives shares more of the most astonishing Disney discoveries, connections, and little-known facts that will change everything—or at least some things—you thought you knew about the Disney universe. In this all-new and updated outing, you’ll never guess where in the world we’ll end up next!
• 12:00 – 2:00 PM | Lunch Break
• *1:30 – 1:45 PM | Disney Channel Trivia: Towards the end of the lunch break, enjoy Disney Channel trivia to lead into the afternoon Disney Channel panel, hosted by Ashley Eckstein!
• 2:00 – 2:45 PM | Stay Tuned: You’re Watching Disney Channel: Join fan-favorite Disney Channel stars from the past and present as they celebrate the iconic DCOM and series franchises that bring joy, connection, and magic to generations of fans. Tune in for laughs, fun, and moments you won’t want to miss.
• 2:45 – 2:50 PM | Disney Around the Globe: China: Take a trip around the world with the Walt Disney Archives through a series of interstitial programs exploring fascinating Disney connections to legendary destinations around the globe.
• 2:50 – 3:20 PM | Beyond the Spires: An Insider Look at Disney Castles: Think you know everything about Disney castles? Think again! Join Imagineers as they peel back the plaster and pixie dust to share behind-the-scenes details and little-known facts from castles across the globe. Along the way, they’ll share the global inspirations, design challenges, and maybe even a few surprises that stretch beyond the spires.
• 3:20 – 3:25 PM | Disney Around the Globe: France: Take a trip around the world with the Walt Disney Archives through a series of interstitial programs exploring fascinating Disney connections to legendary destinations around the globe.
• 3:25 – 3:55 | A Goofy Movie: 30 Stand Out Years: Come take a road trip down memory lane with director Kevin Lima and Disney Legend Bill Farmer, as they share behind-the-scenes stories and reflect on 30 stand-out years of A Goofy Movie fandom.
• 3:55 – 4:10 PM | Afternoon Break
• 4:10 – 5:30 PM | Disney ‘80s-’90s Celebration in Concert Presented by Disney+: Join Lissa deGuzman, Alyssa Fox, Bradley Gibson, Adam J. Levy, Nasia Thomas, and special guests for an ’80s-’90s musical mash! You’ve got a friend in D23 as we’re seeing fans “i2i” for favorite tunes from our favorite toons. We’ll see you just around the riverbend for this can’t miss concert!

Destination D23 2025 Special Events and Experiences

D23 Kuzcotopia Night at Typhoon Lagoon

On Saturday, August 30, all Destination D23 2025 ticket holders are invited to celebrate 25 years The Emperor’s New Groove with a special event at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park. After the day’s presentations, the after-hours celebration will include special tributes to Disney’s water parks, alongside complimentary snacks, photo opportunities, special activities, and exclusive entertainment.

Disney ’80s-’90s Celebration in Concert

Presented by Disney+, this celebration will cap off the weekend with a throwback experience showcasing fan-favorite Disney hits from the ’80s and ’90s. Broadway and Disney Animation stars “flashback through a defining generation of films and TV shows, with showstopping performances, rock-concert lighting, and larger-than-life projections.” Specially presented by Disney+ at Destination D23 2025, in partnership with Disney Concerts and 10th & Main Productions, you can expect music from: Hercules, A Goofy Movie, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, The Lion King, The Disney Afternoon, and more.

The Walt Disney Archives Presents: Charting the Course, Disney’s Global Stories & Inspirations

An all-new exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives that celebrates how the world around us sparks creativity. This is represented through a curated selection of photography, artwork, and dimensional artifacts. The experience “culminates in a dynamic showcase, featuring models, props, and costumes inspired by diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes, all reflecting the enduring legacy of Disney’s storytelling.”

D23 Shopping

• The Walt Disney Company Store: D23 Gold Members will have access to official Destination D23 merchandise, along with new D23 Member-exclusive items and other unique merchandise from The Walt Disney Company Store. Lmited-edition trading pins for this event will be offered to attendees exclusively through a Random Selection Process (RSP) opportunity.
• Mickey’s of Glendale: The Walt Disney Imagineering campus store returns with a pop-up shop featuring selections of specialty merchandise. Trading pins for this event will be offered to attendees through an RSP opportunity.
• Disney Studio Store Hollywood: The Disney Studio Store Hollywood will have a pop-up location at this year’s event that will feature new apparel, accessories, and pins.  Limited-edition trading pins for this event will be offered to attendees through an RSP opportunity.
• Ink & Paint Marketplace: The Ink & Paint Marketplace will return with an assortment from fan favorite brands and friends of Disney, including Lug and more.

Destination D23 Seating Chart

All Destination D23 2025 event guests will receive access to the following D23-exclusive experiences:

• Access to photo opportunities, gift bag pick-up, exhibits, and shopping starting Friday, August 29, 2025, including:
  • D23 Member-exclusive The Walt Disney Company Store pop-up shop
  • D23 Member-exclusive Mickey’s of Glendale pop-up shop
  • D23 Member-exclusive Disney Studio Store Hollywood pop-up shop
  • D23 Member-exclusive Ink & Paint Marketplace
  • A special exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives
• Guaranteed General seats at all Destination D23 2025 panels and presentations on Saturday, August 30, and Sunday, August 31, 2025
• Access to D23 Kuzcotopia Night at Typhoon Lagoon on Saturday, August 30
• Commemorative gifts, including a Lug bag, event-exclusive pin, lanyard, credential, and shopping bag created exclusively for the event

Photo Courtesy of Destination D23

Destination D23 2023 Announcements

Wondering what the big announcements from the last Destination D23 in 2023 were? Here is the big news that was shared! Note that many of these plans have been expanded upon since their initial announcement, so we’ve included links for all the latest news.

Future Expansion Plans for Magic Kingdom

Read more about the Villains land planned here.

Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Imagineering, joined Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman, Josh D’Amaro, onstage to speak about a future expansion for Magic Kingdom. While the two were coy on exactly what an expansion at Magic Kingdom will look like, they have shared that they are looking to tell stories “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain.”

The teased expansion would be similar in scale to lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Panora — The World of Avatar. That means they’d be adding new attractions, restaurants, shows, and more. Disney has promised more details will come in the future!

Potential Encanto and Indiana Jones Experiences for Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Read more about the confirmed expansion here.

Another expansion teased at Destination D23 was the reimagining of Dinoland, U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Imagineers are currently looking to expand with a land inspired by “tropical Americas,” looking at the northern part of South America, stretching up into Central America.

Specifically, they are looking to bring in new experiences inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones! While Vaughn was quick to say that there’s still a long way before this concept becomes a reality, it’s an exciting possibility you can read more about here!

New Zootopia Show to Replace “It’s Tough to Be a Bug”

While the potential expansion for Animal Kingdom still isn’t fully confirmed, Disney did confirm that a new show based on Zootopia is being created for the Tree of Life theater in the park.

The new experience will have guests visiting the different biomes you only glimpse in the film, traveling along with Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other characters. Read more about that here!

Hatbox Ghost Arriving in Magic Kingdom November 2024

At last year’s D23 Expo, we learned that the Hatbox Ghost would be coming to the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom. At Destination D23, it was confirmed he would be arriving in late November 2023, materializing as you pass the attraction’s Endless Hallway.

First Look at Ride Vehicle for New Avengers Campus Ride

Read more updates here.

Another announcement that was revealed at last year’s D23 Expo was that a new ride would be coming to Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure. Now, Disney has shared a first look at the “new world-jumping vehicle” that will be part of the attraction.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Brent Strong, executive creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering, shared the concept art for the ride vehicle, which combines “elements of Tony Stark’s time-suits with Xandarian jump points and Wakandan technology.”

Ahsoka Will Be Coming to Star Tours

The fan-favorite Star Wars character Ahsoka is currently meeting guests at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland Resort. Starting next spring, she will become part of the Star Tours attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris.

Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern Coming to Magic Kingdom

Read more updates here.

Fans of Pirates of the Caribbean will be excited to learn that a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern is coming to Adventureland in Magic Kingdom! The new tavern will offer a first-of-its-kind experience that extends the story of the ride.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Imagineers are currently in the design process for the new spot, which you can read more details about here.

Asha from Wish Coming to EPCOT, Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris

While details are sparse, Disney did share the Asha from the upcoming Disney animated film Wish will be available to greet guests in EPCOT, Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. The new film hits theaters beginning this November, so we expect we’ll hear more details closer to that date.

EPCOT Transformation Updates

Disney also shared TONS of details about the ongoing EPCOT transformation, Beginning October 16th, guests will be able to experience the new Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana at the park. Additionally, Moana will be available to meet nearby on that same date.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Beginning September 10th, Figment will be meeting guests inside the Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT. And starting September 22nd, Soarin’ Over California will return to EPCOT for a limited time in celebration of Disney100.

World Celebration will open beginning this December 2023, tying together the EPCOT neighborhoods of World Discovery and World Nature. This will mark a major milestone completion for the transformation of EPCOT.

Additionally, the new night-time spectacular, “Luminous The Symphony of Us,” will debut on December 5th, 2023!  Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World shared that the show will feature fireworks, fountains, lasers, lighting effects, and music. Read more about it here.

Country Bear Jamboree Getting an Update

Beginning in 2024, Country Bear Jamboree at Magic Kingdom will be getting an update. Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty shared that the update will involve new songs, with the new experience serving as a “homage to the classic musical revues in Nashville.”

But rest assured, even with the update, you’ll still find the same famous characters like Trixie, Big Al, and others.

Test Track to Be Reimagined

Another ride that will be getting an update is Test Track at EPCOT. Imagineers are working with the teams at Chevrolet to update the ride, taking inspiration from the original World of Motion.

You can read more about the update coming to Test Track and Country Bear Jamboree here.

The New Disney Cruise Line Ship’s Name Has Been Revealed

Outside of the Disney Parks, Disney also revealed the name of the seventh Disney Cruise Line ship. Disney Adventure is the name of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship!

Work on the ship is currently underway in Germany. You can read more about the announcement here, as well as past news on the ship here.