What Disney Fans Can Expect From D23 2026, From Marvel Reveals to Park Expansions

Disney’s biggest fan gathering is returning to Southern California this month, and anticipation has been building for weeks. 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.

The event is billed as the epicenter of the entire Disney fandom, inviting attendees to step into immersive lands, take part in major reveals, shop limited edition merchandise, and experience once in a lifetime performances. With panels spanning film, television, parks, and games, fans are already trying to piece together what the weekend will actually deliver.

D23 2026 Expo Schedule and Programming

The convention will feature more than 50 different panels and presentations across the three day event, giving fans the chance to explore behind the scenes storytelling and meet the talent behind their favorite projects. Beyond the daytime sessions at the Anaheim Convention Center, the evenings shift to a different venue entirely for the marquee presentations.

Each night, attendees can head to the Honda Center for a showcase featuring stars, storytellers, and surprises, including the Disney Entertainment Showcase on Friday, the Disney Experiences Showcase on Saturday, and the Disney Legends Award Ceremony on Sunday. Guests at these showcases can expect surprise celebrity appearances, exclusive first looks at upcoming films and series, and unforgettable musical performances celebrating the stories audiences love.

This year’s presentation carries a notable change in leadership, since Josh D’Amaro, who previously led the Disney Experiences division and revealed the company’s parks investment plans at the 2024 expo, is now the company’s CEO and will not host the event himself. Hosting duties will instead go to a familiar face within the Disney community.

Neil Patrick Harris will step into the hosting role, drawing on his history with the company that includes participating in the annual EPCOT Candlelight Processional and a guest cameo in the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets. That change alone has fans speculating about a different tone for this year’s presentations compared to past expos.

Marvel Studios Panel Predictions

Marvel’s presence at D23 2026 is expected to lean heavily on Disney Plus programming after a quieter showing at San Diego Comic Con. VisionQuest is expected to play a role in the entertainment showcase, with a first trailer likely released online in tandem with its presentation ahead of the series’ October debut on Disney Plus.

An update on ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’ Season 2 is also anticipated, with a trailer and official premiere date likely unveiled during the presentation. Fans following the series closely will be watching for confirmation of where the story picks up.

‘Daredevil Born Again’ season 3 may also surface during the entertainment showcase, with the new season already in production and Marvel Television potentially using the moment to officially confirm the returns of Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and Elektra after numerous set photos hinted at their appearances. There is also speculation that Marvel Studios could use the showcase to corroborate recent trade reports about a Nova film moving into development.

Outside the Marvel slate, broader Disney Entertainment updates are expected as well. Fans anticipate news on the recently announced Disneyland Abu Dhabi project, along with a possible new destination announcement for the Disney Cruise Line.

Disneyland and Walt Disney World Park News

Parks announcements have traditionally been a centerpiece of D23, and 2026 is expected to continue that trend. Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure is set to nearly double in size with two new rides, Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab, with construction having started in January 2025 and progressing quickly toward a possible opening window in 2027.

The long anticipated Avatar land is also expected to receive fresh details. Pandora, World of Avatar was confirmed for California in a 2023 earnings call, and at the 2024 D23 expo Disney showed a model and concept art along with a reveal of the boat ride. Fans are hoping for construction updates or a timeline as the project moves forward.

Smaller but still meaningful changes are also on the radar. Disneyland is moving forward with plans to replace the gas powered vehicles at Autopia with a fully electric fleet, with new engines expected in early 2027, and the company is currently testing prototypes for those electric ride vehicles. According to WDW News Today, this year’s presentation takes place at the Honda Center rather than the Anaheim Convention Center, which the outlet believes signals room for larger scale announcements than usual.

The weekend will also include sessions honoring a new class of Disney Legends, spotlighting past films and recognizing other significant figures within the company. That ceremony has become one of the more emotional fixtures of the closing day.

Cosplay, Merchandise, and Fan Programming

Beyond the panels and trailers, D23 2026 is leaning into interactive experiences for attendees on the show floor. A newly released show floor map outlines every experience and vendor location, including a Disney Plus Hulu Experience in Hall A built around a signature 4D theater.

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 getting a boost as well, with the Spotlight Stage returning for a full lineup of panels, interviews, and musical performances, with Fandango serving as the presenting sponsor for the first time.

Collectors and cosplayers have plenty to look forward to this year too. The fan favorite D23 Mousequerade cosplay event is set to return as part of the weekend’s programming. A brand new D23 Marketplace Pin Store will offer limited edition and limited release pins, with fresh designs dropping across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the event.

The gaming and lifestyle side of the Disney portfolio has its own dedicated moments as well. A ‘Disney Dreamlight Valley’ panel will offer a retrospective with the game’s creators along with a sneak peek at content arriving in 2026, while a Disney Style panel will showcase fashion and product reveals from around the globe with panelists from Disney Consumer Products and Crocs. Pin trading enthusiasts also get a dedicated panel with the product design team, and the ‘Disney Lorcana’ trading card game team will share what fans can expect from set releases in 2027 and beyond.

With Marvel trailers, park expansions, and a new host all converging on Anaheim this month, which D23 2026 reveal are you most hoping actually makes it to the Honda Center stage.