Disney’s D23 Expo and D23 Day at Disneyland

Updated February 7, 2026

Disney’s D23 Expo is no joke. 

Consider this: Mega-fans of Disney, Star Wars, Pixar, Marvel and more from around the globe all want to celebrate Disney and – just as importantly – see what’s next for each of their favorites.

This and so much more happens at the D23 Expo.

Here’s the scoop from Disney.

Let’s dive in and learn more.

Basic Scoop 

• D23 is the ultimate Disney fan experience. It’s an uber popular event and sells out each year. It’s also a fairly new event, with the first one held in 2009.
• 2026’s event takes place August 14-16, 2026.
• This conference is open to the public.
• The name D23 breaks down into ‘D’ for Disney and ’23’ for the year Walt Disney founded the company.

Essential Tips for Attending

Because D23 is a newer event (compared to say Comic Con that began in the 1970s), it’s working on making things run smoothly.

I attended the expo in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 and learned a great deal with each event. Here’s what has worked for me in the past:

• Arrive early. I’m not the kind of guest who shows up the night before at 9:00pm for a panel that starts 12 hours later. Instead, I typically arrive 3 hours prior to any panel I REALLY want to attend. Disney shares the following on the official D23 website: “Show hours for all guests are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day of the Expo. There will be five entry points starting at 5 a.m. There is no queuing at entries before 4:30 a.m.”
• If you feel like you’ve been waiting too long for something, you might be. Make sure you’re in the right line at all times.
• When in doubt, ask questions. Ask a cast member, a D23 rep, another guest, etc. We’re all still figuring out how this conference works. 
• Use the official D23 app.
• Have realistic expectations. If you miss a panel, try not to let it ruin the rest of your experience. Walking the Expo floor is one of my favorite parts of the event. Spend more time there if don’t make it in to where you’re trying to go.

My Favorite Hotels for the D23 Expo

The Hilton Anaheim and Anaheim Marriott are both a quick walk away from the Anaheim Convention Center.

I have stayed at and recommend both of them.

Check out the Westin Anaheim, too! It’s the newest and nicest hotel at the Disneyland Resort.

What You Should Bring With You

The expo will provide a souvenir shopping bag for you to carry around, but I always bring my own, too.

In addition to a good bag, consider:

• Hydration packs
• Tylenol/pain reliever
• Hair ties/beauty essentials
• Sunglasses, battery powered fan, sun umbrella…..whatever needed for hot days
• Battery charger/cord (not sure if Fuel Rod machines will be on site)
• Deck of cards or other stuff to keep you busy during long waits

Food and Beverages

D23 shares the following regarding bringing food and drinks in:

“No outside food, beverages, or coolers are allowed at D23 Expo. However, exceptions will be made for attendees with special dietary needs, including food allergies, and for baby food/formula. Guests can bring empty, non-glass beverage containers to fill at convention center water fountains. There will be a variety of food and beverage options available on site, including food trucks in the Grand Plaza.”

I’m still planning on packing bottled water and snacks in case I need them while in line outside the convention center. But, the official site says nothing is allowed in, so prepare accordingly. 

Visiting Disneyland and DCA While in Town for D23

This post details how to best use a late start day. Meaning, if you begin your day at the expo and then walk into Disneyland for the first time in the afternoon, you’ll want to know what to focus on and how to avoid long waits in line.

Park days during D23 are chaotic in general. Don’t roll in, expecting to wing it only to find Pirates of the Caribbean has a 90 minute wait in the sun.

If You’re Trying to Avoid the D23 Crowds

Many D23 attendees begin each day at a big panel around 9:00am. A good amount of these attendees have park reservations for that day, too.

You’ll start seeing D23 attendees arriving early afternoon. To avoid the crowds during this busy weekend, arrive a full hour early and follow my strategies here. 

Notes

• As mentioned above, the first D23 Expo was held in 2009. That’s not that long ago! It’s a work in progress, so be patient as you figure things out.
• During my first expo (2015), I recall standing outside for an hour or so for the first panel called Legends. I didn’t know what I was doing or how to navigate my way around, but I was confident we should have been inside already. So, I asked a cast member. And, then I asked another. I asked until I made my way into the panel. I don’t tell you this to encourage you to be pushy or disrespectful. Instead, I recommend being diligent about where you’re going and ask for help when something doesn’t seem right.