If you’re heading to Anaheim for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, you might want to arrive a day early.
Disney has officially shared what’s in store for D23 Day at Disneyland Resort, returning Thursday, August 13, just one day before D23 kicks off at the Anaheim Convention Center. The one-day celebration is open to all guests with valid theme park admission and a park reservation, so you don’t need an event ticket to join the fun.
Think of it as a Disney fan celebration spread across Disneyland Resort.
One of the first things guests will want to grab is a complimentary D23-themed Mickey Mouse ear hat and commemorative guide, available at park opening while supplies last. If history is any indication, I’d expect those to disappear pretty quickly.
The day will also feature a Disney Legends Cavalcade down Main Street, U.S.A., with the Disneyland Band, Disney Legends, and 23 Disney characters making their way through the park. Elsewhere, guests can look for rare character appearances, dance parties in Tomorrowland, themed photo locations, and complimentary digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken that day.
Disney is also bringing the celebration beyond the parks. The Disneyland Hotel will host special Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings-themed experiences, while Downtown Disney will once again offer limited-time food, merchandise, and discounts for D23 members and event attendees throughout the first half of August.
One event that’s sure to draw plenty of attention is Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration at Disney California Adventure. Attendance will be limited through a virtual queue, with two performances planned for the evening of August 13. Fans who make it in will get an early look before the concert streams on Disney+ and airs on Disney Channel, Freeform, and ABC later that weekend.
Adding even more excitement, Disney Jr. Let’s Play! also begins on August 13 with a special one-day celebration at Disney California Adventure before expanding into Downtown Disney from August 14 through 16.
If you’ve been to D23 before, you know the excitement really starts before the convention doors even open. D23 Day has become a fun tradition that turns the entire Disneyland Resort into part of the celebration, and this year’s lineup looks like another great way to kick off Disney’s biggest fan event.
Below is a schedule of the day in an easy-to-read format so you can get your own itinerary in order ahead of time!
D23 Day at Disneyland Resort Schedule
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Complimentary D23 Ear Hat & Commemorative Guide
Beginning at park opening (while supplies last)
Guests entering Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure with valid theme park admission and a reservation can receive:
- Complimentary D23 Day Mickey Mouse ear hat
- D23 Day commemorative guide
Limited quantities are available.
Disney Legends Cavalcade
Disneyland Park
1:30 p.m.
Watch the Disneyland Band, select Disney Legends, and 23 Disney characters travel down Main Street, U.S.A.
Special Character Sightings
Disneyland Park
Throughout the day, guests may encounter:
- Merlin from The Sword in the Stone
- The Blue Fairy from Pinocchio
Tomorrowland Entertainment
Tomorrowland Terrace
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Stitch’s Interplanetary Beach Party Bash
7:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
- Disney+ Hulu Throwbacks Dance Party
D23 Day Photo Opportunities
Special D23 Day photo locations will be available at:
- Town Square (Disneyland Park)
- Pixar Pier (Disney California Adventure)
- Downtown Disney District
Themed photo booths (additional charge) will also be available at:
- Fantasyland Theatre (Disneyland Park)
- Hollywood Backlot (Disney California Adventure)
Complimentary Disney PhotoPass Downloads
Guests visiting on August 13 can enjoy:
- Unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken that day
- Special D23-themed Magic Shots
Disneyland Resort Hotels
Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Experience
Rose Court Garden – Disneyland Hotel
Enjoy themed entertainment and photo opportunities celebrating Disney Fairy Tale Weddings.
Throughout the month of August, the Disneyland Hotel will also feature a photo opportunity inspired by the upcoming film Camp Rock 3.
Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration
Paradise Gardens Park – Disney California Adventure
Virtual Queue Opens: 12:00 p.m.
Performance Times:
- 8:30 p.m.
- 9:45 p.m.
Guests must:
- Have valid Disney California Adventure admission.
- Join the virtual queue through the Disneyland app beginning at noon.
- Pick up a wristband between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. after receiving a virtual queue boarding group.
Attendance is extremely limited.
Downtown Disney District
August 1–16: D23 Discounts & Special Offers
Guests presenting a D23 Event badge or D23 Gold Membership card can receive special offers at participating locations, including:
- Beignets Expressed
- Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs
- California Churro
- Céntrico*
- Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio*
- Kawaii Slime Co.
- Lovepop
- Naples Ristorante e Bar*
- PANDORA
- Parkside Market
- Paseo*
- Salt & Straw
- Sunglass Hut
- Splitsville Luxury Lanes
- The LEGO Store
- Wetzel’s Pretzels
*Food and non-alcoholic beverages only where applicable.
Limited-Time Food & Merchandise (Available to All Guests)
August 1–16
Guests can purchase several exclusive D23-themed offerings, including:
Food & Beverage
- Family Gold Ube Cheesecake (Parkside Market)
- Berry Bliss & Choco Crunch Duo (Beignets Expressed)
- Specialty beverages at Ballast Point Brewery, Céntrico, Vista Parkside Market, and Paseo
- Sorcerer Apprentice Mickey Cake Pop available for a limited time beginning Aug. 13 at Candy Palace in Disneyland, Trolley Treats in California Adventure, and Disney Wonderful World of Sweets in Downtown Disney, while supplies last.
Limited-Time Merchandise
- Haunted Mansion Hatbox Ghost Popcorn Bucket, available for purchase for a limited time beginning Aug. 13, at Harbour Galley, Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, Popcorn at Frontierland and Popcorn at New Orleans in Disneyland, and at Popcorn at Grizzly Peak Airfield and Popcorn Near Carthay Circle Restaurant in California Adventure. Available while supplies last; limit two (2) per person, per transaction. No discounts apply.
