updated August 2026
This past weekend, Disney fans were talking about the announcements from D23. But what exactly is D23? Think of it as the official fan club for The Walt Disney Company. This fan club brings together Disney enthusiasts from around the globe. Every year they celebrate the magic and history of all things Disney.
Launched on March 10, 2009, D23 is named after “D” for Disney and “23” to honor the year 1923. That is the exact year Walt Disney founded the company. The fan club offers an array of exclusive content, experiences, and merchandise designed to engage Disney fans of all ages.
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The Origins of D23
The establishment of D23 is significant because it is the first official community dedicated to Disney fans. The club was created not only to celebrate the legacy of Walt Disney but also to keep fans informed.
From the beginning, D23 has aimed to connect fans and give a sneak peek into the company’s future. For example, this weekend we learned new plans on the way for your favorite Disney destinations.
Related article: D23 2026 Disney Parks Announcements
D23 2026: What’s Coming to Disney Destinations?
This year brought a wave of exciting announcements for Disney fans! Major projects revealed or expanded upon for Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort and Disney Cruise Line. Some of the projects discussed this year include:
- Villains Land – Magic Kingdom
- Piston Peak – Magic Kingdom
- Carousel of Progress – Magic Kingdom
- Monstropolis – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Tomorrowland Reimagining
- Avengers Campus Expansion
- Coco attraction
- Disney Believe
- More ships are coming
and more….
Related article: D23 2026 Disney Parks Announcements
Membership Tiers and Benefits
D23 offers two main types of membership: General (free) and Gold (paid). Each level comes with its own set of perks:
- General Membership: Offers access to a selection of exclusive content on the D23 website, special offers, and the opportunity to purchase tickets to select events.
- Gold Membership: Includes all the benefits of General Membership, plus additional perks such as a subscription to the annual “Disney twenty-three” publication. (Current price: $99.99/yr. plus fees)
Gold members also get the D23 Gold Member card, which provides access to more discounts and promotions at various Disney parks and stores. Also, members get a collectible member gift, access to exclusive merchandise, and invitations to special events throughout the year.
D23 Events: Bringing Fans Closer to the Magic
One of the most significant draws of D23 is the exclusive events it offers. The biennial D23 Expo, often referred to as “The Ultimate Disney Fan Event,” is a cornerstone of the D23 experience.
Held in Anaheim, California at Disneyland Resort every 2 years, the D23 Expo brings together thousands of fans to enjoy panels, presentations, and sneak peeks at upcoming films and TV shows. This weekend’s events announced the following:
D23 2026: New & Upcoming Movie Announcements
D23 wasn’t just about the Disney Parks! Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and other Disney entertainment brands also shared plenty of news about upcoming films.
- Frozen 3 – The next chapter in the Frozen story is coming to theaters November 24, 2027. D23 revealed new details, including Anna and Kristoff’s upcoming wedding and a mysterious new female villain.
- Zootopia 3 – Disney confirmed that a third Zootopia movie is in development, following the success of Zootopia 2. No release date has been announced yet.
- The Bluey Movie – Bluey and her family are making the leap to the big screen, with The Bluey Movie scheduled for August 2027.
- Hexed – Disney Animation revealed Hexed, a new animated fantasy film featuring a magical world and a cast including Hailee Steinfeld, Walton Goggins and Jodie Foster.
- The Incredibles 3 – Pixar confirmed the next installment in the superhero family franchise, scheduled for summer 2028.
- Coco 2 – Pixar is returning to the world of Coco with a sequel planned for 2029, continuing Miguel’s story.
and more…
The Expo also features the popular Disney Legends Ceremony, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy.
More Than an Annual Event
Beyond the Expo, D23 hosts a variety of other events throughout the year, including movie screenings, studio tours, and special meet-and-greets. These events often offer behind-the-scenes access and insider knowledge that can’t be found anywhere else.
Also, D23 hosts an event every 2 years in Disney World inside the Contemporary Resort. This smaller event provides teasers as to what’s to come in the Disney Company’s future.
Exclusive Merchandise
Members also can buy exclusive Disney merchandise that isn’t available to the public. This includes limited-edition collectibles, clothing, and pins that celebrate everything from classic Disney films to new releases and special anniversaries.
Why Join D23?
For Disney fans, D23 offers a unique opportunity to deepen their connection with the Disney brand. Whether through attending exclusive events, collecting rare merchandise, or simply enjoying the rich content provided to members, D23 creates a sense of community among Disney enthusiasts. It allows fans to not only celebrate their love for Disney but also to become part of its ongoing story.
Continue Planning Your Trip
There’s always more to consider when planning a Disney vacation! Keep exploring these helpful resources as you build your trip:
- Disney Vacation Planning Guide – Start with the big picture and work through the major decisions for your Disney vacation.
- Disney World Resort Planning Guide
- Disneyland Resort Planning Guide
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