While August may feel like it’s a world away, the truth is that it’ll be here before we know it. And this August is extra special, because D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event returns to Anaheim for its bi-yearly event August 14th-16th, and we couldn’t be more stoked.

We often get LOTS of major announcements this weekend, ranging from Disney media news to new film and TV shows we can expect, and sometimes, if we’re extra lucky, information on new expansions, attractions, or other plans Disney has for its parks. While this news can be spread out across the panels at both the Honda Center and the Anaheim Convention Center, there are a few panels we can already expect BIG news to come from. If you’re planning to attend this year and you want to be one of the first to hear the news, these are the two panels you CANNOT miss.

Currently, Disney has only announced three of the panels coming to The Honda Center for D23. They are:

• Disney Entertainment Showcase (August 14th at 7 PM)
• Disney Experiences Showcase (August 15th at 7 PM)
• Disney Legends Award Ceremony (August 16th at 1:30 PM)

While it’s very much expected there WILL be more announced for this spot, many people stay at the Anaheim Convention Center all day for the panels there, as well as the show floor, and then head over to the Honda Center for these big panels at the end of each day. The Disney Legends Award Ceremony is pretty self-explanatory, especially since Disney has already announced who the legends being honored will be this year, but the other two? We could get A LOT of news out of those.

Disney Entertainment Showcase

When it comes to the Disney Entertainment Showcase, the first evening, this is likely where we’ll hear A LOT of news about Disney’s upcoming film and TV offerings, both those that have already been announced and new ones. We’ve often seen them bring out celebrities to help them break some of this big news. It could include trailers or first looks at upcoming films, like the sequel to Lilo & Stitch and Incredibles 3.

We’re also planning to hear about some of the currently untitled Disney and Marvel films coming in 2028, and perhaps announcements about the slots Disney is holding in theaters for 2029.

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Disney Experiences Showcase

Now, the Disney Experiences Showcase on August 15th is where things could get VERY interesting, as it’s possible we could get LOTS of news about what could be coming soon to Disney Parks around the world…or very little. This presentation could give us news and new looks at the new Villains Land and/or Piston Peak coming to Magic Kingdom…

…the Monsters Inc. Land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios,

…or Pueblo Esperanza coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, not to mention all the expansions coming to Disneyland Resort. This is also where we could hear news about upcoming lands, attractions, or refurbishments coming to rides at Disney parks around the world. Not that we necessarily see Disney doing it, but if they WERE going to announce a fifth gate for Disney World, this is when they’d likely do it.

Disney World is also currently working on a new hotel called Lakeshore Lodge, but other than the view we get on Seven Seas Lagoon and one concept art photo, Disney has been quiet! The hotel looks to be nearly complete from the outside, and it is currently set to open sometime in 2027. By the looks of the resort, fans and experts are predicting an early 2027 opening — maybe even late 2026! This has been a hot topic for Disney World fans, so an update on this project feels necessary.

Although the parks are a huge draw, cruises are also a huge part of the Disney Experiences sector! The Disney Adventure is now sailing, the name of the newest cruise ship has been revealed, but we’re expecting more announcements at D23 since the fleet is expanding rapidly. That’s right — by 2031, there will be 13 Disney Cruise ships! We’re expecting more names or themes for those upcoming ships.

Disney has confirmed one of these ships will provide year-round sailings out of Japan! This is in partnership with the Oriental Land Company, which owns and operates the Tokyo Disney Resort, so we’re sitting on the edge of our seats to hear more.

Disney has confirmed that it’s moving forward with plans to build its Abu Dhabi theme park, but again, details have been scarce so far. Could we get a timeline? Perhaps, more concept art? It will be interesting to see what Disney is ready to reveal. New CEO Josh D’Amaro has been to the site of the future park — will he make a cameo to talk about it? He used to present at this showcase, but it’s likely his replacement for the Chairman of Disney Experiences, Thomas Mazloum, will take over. We’ll just have to wait and see!

As we’ve seen multiple times before, what’s announced here are often Blue Sky projects, meaning that there’s always a chance they WON’T end up happening, or will see lots of change before they actually come to life. There have been numerous times where Disney announces a big project, like a new ride or hotel, and alas, it ends up falling off the project list, never to be heard of again (we’re looking at you, EPCOT Mary Poppins ride).

But, there are tons of projects we’re waiting for Disney to follow up on, so it may be a mix this year!

Tickets go on sale beginning on March 31st for D23 Charter Members, then D23 Gold Members on Essential, Choice, and Preferred plans will get access at 10 AM PT on April 2nd, followed finally by D23 Gold Members on complimentary plans through Disney+, who will get access on April 2nd at 12 PM PT. We’ll be in attendance at D23 and will be bringing you all the latest news from each and every panel and showcase we attend, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB!

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Are you planning to go to D23 this year? Tell us in the comments!