D23 2024: Schedule of all the theme park presentations
Schedule for all of the theme park-related presentations and events happening at 2024’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
Headed to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event? Overwhelmed by the gargantuan schedule of programming? Love theme parks? Then you’ve come to the right place. The sold-out, official Disney fan convention (formerly known as D23 Expo) will commence Aug. 9-11 in Anaheim, Calif.
If you’re going to D23: The Ultimate Fan Event and want to prioritize a schedule of all the theme park programming, here’s where you’ll want to be.
Friday, August 9: D23 schedule for presentations about theme parks
“The Costuming Artistry Behind Disney Experiences”
Friday, Aug. 9
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Hyperion Stage at Anaheim Convention Center
Description: Join Disney Live Entertainment costume designers as they share the design inspiration, creative process, and up-close details behind costumes worn at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and more.
“Disneyland Foods — Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow”
Friday, Aug. 9
Time: 2:15 – 3:15 p.m.
Location: Backlot Stage at Anaheim Convention Center
Description: Thanks to Walt Disney himself, dining has always been an essential part of the Disneyland experience! Join the Disneyland Resort chefs and Pam Brandon ― co-author of the “Official Disney Parks Cookbook” series ― to learn about the early days of the Disneyland food scene, today’s methods for concept creation and menu development of fan favorites, and a look toward the resort’s culinary future.
“Bringing the Worlds of Animation to Life in Disney Parks”
Friday, Aug. 9
Time: 3:45 – 5 p.m.
Location: Premiere Stage at Anaheim Convention Center
Description: Team members from Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios discuss bringing the worlds of Disney Animation to life in Disney parks around the world, including such projects as World of Frozen (Hong Kong Disneyland), Zootopia (Shanghai Disneyland), Fantasy Springs (Tokyo DisneySea) and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Magic Kingdom and Disneyland).
Saturday, August 10: D23 schedule for presentations about theme parks
“A Beautiful Tomorrow — Just a Dream Away: Disney at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair”
Saturday, Aug. 10
Time: 10:15 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Walt Disney Archives Stage at Anaheim Convention Center
Description: Explore the 60-year legacy of the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair through a hosted panel about its groundbreaking technologies, grand partnerships, and resonance across pop culture. The spirit of the Fair is as relevant today as the day it premiered!
“Magic Journeys: Memories of the Sherman Brothers“
Saturday, Aug. 10
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Walt Disney Archives Stage at Anaheim Convention Center
Description: Gregg and Jeff Sherman, sons of composers Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman, sit down with some of Richard’s longtime friends for stories from the songwriting duo’s incredible musical legacy, insights into their unique relationship; and rare footage of Richard’s many delightful performances.
“Horizons: D23 Disney Experiences Showcase”
Saturday, Aug. 10
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m
Location: Honda Center
Description: Join us on Saturday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Honda Center for an immersive celebration of Disney Experiences around the world. Accompanied by a special lineup of musical numbers, surprise appearances, and a few familiar faces, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro will host this exciting showcase, woven together by the theme of music. Throughout the show, fans can expect updates on new and highly anticipated projects across Disney Experiences, along with new ways for generations of fans to connect with their favorite Disney stories. NOTE: Evening shows at the Honda Center are for D23 Ultimate Fan Pass ticket holders only. There are no reservations or stand-by queues available for the Honda Center.
Sunday, August 11: D23 schedule for presentations about theme parks
“Disney Legends in Conversation”
Sunday, Aug. 11
Time: 9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
Location: Walt Disney Archives Stage at Anaheim Convention Center
Description: Listen in as members from the newest class of Disney Legends partake in an enlightening conversation about their storied careers.
Disney has not announced which Disney Legends will participate in this panel. This year’s theme park-related Disney Legends inductees include Martha Blanding (Disneyland executive and author of “Groundbreaking Magic: A Black Woman’s Journey through the Happiest Place on Earth”) and Joe Rohde (former executive at Walt Disney Imagineering).
“Disney Princess: Creating Tiana’s World”
Sunday, Aug. 11
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Premiere Stage at Anaheim Convention Center
Description: Join Anika Noni Rose (voice of Tiana), “Tiana” [Disney+] series director Joyce Sherrí, and [Imagineering] creative executive Carmen Smith for an inspiring conversation as we peek into all the ways Tiana’s iconic story and vibrant world continue to be brought to life.
“Jolly Holiday: A D23 Musical Celebration of Richard M. Sherman”
Sunday, Aug. 11
Time: 12:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Premiere Stage at Anaheim Convention Center
Description: From “Mary Poppins” to Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, a heartwarming and joyous musical tribute to our beloved Disney songwriting legend Richard M. Sherman — with unbelievable performances and delightful surprise appearances by some of the people who knew and admired him best.
“Dream Chasing: Four Decades with Walt Disney Imagineering”
Sunday, Aug. 11
Time: 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Location: Walt Disney Archives Stage at Anaheim Convention Center
Description: Join Leslie Iwerks, Bob Weis, and Wendy Lefkon for an intimate conversation spanning four decades of creating Imagineering projects from Anaheim to Paris, Tokyo to Shanghai. Audiences will be inspired to believe any dream worth doing is worth chasing.
“60 Years of Disney Ambassadors: The Stories You’ve Never Heard”
Sunday, Aug. 11
Time: 2-3 p.m.
Location: Backlot Stage at Anaheim Convention Center
Description: Take a trip down memory lane with Disney Ambassadors who’ve been a part of the 60-year legacy started by Walt Disney, as they share favorite moments ranging from unforgettable to unforeseeable!
“Magic After Dark: The Story of Disney’s Nighttime Spectaculars”
Sunday, Aug. 11
Time: 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
Location: Walt Disney Archives Stage at Anaheim Convention Center
Photo courtesy of Disney / Steven Diaz
Description: Fireworks above the castle became an iconic “kiss goodnight” at Disneyland, and every Disney park has filled the night with light, music, water, and fire. Join Disney’s nighttime magicians to hear the stories behind your favorite after-dark shows.
“Disney Legends Awards Ceremony”
Sunday, Aug. 11
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Location: Honda Center
Description: Since 1987, the Disney Legends Awards program has honored gifted individuals for the significant impact they’ve had on the Disney legacy. We’ll be honoring the 2024 class of Disney Legends on Sunday, Aug. 11, at 5 p.m. at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. NOTE: Evening shows at the Honda Center are for D23 Ultimate Fan Pass ticket holders only. There are no reservations or stand-by queues available for the Honda Center.
“Charles Phoenix’s Big Retro Disneyland Slide Show”
Sunday, Aug. 11
Time: 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Location: Walt Disney Archives Stage at Anaheim Convention Center
Description: A pop-culture time-travel tour to the early days of Disneyland, from the backstories and glories of the classic and long-gone attractions of Main Street, U.S.A.; Adventureland; Fantasyland; Frontierland; the original Tomorrowland; and the all-new Tomorrowland in 1967.
Meet theme park talent
In addition to the presentations above, many Disney theme park luminaries will appear for meet & greets and signings throughout D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
Photo courtesy of Disney / Matt Stroshane
In alphabetical order, these talents include:
- Tony Anselmo, voice of Donald Duck and Disney Legend
- Martha Blanding, Disneyland executive, author (“Groundbreaking Magic”), and Disney Legend
- Pam Brandon, author (“The Official Disney Parks Celebration Cookbook”)
- Jeremy Fulton, Imagineer (senior graphic designer)
- Stephanie Jazmines, Imagineer (facility designer)
- Bret Iwan, voice of Mickey Mouse
- Leslie Iwerks, filmmaker, author (“The Imagineering Story”)
- Tom Nabbe, former character performer (Tom Sawyer) and Disney Legend
- Tim O’Day, author (“Groundbreaking Magic”)
- Greg Pro, Imagineer (executive concept designer)
- Eric Robison, former Imagineer
- Anika Noni Rose, voice of Tiana, author (“Tiana’s Perfect Plan”), and Disney Legend
- Ashley Taylor, artist
- Bob Weis, author (“Dream Chasing”) and former president of Walt Disney Imagineering
- Laura West, Imagineer (lead concept designer)
- Allie Wong, Imagineer (graphic designer)
- Amy Young, Imagineer (senior creative director)
- 2024-2025 Disney Ambassadors from around the world
Consult the full D23 schedule for talent greeting times and locations.
Your D23 2024 questions answered
Earlier this year, we attended a presentation where D23 personnel mapped out all the logistics for this year’s Ultimate Disney Fan Event and shared what to expect. Here’s our video of the presentation:
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