The D23 Expo Schedule 2024 is packed full of many must do events and meet ups. It’s impossible to do everything, but because there’s such a wide variety of happenings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Here we’ll outline the schedule, along with some suggested itineraries for those visiting D23 Expo in 2024.
D23 Schedule Quick Tips
I haven’t been to every expo, but I’ve learned so much at the ones I have attended. Even then, there’s lots to learn and things change every year but I do have a few quick tips to get you started.
The most important things to remember when creating your schedule:
- be flexible
- have backups
- try something new
Having fun and enjoying the D23 Fan Event experience is the main goal. Being flexible allows you to embrace the moments, even when things don’t go as planned. Make your D23 Event reservations here once you have your ticket.
A backup and even a double backup is a good thing for each day. I bet you won’t have any problem choosing backups because there is simply so much to do on any D23 Expo day.
I’ve gone to a handful of events that normally wouldn’t interest me. Sometimes they’re my backup or sometimes a friend I want to hang out with at the Expo has that on their list. I’ve even attended secret panels where the subject wasn’t revealed until the last minute. I have enjoyed every one of them!
Honda Center Main Events
The event’s most prominent showcases announced will be held at the Honda Center and require specific Honda Center admission:
- Disney Entertainment (aka films, Disney+ etc) August 9th at 7:00 pm Honda Center
- Disney Experiences (aka Parks, Resorts, Cruise Line) August 10th at 7:00 pm Honda Center
- Disney Legends (my personal favorite) August 11th at 5:00 pm Honda Center
D23 Expo 2024 Live Stream
2022 was the first year those at home could view the D23 Expo via live stream. We’ll update with more info for 2024 once we have details.
D23 Fan Event Disney Archives
Disney Archives is one of the main attractions for visitors to D23 Fan Event at the Anaheim Convention Center. It’s on display all weekend and the highlight of many people’s experience.
I have loved exploring the archives at the expo and various exhibits Disney Archives presents throughout the years at various locations. If you ever get a chance to see one, do it!
But of course during the expo, make time for this display as well as at least ONE archives presentation during the weekend.
The Walt Disney Archives Presents “A Great Big Beautiful Car Show”
This will be the biggest curated exhibition in the history of Walt Disney Archives!
Shopping All The Merch
The updates for D23 Ultimate Fan Event keep coming! This year gives you even more chance to spend that money! Expect to see:
- Multiple Shopping Venues. D23 Marketplace will be full of exclusive and limited-edition merchandise. Mickey’s of Glendale has three unique spaces: general Imagineering clothing and collectibles, exclusive pins, and official D23 Expo merchandise. And Disney Publishing will be offering first-to-market books in their pavilion.
- Shopping Highlights. In addition to Disney collectibles, new merchandise will debut at D23 Expo.
D23 has taken note from Disney Parks and is implementing a virtual queue system for shopping. Attendees will be able to sign up for an available boarding group in a virtual queue for D23 Expo Marketplace, Mickey’s of Glendale Main Store, or Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store using the Disneyland Resort app and scanning a QR code at each store’s entrance.
You can join for up to two people and may only join one virtual queue at a time. Your confirmation screen will display an estimated wait time so you can enjoy other D23 Expo experiences until your group is ready.
Another hint for shopping at D23 Expo: Use mobile checkout at select locations. It’s so easy, I use it all the time at Disneyland Resort. In fact, you’ll use the Disneyland App to scan your own products, pay and then show a Cast Member at the designated exit that you’re all set to go! Skipping line and saving time is a win.
D23 Marketplace
Returning this year in a new location within World of Disney: The Product Experience is the D23 Marketplace. This 16,000 square-foot retail location will bring together the most exciting products from DisneyStore.com and Disney Parks, offering merchandise from fan-favorite collections including Disney Limited Edition Dolls; the brand-new vinyl series Disney Lacers; and Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar must-haves. For those fans of Disney Pin Trading, this will also be a great spot to buy all-new limited-edition styles including a special collection that nods to the 25th Anniversary of Disney Pin Trading. Attendees will find a wide assortment of new product debuts, curated brand collections, specialty items, and milestone anniversary collectibles.
Disney Publishing
Disney Publishing is one of my favorite areas to explore. It’s like our own cozy little bookshop for Disney fans. You’ll snag first-to-market books and get a chance to meet a variety of beloved authors who will be hosting signings at this location.
Disney Publishing shares stories that foster a love of reading, inspire natural curiosity, and excite fans. Home to best-selling books, comics, magazines, digital interactive storytelling products, audiobooks, and beyond, Disney Publishing merchandise will be located within World of Disney: The Product Experience as the premiere destination for Disney books, fan-favorite stories, and collectible titles.
First-to-market books will be available including must-reads from Bob Weis, former President of Walt Disney Imagineering; Pete Docter, Pixar Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer; Martha Blanding, incoming Disney Legend; Ashley Eckstein, voice of Ahsoka Tano in the animated television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and more. These celebrated authors will also sign copies of their new books at both Talent Central and Live at World of Disney: The Product Experience. While they shop, fans can also enjoy a brand-new sip and shop experience featuring the latest blend from Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co.
Mickey’s of Glendale
Mickey’s of Glendale, the Walt Disney Imagineering store, returns to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, with two stores in Hall C of the Anaheim Convention Center. This year at Mickey’s of Glendale, fans will find numerous collections featuring the work and talent of Disney Imagineers. These unique spotlight collections are inspired by Disney characters, theme park attractions, and more. Shop wickedly cute Disney Villain enamel figures or dive into the comic book world of Walt Disney’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
Disney pin enthusiasts will want to stop by the Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store, which will release a new assortment of limited-edition pins daily on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store will be cashless and require guests to have the Disneyland app downloaded to their smartphone device to make a purchase. Come prepared and have the app downloaded and account created ahead of time.
Disney Studio Store Hollywood
The magic of Hollywood returns to Anaheim at the Disney Studio Store Hollywood, located in Hall B, where guests can purchase newly released limited-edition pins, framed pin sets, and official Disney Studio Store Hollywood branded apparel. New limited-edition pins will be released on Friday and Saturday. While at this location, guests can stop by and snap a selfie in a sweet photo op! The Disney Studio Store Hollywood will be cashless.
What’s on the Show Floor
Want a Disney day full of fun with no set schedule? The “Show Floor” is exactly where you want to spend your time. Families and guests who just want that touch of Disney, D23 Show Floor has the full experience without early arrival times or stressful queuing experiences.
This year’s show floor is the largest in the event’s history! The Show Floor has interactive experiences and talent signings and meet and greets.
Here are some of the highlights you’ll find as you explore the Show Floor at The Anaheim Convention Center:
- Disney Experiences Pavilion: This area is usually full of more tidbits from things announced at the Disney Experiences event at the Honda Center this year.
- Walt Disney Animation & Pixar AnimationStudios Pavilion: Pixar Ball Giveaways daily, Signings and appearances by Disney Legend Mark Henn, Moana 2 Filmmakers, Once Upon a Studio, Elemental Filmmakers, Toy Story 5 Filmmakers and more. For the full Animation Pavilion schedule click here.
- Disney+ Pavilion: Meet Bluey and Bingo every 45 minutes from 10:00 am – 6:30 pm daily
- Hulu Pavilion: Immersive activations and shareable moments featuring the Arconia from Only Murders in the Building, the iconic opening sequence of The Kardashians, and the wild world of Hulu Animayhem.
- Lucasfilm Pavilion: Try the new ILM StageCraft technology from 10: 00 am – 2:00 pm daily.
- World of Disney: The Product Experience: Play the first-ever Star Wars villains-themed arcade, snap a photo alongside LEGO builds of Disney Princess dresses, play Pixar Putt a pop-up mini-golf course inspired by the stories and icons of Pixar Films.
Talent Central Signings
Talent Central will once again offer guests the opportunity to meet many of the extraordinary stars and creative visionaries behind popular films and series, including Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Descendants: The Rise of Red, The Simpsons, Raven’s Home, and more.
There are over 50 times slots full of meet and greet and signing opportunities for fans including Disney Imagineers, writers and actors. For the full Talent Central schedule click here.
D23 Fan Event Schedule
The crowning events are held each evening at The Honda Center, but the Convention Center is packed full of things to do, see and buy. You can easily fill you day with so much fun and Disney!
Here is the full D23 Event schedule for Friday 2024. I’ve also highlighted my top picks below:
- Bringing the Worlds of Disney Animation to Life in Disney Parks
- Behind the Summer Shenanigans with the Phineas and Ferb creators
- Disneyland Foods: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
- Costuming Artistry Behind Disney Experiences
D23 Event schedule for Saturday 2024 includes these highlights:
- Magic Journeys: Memories of the Sherman Brothers
- Abbott Elementary: Class is in Session!
- The Road to Cherry Tree Lane—Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins
Here is the full D23 Event schedule for Sunday 2024. I’ve also highlighted my top picks below:
- Disney Princess: Creating Tiana’s World
- Jolly Holiday: A Musical Celebration of Richard M. Sherman
- Disney Legends in Conversation (I always love this panel!)
- Magic After Dark—The Story of Disney’s Nighttime Spectaculars
D23 Fan Event Itineraries
This year’s itineraries will look totally different for those who are going between 2 venues. While there is a complimentary shuttle system we will see how this works out in action.
I refine my schedule at every D23 Fan Event but remember, everyone’s schedule will be different and doable for them. You might not want the same experience I had and that’s okay!
Thursday, Arrival Day
Lots of D23 Fan Event attendees contemplate if they should arrive early to add Disneyland days, stay after or just squeeze some Disneyland into the evenings. One thing’s for sure, you will be exhausted from D23 Event days, so consider that in your planning.
I’ve always opted to arrive prior to the event beginning for my Disneyland days, but do whatever works for you.
On arrival day consider completing the following tasks:
- Secure D23 Event credentials if you did not receive them previously
- Secure last minute Disneyland tickets if needed
- Shop for snacks or food to bring with you to the D23 Fan Event, they will be lifesavers!!
- Shop and dine at Downtown Disney or consider a character dining experience if you aren’t going inside the parks
- Check into your hotel and get things organized for your amazing weekend ahead
Arrival day is always filled with fun and excitement for the days ahead. Try to get a good night sleep to be ready for the next day.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday D23 Event Tips:
Arrive early for security screening and ticket verification. Panels will begin without you, so plan accordingly. Also note that day 1 is always a little rough. The Cast Members and staff running this event only do this every 2 years, so be kind and patient.
How will shopping compare in 2024 to years past? Here’s how it went do in prior years:
Shopping lines at 4:00 am were double what they were for Legends. Shopping to get things first hasn’t ever been my thing at D23 Expo, but as you can tell people are very serious about getting their hands on limited release merchandise.
What works on Friday is set to work again, except for more people arrive even earlier if they failed or succeeded the day before.
I always bring snacks and water, along with money to buy breakfast and snacks inside the Convention Center as needed.
Save show floor exhibits, shopping, Disney archives and more for day 2 or 3 after many lines calme down. You’ll find even more time to do those on Sunday when many people leave the expo early.
Bottom line, the D23 Expo takes some strategic planning, but also lots of flexibility and understanding that you can have a blast doing whatever Disney magic comes your way, like running into Josh D’Amaro again and having a nice chat.
My main suggestion for your D23 schedule is to pick one big, must-do each day and set your goal on that and let other fun things fall into place. Want to talk more about the D23 schedule? Share your thoughts in the comments.
