Thousands of Disney fans from around the world gathered in Anaheim, California, for the opening day of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, bringing together an enormous celebration of Disney’s films, television, streaming platforms, theme parks, stage productions and beloved franchises.

The event featured an expanded show floor at the Anaheim Convention Center, filled with immersive experiences, merchandise and interactive activations, before moving to the Honda Center for the highly anticipated Disney Entertainment Showcase.

Hosted by Zootopia 2 stars Ginnifer Goodwin and Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan, the evening was packed with new trailers, exclusive footage, celebrity appearances, musical performances and announcements covering projects planned for theaters, Disney+, Hulu, Disney Channel and beyond.

Josh D’Amaro, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, opened the evening by highlighting the extraordinary relationship between Disney and its fans.

According to D’Amaro, Disney currently has nearly half a million people visiting its theme parks and sailing aboard its cruise ships at any given time, while millions more are watching Disney stories in theaters or at home. He described the company’s global fandom as a connection spanning generations, cultures and backgrounds, reaching more than four billion people around the world.

That connection was on full display throughout the opening day of D23.

Disney Entertainment Showcase Delivers Major Announcements

Dana Walden, President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company, opened the Disney Entertainment Showcase alongside Bart Simpson, setting the stage for a night filled with major announcements.

Lilo & Stitch 2 Announced

Maia Kealoha, who portrayed Lilo in the live-action Lilo & Stitch, appeared onstage looking for Stitch, who made a surprise appearance alongside his pink companion, Angel.

Disney confirmed that production on Lilo & Stitch 2 will begin in Hawaiʻi later this year, with original co-creator Chris Sanders returning to direct.

The sequel is scheduled to arrive in theaters on May 26, 2028, following the enormous success of the 2025 live-action film, which surpassed $1 billion at the global box office.

The Bluey Movie Gets Its First Look

Disney unveiled the first teaser trailer and poster for The Bluey Movie, bringing the beloved Australian animated series to the big screen.

The upcoming CG-animated film will follow Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad during an action-packed day when an unexpected surprise changes everything for the family.

The film is written and directed by Bluey creator Joe Brumm and is scheduled to open in theaters on August 6, 2027.

Ice Age: Boiling Point Heads to Theaters

Queen Latifah and Denis Leary introduced an exclusive look at ** Ice Age: Boiling Point**, the next big-screen adventure for Manny, Sid, Diego, Ellie, Buck and the rest of the prehistoric herd.

The new movie will take the characters into the dangerous Lost World, where dinosaurs, lava and plenty of chaos await.

The presentation also introduced Jurassic Scrat, an enormous prehistoric relative of the acorn-obsessed character.

Ice Age: Boiling Point will be released exclusively in theaters on February 5, 2027.

Live-Action Tangled Revealed

Kathryn Hahn took the stage to discuss Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Tangled.

Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim, who are currently filming in Spain as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, appeared in a taped message for D23 attendees.

The film will also feature Diego Luna as a new character named Hawthorne, alongside Caitríona Balfe as Queen Arianna and Elliot Cowan as King Frederic.

Directed by Michael Gracey, the live-action Tangled is scheduled to arrive in theaters on March 31, 2028.

Jon Favreau Brings Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Disney+

Disney Legend Jon Favreau revealed new details about Oswald, an upcoming live-action/animation hybrid series based on Walt Disney’s classic character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

The story begins when an earthquake releases Oswald, who has been hidden away since the 1920s. A middle school boy and his friends then attempt to help the cartoon rabbit navigate the modern world.

The series will premiere exclusively on Disney+ on February 17, 2027.

Pixar Animation Studios

Pixar received a major spotlight during the showcase, with several new films and updates announced.

Incredibles 3 Gets First Look

Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter introduced an exclusive first look at Incredibles 3, bringing the Parr family back for another superhero adventure.

Directed by Peter Sohn, the film will be produced by Dana Murray and Brad Bird and is scheduled for an exclusive theatrical release on June 16, 2028.

Coco 2 Brings Back a Familiar Villain

Pixar also provided a significant update on Coco 2.

New concept art revealed Miguel as a teenager, while Benjamin Bratt appeared onstage to confirm that Ernesto de la Cruz will return in the sequel.

Miguel will once again travel to the Land of the Dead, setting the stage for another life-changing adventure.

Coco 2 is expected to debut in theaters in November 2029.

The announcement was followed by news that KINGDOM HEARTS IV will feature a world inspired by Coco, with the game currently targeting a late 2027 release window.

Pixar Announces Ghost Market

Pixar also revealed a brand-new original film titled Ghost Market.

The story centers on ʻOno Market, a small plate lunch shop hidden on Oʻahu’s North Shore that serves spirits caught between life and death.

The living are not supposed to enter the establishment, but a fast-talking kid named Kyle accidentally finds his way inside and becomes involved in an unexpected supernatural adventure.

Ghost Market is currently scheduled for theatrical release in March 2028.

Gatto Gets Exclusive Preview

The Pixar presentation concluded with an exclusive look at Gatto, an animated adventure arriving in theaters on March 5, 2027.

The film follows Nero, a scrappy black cat living in the canal-filled streets of Venice. After becoming indebted to a ruthless feline crime boss named Rocco, Nero is forced into an unlikely friendship that could help him discover his purpose.

The film reunites Luca director Enrico Casarosa and producer Andrea Warren.

20th Century Studios

Fans of the 1990s comedy Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion received a major surprise when Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow appeared onstage to announce Romy & Michele 2.

The sequel will also feature Alan Cumming, Camryn Manheim, Keegan-Michael Key, Rob Huebel, Breckin Meyer, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Janeane Garofalo.

The movie will debut exclusively on Hulu in 2027.

Marvel Studios

Marvel Studios brought some of the biggest stars and announcements of the evening to the Honda Center.

VisionQuest Arrives on Disney+

Paul Bettany and James Spader joined Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige to unveil a first look at VisionQuest.

The new Marvel Television series will conclude the trilogy that began with WandaVision and continued with Agatha All Along.

The story follows Vision after he has escaped from those seeking to weaponize him. As he searches for meaning, he encounters AI personalities from his programming, including F.R.I.D.A.Y., E.D.I.T.H., J.A.R.V.I.S. and Ultron.

The series will premiere exclusively on Disney+ on October 14, 2026.

Avengers: Doomsday Gets New Look

With Avengers: Doomsday approaching, Kevin Feige was joined by Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans and Hayley Atwell for a special look at the upcoming Marvel Studios blockbuster.

Downey Jr. will portray Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom, while the film brings together heroes from three different universes for an existential conflict.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 18, 2026, with tickets now available.

New X-Men Film Reveals More Cast

Marvel closed its portion of the showcase by revealing additional casting for its upcoming X-Men film.

Sadie Sink, who will portray Jean Grey, was joined by Kit Connor as Scott Summers, Christopher Abbott as Professor Charles Xavier, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, Inde Navarrette as Rogue and Maya Boyd as Storm.

Adam Driver also revealed that he will portray Nathaniel Milbury.

The currently untitled X-Men film is scheduled for theatrical release on May 5, 2028.

Marvel’s Wolverine Gets New Trailer

Insomniac Games, Marvel Games and Sony Interactive Entertainment also unveiled a new trailer for Marvel’s Wolverine.

The highly anticipated PlayStation 5 game is scheduled to launch on September 15.

Lucasfilm and Star Wars

Lucasfilm brought several major announcements to D23, including updates on Ahsoka and a brand-new theatrical Star Wars adventure.

Ahsoka Season 2 Trailer Debuts

Dave Filoni joined Rosario Dawson, Hayden Christensen and Eman Esfandi to unveil the teaser trailer for Season 2 of Ahsoka.

The new season will continue Ahsoka Tano and Sabine Wren’s journey while the New Republic faces the growing threat of Grand Admiral Thrawn.

Season 2 of Ahsoka premieres exclusively on Disney+ on January 20, 2027.

Ryan Gosling Leads Star Wars: Starfighter

Director Shawn Levy brought Ryan Gosling to the stage to discuss Star Wars: Starfighter, a new theatrical adventure set in the Star Wars universe.

The film follows a cynical rogue whose mysterious past pulls him into a dangerous journey across the galaxy.

The cast also includes Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, Flynn Gray and Amy Adams.

Star Wars: Starfighter opens in theaters on May 28, 2027.

Walt Disney Animation Studios

Disney Animation delivered several major surprises during the showcase.

Zootopia 3 Is Officially in Development

Following the enormous success of Zootopia 2, Disney Animation Chief Creative Officer Jared Bush confirmed that Zootopia 3 is officially in early development.

Ginnifer Goodwin and Ke Huy Quan joined Bush onstage to celebrate the announcement and presented an exclusive sequence to D23 attendees.

No release date has been announced.

New Original Film Clay Announced

Disney Animation also revealed Clay, a new original animated feature currently in production.

Academy Award winner Kieran Culkin will voice Flip, a rebellious misfit who is unexpectedly selected to mentor a young ball of clay named Mushy.

The pair become involved in a chaotic adventure through a magical forest populated by fantastical creatures.

Clay is scheduled for theatrical release in 2028.

Disney’s Hexed Adds Major New Voices

Disney also revealed new casting for Disney’s Hexed, which is scheduled to open in theaters on November 25, 2026.

Hailee Steinfeld will voice Billie Doe, while Walton Goggins will voice Beef Roger Crummchuk, a reclusive three-eyed magical cat who becomes an unlikely ally.

Two-time Academy Award winner Jodie Foster will voice Queen Celeste, the sinister ruler determined to maintain her control over the magical realm of Hexe.

Frozen 3 Reveals New Villain

The evening ended with a huge Frozen surprise.

Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel performed a new version of “Frozen Heart,” while Josh Gad debuted a new song for Olaf titled “Ooooh, Samantha.”

The presentation then revealed new animation featuring Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven — along with a mysterious new villainess whose powers appear to rival Elsa’s.

Frozen 3 is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 24, 2027.

Disney Television and Streaming Announcements

The entertainment showcase also featured several major television and streaming announcements.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 3

The cast of Percy Jackson and the Olympians appeared onstage for a dramatic presentation inspired by The Titan’s Curse.

Walker Scobell was joined by surprise guests Ming-Na Wen and Andra Day, who helped unveil the official teaser trailer for Season 3.

The new season will premiere on Disney+ on November 20, 2026.

Kingdom Hearts Animated Series

Disney Channel and Disney+ have officially greenlit an original anime series inspired by the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise.

Developed in partnership with series creator Tetsuya Nomura and Square Enix, the new project will feature an original story that expands the Kingdom Hearts universe.

National Geographic’s LION

National Geographic transported D23 attendees to Kenya’s Maasai Mara with a presentation for LION.

The series follows a real pride and a cub named Kio over four years as he grows toward becoming king.

LION premieres on National Geographic on August 19 and begins streaming on Disney+ and Hulu on August 20.

Camp Rock 3

The Jonas Brothers appeared to celebrate Camp Rock 3 with a musical performance featuring the next generation of stars.

The movie is now streaming on Disney+.

Disney Theatrical Group Announces The Greatest Showman Stage Adaptation

Disney Theatrical Group announced that its new stage adaptation of The Greatest Showman will move to London’s West End in spring 2027 following a sold-out run at the Bristol Hippodrome.

The production features songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, a book by Tim Federle, and direction and choreography by Casey Nicholaw.

Several stars from the production appeared during the D23 showcase, including Oliver Tompsett, Samantha Barks and Malinda Parris.

More Announcements From the Anaheim Convention Center

The announcements weren’t limited to the Honda Center.

Throughout the day, the Anaheim Convention Center hosted panels, presentations, anniversary celebrations and behind-the-scenes experiences covering virtually every corner of Disney.

Fans received looks at properties including Bob’s Burgers and The Simpsons, while Disney also celebrated the anniversaries of Enchanted and Beauty and the Beast.

The Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game and Disney Pin Trading received dedicated programming, while ESPN and National Geographic offered additional behind-the-scenes looks.

The day concluded with the Disney Rewind Concert, celebrating music from Disney films of the 1980s and 1990s. Disney Legends including Jodi Benson and Bill Farmer performed alongside incoming Disney Legend Susan Egan.

Disney and Formula 1 Extend “Fuel the Magic”

Disney and Formula 1 announced an extension of their “Fuel the Magic” collaboration through 2028.

Originally launched in 2025, the partnership combines Disney storytelling with Formula 1 racing through immersive experiences, content and merchandise.

Mundo Pixar Is Coming to the United States

The Mundo Pixar Experience, described as the world’s largest immersive Pixar experience, will embark on its first-ever U.S. tour beginning in 2027.

The experience has previously visited locations including the United Kingdom, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Belgium, Seoul and Tokyo.

Additional information about the U.S. tour will be announced at a later date.

Disney Continues Support for Make-A-Wish

Make-A-Wish was also prominently featured throughout D23, with Disney highlighting the company’s ongoing work with the organization.

Several event experiences, including the Disney VoluntEARS Pavilion, Disney Rewind Concert and Disney x Formula 1 Fuel the Magic Booth, helped raise awareness of Make-A-Wish and its efforts to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses.

D23’s Biggest Show Floor Yet

Beyond the announcements, D23 attendees had access to the largest show floor in the event’s history.

The Anaheim Convention Center was transformed with immersive environments, interactive experiences, exclusive merchandise and opportunities to meet the storytellers behind Disney’s biggest franchises.

Fans could shop for limited-edition collectibles, pins, artwork, apparel, books and other event-exclusive merchandise throughout the convention center.

The first day ultimately demonstrated just how broad Disney’s entertainment empire has become, with announcements stretching from animated classics and blockbuster franchises to streaming series, video games, live theater and immersive experiences.

Clint Gamache

Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83