Disney has revealed that Neil Patrick Harris will host the Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event on Saturday, August 15, at 7pm at the Honda Center in Anaheim.
The showcase — titled Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase — is the presentation where new theme park announcements, behind-the-scenes looks, and special performances are expected. It's the highlight of the weekend for park fans, and the format this year appears to be a notable departure from previous D23 showcases.
A Different Approach This Year
In past years, then-Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro commanded the entire parks presentation himself, with Imagineers brought to the stage to discuss specific projects as the show progressed. D'Amaro's presentations were known for their energy and personal delivery, and he became the face of Disney parks announcements at D23.
This year, that role belongs to Neil Patrick Harris. New Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum is expected to appear, but based on the announcement, his role looks to be significantly smaller than what D'Amaro handled in previous showcases. Rather than leading the entire presentation, Mazloum appears to be one of several contributors, with Harris steering the show throughout.
Whether that reflects a deliberate change in format or simply a different communication style from the new chairman remains to be seen. Either way, the structure of the showcase has clearly shifted.
About the Showcase
Inspired by the classic EPCOT attraction Carousel of Progress, Neil Patrick Harris will guide the show and lead conversations with the Imagineers, storytellers, artists, and innovators behind upcoming Disney Experiences around the world. Expect behind-the-scenes looks, special performances, new announcements, and surprises.
Building on the ambitious slate announced at D23 2024 — which included Villains Land and Cars Land at Magic Kingdom, Monsters, Inc. at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom — this year's showcase is expected to go deeper on those projects and potentially reveal new ones.
Full Programming Lineup Also Revealed
Alongside the Experiences Showcase announcement, Disney has revealed the full programming schedule for all three days at the Anaheim Convention Center. It's a substantial lineup across five stages. Highlights include:
Jonas Brothers Live
The Jonas Brothers — members of the 2026 Disney Legends class — will record a live episode of their iHeartPodcast Hey Jonas! at D23, celebrating their Disney milestone with behind-the-scenes stories and special guests.
The Muppets Musical History with Seth MacFarlane
Grammy-nominated vocalist and Emmy winner Seth MacFarlane joins special guests for a conversation about the Muppets songbook, including the inspiration behind his upcoming Muppets orchestral album.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 3
The cast and producers offer a first look and behind-the-scenes stories as Season 3 brings The Titan's Curse to life on Disney+.
Camp Rock 3: The Next Generation
Fresh off the world premiere, the stars share stories from the new era of the Camp Rock franchise.
Bluey: From the Backyard to the Big Screen
The team behind Bluey discusses the journey from a backyard in Brisbane to the big screen in 2027's The Bluey Movie.
Beauty and the Beast: A Tale as Old as Time
A 35th anniversary celebration featuring Disney Legends Paige O'Hara, Don Hahn, and Mark Henn, alongside 2026 honoree Susan Egan.
D23 Mousequerade: The Ultimate Disney Costume Contest presented by AT&T
Hosted by Nina West, with judges Yvette Nicole Brown, Ashley Eckstein, and Bobby Kim. Fans vote alongside the judges.
The Simpsons: Stories from Springfield
The cast and creative team discuss storytelling in Springfield, more than three decades in.
DEEP DIVE into KINGDOM HEARTS
A 25th anniversary celebration of the saga that united Disney, Pixar, and Square Enix, with insights from the creative team and voice cast.
Disney Legends in Conversation
Hosted by Disney Legend Robin Roberts, members of the 2026 Disney Legends class share stories from their careers.
A New Documentary from Leslie Iwerks
A panel and debut screening of a new Leslie Iwerks feature coming to Disney+, exploring how Disney's greatest storytellers draw inspiration from the parks.
Making Disney Magic with Ron Clements
Legendary Disney Animation director Ron Clements discusses his new book alongside Disney Legends Jodi Benson, Susan Egan, and Mark Henn, plus incoming Legend Eric Goldberg.
Floating Mountains: A Conversation with Joe Rohde
Disney Legend Joe Rohde discusses his memoir and his work on Animal Kingdom, Aulani, and beyond.
Zootopia: Ten Years in the Mammal Metropolis
A 10th anniversary celebration with stars and filmmakers including Jared Bush, Byron Howard, and Michael Giacchino.
75 Years of Nonsense: Alice in Wonderland
A look back at rarely seen production art, plus behind the scenes of the newly restored version of the classic film.
Disney Music Presents: The Art of the Score
Grammy-winning composer Michael Giacchino shares his creative process, with a special performance by Anthony Gonzalez.
Scrubs: Scrubbing Back In
The cast and executive producers of the Scrubs revival discuss the return to Sacred Heart.
Disney Style Around the World
Iconic Disney fashion from around the globe, featuring Bobby Kim, Tiia Chandler from Crocs, and supermodel Lily Aldridge.
Celebrate 65 Years of Marvel's Spider-Man
Sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes stories, and a look at Spider-Man's enduring pop culture legacy.
The Force of Innovation — Hasbro's Grogu Animatronic
The development team behind Hasbro's Ultimate Grogu collectible discusses bringing the character to life.
Additional programming includes panels on Disney pin trading, Disney Lorcana, Disney Dreamlight Valley, Bob's Burgers, HUZ: Drawn to Life, Walt Disney: 125 Years of Inspiration, Disney and the Grammys, Bedknobs and Broomsticks' 55th anniversary, One Hundred and One Dalmatians' 65th anniversary, Ink & Paint at Disney Animation, and more.
The Spotlight Stage presented by Fandango returns to the show floor across all three days with trivia, sing-alongs hosted by Nina West, and a performance from Mëtal Möuse: The Music of Disney — Electrified!
Tickets Still Available
A limited number of tickets remain, including the 3-Day D23 Ultimate Preferred Fan Pass, Sunday D23 Fan Pass, and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Afternoon Only D23 Fan Passes starting at $49.
The Reservation RSP opens Monday, July 20, at 12pm PT and closes Friday, July 24, at 12pm PT. Confirmed reservations will be communicated by email from August 7.
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