Disneyland Resort is throwing a park-wide kickoff party before D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event takes over Anaheim — and this year's D23 Day lineup is stacked. On Thursday, August 13, 2026, both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure will fill up with limited-time entertainment, exclusive merchandise, special treats, and a rare live concert, all leading into the three-day fan event that follows August 14–16.

Here's the important part for planning: you don't need a D23 membership or an event ticket to join in. Every guest with valid theme park admission and a park reservation for August 13 can take part in the celebration, including D23 members and Ultimate Disney Fan Event attendees. If you were already planning a park day around D23, this is the one to circle.

Let's walk through everything that's happening.

Free Ear Hats and Commemorative Guides — While Supplies Last

Starting at park opening on August 13, guests entering either Disneyland park or Disney California Adventure can pick up a complimentary Mickey Mouse ear hat featuring the D23 Day logo, along with a commemorative guide. These are limited to one per ticketed guest and available while supplies last, so if the free ears are a priority, plan for an early rope-drop arrival. Note that embroidery isn't offered on these particular hats.

Disney Legends Cavalcade — 1:30 p.m. at Disneyland

One of the signature moments of the day rolls down Main Street, U.S.A. at 1:30 p.m. The Disney Legends Cavalcade features 23 characters (a fun nod to D23 itself), the Disneyland Band, and select Disney Legends who've been honored for their lasting impact on the company. Grab a spot along the parade route early — a 23-character cavalcade is going to draw a crowd.

D23 Day Entertainment Across the Resort

Beyond the cavalcade, entertainment is spread across the resort all day:

• Rare character sightings in Fantasyland: Keep an eye out for Merlin from The Sword in the Stone and the Blue Fairy from Pinocchio as they wander Disneyland's Fantasyland — both are uncommon meet-and-greets worth hunting down.
• Stitch's Interplanetary Beach Party Bash: From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Tomorrowland Terrace, younger guests and families can dance with Stitch and friends.
• Disney+ Hulu Throwbacks Dance Party: That same Tomorrowland Terrace stage turns into a nighttime dance party from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

As always, check Disneyland.com and the Disneyland app the day of your visit for the most current entertainment schedule.

Photo Opportunities and Free PhotoPass Downloads

D23 Day Magic Shot from Disney PhotoPass at Disneyland Resort. Images: Disney

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D23 Day icon photo locations will be set up at Town Square in Disneyland, Pixar Pier in California Adventure, and in Downtown Disney. For something more collectible, photo booths in the Hollywood Backlot (California Adventure) and Fantasyland Theater (Disneyland) will offer D23 Day-themed photo strips for an additional fee.

Here's a genuinely great perk: all guests with valid admission and a park reservation on August 13 can receive complimentary unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital downloads for photos taken that day, including special D23 Day Magic Shots. Online registration is required, and standard PhotoPass terms apply. If you've ever debated paying for PhotoPass, this is the day to take full advantage of your park photographers.

Activities at the Disneyland Resort Hotels

Love is in the air at Disneyland Hotel. On August 13, head to Rose Court Garden for a Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings experience featuring immersive entertainment and unique photo ops. And throughout the month of August, the hotel will host a photo opportunity inspired by the upcoming film Camp Rock 3.

Special Merchandise, Bucket, and a Treat

D23 Day at Disneyland Resort merchandise collections. Images: Disney

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The merch drop is one of the biggest parts of D23 Day. Everything below launches August 13 while supplies last:

• D23 Day Logo Collection — A colorful tee, trading pin, and magnet featuring the D23 Day logo. Available at Emporium (Disneyland), Elias & Co. (California Adventure), and World of Disney (Downtown Disney).
• Disneylandia Collection — A collaboration with Southern California-based, Latina-owned streetwear brand Viva La Bonita. Titled "Donde Empiezan Los Sueños," the collection blends culture and storytelling around the idea of Disneyland as a place where dreams begin. Available at Emporium, Elias & Co., and The D-Lander Shop.
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame 30th Anniversary — A Spirit Jersey, ear headband, trading pin, mug, and more celebrating 30 years of the film. Available at Emporium, Off the Page (California Adventure), and World of Disney. Also coming to the D23 Marketplace during the event and to DisneyStore.com later.
• Alice in Wonderland 75th Anniversary — A pastel apparel and accessories collection inspired by the Queen of Hearts' love of croquet, marking 75 years of the film. Available at Clothiers (Disneyland), Elias & Co., and The D-Lander Shop, with later availability at the D23 Marketplace and DisneyStore.com.
• D23 Day Medallions — Four distinct designs available for the first time in capsules or as a complete four-medallion set. Available at Candy Palace (Disneyland), Kingswell Shop (California Adventure), and near the Star Wars Trading Post in Downtown Disney.

Haunted Mansion Hatbox Ghost popcorn bucket and Sorcerer Mickey cake pop for D23 Day. Images: Disney

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On the food front:

• Haunted Mansion Hatbox Ghost Popcorn Bucket — A new novelty bucket available beginning August 13 at multiple popcorn and quick-service locations across both parks. Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply.
• Sorcerer Apprentice Mickey Cake Pop — Available at Candy Palace (Disneyland), Trolley Treats (California Adventure), and Disney Wonderful World of Sweets (Downtown Disney).

"Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration" — A One-Night Live Performance

This is the headline event of the night. In anticipation of World Princess Week, a limited number of fans can attend the live performance of "Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration" at Paradise Gardens Park in California Adventure — billed as the largest gathering of Disney Princess talent ever assembled, spanning animation, live-action, stage, and music. Expect dazzling lights, sweeping projections, and sky-high fountains.

Here's how to try for it:

• Virtual queue enrollment opens at 12:00 p.m. PST through the Disneyland app, after you've entered California Adventure (or entered Disneyland with a valid Park Hopper ticket).
• Performance times are 8:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. PST.
• If your admittance group is called, head to Hyperion Theater Courtyard between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to scan your code and pick up your wristband. A signed filming release is required.

Admittance groups are extremely limited and available while supplies last, and a valid California Adventure admission plus wristband is required to participate. Can't get in? The concert will stream on Disney+ and air on Disney Channel, Freeform, and ABC's The Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday, August 16.

D23 Offers and Discounts at Downtown Disney — August 1–16

D23 specialty food and drinks at Downtown Disney District. Images: Disney

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From August 1 through August 16, select Downtown Disney locations will offer special deals and discounts for guests who show a D23 Event badge or D23 Gold Membership Card. Participating spots include Beignets Expressed, Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, California Churro, Céntrico, Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, Kawaii Slime Co., Lovepop, Naples Ristorante e Bar, PANDORA, Parkside Market, Paseo, Salt & Straw, Sunglass Hut, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, The LEGO Store, and Wetzel's Pretzels.

A handful of specialty food and beverage items are available to all guests during that window, no membership needed — including the Family Gold Ube Cheesecake from Parkside Market and the Berry Bliss & Choco Crunch Duo from Beignets Expressed, plus specialty drinks at Ballast Point, Céntrico, Parkside Market, and Paseo.

Not a D23 member but want in on the discounts? You can join D23: The Official Disney Fan Club to access these and other perks.

Then Comes D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event — August 14–16

Once D23 Day wraps, the celebration moves to the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, running August 14–16. Select tickets remain available with prices starting at $49.

Planning Takeaways

If you're building a park day around August 13, here's what's worth prioritizing:

• Arrive at rope drop for the best shot at the free D23 Day ear hats and commemorative guide.
• Register your PhotoPass account in advance so the free digital downloads are ready to go.
• Be in a park by noon if you want a chance at the Disney Princess concert virtual queue.
• Stake out a Main Street spot before 1:30 p.m. for the Disney Legends Cavalcade.
• Budget time for Downtown Disney if you're a D23 member chasing the merch and food deals.

It's shaping up to be one of the busiest and most rewarding single days on the Disneyland calendar this summer. We'll keep tracking details as Disney releases more, so check back for updates.