Join D23: The Official Disney Fan Club at the Biggest Disney Fan Event of the year, as we celebrate 50 years of the Walt Disney World Resort and so much more! Catch some of the exciting presentations of Destination D23 presented by Topps, as they are live-streamed from Walt Disney World to a device near you!

Select panels on Saturday, ­­November 20, and Sunday, November 21, will be available for your enjoyment through our social media channels and D23.com. So be sure to save the dates and follow us on FacebookYouTubeTwitter, or on D23.com where you can see exactly what goes into making the magic of Disney stories, and more.­

Destination D23 Live! Event Program:

 Please be advised: All schedules are subject to change without notice.

Walt Disney Company Florida

Photo: Orlando Sentinel

Saturday, November 20, 2021

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET: Morning Presentations, including:

  • Destination D23 Welcome
  • Connections: A Look at the Future of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products  Around the world, we’re re-establishing connections—returning to our happy places with the people who mean the most to us, and making brand-new memories. In this session, DPEP Chairman Josh D’Amaro will share how, even in the most difficult of times, Disney continues to inspire and unite us through connections to beloved people and places… to treasured hopes and dreams… and to the power of magic and endless possibilities. You’ll get a first look at some of the newest projects around the world, and of course a little Disney magic along the way.
  • Planes, Trains, and Monorails: Walt Disney World on the Move Presented by Enterprise®  Host Bret Iwan and an array of Imagineers take us on a journey of Walt Disney World transportation, from Walt Disney’s Airplane to the Disney Skyliner.
  • Walt ’70s World  A pop culture-fueled ride through the first of the Disney decades that defined Walt Disney World, featuring former Walt Disney World Ambassadors Ken Facey and Stephen Lim.

12 p.m. – 2 p.m. ET: Afternoon Break

2 p.m. – 5 p.m. ET: Afternoon Presentations, including:

  • Drawn to Life: Inside Disney’s first Collaboration with Cirque Du Soliel  Cirque du Soleil’s Michel Laprise and Fabrice Becker sit down with Natalie Woodward of Disney Live Entertainment and legendary Disney Animator Eric Goldberg to look back over the years-long process of creating Drawn to Life, from the team’s early Animator’s Trust up to their emotions following the show’s grand opening.
  • World Building for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser  Learn how this all-new two-night immersive experience is coming to life, and how it connects to the broader Star Wars galaxy, with host Ashley Eckstein and an array of the creative minds behind the project.
  • Magical Entertainment for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration  Join the Walt Disney World Ambassadors, Disney Live Entertainment Creative Director Tom Vazzana, and some special guests for a look at new experiences created for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” along with a few surprises!
  • The Art and Imagery of Walt Disney World  Join longtime Imagineering executive Peggie Fariss, and Imagineers Gary LandrumMike Pucher, and Stacy Shoff as they share stories of 50 years of the most gorgeous, stunning, and fascinating artwork and images behind The Most Magical Place on Earth.
  • Walt ’80s World  Join us for a totally awesome pop culture-fueled ride through the second Disney decade that defined Walt Disney World.
Drawn to Life Disney Springs

Imave: Disney/Cirque du Soleil

Sunday, November 18, 2021

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET: Morning Presentations, including:

  • Disney+ Download at Destination D23  Fresh off the heels of Disney+ Day, join Disney+ and friends for a look at what’s trending and what’s next for the streaming service.
  • Onboard the Disney Wish: Creativity & Inspiration Sets Sail  Hear from Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Cruise Line Entertainment as they share stories of designing the new spaces on board the next generation of ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
  • The Dawn of the Disney World  Join Steven Vagnini, author and historian behind the new Disney Editions coffee table book A Portrait of Walt Disney World: 50 Years of The Most Magical Place on Earth,for an entertaining presentation on the development of the resort, followed by a lively discussion with Global Ambassador for the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary Celebration George A. Kalogridis, inaugural Walt Disney World Ambassador Debby Dane Browne, and longtime Imagineering executive Peggie Fariss for a conversation about their experiences being a part of the resort’s unveiling and 1971 opening (and beyond). To close out the session, Walt Disney Archives director Becky Cline will host a special appearance by Disney Legend Dick Nunis for a look at how Walt Disney’s greatest dream was transformed into the Vacation Kingdom of the World.

12 p.m. – 2 p.m. ET: Afternoon Break

2 p.m. – 5 p.m. ET: Afternoon Presentations, including:

  • Delicious Disney: 50 Years of Walt Disney World – Join host Morgan Gaines and authors Pam Brandon and Marcy Carriker Smothers for a half century of culinary history, including stories and a look behind the creation of the new Delicious Disney Walt Disney World: Recipes & Stories from the Most Magical Place on Earth.
  • From the Vault: Merchandise Memories of Walt Disney World – Actress and fashion icon Ashley Eckstein and the Walt Disney Archives’ own Kelsey Williams join the creative minds behind the latest must-have Walt Disney World collections for a look at the past, present, and future of the merchandise you love to collect!
  • Walt ’90s World – Oh snap! The last of our pop culture-fueled rides through the Disney decades that defined Walt Disney World.
  • Musical Attractions of Walt Disney World – Join Imagineers Tom Fitzgerald and John Dennis on a journey through 50 years of Walt Disney World music, highlighting songs and scores from some fan-favorite attractions—past and present.
  • A FAN-Tastic Finale – The musical culmination of an exciting weekend, featuring performances from Disney’s a cappella sensation DCappella, recording artist and star of Broadway’s The Lion King Syndee Winters, and some very special surprises.

DETAILS
Destination D23 Live! Presented by Topps will take place Saturday, ­­November 20, and Sunday, November 21 between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET.

Where to watch:

Looking for more ways to celebrate 50 magical years of Walt Disney World Resort? Become a D23 Gold Member today and enjoy the exclusive 2021 D23 Gold Member Collector Set! Join Now.

Thinking about a Disney getaway? 2021 packages are available for booking and 2022 packages are now open! Fill out our form below or contact me today for your FREE, no-obligation quote for a Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line or Adventures By Disney vacation! My magical planning services are included at no extra cost. Get in touch at 843-288-1130, via email at whitney@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

Source: D23