Destination D23 is typically a much smaller Disney fan event held in the years between the massive, biennial D23 Expo.
The 2025 event at Walt Disney World may be looking to change that perception.
Destination D23 will last from Aug 29-31, 2025 and be held at Disney World’s Coronado Springs Resort, moving from its usual home at the Contemporary Resort. Along with the expected presentations — such as the usual panel with new details on Disney theme park parks projects — the 2025 event will include two new special events.
On Sat. Aug. 30, Destination D23 ticket holders will have nighttime access to Typhoon Lagoon for Kuzcotopia Night, celebrating the 25th anniversary of “The Emperor’s New Groove.” Disney said in its press release about the event: “Look out for complimentary snacks, photo opportunities, special activities, and exclusive entertainment at this ultra neat, squeak squeakin’ member-only party.”
Then on Sunday, Aug. 31, Disney will hold a special concert themed around Disney songs of the 1980s and 90s. Disney said, “It’s a fan-inspired, Disney+ extravaganza as we go from ‘Zero to Hero’ and see it ‘I 2 I’ with musical moments from: ‘Hercules,’ ‘A Goofy Movie,’ Toy Story,’ ‘The Little Mermaid,’ ‘Aladdin,’ ‘Mulan’ ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ ‘Pocahontas,’ ‘The Lion King,’ The Disney Afternoon and more.”
Destination D23 will also offer special merchandise at pop-up shops like Mickey’s of Glendale and the Ink & Paint Marketplace.
Tickets for the late summer event go on sale on Monday, April 14 at 1 p.m. eastern time. To buy tickets for yourself, you have to be a D23 Gold member — which costs $50 per year — and then pay another $299 for an event ticket. Preferred options at $549 and Premier tickets at $799 are also available. Each D23 member can buy tickets for themselves and up to one guest.