An event for the best fans in the world.
I’ve always heard that the D23 Expo is the ultimate Disney fan experience, but nothing could have prepared me for the magic that unfolded on my first day. From the moment I stepped into the Anaheim Convention Center, I was swept up in a whirlwind of nostalgia, excitement, and pure Disney joy. Here’s a glimpse into my unforgettable first day at D23.
The weekend is filled with so many exciting events for fans such as panels, booths, eatery, shopping and so much more. I am going to fill you in on what panels The Knockturnal was invited to and trust me, every detail is going to keep you wanting to read more.
Behind the Summer Shenanigans with the Phineas and Ferb Creators
The day kicked off with a trip down memory lane at the “Behind the Summer Shenanigans with the Phineas and Ferb Creators” panel. As a lifelong fan of the show, I was thrilled to see Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh take the stage. Their stories of how the show began were both hilarious and heartwarming. Hearing Dan talk about sketching the characters on a tablecloth a decade before they came to life on screen was a surreal reminder of the creative journey behind the show.
“You draw these guys on a tablecloth ten years earlier, and here they are dancing around and doing these songs that we wrote for the first season,” Dan said.
But the highlight was when Dan and Jeff gave us a drawing lesson on how to create the iconic characters. Watching him sketch Phineas in real-time while answering fans’ questions was a treat I didn’t know I needed. The room erupted into cheers when they announced a new season, and I found myself grinning ear to ear, surrounded by fellow die-hard fans who shared the same love for these quirky characters as I did. Dan and Jeff assured the fans that their work is something they love to continue to do and will whether it be through new seasons of Phineas and Ferb or their other spin-off shows, Milo Murphy’s Law or Hamster & Gretel
Celebrating 30 Years of Toy Story
Next, I headed to the “30 Years of Toy Story” panel, and as I entered the room, there was a room with blue bright lights and an audience filled with seats of adoring fans. The panel was a gathering of legends: Katherine Sarafian, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, Bonnie Arnold, Bob Pauley, and Jonas Rivera. Their reflections on the making of Toy Story were filled with never-before-heard anecdotes that left me in awe of the creative genius behind the movie.
One particularly touching moment was when Stanton shared a picture of Woody’s pull-string phrases, revealing that Tom Hanks had improvised some of them. They kept this film dear to their hearts by adoring every part of the process that they can now take to their Disney archives.
“There’s a snake in my boots” was a crew favorite, and it’s easy to see why it’s become such a beloved line. The panel took a somber turn as they paid tribute to four members of the original team who have since passed: Ralph Eggleston, Joe Ranft, Bud Luckey, and Glenn McQueen. Hearing the panelists talk about the importance of these individuals to the film’s success made me feel incredibly fortunate to be in the room, witnessing this slice of Disney’s history.
Disney Entertainment Showcase: A Night of Surprises
Now this is where the real fun began, unveiling all of Disney’s updates and future projects alongside trailers, visuals, and a few surprise guests.
I will be providing you with all the details below.
Moana 2
The first big reveal of the evening was the much-anticipated Moana 2. The extended trailer transported us back to the lush islands of Polynesia, where Moana’s journey continues. This time, a new, stormy threat compels her to reteam with Maui, as she strives to protect the life she has built with her family. The room was electric with excitement as stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho took the stage. Cravalho’s description of Moana as a leader of both land and sea, now also a devoted big sister, added depth to her character, promising a rich narrative in the upcoming film. The in-person dance number that accompanied the trailer brought the spirit of the islands to life, setting the perfect tone for the night.
Avatar: Fire and Ash
In a surprise appearance that left the audience in awe, legendary director James Cameron revealed the official title of the third installment in the Avatar saga: Avatar: Fire and Ash. While no footage was shown, the first look at concept art hinted at a visually stunning continuation of the story. Stars Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington shared their excitement, building anticipation for the film’s release on December 19, 2025. The title alone sparked a flurry of speculation about the new environments and challenges that await the characters, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.
Toy Story 5
Pixar’s announcement of Toy Story 5 was met with a mix of nostalgia and gasps throughout the arena. Directed by Andrew Stanton, the mastermind behind Wall-E and Finding Nemo, this new chapter in the Toy Story universe promises to explore the toys’ encounters with technology—and a band of 50 rogue Buzz Lightyears who copy each of each other’s moves. The brief details shared hinted at a fresh and inventive story that continues to expand the beloved franchise. With a release date set for summer 2026, fans were left eagerly awaiting what new adventures Woody, Buzz, and the gang would embark on next.
Incredibles 3
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night was the official announcement of Incredibles 3. After years of speculation, Pixar confirmed that the superhero family we all love is suiting up once again. With Brad Bird back at the helm, expectations are sky-high for this third installment. While details remain scarce, the mere mention of the project was enough to send the crowd into a craze. The Incredibles has always pushed the boundaries of animation and storytelling, and fans are eager to see what new challenges and villains the Parr family will face.
Zootopia 2
The Fox and Bunny duo are back. A first look at Zootopia 2 introduced a brand-new setting with reptiles that in ootopia do not have ethe best reputation. Who is going to play this new reptile character named Gary, well the reveal had me jumping out of my seat with excitement, with none other than Oscar-winning actor, Ke Huy Quan. The sequel will explore a semi-aquatic area known as Marsh Market, where Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde will embark on their next big adventure. The sneak peek at the footage was met with cheers, as fans welcomed the return of this vibrant and inventive world. With a release date set for November 26, 2025, the anticipation is already building in this animal kingdom.
Frozen 3
The Frozen franchise is far from over, as director Jennifer Lee took the stage to reveal concept art for Frozen 3. The stunning visuals hinted at a continuation of Elsa and Anna’s journey, with Lee teasing that the story is so expansive that it may require not one but two films to fully explore. The fandom has so many questions yet to be revealed it is fitting for there to be more Frozen content to come. The crowd was captivated by the promise of more adventures in the enchanted world of Arendelle, even as they were left wondering what new challenges the sisters would face. With the film set for a 2027 release, fans have plenty of time to speculate about what’s in store.
Hoppers
While Pixar is known for its beloved franchises, it’s also pushing boundaries with new original stories like Hoppers. The announcement introduced the world to this fresh animated film, starring Jon Hamm, Bobby Moynihan, and Piper Curda. Set to hit theaters in spring 2026, Hoppers promises to bring something entirely new to the Pixar canon. The brief teaser and the stellar cast have already sparked curiosity about what this film will bring to the table, and fans are eager to see how it will fit into Pixar’s rich legacy of storytelling.
Elio
Before diving into its upcoming sequels and new projects, Pixar gave us a closer look at Elio, a space-themed adventure set to premiere on June 13, 2025. This original film takes viewers on a journey to new worlds, with a fresh cast of characters, including Zoe Saldana as Elio’s aunt. The trailer, which was exclusive to D23 attendees, hinted at a visually spectacular and emotionally resonant story that is sure to capture the imagination of audiences. With its unique premise and stunning animation, Elio is shaping up to be another Pixar classic in the making.
Lilo & Stitch: Live Action
As Disney continues to breathe new life into its animated classics, the live-action Lilo & Stitch adaptation was one of the most anticipated reveals. The first look at Stitch in his new, more realistic form was met with a mix of excitement and curiosity. Maintaining the character’s signature mischief while giving him a furry, puppy-like appearance, this adaptation seems poised to capture the hearts of both new audiences and longtime fans. With the film set to release in the summer 2025, the excitement is only just beginning to build.
The Mandolorian and Grogu
The iconic duo takes the big screen. The Star Wars universe continues to expand with the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu movie, and the footage revealed at D23 did not disappoint. Teasing Grogu in a full suit of Mandalorian Beskar armor, alongside familiar settings like what appeared to be Hoth, the movie promises to be an epic continuation of the duo’s adventures. Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni’s presence on stage only heightened the anticipation, as they shared their excitement about bringing this beloved pair to the big screen. Set to release on May 22, 2026, this is one Star Wars project that fans won’t want to miss.
Tron: Ares
The legacy of Tron continues to evolve with Tron: Ares, as Jeff Bridges, Jared Leto, Evan Peters and other key figures from the franchise took the stage to share new details. The reveal of exclusive footage, featuring a new technological villain, captivated the audience, promising a thrilling addition to the Tron universe. The collaboration with Nine Inch Nails for the soundtrack was a particularly exciting detail, ensuring that the film will have a unique and immersive audio experience. Set to premiere in 2025, Tron: Ares is set to push the boundaries of live-action storytelling in true Tron fashion.
Mufasa: Live Action
The showcase ended on a high note with a first look at Mufasa: The Lion King. This Pride Rock prequel, which explores the early days of Mufasa and Scar’s friendship, was beautifully teased in a new trailer. With music arranged by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the film promises to deliver a fresh perspective on one of Disney’s most iconic stories. As Rafiki recounts the tale of the future king, the audience is treated to a glimpse of the deep emotional core that will drive the narrative. Set to release on December 20, 2024, Mufasa: The Lion King left the audience with a sense of anticipation and excitement, perfectly closing out the night.
When it comes to D23 always expect the unexpected. This ticketed event promises joy like no other. With the event taking place biennially, adding this experience to your next adventure is truly worth all the hype it is made to be.
