Good news for anyone with an August park day on the calendar: D23 Day at Disneyland Resort is back on Thursday, August 13, 2026, and you do not need a special event ticket to join the party. Any guest with valid park admission and a theme park reservation is invited. That means the free ear hats, the treats, the entertainment, and one very special Disney Princess concert are all fair game for regular park guests.
This is one of the most joyful days of the year at the resort, and it kicks off the biggest Disney week around. So grab your ears and your appetite, because we are walking you through everything happening that day, with a special eye on where to eat and what to snack on. Let’s get into it.
What Is D23 Day at Disneyland Resort?
D23 Day is a one-day, resort-wide celebration that sets off the countdown to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event over in Anaheim. The fun spreads across Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and the Downtown Disney District all day on August 13, 2026.
Since it is built right into a normal park day, there is no separate D23 Day ticket to buy. You just need admission and a reservation for whichever park you want to visit. Entertainment times and offerings can shift, so give the Disneyland app a quick check the morning of your trip for the latest schedule.
Free Ear Hats and a Commemorative Guide
Here is the perk everyone will be buzzing about. Starting at park opening on August 13, guests entering Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park can grab a complimentary Mickey Mouse ear hat featuring the D23 Day at Disneyland Resort logo, plus a commemorative guide. These are limited, and it is one per ticketed guest while supplies last.
A couple of quick things to know before you go. You have to be there in person to get yours, and embroidery is not available on these particular hats. Rope drop is your best friend here, so plan to arrive early if a free hat is on your wish list.
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog
Disney Legends Cavalcade
One of the signature moments of the day rolls down Main Street, U.S.A. at 1:30 p.m. The Disney Legends Cavalcade brings out the Disneyland Band, select Disney Legends, and 23 Disney characters for a joyful procession through Disneyland Park. Stake out a spot along the route early, because this one is a crowd favorite and the good curb space goes fast.
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog
Entertainment Across the Resort
Beyond the cavalcade, special entertainment pops up all over. Keep your eyes peeled in Fantasyland at Disneyland Park for two rare character appearances: Merlin from The Sword in the Stone and the Blue Fairy from Pinocchio. Moments like these do not come around often, so they are worth a photo.
Tomorrowland Terrace turns into a dance floor from afternoon straight into the night. Here is the lineup so far:
- Stitch’s Interplanetary Beach Party Bash runs 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., perfect for families dancing with Stitch and friends
- Disney+ Hulu Throwbacks Dance Party takes over from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. for a night of nostalgic hits
Where to Eat on D23 Day: Treats, Sweets, and Specialty Bites
Now for our favorite part. D23 Day comes loaded with limited-time food and drink, and a lot of it is available to every guest, not just event ticket holders. So come hungry, because there is a lot to taste.
Sweet Treats Inside the Parks
Two brand-new goodies debut on August 13 inside the gates. First up, the Haunted Mansion Hatbox Ghost Popcorn Bucket materializes at select popcorn locations throughout both parks. It is spooky, it is collectible, and it will absolutely be one of the day’s hottest items, so grab yours early. Expect a limit of two per person, per transaction, with no discounts applied.
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog
Got a sweet tooth? The new Sorcerer Apprentice Mickey Cake Pop is calling your name. You will find it at Candy Palace in Disneyland Park, Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure Park, and Disney Wonderful World of Sweets in Downtown Disney. It is the kind of adorable, camera-ready treat that practically demands a photo before the first bite.
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog
Specialty Eats in Downtown Disney
The tastiest surprise might be that Downtown Disney gets in on the fun early. August 1-16, a lineup of specialty food and drink items is available to all guests, no event ticket required. A few standouts to seek out:
- Family Gold Ube Cheesecake at Parkside Market, a gorgeous purple showstopper
- Berry Bliss & Choco Crunch Duo at Beignets Expressed, if warm beignets are your love language
- Specialty beverages at Ballast Point, Paseo, Céntrico, and Vista Parkside Market to sip while you stroll
These are the fun little extras that make a D23 Day visit feel like a food crawl. So pace yourself and share a few bites, because you will want to try more than one.
Deals for D23 Members and Event Attendees
If you are a D23 Gold Member or attending the Anaheim event, you get even more. August 1-16, plenty of Downtown Disney restaurants and shops roll out special discounts and offers, including Jazz Kitchen, Naples Ristorante, Parkside Market, Salt & Straw, Wetzel’s Pretzels, Splitsville, PANDORA, and the LEGO Store. Just show your D23 event badge or D23 Gold Membership Card to take advantage.
Planning a Sit-Down Meal? Book Early
Here is our honest advice as a dining-obsessed bunch. D23 Day falls during one of the busiest weeks of the year at the resort, so table-service reservations get snapped up fast. If a proper sit-down meal is part of your plan, whether that is the atmosphere at Blue Bayou Restaurant, the elegance of Carthay Circle Restaurant, or a relaxed lunch at Café Orleans, book as far ahead as you can.
Missed the window and everything looks full? Do not give up yet. Cancellations open up constantly, especially in the days before a big event. Set MouseDining dining alerts and we will ping you the moment a hard-to-find reservation frees up, so you can spend less time refreshing the app and more time enjoying the day.
Photo Opportunities and Free PhotoPass Downloads
Photo lovers, this one is for you. Every guest with valid admission and a reservation on August 13 can receive complimentary unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken that day, plus special Magic Shots made just for D23 Day. You do need to register online, and standard PhotoPass terms apply, but free unlimited downloads are a genuinely great deal.
You will also find festive backdrops around the resort. Look for D23 Day photo spots in Town Square at Disneyland Park, at Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Park, and throughout Downtown Disney. Want a keepsake photo strip? Booths at the Hollywood Backlot in Disney California Adventure Park and the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park offer D23 Day-themed strips for an extra fee.
Fun at the Disneyland Resort Hotels
The magic spills over to the hotels too. On August 13, swing by the Rose Court Garden at the Disneyland Hotel for a Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings showcase, complete with immersive entertainment and dreamy photo moments. And all month long, the Disneyland Hotel features a fun photo opportunity inspired by the upcoming film Camp Rock 3.
New D23 Day Merchandise
Collectors, get your wallets ready. Several limited-time collections arrive August 13 while supplies last, spread across shops in all three areas of the resort.
- D23 Day Logo Collection brings a colorful tee, trading pin, and magnet stamped with the event logo
- Disneylandia Collection is a collaboration with Latina-owned streetwear brand Viva La Bonita, titled “Donde Empiezan Los Sueños,” blending culture and Disney storytelling
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame 30th Anniversary collection includes a Spirit Jersey, ear headband, pin, mug, and more
- Alice in Wonderland 75th Anniversary offers a pastel apparel and accessories line inspired by the Queen of Hearts and croquet
- D23 Day Medallions arrive in capsules and as a four-medallion set
“Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration”
The day builds to a truly magical finale. A limited number of fans can attend “Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration” at Paradise Gardens Park in Disney California Adventure Park on August 13. Billed as the largest gathering of Disney Princess talent ever assembled, the show pairs live performances with dazzling lights, sweeping projections, and sky-high fountains. It is going to be special.
Attendance is limited and runs through a virtual queue. On August 13, request to join the queue in the Disneyland app at 12:00 p.m. PST after you enter Disney California Adventure Park, or after entering Disneyland Park with a valid Park Hopper ticket. If you are selected, you will pick up a wristband that afternoon for either the 8:30 p.m. or 9:45 p.m. performance. A virtual queue admittance group, a wristband, and valid Disney California Adventure Park admission are all required, and spots are extremely limited.
Cannot get in? You can still watch from home. The concert streams on Disney+ and airs on Disney Channel, Freeform, and The Wonderful World of Disney on ABC on Sunday, August 16.
Planning Tips for D23 Day
A day this packed rewards a little strategy. Here are a few pointers to keep in your back pocket:
- Arrive early to boost your odds on the free ear hats and to claim a cavalcade viewing spot
- Check the app first thing since entertainment times and offerings can change day of
- Set a noon alarm if the Disney Princess concert is a priority, because the virtual queue opens at 12:00 p.m. PST
- Consider a Park Hopper so you can catch cavalcade moments at Disneyland Park and the concert at Disney California Adventure Park
The Best Part Is Still to Come
As magical as D23 Day is, it is really just the opening act. This whole week leads into D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event on August 14-16, where Disney traditionally drops its biggest announcements of the year on parks, movies, and beyond. We are so excited to see what gets revealed, and we will be soaking up every bit of it right alongside you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special ticket for D23 Day at Disneyland?
No. D23 Day is open to any guest with valid park admission and a theme park reservation on August 13, 2026. There is no separate D23 Day ticket, and you do not have to be a D23 fan club member to join in.
When is D23 Day at Disneyland Resort in 2026?
D23 Day takes place Thursday, August 13, 2026, across Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and the Downtown Disney District. It leads right into D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, which runs August 14-16.
What special food is available on D23 Day?
Plenty. Inside the parks, look for the new Haunted Mansion Hatbox Ghost Popcorn Bucket and the Sorcerer Apprentice Mickey Cake Pop. Over in Downtown Disney, from August 1-16, all guests can grab the Family Gold Ube Cheesecake at Parkside Market, the Berry Bliss & Choco Crunch Duo at Beignets Expressed, and specialty drinks at Ballast Point, Paseo, Céntrico, and Vista Parkside Market.
Can I get a dining reservation for D23 Day?
You can, but book early since D23 Day falls during a very busy week. Popular table-service spots like Blue Bayou Restaurant and Carthay Circle Restaurant fill up quickly. If everything looks booked, cancellations open frequently, and MouseDining dining alerts can notify you when a hard-to-find reservation becomes available.
How do I get the free D23 Day Mickey ear hat?
Enter Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park at park opening on August 13 with valid admission. Guests can receive one complimentary D23 Day ear hat and commemorative guide while supplies last. You must be present to get yours, and quantities are limited, so arriving early helps.
How do I see the Disney Princess concert on D23 Day?
Join the virtual queue through the Disneyland app at 12:00 p.m. PST on August 13 after entering Disney California Adventure Park, or after entering Disneyland Park with a Park Hopper ticket. You will need a virtual queue admittance group, a wristband, and valid Disney California Adventure Park admission. Availability is extremely limited.
