Destination D23 vs. D23 Expo: Your Complete Guide for Disney Fans

• Lyn Prince
• Aug 8, 2025
• 3 min read

Are you a Disney super fan curious about the biggest Disney fan events on the calendar? Whether you're planning your next Disney vacation or dreaming of exclusive merchandise, two names come up again and again: Destination D23 and the D23 Expo. These aren’t just any Disney events—they’re the ultimate experiences for fans of Disney Parks, Disney+ Originals, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, and more.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the differences between Destination D23 and the D23 Expo, what to expect at each event, how often they happen, and how to become a D23 Member so you can get access to all the Disney magic!

What is D23?

D23 is the official fan club for The Walt Disney Company. The "D" stands for Disney and "23" represents 1923, the year the company was founded. Being a member of D23 gives you access to exclusive Disney content, merchandise, behind-the-scenes news, and most importantly—entry to elite fan events like Destination D23 and the D23 Expo.

What is the D23 Expo?

The D23 Expo is the largest Disney fan event in the world. Held in Anaheim, California, typically every two years, it's the ultimate showcase of what’s next across every division of Disney.

What to Expect:

• Major announcements for Disney Parks, films, and Disney+ series

Major announcements for Disney Parks, films, and Disney+ series

• Exclusive previews from Marvel Studios, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Walt Disney Animation

Exclusive previews from Marvel Studios, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Walt Disney Animation

• Panels with Imagineers, actors, and Disney Legends

Panels with Imagineers, actors, and Disney Legends

• Themed pavilions and immersive fan experiences

Themed pavilions and immersive fan experiences

• Exclusive D23 Expo merchandise

Exclusive D23 Expo merchandise

What is Destination D23?

estination D23 is a more intimate, storytelling-focused event held in the off-years between the D23 Expos. It takes place at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and is exclusively for D23 Gold Members.

What to Expect:

• Deep dives into Disney history and legacy

Deep dives into Disney history and legacy

• Special panels with Disney Archivists and Imagineers

Special panels with Disney Archivists and Imagineers

• Merchandise reveals and exclusive collectibles

Merchandise reveals and exclusive collectibles

• Celebratory events like concerts or themed after-hours parties

Celebratory events like concerts or themed after-hours parties

• Smaller crowd sizes and more personal experiences

Smaller crowd sizes and more personal experiences

📍 How Often Do These Events Happen?

Event Type

Frequency

Location

D23 Expo

Every 2 years (even)

Anaheim, CA (near Disneyland)

Destination D23

Every 2 years (odd)

Walt Disney World, FL

Disney alternates between the two each year. If you want major Parks announcements, go for the Expo. If you want storytelling, archives, and behind-the-scenes access, attend Destination D23.

How to Become a D23 Member (Updated for 2025)

Joining the D23 fan club is your gateway to all things Disney fan culture.

Membership Tiers:

1. General Membership (Free)

• Access to articles, sweepstakes, and limited virtual content

Access to articles, sweepstakes, and limited virtual content

2. Gold Member Essential - $49.99/year

• Digital twenty-three magazine

Digital twenty-three magazine

• Exclusive D23 collectible pin + merch access

Exclusive D23 collectible pin + merch access

• Discounts and early event access

Discounts and early event access

3. Gold Member Choice - $99.99/year

• All Essential perks + choice of a premium collectible (e.g., Spirit Jersey, pin set)

All Essential perks + choice of a premium collectible (e.g., Spirit Jersey, pin set)

4. Gold Member Complete - $299.99/year

• All perks + receive ALL premium items from the Choice plan

All perks + receive ALL premium items from the Choice plan

NOTE: As of 2025, the Gold Duo plan has been phased out.

How to Join:

• Visit d23.com/join

Visit d23.com/join

• Select your membership tier

Select your membership tier

• Create an account or sign in with your Disney login

Create an account or sign in with your Disney login

Final Thoughts: Which Event Should You Attend?

Choose D23 Expo if you want:

• Big announcements

Big announcements

• Star-studded panels

Star-studded panels

• Disney Parks news first

Disney Parks news first

Choose Destination D23 if you want:

• Deep Disney history

Deep Disney history

• Access to the Walt Disney Archives

Access to the Walt Disney Archives

• A quieter, more intimate fan experience

A quieter, more intimate fan experience

Both events are packed with Disney magic, merch, and insider access that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you're team Disneyland or Disney World, make sure you mark your calendar and join D23 to get the full experience!

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Tags:

• Disney World History
• d23
• destination23
• disney world fan club
• Disney World
• Disneyland
• Disney Cruise Lines