The Walt Disney Company announced that the 2027 D23 Asia: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will be held in Singapore, marking a major milestone in the expansion of Disney’s global fan celebrations. Here’s the official announcement about the D23 Expo returning to its international roots, including a bit of commentary.
This event will mark the first D23 Asia being hosted in Singapore, a one-of-a-kind celebration offering consumers exclusive, first access to the latest in Disney storytelling, creativity, and innovation. The event will convene Disney fans from across Asia Pacific and beyond, alongside top stars and storytellers from Hollywood and around the world, uniting global communities through shared fandom, some beloved characters, and immersive experiences.
D23 Asia: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is a global expansion of the flagship D23 Expo launched in 2009 by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, which itself was rumored to be a pet project of CEO Bob Iger. The name “D23” carries a special meaning, with the “D” standing for Disney and “23” referencing the year Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood in 1923.
The first D23 Expo was held from September 10 to 13, 2009 at the Anaheim Convention Center. All Disney divisions came together to create an incredible experience for Disney fans and enthusiasts, with screenings, seminars, displays, informational booths, and speakers, not to mention the availability of special merchandise to purchase.
The second D23 Expo was held two years later, in August 2011, the third in August 2013, fourth in August 2015, the 5th in July 2017, and 6th in August 2019. Then COVID and Chapek happened, D23 Expo skipped a year but returned in August 2022 to kick off Disney100.
It was rebranded in 2024 for reasons unknown, but fans still refer to it as the D23 Expo. To be completely honest, I couldn’t tell you the official name with complete certainty without looking it up. (I’d get most of the words right, maybe just the wrong order.)
Here’s the teaser for D23 Asia Expo:
According to the company, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event has evolved into the premier global celebration of Disney storytelling and fandom. This immersive, multi‑day event brings fans up close to the worlds of Disney through live stage presentations, special announcements, interactive experiences, and specially curated merchandise—inviting audiences to experience the magic behind the stories they love.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Expo has grown into Disney’s flagship celebration of its stories and franchises. Outside of Anaheim, previous events have been held internationally: D23 Expo Japan (2013, 2015, 2018) and D23 Brazil in 2024.
Ironically enough, Singapore will now be the third international market to get a “full” D23 Expo before Orlando. Walt Disney World has likewise played host to its own event, Destination D23, for as long as the D23 Expo.
Previously known as Destination D (this name change was actually sensible), the off-year event used to be history-focused but is now a stage for smaller presentations and news. While nowhere nearly the scale of the D23 Expo in Anaheim, Destination D23 is a formidable offering and I’m guessing it is about on par with D23 Expo Japan or Brazil.
While it hasn’t been announced, we doubt D23 Asia will adversely impact the 2027 Destination D23 at Walt Disney World. To be sure, there is news that comes out of the international events, and some of that could come at the expense of Destination D23 in Florida.
However, the international D23 Expos have been more about fostering fandom and generating goodwill. They are, essentially, brand development initiatives as opposed to news-driven events. With the Disney Adventure now homeporting in Singapore, this sounds like more of the same. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise us if D23 Asia is part of the contract between the company and Singapore that landed that ship there.
“Bringing D23 to Singapore reflects the incredible passion of Disney fans across Asia Pacific and our desire to meet them where they are,” said Asad Ayaz, Chief Marketing and Brand Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “D23 Asia will bring these fans together as a community to celebrate the powerful connection they have with our stories, characters, and experiences, and to get an exciting look at what lies ahead.”
Carol Choi, Executive Vice President, Integrated Marketing & APAC Original Strategy, The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific added, “Disney has an extraordinary and growing fan base across Asia Pacific and bringing D23 to Singapore marks a natural evolution in our journey to bringing unforgettable fan experiences to audiences across this diverse region in new and meaningful ways. D23 Asia will offer fans a truly distinctive experience, with exclusive previews of our APAC Originals for Disney+ and the opportunity to hear directly from the creative talent behind our shows.”
Ms. Jean Ng, Assistant Chief Executive, Experience Development Group, Singapore Tourism Board said, “We are excited to bring D23 to Southeast Asia for the very first time. Together with Disney, we will be creating memorable experiences that resonate with fans across the region and beyond. This milestone further strengthens our partnership and adds to our vibrant and dynamic calendar of events and experiences that positions Singapore as the premier destination for memorable experiences.”
According to the company, D23 Asia builds on the legacy of the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, and is part of D23’s continued global expansion to bring fan events to destinations around the world including the recent D23 Brazil – A Disney Experience. D23 Asia in Singapore aspires to deliver a reimagined experience created specifically for Asia – while staying true to the scale, creativity, and fan-first spirit that define D23 events worldwide.
D23 Expo Asia will be a one-of-a-kind, multi-day fan experience that will showcase the very best in creative storytelling and innovation from across the worlds of Disney. D23 Asia will feature three packed days of showcases with stars and storytellers, sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes moments, thrilling performances, shopping, surprises, and more. More details, including ticketing and programming information, will be announced at a later date.
Our expectation is that D23 Asia will cater to English-speaking audiences, while also attracting diehard Tokyo Disney Resort, Shanghai Disneyland, and Hong Kong Disneyland fans. It’s a “short” 4 to 7 hour flight from China and Japan, so it stands to reason those diehard fans will make up the dominant demographics.
It’s way too early for predictions about D23 Asia, especially given that we haven’t even made them yet for the 2026 D23 Expo in Anaheim. That event coupled with what gets announced in between now and 2027 will likely form the foundation for what’s revealed at D23 Asia.
At past international D23 Expos, there actually have been announcements for Walt Disney World and Disneyland. That has mostly revolved around new details about known projects; for example, the first big reveal of Pandora – World of Avatar came via the D23 Expo Japan. There were new tidbits about Cars and Villains Land at D23 Brazil.
A lot could be on the table for D23 Asia. The possible candidates include a model for the Port Discovery expansion plan and second gate at Shanghai Disneyland (assuming the core announcements are made before then), redevelopment of Adventureland & Westernland at Tokyo Disneyland, a second ship for OLC, and more. I assume Duffy will be there, and hope we will too.
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Your Thoughts
What are your predictions about what will be announced at the 2027 D23 Asia Expo? Do you think it will be a time for big attraction announcements, or will mostly concept art or other details about projects that are already underway? Any surprise announcement predictions? Agree or disagree with our assessment of the event? Hearing your feedback—even when you disagree with us—is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!