Aug. 19, 2026

What Disney Got Right - and Wrong - at D23 (Ep. 30)

What Disney Got Right - and Wrong - at D23 (Ep. 30)

Eric and Lauren recap D23 in Anaheim, from virtual queues and Disney fan culture to Dreamfinder, Figment, the Yeti, and a Parks presentation that left them wanting more.

Eric and Lauren are back from Anaheim with a firsthand look at the highs, lows, long lines, virtual queues, and very passionate Disney fans of D23. They break down what worked at the convention, what frustrated attendees, and whether the experience is worth the trip. Then they turn to Disney's Parks presentation, where exciting updates involving Figment, Dreamfinder, the Expedition Everest Yeti, and more sometimes got lost inside an unusual celebrity-heavy production. From Alan Menken and Bedknobs and Broomsticks to merchandise resellers and one unforgettable Reddit discussion about convention hygiene, this is D23 from his, hers, and your perspective.

HIGHLIGHTS

• D23 brought together theme park fans, collectors, cosplayers, gamers, movie fans, and nearly every corner of Disney fandom.

• Eric and Lauren compare the convention's virtual queues, reservation system, merchandise lines, and the planning required to get the most out of the weekend.

• Resellers and professional line-waiters sparked frustration as high-demand D23 merchandise became increasingly difficult for some guests to access.

• Attendees suggested fixes ranging from tighter purchase limits to badge-linked reservations and better communication.

• Transportation to the Honda Center became another pain point, including reports of lengthy delays when a shuttle bus broke down.

• Eric and Lauren review the D23 Parks presentation and question whether its talk-show-style production delivered enough substance for hardcore Disney fans.

• Neil Patrick Harris, Sheryl Crow, Beck, Gloria Gaynor, Los Lobos, and other performers gave the presentation plenty of spectacle, though the pacing sometimes overshadowed the announcements.

• The return of Dreamfinder and Figment generated excitement, but the lack of specifics left fans wondering exactly what Disney has planned.

• Expedition Everest's long-broken Yeti is finally getting attention, giving longtime Disney Parks fans one particularly memorable announcement.

HOSTS

FOLLOW – DIS & HERS

FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA

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PRODUCTION CREDITS

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