Promotional poster for “D23 Asia: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event”/ Courtesy of The Walt Disney Company
For decades, faithful patrons have made the pilgrimage to Anaheim, California, to catch a glimpse of the future of the Magic Kingdom. Now, The Walt Disney Company is taking its marquee fan spectacle across the Pacific.
Disney said Wednesday that it will bring “D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event” to Singapore in 2027. The move marks the first time the company’s signature convention will be held in Asia, signaling an aggressive play for a region where appetite for blockbuster franchises and local streaming content continues to surge.
The multiday event is designed to serve as a cornerstone of Disney’s strategy in the Asia-Pacific market. It will feature the requisite previews of upcoming attractions, live entertainment and appearances by the studio’s group of actors and creators. Crucially, the Singapore edition will also spotlight Disney+ original productions from the region, an area of significant investment as the company navigates a crowded global streaming landscape.
“Bringing D23 to Singapore reflects the incredible passion of Disney fans across Asia Pacific,” Asad Ayaz, Disney’s chief brand officer, said in a statement, noting a desire to meet a maturing fan base “where they are.”
Founded in 2009, D23 — the name is a nod to 1923, the year Walt Disney established his Hollywood studio — has evolved into a powerful marketing engine. While the flagship biennial event remains rooted in the shadow of Disneyland, the expansion suggests Disney's eagerness to formalize its relationship with a digital-savvy Asian demographic that has propelled recent box-office and streaming successes.
Carol Choi, a senior executive for Disney Asia Pacific, said the event will be tailored for local audiences, blending global intellectual property with regional talent.
For Singapore, the event represents another win for its tourism board, which has sought to cement the city-state’s reputation as the primary Southeast Asian hub for large-scale, international entertainment properties.
“We are thrilled to introduce D23 to Southeast Asia for the first time,” said Jean Ng, assistant chief executive of the Singapore Tourism Board’s Experience Development Group. “In collaboration with Disney, we will deliver extraordinary experiences that resonate deeply with fans across the Asia-Pacific region and around the world.”
Specifics regarding venue and ticketing remain under wraps, with Disney expected to release further details in the coming months.
Source: Korea Times News
