How to Use D23 Expo Reservation RSP Process to Get Panels

The largest Disney fan convention, D23, takes place in Anaheim this summer right next to the Disneyland Resort. D23 will take place on August 9, 10, and 11, 2024 and features numerous panels sharing the most recent news about Disney Parks, entertainment, and other experiences.

D23 this year features more than 55 panels and the most extensive offering of experiences we've ever seen. The demand for D23 was so high this year that tickets sold out instantly despite that increase in space with the most in demand panels moving to the Honda Center.

As for the panels remaining at the Anaheim Convention Center, D23 will utilize a reservation process for the first time to help manage demand. Keep reading to see how to navigate this new reservation process plus how to still get in to panels if you are not selected!

Reservations REQUIRED for Select Experiences

New this year, D23 will use a Reservation Random Selection Process (“Reservation RSP”) for select experiences at the Anaheim Convention Center event stages, Talent Central, and most show floor experiences.

The reservation system ONLY applies to the events taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center. The panels at the Honda center require a separate ticket for entry which were priced based on the seat chosen in the same way you might purchase concert tickets. All Honda Center D23 tickets are now SOLD OUT.

✨Read more about D23 including our best tips on visiting plus everything to know about the Honda Center panels.

Can I Get Into D23 Panels Without a Reservation? 

There will be standby queues available for “most” Anaheim Convention Center panels and experiences. We are not sure yet if this phrasing means that some panels will be excluded from holding a standby line.

In most cases though, I expect we'll see easy to access standby lines for all the panels and experiences that offer reservations.

At other conventions, like Star Wars Celebration, that use this system the reservation holders are let inside first and then standby is allowed in to fill any available seats. The more popular a panel or experience, the more demand seating will be which will create longer lines for standby. Standby lines are also not guaranteed to be seated so if there's a panel you're determined to see, line up early!

Keep in mind there is NO standby line or reservation system for the Honda Center panels since those are separate ticketed events.

How to Use D23 Expo Reservation RSP 

Reservations will open to ticket holders on Monday, July 15 at 12 p.m. PT, and run through Friday, July 19 at 12 p.m. PT. Reservations can be made on ultimatefanevent.reservations.d23.com. Reservations RSP is not first come, first served and there is no priority provided to entries based on the date and time they are submitted.

Attendees have until 12 p.m. PT on Friday, July 19, to make selections before the entry period closes.

There are three categories to make reservations selections in with each section allowing you to choose up to four items. The more selections you make, the better your chances of receiving at least one reservation. You can bring up to seven guests for every item you select.

The three categories that you can select include:

• Stage Presentations: Provides reservations to the confirmed sessions at Premiere Stage presented by Fandango, The Walt Disney Archives Stage, Backlot Stage, and Hyperion Stage.
• Talent Central: Provides reservations for the confirmed talent photos and signings at Talent Central.
• Show Floor Experiences: Provides reservations for talent signings, demonstrations, presentations, and giveaways happening in booths around the Show Floor.

Reservations will be randomly distributed based on preferences and availability, and starting on August 2 through August 5, reservations will be assigned. You will receive an email if you have any confirmed selections.

You will be required to sign into your D23 account that is connected to your badges to ensure only ticket holders are requesting reservations.

✨Click HERE for the full D23 schedule featuring the most selection of panels we've ever seen!

Does Everything at D23 Require a Reservation? 

We do not know yet exactly WHICH experiences offer the ability to make reservations but based on the graphic shared above from the D23 Reservation website, you can see that the experiences included range from panels to the showroom interactive experiences and meet and greets.

I think it's safe to say that we can expect that reservations will be available for nearly everything at D23 this year. Think of it like a Lightning Lane offered for experiences with a regular, longer, standby line still existing.

So while this may be stressful to consider not getting reservations for things you want to experience, this is likely an effort to create a more efficient process for guests to experience more. Which is why it is essential you sign up for this free reservation system!

✨Read our top ranking for the BEST 2024 D23 panels and why some of these might also be the most popular!

Why Is D23 Using a Reservation System?

This is likely just an effort to cut down waiting on long lines for panels and showroom experiences which also creates a more accessible experience for many guests that cannot physically handle hour long waits.

In some ways, this is an attempt to create a stress free experience by offering you the chance to know you have a guaranteed spot at some of the D23 experiences.

But if you are not chosen, then you will need to navigate the regular standby line which may not be available for all experiences you can select on the D23 reservation system. In this case, I would anticipate that to be most likely for the guest signings and interactions, not the panels.

The best tip for ensuring you have a chance at the most popular experiences is to coordinate with any friends you may be attending the event with. Since you can select up to seven guests you could all sign up for different panels and then accompany each other on the ones you are selected for. That would be my best tip at the moment to securing access to the top experiences on your list!

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