D23 Ends The ‘Emporium’ Disappointing Small Businesses and Collectors. Disney has announced that D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026, the Emporium, a popular section for small businesses and independent vendors, will not be part of the show. This decision, communicated in a letter to past exhibitors, is a shift away from the tradition that allowed fans to enjoy Disney merchandise from creators and small businesses.
The letter, which began by thanking exhibitors for their passion, explained that the event’s growing scale has prompted a re-evaluation of the show floor. “To best serve our expanding audience and align with this vision, we have made the very difficult decision not to include the Emporium or vendor booths in 2026,” the statement read. Disney said the event’s focus is now on “a highly curated experience focused on Disney storytelling, brand partners, and creative showcases.”
The move effectively removes independent artists, creators, and small businesses who have long used the D23 Expo as a primary venue to sell their pins, artwork, apparel, and other fan-made goods. This change comes as a blow to a community that has become a staple of the D23 experience, with many collectors planning their trips specifically to visit the Emporium.
Really, it takes away from a communal experience that was shared by businesses and their customers. This was where a community would gather yearly. Sharing stories and reliving past events. A place where you could find a deal or an item that may be out of print. It was also a place for small businesses to make connections.
While the company acknowledged that this news would be “disappointing,” it assured fans that “Disney collecting remains an important part of our fan community” and that this passion will still be “reflected in programming, panels, and showcases at the event.” However, the statement did not offer any specific new avenues for these small businesses to sell their products directly to the public at the event.
This comes just days after D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 was announced at Destination D23 here at Walt Disney World.
Here is the email:
Thank you so much for being a past Emporium exhibitor for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. We truly appreciate the passion and dedication you’ve shared with our Disney fan community through the years. The Emporium has been a beloved tradition, and your presence has helped make it so special for our guests.
As the event has continued to grow, the show floor has evolved into a highly curated experience focused on Disney storytelling, brand partners, and creative showcases. To best serve our expanding audience and align with this vision, we have made the very difficult decision not to include the Emporium or vendor booths in 2026.
We know this news will be disappointing, and please know this decision was not made lightly. Disney collecting remains an important part of our fan community, and you’ll continue to see that passion reflected in programming, panels, and showcases at the event.
We are so grateful for your contributions to the D23 experience over the years, and we hope you will continue to be part of our fan community as we celebrate all things Disney together.
D23 Ends The ‘Emporium’ Disappointing Small Businesses and Collectors
