Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum shared a new photo alongside Neil Patrick Harris on Wednesday. It offers a first look at the intimate stage setup planned for Saturday’s Horizons: A Carousel of Progress showcase. Disney previously said, “While thousands of fans will fill the Honda Center, the format is designed to feel surprisingly intimate”. It looks like that’s exactly what they’re going for from what we can see in the rehearsal photo.
Thomas Mazloum and Neil Patrick Harris Rehearse Ahead of D23 Showcase
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- Mazloum shared a rehearsal photo with Neil Patrick Harris ahead of Saturday’s Honda Center showcase
- The stage setup pictured departs from the band-heavy staging Josh D’Amaro used in 2024
- Neil Patrick Harris is hosting this year’s showcase instead of the Disney Experiences chairman
Mazloum posted the photo from the Honda Center stage and tagged Harris in the caption. He wrote that he’s “looking forward to the Disney Experiences showcase at D23 on Saturday” with Harris as host, adding, “Lots to share! Join us Saturday night on Disney+.” He and Harris stand together on a simple stage setup ahead of Saturday’s show. Harris wears a Disneyland Resort hoodie and sweatpants in the photo. Mazloum appears in a dark suit. Warm wood paneling and a geometric mid-century pattern fill the backdrop behind them.
The stage pictured is notably stripped down. That’s a departure from the 2024 Disney Experiences Showcase. Then-chairman Josh D’Amaro hosted that night from a stage flanked by a live band, in a presentation styled more like a concert. This year’s format centers on hosted conversations rather than a massive spectacle.
Harris is stepping into the hosting role this year in place of the Disney Experiences chairman, a change from the format fans have seen in recent years. Disney promoted D’Amaro to CEO of The Walt Disney Company earlier in 2026. Mazloum, formerly president of the Disneyland Resort, succeeded him as Disney Experiences chairman. Rather than have Mazloum take over hosting duties, Disney turned to Harris, a longtime EPCOT Candlelight Processional narrator and massive Disney fan. Mazloum is still expected to appear on stage during the show alongside a lineup of Imagineers.
Saturday’s show is titled Horizons: A Carousel of Progress. The showcase will feature projects announced two years ago, according to Disney, with Harris leading conversations with Imagineers, storytellers, and artists instead of a traditional keynote presentation. It streams live on Disney+ Saturday night from the Honda Center in Anaheim.
BlogMickey.com will be in attendance to bring you photos and live coverage throughout the evening.
Story So Far
- Disney announced that Neil Patrick Harris would host this year’s Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase, replacing the Disney Experiences chairman in the hosting role, as we reported in July
- Disney unveiled Imagineering: Horizons as its largest-ever D23 Expo pavilion, sharing branding with the Honda Center showcase, which we covered here
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!