We are looking forward to another amazing DFC Expo weekend event on October 3 and 4, 2026. While we work on the program of events, one major change is our Disneyana Fan Club’s Disney Legends Ceremony on Saturday. This time, it will be a lunch event with our “Lunch With a Legend” instead of a dinner and there will be no evening events.
We are honored to bestow the following awards:
Disneyana Fan Club's Legends Award - Alex Maher & Matt West
Walt Disney once said, “You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality.” At the time he said it, he was talking about Disneyland. But the spirit of his observation is just as true of the animated short subjects and features, live action films, television programs, theatrical productions, cruise ships and the other theme parks that are all part of the Disney magic. In each case, the spark of an idea is brought to life by the inspired work of artists and craftspeople working together.
As Disney fans, we enjoy the results of these special collaborations every day. Whatever Disney moments you hold most dear, there is a specific person or team that made them happen. With that in mind, the Club (then called the National Fantasy Fan Club) created the Legend Awards in 1993.
The awards are, first and foremost, a way for members to say “thank you” to the people who have created the magic, and to let them know that their work is recognized and beloved. In addition, when the awards are presented members often hear the recipients talk about their work and careers. These conversations offer unique insight into Disney magic making. And, in many cases, they offer revealing glimpses of Walt Disney himself.
The recipients all are chosen because they have made a significant contribution to the Disney legacy. But the nature of those contributions varies widely. Collectively, the recipients have created beloved characters and given voice to princesses and our favorite pair of mice. They have brought tiki birds to life and costumed singing pirates. They have written Academy Award-winning songs and edited hundreds of hours of film into True Life Adventures. They have greeted millions of Guests in theme parks around the world and maintained the Disney standards of quality, cleanliness and service. The honorees include animators, Imagineers, voice talent, songwriters, actors, executives, a photographer and even a research economist. And their contributions span more than 90 years, from the early silent films produced by Walt Disney in Kansas City, Missouri, to the most recent films and theme park attractions.
To date, the Disneyana Fan Club has honored 164 people. Each has helped create lasting memories for Disney fans and their work continues to delight new generations of Disney fans. It is work that has stood the test of time. To fall under its spell requires only that we believe dreams do come true and that there are happy endings.
We are honored to bestow the following awards:
Disneyana Fan Club's Legends Award - Alex Maher & Matt West
Walt Disney once said, “You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality.” At the time he said it, he was talking about Disneyland. But the spirit of his observation is just as true of the animated short subjects and features, live action films, television programs, theatrical productions, cruise ships and the other theme parks that are all part of the Disney magic. In each case, the spark of an idea is brought to life by the inspired work of artists and craftspeople working together.
As Disney fans, we enjoy the results of these special collaborations every day. Whatever Disney moments you hold most dear, there is a specific person or team that made them happen. With that in mind, the Club (then called the National Fantasy Fan Club) created the Legend Awards in 1993.
The awards are, first and foremost, a way for members to say “thank you” to the people who have created the magic, and to let them know that their work is recognized and beloved. In addition, when the awards are presented members often hear the recipients talk about their work and careers. These conversations offer unique insight into Disney magic making. And, in many cases, they offer revealing glimpses of Walt Disney himself.
The recipients all are chosen because they have made a significant contribution to the Disney legacy. But the nature of those contributions varies widely. Collectively, the recipients have created beloved characters and given voice to princesses and our favorite pair of mice. They have brought tiki birds to life and costumed singing pirates. They have written Academy Award-winning songs and edited hundreds of hours of film into True Life Adventures. They have greeted millions of Guests in theme parks around the world and maintained the Disney standards of quality, cleanliness and service. The honorees include animators, Imagineers, voice talent, songwriters, actors, executives, a photographer and even a research economist. And their contributions span more than 90 years, from the early silent films produced by Walt Disney in Kansas City, Missouri, to the most recent films and theme park attractions.
To date, the Disneyana Fan Club has honored 164 people. Each has helped create lasting memories for Disney fans and their work continues to delight new generations of Disney fans. It is work that has stood the test of time. To fall under its spell requires only that we believe dreams do come true and that there are happy endings.
ALEX MAHER- If you’ve ever collected Disney merchandise at the parks, you probably have seen Alex’s work. His drawings have been placed on t-shirts, mugs, pins, lithographs and figurines and more. Alex had a fascination with Walt Disney from an early age and knew he always wanted to draw for the Mouse. He is largely self-taught, with guidance from his dad who is also an artist.
In 1991 he relocated to Orlando with his family with the goal of becoming a Disney artist. On October 3rd you will have an opportunity to hear his interesting story. Thirty-two years later, Alex continues to draw for Disney as Senior Character Artist for Parks and Resorts and is a respected Disney historian.
In 1991 he relocated to Orlando with his family with the goal of becoming a Disney artist. On October 3rd you will have an opportunity to hear his interesting story. Thirty-two years later, Alex continues to draw for Disney as Senior Character Artist for Parks and Resorts and is a respected Disney historian.
MATT WEST (Choreographer) received the L.A. Drama-Logue Award for Disney's Beauty and the Beast on Broadway, the first ever Disney Broadway Musical. He also received London's Olivier, the Drama Desk and Outer Critics' Circle award nominations for Beauty. He has directed and choreographed productions that include The Wanderer at Tokyo's Parko Theatre, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan and Cinderella for Disney Home Video, and "Mickey's Nutcracker" for the Disney Channel. Matt created the role of Bobby in the film A Chorus Line directed by Sir Richard Attenborough. Matt West helped lay the groundwork for what became Disney Theatrical Productions. His list of productions and accomplishments is long, and we will be privileged to hear his story at this event.
Disneyana Fan Club's Heritage Award - Kaye Malins
In 2010, the Club introduced the Disneyana Fan Club Disney Heritage Award. The award will honor individuals from outside the company who have in some significant way worked to preserve or promote Disney history. Award recipients may include preservationists, historians, curators and others who have
In presenting the award, the club’s goals are to express appreciation for the work being done, to help publicize the work and, when appropriate, to support (financially or otherwise) the work.
In 2010, the Club introduced the Disneyana Fan Club Disney Heritage Award. The award will honor individuals from outside the company who have in some significant way worked to preserve or promote Disney history. Award recipients may include preservationists, historians, curators and others who have
- Advocated for the preservation and/or restoration of buildings, artifacts or artwork that are prominent in the Disney story
- Written biographies, histories or analyses generally regarded to be accurate and that present Walt Disney and the Disney organization appropriately
- Organized events, celebrations or festivals that shine a spotlight on Disney history and/or introduce Disney’s history to younger generations
- Documented the creation or development of Disney films, theme park attractions and other accomplishments
- Worked to preserve and/or restore Disney short subjects, feature films and television programs or the artwork created for them or otherwise advanced the cause of preservation and promotion of Disney history.
In presenting the award, the club’s goals are to express appreciation for the work being done, to help publicize the work and, when appropriate, to support (financially or otherwise) the work.
KAYE MALINS (Executive Director of the Walt Disney Hometown Museum) Kaye was the co-founder of the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline and plays a crucial role in preserving Disney’s history.
Event Details
Where
Hotel Fera - A DoubleTree By Hilton
100 The City Dr. S.
Orange, CA • 92868
When
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Panel Presentations From 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon
DFC Disney Legends Award and Lunch from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday Package
Ticket price includes all presentations and lunch.
DFC Member - $ 125 per person (Up to 4 tickets)
Non-Member - $ 175 per person
Seating
There will be no assigned seating.
All sales are final.
Tentative Schedule
(times and guests are subject to change)
DFC EXPO FALL 2026
Presentation Day - Saturday, October 3,, 2026
MORNING PRESENTATIONS
AFTERNOON PRESENTATIONS
DISNEYANA FAN CLUB'S DISNEY LEGENDS CEREMONY
"Lunch With A Legend"
Where
Hotel Fera - A DoubleTree By Hilton
100 The City Dr. S.
Orange, CA • 92868
When
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Panel Presentations From 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon
DFC Disney Legends Award and Lunch from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday Package
Ticket price includes all presentations and lunch.
DFC Member - $ 125 per person (Up to 4 tickets)
Non-Member - $ 175 per person
Seating
There will be no assigned seating.
All sales are final.
Tentative Schedule
(times and guests are subject to change)
DFC EXPO FALL 2026
Presentation Day - Saturday, October 3,, 2026
MORNING PRESENTATIONS
AFTERNOON PRESENTATIONS
DISNEYANA FAN CLUB'S DISNEY LEGENDS CEREMONY
"Lunch With A Legend"
DFC EXPO FALL 2026
Disneyana Collectibles Show and Sale
Collectors' Day - Sunday, October 4, 2026
Free Admission!
DFC Members:
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
General Public:
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Special Parking Rates for ALL Attendees
Saturday's DFC Expo Parking for ALL Special Event Attendees
in the main hotel parking lot and hotel parking structure will be $5.00..
Sunday's DFC Expo Discounted Parking for ALL Attendees
in the main hotel parking lot will be $5..
If the Hotel Fera main surface parking lot becomes full or unavailable,
additional parking is available at their other parking structure lot across from the hotel
for the same discounted price of $5.00!
Parking Rates Restrictions:
No discounted overnight parking and no in and out of the lot.
Only 1 discount per vehicle.
Information and Discount Ticket
will be available at the Registration / Ticket Desk.
Room Hopping Policy
Hotel Fera, A DoubleTree By Hilton
DO NOT allow any Room Hopping.
It is strictly prohibited. Please adhere to their hotel policies.
Disneyana Collectibles Show and Sale
Collectors' Day - Sunday, October 4, 2026
Free Admission!
DFC Members:
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
General Public:
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Special Parking Rates for ALL Attendees
Saturday's DFC Expo Parking for ALL Special Event Attendees
in the main hotel parking lot and hotel parking structure will be $5.00..
Sunday's DFC Expo Discounted Parking for ALL Attendees
in the main hotel parking lot will be $5..
If the Hotel Fera main surface parking lot becomes full or unavailable,
additional parking is available at their other parking structure lot across from the hotel
for the same discounted price of $5.00!
Parking Rates Restrictions:
No discounted overnight parking and no in and out of the lot.
Only 1 discount per vehicle.
Information and Discount Ticket
will be available at the Registration / Ticket Desk.
Room Hopping Policy
Hotel Fera, A DoubleTree By Hilton
DO NOT allow any Room Hopping.
It is strictly prohibited. Please adhere to their hotel policies.
DFC Expo Fall 2026
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Presentations and DFC's Disney Legend Luncheon Tickets
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Presentations and DFC's Disney Legend Luncheon Tickets
US Mail Registration Form (PDF Download)