Front Row Network

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event concludes in Anaheim

By Craig McFarland,

Published August 21, 2026 at 11:24 AM CDT

The team is back from a wonderful visit to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, which took place August 14-16 in Anaheim. This was the first time that all three Beyond the Mouse hosts attended the event together. We chat about our individual experiences including, walking the show floor, attending panels, meeting new friends and having new experiences. We also discuss why we think this is the perfect event for a Disney fan to attend in the future.

Front Row Network

Craig McFarland

Craig McFarland has been podcasting for over a decade as part of The Front Row Network. He’s the co-host of Beyond the Mouse, a Disney-focused podcast, and Peanut Butter and Biscuits, a show dedicated to all things Ted Lasso. Over the years, Craig has interviewed a wide range of guests, including Oscar winners, Olympians, acclaimed creators, actors, and more than a dozen Disney Legends.

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Vanessa Ferguson

Vanessa was the Community Voices Production Coordinator at NPR Illinois from 2021-2025. She continues her passion for broadcasting as a co-host of the Beyond the Mouse podcast for the Front Row Network.

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Brett Rutherford

Brett Rutherford is a cohost of the Beyond the Mouse podcast for the Front Row Network.

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