San Diego Comic-Con is just around the corner, and while securing a coveted badge to Hall H may feel like winning the lottery, the excitement extends far beyond the walls of the convention center. Once again, Disney Entertainment Television is making a massive splash at the annual pop culture celebration, rolling out immersive outdoor activations, themed food experiences, and can’t-miss panels that promise to delight fans of all ages. From the mythological wonders of Percy Jackson to spine-tingling American Horror Story ice cream, this year’s lineup is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious yet.
Whether you’re a badge holder, a casual passerby, or a fan hoping to soak in the atmosphere from the sidelines, here’s everything you need to know about Disney’s spectacular san diego comic-con offerings kicking off Thursday, July 23.
Step Into the World of Percy Jackson and the Olympians
One of the most anticipated experiences at this year’s san diego comic-con is a larger-than-life activation inspired by Disney+’s hit series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” Fans will have the rare opportunity to embark on a choose-your-own-adventure journey inside a towering trident , an unmistakable nod to Poseidon’s iconic weapon.
Choose Your Hero
Upon entering the experience, guests will be invited to select one of three beloved characters: Percy, Annabeth, or Thalia. Each selection unlocks a unique character-inspired environment designed to reflect that hero’s distinct personality and strengths.
- Percy Jackson , Dive into a world shaped by the son of Poseidon, where water-themed visuals and sea-inspired elements create an immersive adventure.
- Annabeth Chase , Channel the wisdom and strategic mind of Athena’s daughter in an environment packed with clever design touches.
- Thalia Grace , Embrace the fierce energy of Zeus’s daughter, with electrifying visuals that capture her lightning-charged spirit.
This interactive activation is a dream come true for fans of Rick Riordan’s beloved book series, who have been clamoring for deeper ways to engage with their favorite demigods. The trident experience promises photo opportunities, atmospheric storytelling, and the kind of immersive theater that transforms passive viewing into active participation.
American Horror Story: A Sweet Nightmare on Wheels
To celebrate the upcoming 13th installment of FX’s chilling anthology series, “American Horror Story” is taking a delightfully macabre approach to fan engagement. Four themed ice cream trucks will descend upon san diego comic-con, each serving as a rolling tribute to the franchise’s most iconic seasons.
Twelve Flavors of Terror
Across the four trucks, fans will be able to sample 12 unique ice cream flavors, each inspired by a different season of the long-running horror anthology. From subtly sweet nods to the Murder House to bold, blood-red creations honoring Apocalypse, the menu is sure to spark conversation among dedicated viewers.
This edible experience represents a brilliant fusion of pop culture fandom and culinary creativity. It’s the kind of offbeat promotion that has become a hallmark of san diego comic-con activations, where brands compete to create the most memorable, shareable moments of the convention week.
Hulu’s Animayhem Returns with Futurama and King of the Hill
Hulu is once again bringing its wildly popular Animayhem outdoor activation back to san diego comic-con, and this year’s lineup leans heavily into two beloved animated comedies. Visitors can wander through themed environments inspired by “Futurama” and “King of the Hill,” losing themselves in meticulously designed spaces that capture the spirit of both series.
Cold Brews and Cartoon Worlds
No Animayhem experience would be complete without refreshments, and Hulu has the perfect pairing in mind. Guests can sip on specialty cold brews while exploring the colorful, nostalgia-laced environments. It’s a winning combination for animation fans who want to relax, recharge, and reconnect with two of television’s most enduring animated comedies.
“Futurama” continues to enjoy a vibrant cultural resurgence, while “King of the Hill” remains a touchstone of smart, character-driven comedy. Bringing both worlds to life at san diego comic-con demonstrates Hulu’s commitment to celebrating animation as a serious art form worthy of immersive fan experiences.
The Official Panel Lineup
For badge holders with access to the convention’s packed programming schedule, Disney Entertainment Television has assembled an impressive roster of panels spanning both Hall H and smaller ballrooms. Here’s the full breakdown of confirmed sessions:
Thursday, July 23
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians , 10:00 to 11:00 AM, Hall H
The convention kicks off with a major spotlight on Percy Jackson in the coveted Hall H, the largest presentation space at san diego comic-con. Expect sneak peeks, cast appearances, and behind-the-scenes revelations about the series.
Friday, July 24
- Adventure Time: Side Quests Special Presentation and Q&A , 11:00 to 11:45 AM, Indigo Ballroom
- King of the Hill , 4:00 to 4:45 PM, Indigo Ballroom
Friday belongs to the animation faithful, with Adventure Time’s highly anticipated “Side Quests” special taking center stage in the morning, followed by a celebration of King of the Hill in the afternoon. Both panels promise to deliver exclusive content and lively discussions with cast and creators.
Saturday, July 25
- Bob’s Burgers , 10:00 to 10:45 AM, Ballroom 20
- Futurama , 11:00 to 11:45 AM, Ballroom 20
- American Dad! , 12:45 to 1:30 PM, Ballroom 20
- Family Guy , 1:30 to 2:15 PM, Ballroom 20
- The Rookie , 1:45 to 2:45 PM, Indigo Ballroom
Saturday’s packed animation block in Ballroom 20 is essentially a celebration of modern animated comedy. Bob’s Burgers, Futurama, American Dad!, and Family Guy represent some of the most influential animated series of the past three decades, each with its own devoted fanbase. Back-to-back-to-back-to-back panels create an animation marathon that no genre enthusiast will want to miss. The Rookie rounds out the day in the Indigo Ballroom, offering a shift into live-action crime drama territory.
Why These Activations Matter
San Diego Comic-Con has evolved significantly over the past decade. Once primarily a gathering for comic book collectors and hardcore sci-fi enthusiasts, it has transformed into a sprawling cultural phenomenon where major studios compete to create the most buzzworthy moments of the summer. Disney’s strategy of combining immersive outdoor experiences with traditional panel programming reflects a deep understanding of this evolution.
By placing activations in accessible outdoor spaces, Disney ensures that even fans without san diego comic-con badges can participate in the excitement. These free, walk-up experiences generate massive social media engagement, extend brand reach, and build goodwill among casual viewers who may not yet be subscribed to Disney+ or Hulu.
Plan Your Comic-Con Strategy
If you’re attending san diego comic-con this year, strategizing your time is essential. Hall H lines can begin forming before dawn for marquee panels like Percy Jackson. Meanwhile, the outdoor activations typically operate on more flexible schedules, allowing fans to drop in between panel commitments.
For those hoping to sample all 12 American Horror Story ice cream flavors, expect to visit multiple trucks throughout the convention. For Percy Jackson devotees, the trident experience is likely to draw significant crowds, so plan an early visit. And for animation enthusiasts, Saturday’s Ballroom 20 lineup represents an unparalleled opportunity to engage with four iconic series in a single day.
Final Thoughts
Disney’s 2025 san diego comic-con lineup demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to treating the convention as a flagship marketing and fan engagement opportunity. With immersive experiences spanning mythology, horror, and animation , plus a robust panel schedule featuring some of television’s most beloved shows , there’s something for nearly every kind of fan to enjoy. Whether you’re chasing demigods inside a giant trident, sampling terrifying ice cream creations, or debating the best Futurama episode over a cold brew, this year’s offerings promise to deliver the kind of unforgettable moments that define the san diego comic-con experience.
Be sure to follow official Disney, FX, and Hulu social media channels for the latest updates on activation locations, hours, and any surprise additions as the convention approaches. The countdown to san diego comic-con has officially begun , and Disney is making sure no fan is left out of the magic.