Convention - SDCC 2025 : Disney’s Lilo & Stitch Activation and Panel Promise an Aloha-Filled Celebration of Family and Legacy

By Mulder, 10 july 2025

As San Diego Comic-Con International 2025 approaches, few upcoming events on the schedule carry as much heartfelt anticipation as Walt Disney Studios’ immersive celebration of Lilo & Stitch. With the newly released live-action film already captivating audiences worldwide and sitting comfortably at the top of the global box office, Disney plans to bring the full spirit of ‘ohana to SDCC with a multi-day tropical activation and a fan-focused panel honoring the franchise’s legacy. Far more than a traditional promotional campaign, Disney’s presence this year promises to create an emotional experience that unites nostalgia, cultural pride, and the joyful chaos that made Lilo & Stitch a lasting favorite.

From Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27, fans will be able to “catch the wave” just steps outside the convention center. Located at the Gaslamp Diagonal near the Omni Hotel, the Lilo & Stitch activation will be a vibrant island-inspired installation where Comic-Con attendees and the public alike can cool off with complimentary shaved ice, snap photos with themed backdrops, and experience a bit of paradise in the heart of downtown San Diego. With no badge required, this inclusive event aims to spread the Aloha spirit to everyone—offering a family-friendly escape and a delightful reminder that, in true Stitch fashion, unnecessary cuteness will be everywhere. Themed photo ops and immersive set pieces are expected to transform a corner of the Gaslamp Quarter into a whimsical extension of Kaua’i, where cosplay meets coconut palms and fandom blends with family values.

But it’s not just the offsite fun that will draw crowds. On Friday, July 25, from 3:15pm to 4:15pm, Room 6BCF at the San Diego Convention Center will host the must-see panel “A Look Inside the Continuing Phenomenon.” The session is poised to bring together the creative legacy of the franchise with the fresh energy of its new cast. Chris Sanders, the original creator, writer, and voice of Stitch, will make a special appearance, offering fans rare insights into the personal origins of this now-iconic character. His participation alone makes this panel a standout—his heartfelt connection to Stitch and the story’s themes of love and belonging have remained central to the franchise’s enduring appeal. His voice and vision helped create a character who wasn’t perfect, but who was deeply relatable—a sentiment that continues to resonate across generations.

Joining Chris Sanders onstage will be rising star Maia Kealoha, who portrays Lilo in the live-action film. Her casting was widely praised for its authenticity, and her performance has already been described as emotionally rich and grounded in cultural truth. Fans can expect Maia Kealoha to share personal stories about bringing her Hawaiian heritage to such a global stage, reinforcing the film’s respectful approach to representing the islands. Alongside her, Tia Carrere—who voiced Nani in the original 2002 animated film and now plays Mrs. Kekoa—will offer a unique perspective as someone who has lived through multiple generations of Lilo & Stitch. Her presence is symbolic, serving as a beautiful passing of the torch between eras. Rounding out the panel is Sydney Agudong, the actress stepping into the iconic role of Nani in the new film. She is expected to reflect on the challenge and honor of reimagining a character who means so much to fans while forging her own take on a fiercely protective sister.

This panel won’t just be a celebration—it’s shaping up to be a communal moment of reflection. With the franchise’s history including not only the original film but also three sequels, a 65-episode TV series, a Japanese anime, video games, books, and even a certified Platinum soundtrack, Lilo & Stitch has become one of Disney’s most cross-generational properties. The upcoming discussion will likely touch on how the live-action film balances the science fiction whimsy with the grounded, emotionally resonant story of found family. Attendees will also get a behind-the-scenes look at how the film was crafted to retain the spirit of the original while making it relevant for today’s audiences.

What makes this entire Comic-Con showcase particularly special is Disney’s clear emphasis on emotion over spectacle. Rather than leaning purely on big effects or star power, the studio seems focused on recreating what made the original Lilo & Stitch so beloved: its unshakable message that family is chosen, cherished, and sometimes chaotic. By highlighting authentic voices like Maia Kealoha, legacy creators like Chris Sanders, and bridging performers like Tia Carrere and Sydney Agudong, Disney is offering more than a press push—it’s inviting fans to be part of the extended ohana. For longtime fans, this is a reunion. For newcomers, it’s a warm welcome. And for everyone at Comic-Con, it’s a moment of pure, joyful connection in the midst of all the costumed chaos.

As fans prepare to descend upon San Diego, the Lilo & Stitch experience at SDCC 2025 is shaping up to be not only one of the most charming offerings of the convention but also one of the most emotionally powerful. Whether you’re visiting the island activation for a frosty treat or sitting in the packed room as Chris Sanders and cast share stories from the heart, you’ll be reminded of the truth that’s carried this franchise for over twenty years: ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind—or forgotten.

Disney’s Lilo & Stitch Activation: A Taste of Paradise in San Diego!
WHEN: Thursday, July 24 - Sunday, July 27 | 10am - 7pm daily; 10am - 2pm (Sunday only) 
WHERE: Gaslamp Diagonal, adjacent to the Omni Hotel (where Sixth Avenue ends)

Disney Lilo & Stitch Panel: A Look Inside the Continuing Phenomenon
WHEN: Friday, July 25 | 3:15pm - 4:15pm
WHERE: Room 6BCF in the San Diego Convention Center

(Source  : press release)