A dose of Disney at D23
More than 65,000 Disney fans are expected to fill the Anaheim Convention Center next weekend for the biannual D23 EXPO.
This year, the three-day Disney convention will feature new presentation areas, including Hall D23, which will offer 7,500 seats for guests as well as some of the biggest announcements and biggest Disney celebrities, said D23 EXPO spokesman Jeffrey Epstein.
“Without a doubt, this will be the biggest D23 EXPO we have ever done,” Epstein said. “This is the largest Disney fan event in the world. Each year, we find new ways to enhance the event and create even better guest experiences.”
“D23” stems from Disney D23, the official fan club for The Walt Disney Co. and the force behind the expo. The club was founded in 2009, the same year the convention began. The D stands for Disney and the 23 for 1923, the year Walt’s company was founded.
Celebrities at past D23 EXPOs have included Marvel stars Chris Evans and Tom Hiddleston, as well as Golden Globe-winning actor Johnny Depp and Broadway and film superstar Idina Menzel.
“Star Wars” creator George Lucas and composer Danny Elfman are slated to be among those honored in a Disney Legends ceremony Friday morning in Hall D23.
Epstein said this year’s convention will feature more programming than in past years and a center stage area for concert performances and classes taught by Disney animators.
While a schedule is posted on the D23 EXPO website, the convention has been known to throw in events not previously noted.
“I feel the greatest thing about the EXPO are the surprises,” Epstein said. “Everyone from around the company really pulled out the stops to make sure we exceed expectations.”
Past surprises have included celebrity appearances, including one from Academy Award-winning actress Angelie Jolie in 2013.
This year, guests can enjoy a preview of upcoming Pixar films, a 20th anniversary reunion for “A Goofy Movie,” a look at “Toy Story” 20 years later and the interactive “Frozen FANdemonium: A Musical Celebration.” A Walt Disney Parks and Resorts panel will offer guests a forum for the exchange of ideas.
A FastPass system called StagePass will allow attendees to see the panels and presentations without having to wait in line. StagePass wristbands will be available on the EXPO show floor during normal operating hours.
Similarly, the EXPO will offer a ShopPass, which is new this year and offers guests the chance to visit an exclusive shop without having to wait in line.
With so much to do at the convention, Epstein said he recommends that guests make a plan with the help of the D23 EXPO mobile application.
“I always advise people to go with an open mind and read up as much as possible,” he said. “In that way, it’s like going to a Disney theme park for the first time, because you should have options for yourself.”
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IF YOU GO
What: D23 EXPO
When: Aug. 14 through 16
Where: Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim
Cost: One-day passes are $74 for adults and $54 for children; three-day passes are $216 for adults and $156 for children
Info: D23.com