D23 Celebrates Disney Fans with a dazzling slate of coast-to-coast events in 2023 to honor the company’s 100-year anniversary. This announcement includes dates for the next Destination D23, which will again take place at Walt Disney World Resort. The official news just dropped from D23:
D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is celebrating Disney fans across the country as Disney100 kicks off. Members of D23 will be able to enjoy exclusive experiences as Disney honors its remarkable past and looks to its bright future.
DESTINATION D23: D23 returns to The Most Magical Place on Earth for the biggest Disney fan event of 2023 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, September 8–10, to celebrate 100 years of The Walt Disney Company. Fans will be among the first to hear exciting announcements and see sneak peeks from the many worlds of Disney—and relive favorite memories with behind-the-scenes stories, special guests, and so much more at this epic event.
THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS OFFICIAL TOUR – PRESENTED BY D23: D23 welcomes guests to The Walt Disney Studios Lot, giving members the opportunity to visit the world-famous studio in Burbank, California. These tours offer fans a unique perspective on historic moments from Disney films, television series, and theme parks—along with the chance to look inside the Walt Disney Archives and draw inspiration from Walt Disney’s office suite.
FAN-FAVORITE MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES: D23 will celebrate several milestone anniversaries with in-person events in 2023 for fan-favorite films, including Finding Nemo (20th), Mulan (25th), and Who Framed Roger Rabbit (35th). D23 is excited to celebrate these iconic films with extra-special experiences and even more magic for D23 Members. And Halloween will return in phantom fashion, celebrating the anniversaries of monstrously major movies including Hocus Pocus (30th), Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (30th), and Halloweentown (25th).
WALT’S MARCELINE: Walt Disney frequently cited this charming Missouri town where he spent his early childhood as one of his greatest influences. Its lovely main thoroughfare was an inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. D23 Members will have a chance to return in June 2023 for a very special hometown event.
D23 NIGHTS WITH DISNEY THEATRICAL: D23 and the North American tours of Disney’s The Lion King and Disney’s Frozen are excited to offer D23 Members exclusive theatrical experiences, including special ticket packages and post-show Q&As with cast members. D23 will kick off these dazzling theatrical events in Los Angeles with The Lion King and in Costa Mesa, California, with Frozen, and offer an exclusive experience with the cast during the highly anticipated opening of Disney’s Hercules at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey.
SIGNATURE EVENTS: Fans can look forward to D23 Gold Member previews of Walt Disney Archives traveling exhibitions across the country. D23 Gold Members will enjoy advance and opening night screenings of new Disney films at locations across the country. Walt Disney Imagineering’s exclusive merchandise store, Mickey’s of Glendale, will open its doors to members with both online and in-person opportunities. Look out for the return of the holiday favorite Light Up the Season in December 2023 as part of a very merry D23 Holiday Celebration!
Dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events will be announced throughout the year. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2023 special events can be found on the fan club’s website at D23.com/Events. Additional dates will be posted soon. All events and dates are subject to change.
If you are not aware, the name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 100-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic year-round through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; the latest news and stories on D23.com; member-exclusive offers and discounts; the popular D23 Inside Disney podcast; and special experiences for D23 Members throughout the year.
Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99/year), Gold Duo Membership ($129.99/year), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
We were unable to obtain tickets to last year’s Destination D23, so I really hope we can attend this coming year, as it’s one of our favorite D23 events with its focus on Disney history and archives.
Become part of the story at Gaylord Palms ICE 2022 featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
ICE! is back at Gaylord Palms. Don the signature, blue parka and step into a wonderland carved by expert artisans out of two million pounds of colorful ice. You’ll see the story of the Grinch in larger-than-life sculptures and even plunge down slides made entirely of ice in this Gaylord Hotels original experience.
My family and I have been attending ICE every year since around 2007 and it is so exciting to see the wonderful Gaylord Palms ICE 2022 back in full swing in Kissimmee. This year it’s all about that mean, green, Christmas-stealing machine, the Grinch!
You can see some of our past coverage, photos and videos of Gaylord Palms ICE! while you wait to experience this season’s event in 2022!
With Give Kids the World now operating at full capacity and the Night of a Million Lights no longer taking place, we wanted to share another way to support this great community and cause. DIS Con 2022 (formerly DIS Family Reunion) will take place at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort September 30th-October 1st, and will be THE place to be for Disney fans!
In addition to all of the convention offerings, DIS Con is hosting a separately ticketed After Hours Party in EPCOT on the park’s 40thanniversary! Guests will have access to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Test Track, and Mission: SPACE, and they’ll have the chance to enjoy special desserts, entertainment, and character meet and greets. And the best thing about the whole weekend is that it’s all to benefit Give Kids The World. What’s not to love about that?!
DIS Con will feature celebrity panels, meet and greets, unique vendors (with twice as many artisans as last year!), amazing photo ops, and a HUGE memorabilia silent auction. There will be another auction closer in to the event date, so you can join in on the DIS Con fun by heading togktw.org/disauctionand bidding from home.
Thanks to the way Zannaland and our followers have been wonderful partners to the Village in the past, Give Kids the World is saying thank you by sharing discount codeDISCON15for 15% off convention tickets and EPCOT After Hours Party tickets!
We had so much fun at last year’s convention, we can’t wait to see what’s in store this year! Last year we gave away tickets to the event, so you can read more about it here:
The latest D23 Expo 2022 announcement has to do with Disney+ today. After recent news of price increases, this latest update has Disney+ highlighting its upcoming programing. This includes Disney+ hosting Dancing with the Stars special season 31 celebration and highlighting other upcoming content throughout D23 Expo panels. Here’s the official info:
Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ make their return to D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, showcasing the ultimate streaming lineup of live and on-demand content. During the three-day Ultimate Fan Event, presented by Visa, attendees can enjoy immersive experiences, talent appearances, and photo opportunities at The Disney Bundle Pavilion along with live demos of the latest features on Disney+, special perks for Disney+ subscribers across the show floor, and much more.
This year, the global celebration of Disney+ Day returns on Thursday, September 8, leading into D23 Expo from Friday, September 9 through Sunday, September 11. To continue the festivities, attendees can look forward to news, first looks, and talent appearances from upcoming Disney+ Originals as part of the highly anticipated Hall D23 showcases including the Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Live Action presentation on Friday, September 9, and the Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Disney Branded Television presentations on Saturday, September 10. Throughout the weekend, Disney+ subscribers attending D23 Expo will be able to unlock special giveaways or promotions at Offer Spots on the show floor when they present their Disney+ subscriber pass, which can be picked up at D23 Expo starting on Thursday, September 8.
In honor of Dancing with the Stars’ new home, Disney+ invites guests to step back into the ballroom for a special celebration on the Backlot Stage on Sunday, September 11. Co-hosts Tyra Banks and Alfonso Ribeiro will be joined by a panel of executive producers and judges to share their favorite memories from the show and reveal new details about Season 31, premiering Monday, September 19 on Disney+.
The Disney Bundle Pavilion
On the show floor, The Disney Bundle Pavilion will showcase the unprecedented collection of entertainment and sports content offered across Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ with special programming and experiences.
Disney+ will exhibit two unique installations for fans to experience. A lenticular installation offers guests an opportunity to look for their reflection among the moving images, while a Disney+ holographic display will surprise guests with beamed-in appearances by their favorite characters.
Hulu invites guests to “Check in to Their Obsessions” as they walk through the iconic Hulu green vessel and are transported to a world filled with all their Hulu favorites, offering something for every type of viewer— whether they’re a pop culture aficionado or reality TV buff, or if their watch list is filled with adult animation or critically-acclaimed dramas. They will be able to join the Belchers for a Bob’s Burgers family photo opportunity, and put themselves in the hot seat of a confessional from their favorite reality TV shows, as they navigate a variety of immersive experiences.
ESPN+ offers fans a backstage pass that will give them a close-up look at some of the most iconic memorabilia in sports, including the College Football Playoff trophy, the UFC Championship belt, an El Clásico game ball, and more. Then, fans can complete their VIP fan experience by snapping a photo sitting behind a sports news desk.
The Disney Bundle Pavilion Stage Programming
Additionally, The Disney Bundle Pavilion stage will host three full days of panels, trivia, activities, fan-favorite screenings, and more, highlighting the diverse offering of shows, movies, and sports from Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.
Highlights of the tentative schedule are as follows with times subject to change (all times PT):
Friday, September 9
11:35 a.m. – Pixar’s Onward Story Presentation by Story Supervisor Kelsey Mann
12:00 p.m. – To the Edge of the Unknown from National Geographic with Jimmy Chin and Alex Honnold
12:35 p.m. – Sketch with an Animator: Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Eric Goldberg
1:55 p.m. – The History of Cars: Road Trip from the Original Film to New Series Cars on the Road with Creative Director Jay Ward
3:50 p.m. – Across the Bundle Spotlights: Hispanic Voices Panel
6:25 p.m. – Hulu Dance Party
Saturday, September 10
12:10 p.m. – A Conversation with Frozen Filmmakers with Academy Award® Winners Chris Buck (Director) and Peter Del Vecho (Producer)
1:10 p.m. – Sketch with an Animator: Solar Opposites’ Lindsay Carrozza
3:50 p.m. – Across the Bundle Spotlights: Made by Her Panel
4:50 p.m. – Meet the Muppets: The Muppets Mayhem Conversation Hosted by Tahj Mowry
6:25 p.m. – Hulu Dance Party
Sunday, September 11
10:00 a.m. – A Conversation with Encanto Filmmakers with Academy Award Winners Jared Bush (Director/Writer), Clark Spencer (Producer), and Yvett Merino (Producer)
3:50 p.m. – Across the Bundle Spotlights: Black History Always Panel
6:25 p.m. – Hulu Dance Party
Stage Presentations featuring Disney+ Content
Continuing the Disney+ Day celebration, fans will be treated to exclusive first looks at some of the new movies, series, specials, and shorts coming to Disney+ in 2023 and beyond during the following panels, including the newly announced Dancing with the Stars 31st Season Celebration on September 11:
Friday, September 9
10:45 a.m. – The Simpsons! (Premiere Stage)
3:30 p.m. – Studio Showcase, Day 1: Celebrate the Magic of Disney and Pixar (Hall D23)
5:45 p.m. – National Geographic and Disney+ Special Screening: Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory (Hyperion Stage)
Saturday, September 10
10:00 a.m. – Studio Showcase, Day 2: Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios (Hall D23)
3:30 p.m. – Disney’s Epic Entertainment Showcase: The Musical: The Extravaganza! (Hall D23)
5:45 p.m. – National Geographic and Disney+ Special Screening: Limitless with Chris Hemsworth (Hyperion Stage)
6:00 p.m. – The Santa Clauses: Conversation with Cast and Creators (Premiere Stage)
6:00 p.m. – Sneak Peek at Zootopia+ from Walt Disney Animation Studios (Backlot Stage)
Sunday, September 11
10:00 a.m. – Disney Original Documentary’s Sneak Peek of Mickey: The Story of a Mouse (Backlot Stage)
10:30 a.m. – The Cast and Creators of the Disney+ Series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Premiere Stage)
6:00 p.m. – Dancing with the Stars’ 31st Season Celebration (Backlot Stage)
Disney+ Innovation LoungePresented by IMAX® Enhanced
The Disney+ Innovation Lounge Presented by IMAX Enhanced will feature innovations from across partners and products in a dedicated space to learn and explore the future of the streaming service. Fans can stop by the lounge to see demos of new Disney+ product features and get an inside look at how IMAX comes to life on Disney+ with IMAX Enhanced.
In the Disney+ Innovation Lounge, Disney+ subscribers and D23 Gold Members will receive a Disney+ Collectible Card pack featuring custom illustrations celebrating some of the most popular current and upcoming Disney+ movies and shows.
The official D23 Expo 2022 Schedule has been released! Let’s take a looks at the D23 Expo lineup for 2022 – taking place September 9-11. As always, D23 will keep adding to this schedule so check back for updates!
D23 Expo Schedule – Friday, September 9, 2022
10:00 a.m. – Sounds Delightful! – An Illustrated Audio Adventure (Walt Disney Archives Stage)
10:15 a.m. – Cesar Millan: Better Human, Better Dog (Hyperion Stage)
10:30 a.m. – Disney Legends Awards Ceremony (Hall D23)
10:30 a.m. – Inside Look at the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (Backlot Stage)
10:45 a.m. – “The Simpsons!” (Premiere Stage)
11:45 a.m. – traceback: Celebrating the People of Walt Disney Animation Studios (Hyperion Stage)
12:00 p.m. – Who is Honored with a Window on Main Street, U.S.A.? (Walt Disney Archives Stage)
10:30 a.m. – A Boundless Future: Disney Parks, Experiences and Products (Hall D23)
10:30 a.m. – The Cast and Creators of the Disney+ Series “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” (Premiere Stage)
12:00 p.m. – Back to the Grid: 40 Years of Tron Presented by Enterprise (Backlot Stage)
12:00 p.m. – An Animated Conversation: Celebrating 90 Years of Goofy (Walt Disney Archives Stage)
12:15 p.m. – Join National Geographic Books on 100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime (Hyperion Stage)
1:00 p.m. – Walt Disney Imagineering: 70 Years of Making the Impossible, Possible (Premiere Stage)
2:00 p.m. – 100 Years of Treasures from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library (Backlot Stage)
2:00 p.m. – “The Main Street Electrical Parade” — 50 Years of NIghttime Magic & Imagination (Walt Disney Archives Stage)
2:15 p.m. – 100 Years of Hollywood Magic: A Disney Tour of the UCLA Film & Television Archive (Hyperion Stage)
3:45 p.m. – Explore the World with the Next Generation of National Geographic! (Premiere Stage)
4:00 p.m. – FX’s “AHS: Behind the Screams” (Backlot Stage)
4:00 p.m. – The Disney Parks Through the Decades: A Disney Ambassador Perspective (Walt Disney Archives Stage)
4:15 p.m. – “Disney Princess – The Concert” Live at D23! (Hall D23)
4:15 p.m. – The World of Duffy & Friends Revealed (Hyperion Stage)
5:00 p.m. D23 Disney Stars Trivia Showdown (D23 Expo Live Stage)
6:00 p.m. – Conversations with Disney Character Voices (Premiere Stage)
6:00 p.m. – “Dancing with the Stars” 31st Season Celebration (Backlot Stage)
6:00 p.m. – Memories of Walt Disney World: Framing A Portrait of 50 Magical Years (Walt Disney Archives Stage)
6:00–7:00 p.m. – Conversations with Disney Character Voices (Premiere Stage)
Don’t forget to download the D23 Expo app so you can pick your favorites, set up notifications, and view the full schedule during the Expo. This is also how you’ll join virtual queues. You can view our additional D23 Expo 2022 coverage as well!
LEGOLAND Florida is one of our family’s favorites (I feel like I start every article out that way, but it’s true!) and Brick-or-Treat is such a fun way to kick off the not-so-spooky season in Central Florida. This year they are adding something new – Monster Party! Keep reading to find out more:
The biggest, fun-est (yes, we said it!) party of the year will be even more monstrous this fall at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort when Brick-or-TreatpresentsMonster Party! Families will be screaming in excitement as they enjoy more candy, more LEGO® characters and more spell-binding surprises than ever before with 12 nights of Halloween fun – each Saturday and Sunday, beginning September 24 through October 30. This Halloween spectacular will bewitch families with amazing NEW experiences, live shows, spooky LEGO® decorations and Monster mischief around every corner – all included with general park admission and select Annual Passes.
NEW! Monster Mania IRL and in 4-D!
Monsters are taking over LEGOLAND Florida Resort! Enjoy a host of thrilling meet and greets with never-before-seen LEGO® Monster characters, including Zombie Cheerleader, Plant Monster and Tiger Woman. Then, catch these ghoulish characters on the big screen in the ALL-NEW, hauntingly hilarious, 4D movie “The Great Monster Chase” complete with some sneaky special effects.
NEW! Eerily-Awesome Entertainment & Attractions
BRAND-NEW live shows will cast that BOO-tastic Halloween spirit! Lord Vampyre will have all the little skeletons grooving at his V.I.M. (Very Important Monsters) Dance Party in Fun Town. An UnbeLEAFable musical mystery takes the LEGO® City Stage when a strange plant grows out of control. The jack-o-lantern trio, Jammin’ Jacks, are also back with an all-new chorus of monster melodies. Step aboard the Disco Dragon Coaster and get ready to jive with a groovy monster jam and party lights. The Monster Party howls on with a Pirate Pool Party at Pirate Island Hotel and special entertainment at the Beach Retreat on select nights.
More Candy, More Fun!
Brick-or-Treat throughout the streets of LEGOLAND Florida! Wander across the park to collect more candy than ever before! Beware the Curse of the Pharaoh as you creep through the Graveyard of Ghouls to the new Desert Desserts candy station on the way to the costume parade in MINILAND USA.
InclusiveFamily Experiences
Creating inclusive experiences for families during their visit is a resort priority no matter the season. As a Certified Autism Center, LEGOLAND Florida is designing Brick-or-Treat specific sensory guides for families and will offer alternative treats, available through Guest Services. Team members will also be equipped with Halloween-specific information related to autism sensitivity and awareness to better understand needs around the celebration.
Dastardly Fireworks in Pirates Cove
Pirates Cove is under siege! In the cover of darkness, witness 3D LEGO® brick-bursting fireworks come to life with ghoulish delight and hear tale of Captain Dreadbeard! This lakeside spectacle is the sweetest way to end the Monster Party on all event nights!
Ghoulish Goodies & Sweets
The Monsters are in the kitchen whipping up some spookily delectable, limited-time goodies for Brick-or-Treat! Nothing says fall like a Pumpkin Spice Up Your Life Shake or the Great Monster Cake. Pick up some Wacky Witch’s BBQ Wings for a spooky, savory treat. Enjoy the ghoulishly green Brick Blast Coca-Cola Freestyle flavor exclusive to LEGOLAND parks, a recipe that fits perfectly into any Halloween celebration. And be sure to grab an order of Rockin’ Frankenstein’s electric purple apple fries with crushed candy and peanut butter dip, a new twist on a LEGOLAND classic
Brick-or-Treat is one of many exciting events included with LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park general admission and select Annual Passes, starting at less than $11/month with a small down payment. Learn more at LEGOLAND.com/Florida.
With just over a month until Disney’s highly anticipated D23 Expo presented by Visa in Anaheim, California, kicking off September 9, Marvel is unveiling a can’t-miss lineup of panels, stage events, guest appearances, exclusive merchandise, giveaways, and more!
Fans will be able to explore the Marvel Studios Pavilion on the show floor to experience an awesome costume display, exclusive giveaways, a photo activation, and other surprises. Elsewhere on the show floor, the shopDisney booth will spotlight exciting Marvel merchandise featuring the Avengers, Spider-Man, and the Guardians of the Galaxy, along with a variety of other products at retailer booths during the show.
Throughout the weekend at D23 Expo, fans won’t want to miss Marvel’s panels and stage events diving into what’s next for Marvel Studios, a celebration of 60 “Beyond Amazing” years of Spider-Man, an exciting current look at Marvel Games, and more! These include:
Marvel DRAW Live! Friday, September 9, 2–2:30 p.m. PT and Saturday, September 10, 1:30–2 p.m. PT | D23 Expo Live! Stage
Join Brian Crosby, Marvel’s Director of Themed Entertainment, for a real-time, step-by-step tutorial session on how to draw some of Marvel’s most iconic heroes and villains!
Hall D23 Presentation Saturday, September 10, 10 a.m. PT | Hall D23
As previously announced, filmmakers, celebrity talent, and surprise guests from Marvel Studios will join Lucasfilm and others onstage in Hall D23 to showcase theatrical and Disney+ titles. Going behind the scenes of these studios’ highly anticipated films, specials, and series, attendees will see exclusive footage and be among the first to learn what’s in the works.
Marvel Comics: Celebrating 60 Years of the Amazing Spider-Man Saturday, September 10, 2–3 p.m. PT | Backlot stage
Celebrate sixty spectacular, sensational, web-slinging years of Spider-Man! From his humble debut in 1962’s Amazing Fantasy #15, he wall-crawled his way to international super-stardom. Now, join Marvel’sExecutive Spider-Editor Nick Lowe and Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski as they team up to trace the comics history of the web-head across six decades—and BEYOND! Tantalizing trivia about the webbed wonder will be shared in this can’t-miss panel, so be sure to swing by! Fans attending will also receive a special exclusive giveaway (while supplies last), to be revealed in the coming weeks!
Signings with Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski and Executive Editor Nick Lowe Saturday, September 10, 5:30–6:30 p.m. PT | Talent Central
Swing by Talent Central to meet Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski and Executive Spider-Editor Nick Lowe for a signing opportunity!
D23 Expo is sold out. Select presentations will be streamed for guests at D23 Expo Live! For more information, visit D23Expo.com.
Additional event details, including D23 Expo plans for Marvel Games, will be released in the coming weeks and made available on the D23 Expo app. Stay tuned to Marvel.com and D23Expo.com for more information!
Based on what I’ve seen at the recent San Diego Comic-Con, I’m really excited to see some of these experiences on the show floor at the 2022 D23 Expo, especially the Only Murders in the Building silhouettes! Read on for more from Disney’s release:
Three Packed Days of Panels and Booth Activations Showcasing More Than Three Dozen Fan-Favorite Franchises, Series and Specials
Disney General Entertainment is bringing more than 30 fan-favorite programs under one roof at this year’s D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa. Through interactive activations on the convention floor as well as shows, panels and talent appearances, fans will immerse themselves in the wonders of storytelling from some of the most iconic and culture-defining shows across every genre on television and streaming, created by content brands ABC Entertainment, ABC News, Disney Branded Television, Freeform, FX, Hulu Originals, National Geographic Content and Onyx Collective.
The three-day extravaganza kicks off September 9 in Anaheim, California, and includes immersive activations in the Disney General Entertainment “Journey Into Storytelling” pavilion, along with a dynamic schedule of exciting announcements, sneak peeks, engaging panels and special appearances by the stars from some of today’s most cherished shows today.
Through the “Journey Into Storytelling” experience on the show floor pavilion, there is a story for everyone. Fans are invited to immerse themselves in the various worlds of their favorite programming, or perhaps even discover their new favorites, with interactive experiences from “Abbott Elementary,” “American Born Chinese,” “American Horror Story,” “Cruel Summer,” “Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory,” “Fire of Love,” “Good Morning America,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Kardashians,” “Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers,” “Limitless with Chris Hemsworth,” “National Treasure: Edge of History,” “Only Murders in the Building” and “ZOMBIES 3.” There will be photo and video activations along with gamification throughout the pavilion.
Fans of daytime television favorites “Live with Kelly and Ryan” and “Tamron Hall” can take center stage for a photo and video moment where they will feel like they’re part of the show at these fun photo booth opportunities — located in Hall B of the D23 Expo floor. In addition, fans can see Tamron Hall in-person moderating various panels across D23 Expo.
The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will also feature panels, shows and talent appearances across its five stages: Hall D23, Premiere Stage, Backlot Stage, Walt Disney Archive Stage and Hyperion Stage. Exciting panels include a sneak peek into ABC Entertainment’s upcoming special “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration” and a special fan experience celebrating “The Simpsons” reign as the longest-running animated series of all time. Additional programming will take place on the Disney Bundle Stage. More details to come.
Show Floor Pavilion — “Journey Into Storytelling” Immersive Experiences:
ABC News:
“Good Morning America” (ABC and Hulu) TSS Shot Begin the journey seeing your name in lights on the famed ABC News’ “Good Morning America” marquee — a must-have photo op.
Disney Branded Television:
“American Born Chinese” (Disney+) – Mythical Staff Maneuvers Learn how to master the staff alongside the mythical Chinese heroes featured in Disney Branded Television’s “American Born Chinese.”
“National Treasure: Edge of History” (Disney+) – Clue Room Zoom Gear up for an archeological adventure by searching for clues in the secret tunnel of the pyramid with Disney Branded Television’s “National Treasure: Edge of History.”
ABC Entertainment:
“Abbott Elementary” (ABC and Hulu) – Sub for a Day Step into a day in the life of a substitute teacher at “Abbott Elementary” and see how you would respond in some iconic scenes!
“Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC and Hulu) Do as the world-class staff of Grey Sloan Memorial do when they need a boost: strike a superhero pose or dance it out!
Freeform:
“Cruel Summer” (Freeform and Hulu) – Y2K Room Enter this experience to take a turn on “Dance Dance Revolution” to your favorite throwback hits, pose in the Y2K-era bedroom and get a glimpse at the lake life in a cool airstream photo op from the upcoming season of “Cruel Summer.”
FX:
“American Horror Story” – Horror Scare Moment (FX and Hulu) Be the star of your own nightmare while celebrating 11 award-winning seasons of FX’s “American Horror Story.”
Hulu Originals:
“Only Murders in the Building” – Arconia Silhouettes Become a resident of the famed Arconia with your very own Mabel Mora-style portrait with Hulu Originals’ “Only Murders in the Building.”
“The Kardashians” – 7th Sister Think you have what it takes to be a Kardashian? Give it your best strut.
“Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers” – Skyhook Slo Mo Fulfill your Laker’s legacy with your very own attempt at the skyhook inspired by Lakers legends.
National Geographic Content:
“Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory” (Disney+); “Fire of Love” (Disney+); “Limitless with Chris Hemsworth” (Disney+) Push your own limits by becoming an explorer at some of the most stunning environmental settings around the world with National Geographic.
D23 Expo is sold out. Select presentations will be streamed for guests at D23 Expo Live! For more information, visit D23Expo.com.
More news from the D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa, this time all about the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products presentations! This is perhaps the most anticipated set of sessions each D23 Expo due to the parks announcements. However there are some really fun Imagineering presentations as well that you won’t want to miss. Here is the official scoop from D23 directly:
The D23 Expo is returning for a spectacular in-person event in Anaheim with special surprises for fans of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. With exciting pavilions, captivating panel presentations and special retail experiences, fans can explore and be the first to learn about never-before-seen details of new themed lands, attractions, shows and more.
The Disney Parks and Experiences Wonderful World of Dreams pavilion invites attendees to step into the new stories, attractions and adventures Disney Imagineers are bringing to life around the globe. Fans will discover behind-the-scenes glimpses of the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction coming to Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, the transformation of EPCOT, new Frozen-themed experiences, Disney Cruise Line, live entertainment and more.
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro will take to the Hall D23 stage Sunday, September 11, at 10:30 a.m. for A Boundless Future: Disney Parks Experiences and Products to share a look at new details of highly anticipated projects in development around the world. The fan-favorite presentation is sure to feature see-it-here-first moments and surprises.
D23 Expo is the place for fans to shop for new and limited-edition merchandise from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic, plus items celebrating Disney100 and D23 Expo. Attendees can visit the D23 Expo Marketplace for a new, immersive retail experience with products from shopDisney.com and Disney Parks. The Walt Disney Imagineering Mickey’s of Glendale shop is returning to D23 Expo this year, this time with three unique retail spaces tailored to different categories and experiences: Mickey’s of Glendale Main Store, Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store and D23 Expo Shop x Mickey’s of Glendale.
Guests at D23 Expo will get first access to DisneyMe, an all-new digital avatar in the Play Disney Parks app. This experience empowers guests to express their Disney style by creating their own unique DisneyMe. To celebrate the launch of DisneyMe as part of Disney Uncharted Adventure on the Disney Wish, guests at D23 Expo will be invited on a quest that can only be completed at the Expo. Attendees will uncover specially designed Disney Wish and D23 Expo digital clothing and accessories for their DisneyMe around the show floor.
Starting in September, D23 Expo guests will need to download the latest Play Disney Parks app to be ready to create their DisneyMe and join the DisneyMe D23 Expo Quest during the convention.
Throughout the weekend, fans can dive deeper into the world of Disney through several special panel presentations:
Inside Look at the Society of Explorers and Adventurers
Friday, Sept. 9, 10:30 a.m., Backlot Stage
An inside look at the continuing development of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers — what it means in the Disney parks and how these stories continue to grow. Disney Imagineers are joined by Julie Kagawa to talk about her first two books in a series of novels that tie into the lore of S.E.A.
A Peek Behind the Curtain at the Walt Disney Imagineering Illusions and Special Effects Development Lab
Saturday, September 10, 10 a.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage
Learn about the legacy of Walt Disney Imagineering’s Illusions and Special Effects Development Lab, including the work created by Yale Gracey for the Haunted Mansion and other early projects, plus a behind-the-curtain look at the present-day magical process that is so unique to Imagineering.
Uncovering Treasures from the Marty Sklar Collection
Saturday, September 10, 12 p.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage
Join Walt Disney Imagineering Ambassador Bob Weis and Leah and Leslie Sklar, the wife and daughter of the late Disney Legend and Imagineer Marty Sklar, as they discuss some of the treasures they’ve discovered while going through Marty’s collection from his more than 50 years with Walt Disney Imagineering.
Dreaming, Designing and Bringing to Life the Disney Wish
Saturday, September 10, 4 p.m., Backlot Stage
Disney Imagineers fresh off the launch of the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet — the Disney Wish — talk about their experiences bringing this ship to life. From the wondrously themed spaces and imaginative kids clubs to the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, the ship brings to life fantastical stories you know and love like never before.
Walt Disney Imagineering: 70 Years of Making the Impossible, Possible
Sunday, September 11, 1 p.m., Premiere Stage
For seven decades, the magic-makers at Walt Disney Imagineering have blended limitless imagination with cutting-edge technology to create groundbreaking experiences that bring together families and friends to create lifelong memories. Join Imagineers past and present as they discuss the core elements of storytelling and innovation that bring dreams to life for guests from all around the world.
Disney Parks Through the Decades: A Disney Ambassador Perspective
Sunday, September 11, 4 p.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage
Join us for a conversation with Disney Ambassadors spanning the decades, including 1966 Disney Ambassador, Connie Lane, and 1971 Walt Disney World Ambassador, Debby Dane Browne. From representing Walt Disney at Disneyland in the 1960s, to opening Walt Disney World: experience the history of Disney Parks like never before.
The World of Duffy & Friends Revealed
Sunday, September 11, 4:15 p.m., Hyperion Stage
Disney Imagineers discuss the origin and continuing popularity of Duffy & Friends, including the newest friend who has become a global phenomenon — LinaBell!
D23 Expo is sold out. Select presentations will be streamed for guests at D23 Expo Live! For more information, visit D23Expo.com.
Personally, I cannot wait for the Duffy and Friends panel! I have quite a few of the friends at home and will love learning more about them in person!
The Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios presentations are perhaps one of the most exciting parts of the D23 Expos that take place in Anaheim, California every two years. I still remember the goosebumps when I saw some unfinished animation for Moana at the 2017 Expo. It’s truly a gift to get these glimpses into future projects and see how they are finished when they appear in theaters. This year at the 2022 D23 Expo, there will be tons of never-before-seen footage, presentations, and archives displays from Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios. I know I can’t wait to see all of this in person! You can plan your D23 Expo time based on the time schedule below. We’ll have more updates as we receive them from D23. Here are the official details:
Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios are prepping for Disney’s D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa in Anaheim, California—a three-day extravaganza that kicks off September 9. Plans are underway at the animation powerhouses for an exciting weekend of announcements, first looks, sneak peeks, and presentations surrounding upcoming feature films and streaming titles—plus interactive displays, artist autograph signings, sharable photo opportunities, filmmaker Q&As, and giveaways.
LOOKING AHEAD WITH THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS Friday, September 9, 3:30 p.m., Hall D23
Disney Animation and Pixar are teaming up with Disney Live Action on Friday afternoon, welcoming thousands of Disney fans to Hall D23 for a special look at upcoming films and series. Pixar Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee will present never-before-seen footage, surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by all-star voice talent from the studios’ upcoming slate of original animated films and series. Fans will get an insider’s view at Pixar’s unique, perspective-shifting, long-form series Win or Lose, which launches on Disney+ next year. Pixar’s Peter Sohn, who helms the 2023 feature Elemental, will transport fans to a city where fire-, water-, land-, and air-residents live side by side. Disney Animation’s Academy Award®-winning director Don Hall will journey alongside fans deep into an uncharted and treacherous land with Strange World—releasing November 23—and Disney Animation and their collaborators from the Pan-African comic book company Kugali will reveal new details about Iwájú, a long-form sci-fi series set in Lagos, Nigeria, that launches on Disney+ next year. Cell phones, cameras, and all recording devices will be checked for this presentation.
SHOW FLOOR September 9 through 11, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
As Walt Disney Animation Studios kicks off its 100-year anniversary celebration, the studio will showcase its past, present, and future throughout D23 Expo 2022. They’ll team up once again with Pixar Animation Studios on the show floor, creating an immersive animation experience for fans. The studios’ upcoming original feature films, including Disney Animation’s Strange World, releasing this November, and Pixar’s June 2023 release, Elemental, will be highlighted. A six-foot-tall red panda will greet fans, celebrating Pixar’s TurningRed, now streaming on Disney+, and a photo op with Buzz Lightyear and his robot companion cat Sox from the now-in-theaters film Lightyear will be available. Disney Animation will invite guests into the realms of Strange World, Encanto, and more through engaging photo experiences. Fans will also get opportunities to meet the teams behind the series and movies, with autograph signings of exclusive art and promotional item giveaways.
ANIMATION PANELS Friday, September 9 “traceback”: Celebrating the People of Walt Disney Animation Studios is scheduled for 11:45 a.m.– 12:45 p.m. on the Hyperion Stage.
The Walt Disney Animation Research Library presents “traceback,” a look at the lives and work as well as the artistic and technical contributions of women and employees of color throughout the history of Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Saturday, September 10 A Century of Storytelling at Walt Disney Animation Studios is scheduled for 2–3 p.m. on the Walt Disney Archives Stage.
The Walt Disney Animation Research Library celebrates 100 years of Disney Animation storytelling by highlighting the stories and people behind key art and artifacts in its collection.
A Celebration of Disney Animation’s “Encanto” will take place from 3:30–4:30 p.m. on the Premiere Stage.
Join the team behind Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award®-winning hit Encanto for stories behind the making of the film—and a few surprises!
Sneak Peek at “Zootopia+” from Walt Disney Animation Studios will take place from 6–7 p.m. on the Backlot Stage.
Get a first look at the highly anticipated animated series Zootopia+, coming to Disney+ from Walt Disney Animation Studios, with directors Josie Trinidad and Trent Correy.
Sunday, September 11 100 Years of Treasures from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library is scheduled for 2–3 p.m. on the Backlot Stage.
Never-before-seen clips, recording sessions, and live-action reference mark 100 years of Walt Disney Animation Studios as the Animation Research Library unveils newly digitized media from its collection and from its Oral History Project, in which the legends of animation have been interviewed.
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