anaheim convention center

Go Behind the Scenes with Disney Studios at the D23 Expo-More Presentation Info

29 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Here is the latest update from D23, with some additional info on who will be appearing at the Walt Disney Studios presentation and other arena shows at the Expo:

Exclusively at Disney’s D23 Expo August 9–11 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Disney fans are invited to explore the incredible roster of film, stage, and music projects on the horizon at The Walt Disney Studios, with a variety of panel discussions, sneak peeks, and exhibits.

This year the Studio will present two arena shows, kicking off the Expo at 10 a.m. Friday, August 9, with “Art and Imagination: Animation at The Walt Disney Studios,” a showcase of upcoming animated films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and DisneyToon Studios. John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer of Disney’s Animation Studios, will host a lively exhibition chock-full of never-before-seen footage, celebrity and filmmaker appearances, and live performances from films like Disney’s Frozen, Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur and the Mickey Mouse short Get a Horse!. Then at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 10, Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn, Disney Live Action Production President Sean Bailey, and Marvel Studios President and Producer Kevin Feige will host “Let the Adventures Begin: Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios,” an expedition through the Studio’s exciting live-action offerings from Disney as well as several powerhouse pictures on tap from Marvel Studios, with exclusive clips and surprise guests from a range of films including Saving Mr. Banks, Tomorrowland,Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and much more.

Fans can expect appearances from Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel (Frozen), Dane Cook (Disney’s Planes), Jason Schwartzman and B.J. Novak (Saving Mr. Banks), Ty Burrell (Muppets Most Wanted) and top Marvel and Disney•Pixar talent. And in typical D23 Expo fashion, fans can also anticipate surprise appearances from more of their favorite stars.

In “Broadway & Beyond…Celebrating the Stars of Disney on Broadway,” Friday, August 9 at 6:30 p.m., audiences will take a musical journey with Disney Theatrical Productions President Thomas Schumacher and a bevy of stage stars, including Heidi Blickenstaff (The Little Mermaid), Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast), Merle Dandridge (Tarzan^® and AIDA), Josh Strickland (Tarzan) and Alton Fitzgerald White (The Lion King), who sing beloved songs from the award-winning musicals they starred in as well as classic tunes from the Disney on Broadway catalog.

Throughout the weekend, fans will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes with the animation artists at Disney and Pixar with several featured panels, including:

* Inside the Ice: The Art of Disney’s Frozen – Walt Disney Animation Studios’ big-screen comedy adventure Frozen, with its icy setting and colorful cast of characters, presented breathtaking opportunities, plus a few challenges for filmmakers. Join the team behind the movie for an exclusive look at the art and animation of Frozen. (Saturday, August 10, 10:30 a.m.)

* The Art of The Good Dinosaur – Pixar Animation Studios’ latest feature explores what might have happened if the cataclysmic asteroid that forever changed life on Earth actually missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct. Take a closer look at this imaginative world of possibility and the artistry and production design behind it. (Saturday, August 10, 3 p.m.)

* Toy Story OF TERROR! and the Motivation Behind Pixar’s Short Form Content – From toys on vacation to tow-riffic four wheelers, Pixar keeps some of their most beloved characters alive and well through short-form content. Angus MacLane, director of Toy Story OF TERROR!, a new adventure featuring Woody, Buzz and the Toy Story gang set for release on TV this fall; producer Galyn Susman; and other Pixar short-form filmmakers share their experiences and discuss the exciting challenges of expanding the worlds of these characters loved by audiences across the globe. (Saturday, August 10, 5 p.m.)

* Pixar: Doing Our Homework – Research is an integral part of the filmmaking process, and with a story in hand, Pixar artists set out to become experts, immersing themselves in places, people and experiences that inspire and inform their filmmaking, whether it be spirited Scots, delectable French cuisine, or deep sea adventures. (Friday, August 9, 6 p.m.)

* Women of Pixar – Jessie. Dory. Sally. Merida. Although they never cross paths and exist in different worlds, these iconic Pixar females have one thing in common: girl power. Meet a dynamic group of women from Pixar, whose experience and success at the studio have helped craft some of the most memorable animated films in recent history. They will share stories from their journeys and the lessons they have learned along the way. (Sunday, August 11, 1 p.m.)

Expo attendees will also have access to an Exclusive Screening of Disney’s Planes in 3D, featuring an introduction by some very special guests. (Friday, August 9, 3 p.m.)

As Disney welcomes Lucasfilm into the family, fans will have a chance to delve deep in the Star Wars universe with “Crash Course in the Force: Star Wars Saga 101,” an immersive journey into the rich history of the worldwide phenomenon, led by Lucasfilm’s resident authority Pablo Hidalgo. (Saturday, August 10, 5 p.m.)

Music fans will be treated to performances by Good Luck Charlie star and platinum-selling Hollywood Records artist Bridgit Mendler, and Hollywood Records artists R5, fronted by Teen Beach Movie and Austin & Ally star Ross Lynch. D23 will also present Richard Sherman and Alan Menken, two of the world’s most celebrated songwriters and composers who have won a combined 10 Academy Awards for their work with Disney. In addition, Grammy^® Award-winning producer and resident Disney Music Historian, Randy Thornton, will take fans on a musical journey with inside stories of songs written for classic Disney films.

Out on the Expo floor, fans can explore the world of The Walt Disney Studios at their leisure with comprehensive exhibits, including:

* Walt Disney Animation Studios Pavilion – Attendees can summon their inner artist and escape into diverse worlds of where there’s much to explore, from the stunning snow-covered setting of Frozen to the high-tech, action-packed world of Big Hero 6, featuring the latest animation technology, sneak peeks, and giveaways.

* Disneytoon Studios Pavilion – Aviation aficionados and fairy fans will be on cloud nine as they explore projects including Disney’s Planes and immerse themselves in the world of Pixie Hollow and the magical heroines from Disney’s Fairies with exciting demonstrations and presentations.

* Walt Disney Studios In-Home Entertainment Zones – Dive into cutting-edge home entertainment technology and learn what the future holds for Disney movie fans, with sneak peeks of upcoming films in breathtaking high-definition Blu-ray 3D^™, including new hit films and new-to-Blu classics, the latest on Disney Second Screen and more. Also, the adorable Disney “Buddies” are back with an all-new movie—Super Buddies—coming August 27! Fans can get a picture with one of the real puppy super heroes. They are appearing live at D23 Expo for the first time—Saturday and Sunday!

Tickets for the D23 Expo are $57 for a one-day adult admission and $47 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $50 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public, and D23 Members can save as much as $84 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit D23Expo.com.

Learn about ABC’s “Once Upon A Time In Wonderland” Fall Series and Visit the Jolly Roger at the D23 Expo

24 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

As a fan of Once Upon a Time on the ABC network, I was excited to read this news about their presence at the D23 Expo. Attendees will learn more about the new series Once Upon A Time In Wonderland, and can board Captain Hook’s Jolly Roger pirate ship as well as visit the Evil Queen’s vault! See all the details below:

Be among the first to watch ABC’s most anticipated new fall series and animated specials and have a chance to learn the secrets behind how they were made. Fans will have those opportunities at the D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, where all the worlds of Disney come together, August 9 – 11, at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Executive Producers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz will be featured at a panel titled “ABC’s Once Upon A Time: Behind The Fairytale” on Saturday, August 10 at 1:00 p.m. at Stage 23. Eddy and Adam will talk about exciting developments for season three of their hit series Once Upon A Time as well as their new fall series, Once Upon A Time In Wonderland, which takes place in the Victorian England of Alice and the strange new land that exists on the other side of the rabbit hole. The Q&A with the executive producers will be moderated by D23’s Jeffrey Epstein.

Guests on the D23 Expo show floor are invited to come aboard the Jolly Roger for a swashbuckling good time with some of your favorite fairytale characters from ABC’s hit series Once Upon A Time. Explore the famous pirate ship and feast your eyes on original props from the set. You will also find Snow White, Prince Charming, the Evil Queen, Captain Hook, and Emma Swan (and Emma’s red leather jacket). Every pirate who boards the ship gets to visit the Evil Queen’s vault. And a surprise awaits when you unlock a box from Regina’s wall of hearts. No pirate will leave empty handed! Don’t let this exciting adventure sail by without you!

In addition, as previously announced, guests will be able to get an up-close-and-personal look at some of the elaborate costumes from Once Upon A Time inside the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit located on the second floor of the Convention Center.

The D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings the entire world of Disney under one roof, providing attendees with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, and theme parks. For the latest D23 Expo 2013 news, visit D23Expo.com. To be part of the D23 Expo conversation, make sure to follow @DisneyD23 and tag your tweets with #D23Expo.

Disney Studios To Host Two Arena Presentations At D23 Expo 2013-Celebrities and Exclusive Sneak Peeks

16 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

The Studios presentation is always a highlight of the D23 Expo and this year, we get two presentations! I can’t wait to see the sneak peeks and which celebrities will be making appearances. Here are the official details below:

D23 Expo 2013 will celebrate its grand opening with a welcome from Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger followed by the first of two arena presentations hosted by The Walt Disney Studios at the Anaheim Convention Center. On Friday, August 9, The Walt Disney Studios will surprise and delight fans with sneak peeks of the incredible slate of upcoming animated films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and Disneytoon Studios, hosted by Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter. Then, on Saturday, August 10, Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn will host The Walt Disney Studios live action arena presentation which will pull back the curtain on upcoming releases from Disney Live Action and Marvel Studios. Both presentations will feature exclusive clips and behind-the-scenes footage, filmmaker discussions, and surprise celebrity appearances.

The 4,000-seat arena, the largest venue at The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, will for the first time feature a 2,000-seat overflow theater where guests will be able to watch these once-in-a-lifetime happenings though a live feed.

Art and Imagination: Animation at The Walt Disney Studios (Friday, August 9, 10:00 a.m.): Disney and Pixar Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter, filmmakers and star talent will take guests on a journey through The Walt Disney Studios’ slate of upcoming animated features, including Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen and Pixar Animation Studios’ The Good Dinosaur. Plus, catch the U.S. debut of the new Mickey Mouse short Get A Horse!, major movie announcements, and a not-to-be-missed live musical performance.

Let the Adventures Begin: Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios (Saturday, August 10, 10:30 a.m.): The Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn will showcase the Studios’ exciting live-action release slate, including Disney’s Saving Mr. Banks and Tomorrowland, Marvel’sThor: The Dark World, and much more.

Impressive List of Disney Legends Announced for the 2013 D23 Expo Presentation

10 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

At the 2011 D23 Expo, one of my favorite moments was the Disney Legends presentation. It’s a wonderful look into Disney history and the impact individuals have had on the company and its fans. The list for 2013’s Disney Legends has just been released by D23 and it is quite an impressive roster, from Imagineer favorite Tony Baxter to Steve Jobs to Billy Crystal and John Goodman. Ed Wynn has always been a personal favorite, I loved him in Mary Poppins and Alice and Wonderland. Glen Keane has always been a favorite animator. His distinctive style is much beloved among fans. Read the full list and press release below:

BURBANK, Calif. – July 10, 2013 – Monsters Inc. and Monsters University stars Billy Crystal and John Goodman, technology visionary Steve Jobs, television icon Dick Clark and other beloved contributors to the Disney legacy will be named and honored as official Disney Legends during the D23 Expo 2013 at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, in the D23 Expo Arena at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The Disney Legends Awards program is a 26-year tradition of The Walt Disney Company. The three-day D23 Expo provides a rare opportunity for the public to be a part of the always touching and memorable presentation, hosted by noted television personality Tom Bergeron (host of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and America’s Funniest Home Videos).

“The Disney Legend Award is our highest and most coveted honor,” said Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger. “It’s reserved for the extraordinary visionaries and artists behind the Disney magic, the men and women who push the limits of innovation and creativity to ensure Disney remains truly special. The eight Legends we honor this year helped create some of our most beloved characters along with exciting new worlds and thrilling attractions. They also entertained millions of people and expanded our definition of what’s possible. They are all indelible parts of our legacy, and we are proud to recognize them as true Disney Legends.”

The 2013 Disney Legends Award honorees (listed alphabetically) are:

TONY BAXTER has developed beloved Disney attractions including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Journey Into Imagination, Splash Mountain, and countless more over the course of his 43-year career with Walt Disney Imagineering. Revered by Disney fans, he is best known for his commitment to storytelling, attention to detail, and ability to develop new ideas and attractions by combining time-tested design practices with modern technology.

COLLIN CAMPBELL touched almost every part of the Walt Disney Company, from animated classics to legendary theme park attractions, with stints in live action film and television. Collin’s work with Walt Disney Imagineering includes the development of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, Pirates of the Caribbean, as well as concept illustrations of Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot Center.

DICK CLARK brought rock and roll to 40 million homes across the country with the national debut of American Bandstand on ABC in 1958. He went on to produce game shows, award shows including the Golden Globes® and the Academy of Country Music Awards, comedy specials movies, and other popular television specials. Dick might best be remembered, however, as the host of ABC’s annual Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve from 1973 until 2011.

BILLY CRYSTAL is an acclaimed actor who lends his voice to Mike Wazowski, the frenetic, green cyclopean monster from Monsters Inc. andMonsters University. Best known for his memorable roles in When Harry Met Sally…, The Princess Bride, and City Slickers, Billy, who has won six Emmy Awards and one Tony Award, has also been a fixture on ABC television, where he hosted the Academy Awards® broadcast nine times and found his breakthrough role as Jodie Dallas on Soap from 1977-81.

JOHN GOODMAN is a celebrated actor of stage and screen, and the voice behind James P. Sullivan, better known as “Sully,” from Monsters Inc. and Monsters University. Among John’s notable film appearances are The Big Lebowski, The Flintstones, and most recently Argo andFlight. John’s appearances in Disney-produced films include the Hollywood Pictures films Arachnophobia and Born Yesterday, as well as Touchstone Pictures’ Stella, Coyote Ugly, O Brother, Where Art Thou, and Confessions of a Shopaholic.

STEVE JOBS changed the world of consumer electronics as the founder of Apple, and was known throughout the world for his visionary attitude and penchant for innovation. He was an early investor and chief executive of Pixar, and became the Walt Disney Company’s largest shareholder overnight when it acquired Pixar Animation Studios in 2006. That same year, he joined the Disney board of directors, and remained a valuable sounding board and advisor to the company until his passing in 2011.

GLEN KEANE has brought to life many of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ most popular characters. Since becoming a Disney animator in 1974, he has animated classic Disney characters such as Penny in The Rescuers, Elliott in Pete’s Dragon, Ratigan in The Great Mouse Detective, the Beast in Beauty and the Beast, and the titular characters in The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Pocahontas, and Tarzan. In 2010, Glen served as Executive Producer and Animation Supervisor for Tangled, a story he developed for more than ten years.

ED WYNN, a comedian whose career began on Broadway in the early 1900s, appeared in numerous Disney classics of the 1960s, includingMary Poppins, Babes in Toyland, That Darn Cat, The Absent-Minded Professor, and Son of Flubber. Fans of Disney animation know him as the manic and distinctive voice of the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland.

Each honoree receives a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signifies the imagination, creativity and magic they have brought to the Company. Disney Legends Award recipients also participate in a handprint ceremony, and their bronzed prints will be displayed in theDisney Legends Plaza at the Company’s Burbank headquarters.

Admission to the ceremony will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is included in the price of a ticket to the D23 Expo. In addition to the 4,000-seat D23 Expo Arena, the ceremony will be simulcast into a 2,000-seat overflow theater inside the Convention Center.

The first Disney Legend, actor Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire), was named in 1987. Including this year’s honorees, a total of 237 Disney Legends have been named. Past Disney Legends include Tim Allen, Robin Williams, Julie Andrews, Howard Ashman, Regis Philbin, Annette Funicello, Peter Jennings, Angela Lansbury, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Sir Tim Rice, Dick Van Dyke and Barbara Walters. At the inaugural D23 Expo in 2009, the Legends Awards ceremony, which honored Robin Williams, Beatrice Arthur, Estelle Getty, Rue McLanahan, Betty White, Tony Anselmo, Bill Farmer, Harry Archinal, Don Iwerks and Leota Toombs Thomas, was presented to thousands of Disney fans for the first time.

Tickets and pricing information for D23 Expo 2013 are available at D23Expo.com Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 Expo and can be purchased for single days or for the full three days of festivities. Members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans will receive a discount on admission, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 Expo for themselves and their guests. More details about D23 Expo entertainment, events, and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can keep up with all the news by visiting D23Expo.com or by following “DisneyD23” on Twitter and Facebook.

2013 D23 Expo Guests to See Special 3D Screening of Disney Planes

1 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

D23 has just announced that Expo guests will be among the first to see Disney’s Planes on its opening day, with Special Appearances from Select Filmmakers and Stars. Just another fun perk to attending the 2013 D23 Expo! Official release below.

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club reveals plans for a special 3D screening of the high-flying big-screen adventure Disney’s Planes at the D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

D23 Expo attendees will be among the first to see Disney’s Planes on its opening day. An action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure from Disneytoon Studios, Disney’s Planes will take flight in theaters nationwide August 9, but D23 Expo guests will see this special 3D presentation featuring an introduction by some very special guests. Dusty Crophopper dreams of competing as a high-flying racer, but he’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps him train to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar.

Directed by lifelong aviation enthusiast Klay Hall (King of the Hill, The Simpsons), and produced by Traci Balthazor-Flynn, Disney’s Planes features the voices of Dane Cook, Stacy Keach, Brad Garrett, Teri Hatcher, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Priyanka Chopra, John Cleese, Cedric the Entertainer, Carlos Alazraqui, Roger Craig Smith, Anthony Edwards, Val Kilmer, Sinbad, Gabriel Iglesias, Brent Musburger, Colin Cowherd, Danny Mann, Oliver Kalkofe, and John Ratzenberger.

The screening is slated for Friday, August 9, 2013, at 3 p.m. at the Arena inside the Anaheim Convention Center. For more information about the movie, check out Disney.com/Planes, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyPlanes and follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DisneyPictures.

D23 Expo to Honor 60 Years of Disney Imagineering

28 June 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

The main reason I joined Disney’s D23 back when it was first announced, is a promised peek into Disney history and just what made this company we all know and love, so great. I may have missed the first Destination D and Expo out in California, but I have attended each subsequent Destination D and 2011’s Expo. The things I learned, the history shared, the stories, the images, cannot be compared, and really, cannot have a price put on them. I, as a fan, am so grateful for the things the Walt Disney Archives and D23 have done, to share and nurture the legacy that is the Walt Disney Company.

So it was with great excitement that I read the news below, revealing an Imagineering “Open House” to give attendees a glimpse behind the creative process of Imagineering. In addition, several panels with Imagineers, discussing various projects and company history. The only downside will be deciding which panels to attend! Read below for the full press release from D23 – and I hope to see you at the Expo!

Disney Takes Fans Behind the Magic with an Unprecedented Look at the Imagineering “Dream Factory”

BURBANK, Calif. – June 28, 2013 – In honor of the 60th anniversary of Walt Disney Imagineering and the origins of Disney Parks and Resorts, Imagineering is hosting an “open house” at the D23 Expo, August 9-11, opening the doors of its unique facilities and offering an unprecedented look at its creative processes—all on the floor of the Anaheim Convention Center. In addition, Imagineers past and present will host an entire day of panel discussions on Sunday, August 11, celebrating their 60 magical years of “dreaming and doing.”

Within the “open house” pavilion, D23 Expo guests will get an up close look at an eclectic array of Imagineering’s creative minds—ride engineers, model builders, pre-visualization artists, special effects designers, inventors, and show animators—as they share the skills and talents behind Imagineering’s creative process. In addition, guests will have the chance to glimpse at the “workspaces” of several project teams from around Disney’s global portfolio of parks and resorts, perhaps spotting a few clues into coming attractions along the way.

For the first time at the D23 Expo, Walt Disney Imagineering will be showcasing some of its most historical and revered concept art from its Art Library, including Herb Ryman’s original drawing of Disneyland. Also in the Disney Parks pavilion, D23 Expo guests will again have the chance to explore Mickey’s of Glendale, an outlet of Walt Disney Imagineering’s employee-only store, to shop for unique souvenirs and collectibles and Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise not available anywhere else.

In addition to the Imagineering Open House, D23 Expo attendees will be able to attend 12 unique presentations and panel discussions that will take fans on the incredible journey behind the latest Disney resorts, attractions, and entertainment including:

· The Art and Artistry of Aulani – Imagineers Joe Rohde and Jeanette Lomboy will share the authentic tapestry of art and stories found at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa.

· Mayhem, Mischief, and Monkeys: The Magic of Mystic Manor – Join Imagineers Joe Lanzisero and others for the strange stories behind Hong Kong Disneyland’s Mystic Manor, the newest and one of the most sophisticated attractions ever built.

· Undiscovered Disneyland – Legendary Imagineer Tony Baxter shares rare and never-before-seen footage of the early days ofDisneyland, from design and construction through opening day.

· Broadcasts from Buena Vista Street – Enjoy the latest ‘soundtrack’ from Disney California Adventure’s Buena Vista Street, featuring a live performance of Scary Symphony from radio station KBVS and a panel discussion led by Imagineers.

· Disney Ambassadors – Join current Disney Parks Ambassadors from around the world as they discuss this renowned program and share insights about its rich heritage, current outreach efforts, and the importance of sharing Disney goodwill.

· Voices of the Disney Parks – Back by popular demand, this panel of famous Disney voices will gather for an encore panel discussion, including recreations of some unforgettable Disney Parks sayings.

· Charles Phoenix Presents – Noted humorist and self-proclaimed “retro daddy” Charles Phoenix shares some of his favorite images from around Disney, featuring classic kitsch, clashing colors schemes, and hairdos that truly defy gravity.

The panels continue on Sunday August 11, with a full day dedicated to the celebration of Walt Disney Imagineering’s 60th anniversary. The presentations in the 2,000-seat Stage 23 with current and former Imagineers will explore a wide range of topics, from working with Walt Disney himself and the exploration of creativity, innovation, and humor in the parks, to a lively discussion of what it’s like to lead one of the world’s most creative organizations. More details on these exciting panels and presenters will be revealed soon. D23 Expo tickets are available now.

D23 Expo 2013 Costume Contest and More Expo Info

25 June 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

When I came out to California for 2011’s D23 Expo, seeing fellow attendees in costume was one of the best parts! I love that D23 is now holding an official costume contest celebrating fans creativity! Here are all the details:

Since the first D23 Expo in 2009, fans have shown their passion for Disney by dressing up as their favorite and most beloved Disney characters while attending the one-of-a-kind event at the Anaheim Convention Center. This year, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates that excitement and enthusiasm with the first À La Mode Costume Contest, which will take place Friday, August 9 at 2:30 p.m. in Stage 23.

À La Mode, named after The Incredibles’ couture genius Edna Mode, is the first competition of its kind to showcase fans’ creativity through costumes inspired by all things Disney, including Motion Pictures (Animation, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm); Parks & Resorts; Consumer Products; Media Networks (including Disney Channel, ABC, and ESPN); and Interactive.

Five collectible trophies—specially designed for the À La Mode Costume Contest—will be awarded to the most magical costumes in the following categories: Original Design (or inspired by…), Re-creation, Craftsmanship, Young Fan, and Best in Show.

The contest will be two (2) hours in length, and, therefore, the number of entrants is limited. Guests interested in participating MUST complete an entry from, available now at D23Expo.com. Closing date for entry is July 21. Not all applications for entry will be accepted. Applications will be evaluated on the merits of quality and quantity and selected at the producers’ discretion.

In Addition, D23 recently announced the Disney Channel stars that will be present during the 2013 Expo:

On FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, in celebration of “Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel,” a special-one hour telecast featuring an epic teaming of characters from two hugely popular Disney and Marvel franchises, fans can meet the stars and characters including Phineas, Ferb, Agent P, Spider-Man and Iron Man. The unforgettable special premieres this summer on Disney Channel.
On SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, bikers and surfers unite on the dance floor of the Disney Channel booth for the ultimate beach ball bouncing, high-spirited ‘Surf Crazy’ fan dance with stars from Disney’s “Teen Beach Movie,” an exuberant song, sand and surf fest, premiering July 19 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.
On SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 in the Disney Channel booth, Disney Junior fans of all ages are invited to meet beloved characters from top-rated preschool series “Sofia the First,” “Doc McStuffins” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” and enjoy a special sneak-peek screening of new Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts in Stage 28.

Popular radio personalities from Radio Disney, the 24-hour contemporary hits radio network and the only radio broadcaster for kids and families, will join in the fun every day, along with the Radio Disney Road Crew, for interactive entertainment, fun prizes and the hottest music from kids’ favorite artists.

About D23 Expo 2013

Disney’s D23 Expo 2011: A Primer for All You Need To Know

15 August 2011 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

I’ve been so busy lately with projects that I haven’t even had a chance to share the news that I’ll be attending the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California this week! (So if you’ll be there too, be sure to stop and say hello!) It is not only my first trip to Disneyland, but my first trip further west than Chicago and my first plane trip since 1997 (crazy, I know!). So I am, in a word, overwhelmed! I figured if I was overwhelmed, there were probably lots of other people wondering “What exactly IS this ‘D23 Expo?’” and even those attending might be a little confused by all the events, presentations and more. To help, I’ve enlisted Carrie Hayward, who I had the pleasure of meeting this year at the Disney Social Media Moms event. Carrie is not only the most famous Disney bride I know, she’s also an amazing writer. She attended last year’s Expo, so I knew she’d have all the ins and outs to help us newbies out. I’m honored to have her as a guest author here on ZannaLand. Without further ado, here’s Carrie —

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Billed as “The Ultimate Fan Event,” D23 Expo 2011 takes over the Anaheim Convention Center Aug. 19-21. Falling somewhere between the chaos of Comic Con and the intimacy of the All Disneyana Show & Sale, this official event is a chance for Disney to connect with fans and showcase the new and forthcoming products in all its business lines, from film, television, and radio to theme parks and consumer products. Whether you were at the inaugural D23 Expo in 2009 or this will be your first time, here is an overview of everything you need to know about D23 Expo 2011.

D23 Expo Show Floor

Located in Halls A, B and part of C, the D23 Expo Show Floor is where you’ll go to see Imagineering’s handiwork in the Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Pavilion, track down rare items in the Collectors’ Forum, purchase official Expo merchandise in the Dream Store, and visit the booths and exhibits of Disney’s various business lines. The show floor is open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm daily, with a one-hour head start for D23 members beginning at 9:00 am.

Welcome Center
In addition to acting as an information booth and membership desk, the Welcome Center will host meet-and-greets with artists, authors, actors, filmmakers, and Disney celebrities including Don Hahn, Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry, Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence, and Dave Smith. Note that these take place in the Talent Round-up area across the aisle, not inside the Welcome Center itself.

Disney Consumer Products’ Disney Living Pavilion
This is where you’ll find a showcase of the latest Disney merchandise, appearances by celebrity designers and artists, story time with Disney Publishing, and a performance by American Idol‘s Constantine Maroulis and Rock Star Mickey. This massive pavilion, which spans the lower quarter of Hall A, also houses “pop-up” locations of the Disney Store and A Small World Village (more information on these in the Shopping section, below). Additionally, there will be toy demos, mini-beauty treatments at the Disney Beauty Lounge, and party ideas at the Disney Celebrations exhibit.

Disney Channel & Radio Disney Pavilion
You’ll hear this pavilion before you see it because it’s the site of a nonstop series of dance parties, concerts by Radio Disney favorites, appearances by Disney Channel stars, and meet-and-greets with Disney characters. This is also the place for “Perry-Oke” sing-alongs at the Phineas & Ferb Platy-Bus.

Disney Interactive Media Group
Check out the latest Disney videogames and meet Epic Mickey game designer Warren Spector on Friday and Saturday afternoon.

Walt Disney Studios In-Home Entertainment
This is the place to see Blu-ray 3D in action and learn about movie-viewing on mobile devices.

Inside Tides – Pirates of the Caribbean Film Prop Collection
Located next to the Walt Disney Animation Studios booth, this collection of props and costumes from the fourth film in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise offers the rare opportunity to actually photograph items from the Walt Disney Archives.

Disney Corporate Citizenship
The hub for Disney’s charity and environmental initiatives offers the opportunity to volunteer just a few minutes of your time at the Expo to make a big difference in the community.

Disney Corporate Citizenship booth in 2009

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Carousel of Projects Pavilion
Probably the most entertaining area of the show floor, this pavilion spotlights the work of Walt Disney Imagineering at the parks around the world. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the work on Disney California Adventure’s Cars Land and the Fantasyland expansion in the Magic Kingdom and have a chance to talk to real-live Imagineers about the projects they’ve worked on. There will also be exhibits on the inner workings of Audio-Animatronics, and last time there were meet-and-greets with advanced AA figures Wall-E and Lucky the Dinosaur. Elsewhere in the pavilion, you’ll find displays by Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club and Adventures By Disney.

Radiator Springs model and Lightning McQueen Audio-Animatronic at D23 Expo 2009

Collectors Forum
This area serves as a catchall for independent vendors of Disney art and collectibles, fan sites and message boards, and Disney travel agents. It’s also the place to meet Disney celebrities like Bill Farmer (Goofy), Paige O’Hara (Belle), Margaret Kerry (Tinker Bell), and Susan Egan (Megara, Belle on Broadway) at the Disneyana Fan Club booth. An outlet of the United States Postal Service will be handy for those who’ve gone on a D23 Expo shopping spree.

Disney Desk – Park Ticket Sales Center
Disney will be selling Expo attendees discounted “Twilight” tickets to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure that are good after 4:00 pm or 4 hours before the park closes, whichever comes first. Rates are $55 for a 1-day, 1-park Twilight ticket (vs. $80 for a full day) or $70 for a 1-day Twilight Park Hopper (vs. $105 for a full day). A full-day Park Hopper can be purchased at $8 off the regular adult or child price. Disney will also sell multiday Park Hoppers for $25 off the 3-day price, $30 off the 4-day price, or $35 off the 5-day price for adults and children.

D23 Arena

The 4,000-seat arena hosts all the major Expo events, from the Disney Legends Ceremony and 3-D screening of The Lion King to the presentations by Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. The Studios presentation is the one to hit for celebrity sightings, with Jason Segel, Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, Willem Dafoe, Kelly Macdonald, Jennifer Garner, Sarah Silverman, and cast members from Marvel’s The Avengers on tap at press time. Fans of the Disney princesses will want to check out Friday morning’s 2011 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, which honors the women who provided voices for Ariel, Belle, Jasmine and Tiana. The Walt Disney Parks & Resorts presentation will provide a look at upcoming projects at Disney parks around the world, although last time the promised surprises were the same information that had been floating around the Internet for weeks or months already.

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts presentation in 2009

You only need to wait in the ginormous arena queue if you absolutely have to get a seat in the first few rows. Also, attendees will be required to turn over their cell phones, cameras, and other recording devices on the way in to the Walt Disney Studios presentation. This creates long lines before and after the event; allow extra time or find another place to stash these devices so that you can skip the check-in lines.

Second Floor

You’ll need to travel upstairs to see the various seminars, panels, and events with Disney celebrities, plus the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives. For a complete schedule, click HERE to download the official D23 Expo 2011 Guide Book.

Stage 28
The majority of the historical and Imagineering seminars at D23 Expo 11 will take place inside Stage 28. These are the kinds of presentations found at D23’s Destination D events at Disneyland and Walt Disney World: in-depth examinations of the development of parks and attractions, plus interviews with the people who were there. Stage 28 was frequently packed to capacity at D23 Expo 2009, so be sure to get in line early.

Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives
Located in the middle of the second floor is the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit. This year’s will be twice as big as it was at the inaugural D23 Expo, packing in 12,000 square feet of costumes, props, artifacts, photos, and memorabilia from Disney films, TV shows, theatrical productions, and Walt Disney himself. Also inside the exhibit this year is the D23 Fan Art Gallery, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the movie 101 Dalmatians. (Shameless plug: My husband created the winning art piece, Tiki de Vil!) Note that photography and videography are prohibited inside the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives.

Outside the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit in 2009

D23 Expo Live Auction Preview Room
If you don’t want to pay $45 for a ticket to the D23 Expo Live Auction on Saturday night, you can preview the lots on the second floor of the convention center. Up for live auction are original attraction vehicles, props, art pieces, tours, and experiences—a complete list can be found at HERE. To see a few of the silent auction lots, click HERE.

Kevin Kidney & Jody Daily's Hatbox Ghost for the D23 Expo 2009 Live Auction

Third Floor

There’s only one venue on the third floor of the convention center, and that’s…

Stage 23
Not to be confused with Stage 28, this theater hosts mostly screenings and events for the first two days of the Expo, including the Pixar shorts collection, the Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix concert, the Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament and the D23 Expo Live Auction. On Sunday it becomes home to the kinds of theme park history and Imagineering seminars found on Stage 28, like “Imagineering Cars Land” and “The Making of Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.” Although it can hold 1,500 people, Stage 28 (then known as Walt Disney Studios Theater) was often packed to capacity in 2009, so get in line early for hot-ticket presentations featuring popular names.

Shopping

Disney provides numerous “shopportunites” at the expo, including plenty of limited-edition and exclusive merchandise.

D23 Expo 2011 Dream Store
This is the place for limited-edition Expo merchandise, theme park products, jewelry, ACME art, and autograph sessions. Each day will see the release of items themed to a specific Disney classic: 101 Dalmatians on Friday, Dumbo on Saturday, and Alice in Wonderland on Sunday. Last time, Disney handed out tickets to those in the pre-opening line that allowed them to return at any time that day to pick up the limited-edition items they wanted. While certain products remained available throughout the Expo, others sold out to those at the front of the line, so be sure to get there early if these are important to you. A partial list of D23 Expo merchandise can be found HERE.

Mickey’s of Glendale
Although it has been a fixture at the Disneyana Fan Club’s All Disneyana Show & Sale for a few years, Mickey’s of Glendale makes its D23 Expo debut in 2011. This satellite location of the employee store at Walt Disney Imagineering will be inside the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Carousel of Projects pavilion selling WDI-exclusive apparel, accessories, pins, and art, plus merchandise inspired by the projects on display in the pavilion. Pin collectors, take note: There will be several limited-edition D23 Expo pins sold only at Mickey’s of Glendale. Also, they usually have a few bins of $4 and $5 WDI pins that make great traders.

Disney Store
The Disney Living Pavilion is the site of a 1,500-square-foot pop-up Disney Store, which will kick off its 25th anniversary celebration with a D23 members-only presentation at 9:00 am on August 19. The first 25 people in line will receive a commemorative pin. Additional members-only opening ceremonies will be held at the same time on Saturday and Sunday. Note that only 500 of the Disney Store 25th anniversary Vinylmation figures will be sold at the Expo, but 2,000 more will be available to D23 members online.

There were plenty of limited-edition Vinylmation figures left on the last day of D23 Expo 2009

Walt Disney Archives Treasure Trove
Adjacent to the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit is the Walt Disney Archives Treasure Trove, which will sell reproductions of and pieces inspired by items in the archives, limited-edition merchandise from the 40th anniversary of Walt Disney World and 20th anniversary of The Rocketeer, and assorted other leftovers from previous D23 events.

A Small World Village
This pop-up shop features apparel and accessories for children, toddlers, and babies inspired by Mary Blair’s concept art for the “it’s a small world” attraction. Sponsor Nordstrom will also offer Basq NYC skincare for new moms and TOMS shoes for kids.

Dining

All concessions are handled by Aramark, whose food you may recognize from arenas, convention centers, and stadiums across the country. If you have special dietary requirements or are just a fan of fresh food, you may want to explore the options right outside the convention center in an area known as CenterWalk.

A complete list of dining locations and menu items can be found in my article “Dining Options at the 2011 D23 Expo” on The Disney Food Blog.

Touring Tips

It’s a Disney convention, but it’s still a convention. Disney may have reinvented the amusement park business, but its approach to conventions is strictly by the book. Expect many of the less-than-thrilling aspects of a theme park visit (lots of walking, long lines, overpriced food) combined with familiar convention touchstones like counter-programmed seminars, bad fluorescent lighting, and huge corporate booths shilling the latest and greatest products.

It may feel crowded. In 2009, D23 Expo drew almost 40,000 people over four days. This year, they’re expecting 45,000 people over three days. This may be especially noticeable at the two counter-service restaurants around lunchtime, so you might want to eat at off hours.

Expect to wait in line. Unfortunately, Disney’s FASTPASS does not extend to D23 Expo. Lines form hours in advance for popular seminars (especially the ones featuring Imagineers), the sale of limited-edition merchandise, and presentations in the arena.

Know when to get in line. Although D23 Expo officially opens to D23 members at 9:00 am (10:00 am for the general public), Disney is expecting lines to begin forming out front by 5:00 am. These will mostly be people waiting to line up for merchandise vouchers from the Dream Store and those who want floor seats in the arena. The first group will be ushered into the lobby at 6:45 am, with the rest entering by 7:00 am. At 8:00 am lines will be divided into one for the store and one for the arena, and at 8:30 am the latter will be allowed into the arena. There is no need to wait in either line if you’re not interested in limited-edition merchandise or don’t care where you sit in the Arena.

You can’t see it all. D23 head Steven Clark has said that the Expo is scheduled so that fans will feel like there’s too much good stuff to see and do. This means that popular presentations are often counter-programmed so that it is impossible to see them all. Be prepared to make tough decisions between certain panels and presentations, especially those that require a long wait in line.

See you at the Expo!

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Carrie is the author of PassPorter’s Disney Weddings & Honeymoons, a guidebook and bridal organizer for weddings and honeymoons at Walt Disney World and on the Disney Cruise Line. You can read her account of the inaugural D23 Expo in D23 Expo The “All-Lines, No-Rides” Disney Experience! and follow her adventures at D23 Expo 2011 as @lurkyloo on Twitter.