D23

D23 Expo 2022 Disney Parks Experiences and Products Presentations

28 July 2022 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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!

D23 EXPO 2022 Merchandise Info

21 June 2022 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

I will admit, aside from the Walt Disney Archives exhibits and the show-stopping news we usually hear, the merchandise is a main draw for me at the D23 Expo, and 2022 will be no different. I love being able to shop at “Mickey’s of Glendale” with exclusive Imagineer items, as well as of course all of the other specialty items you can find only at the D23 Expo. Below is the scoop from D23 directly with all the news and how you can ensure you see all the merchandise there is to see at the D23 Expo:

For the ultimate Disney fans, D23 Expo 2022 will feature never-before-seen, limited-edition merchandise from across Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. Author appearances, engaging panels with iconic Disney personalities, and interactive social moments on the show floor will give attendees a variety of ways to celebrate the magic of Disney and kick off 100 Years of Wonder. The Ultimate Fan Event, presented by Visa, takes place in Anaheim, Calif., from September 9 through 11, 2022.

WHERE TO SHOP

D23 EXPO MARKETPLACE: Debuting on the show floor this year is an all-new shopping experience, D23 Expo Marketplace. This 27,000-square-foot retail location offers merchandise from fan-favorite collections and characters across Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more, including limited-edition merchandise and the availability of the first items celebrating Disney’s 100th Anniversary. The D23 Expo Marketplace brings together the most exciting offerings from shopDisney, Disney store, and Disney Parks into one shopping destination for a wide assortment of curated brand collections, specialty items, and milestone anniversary collectibles.

MICKEY’S OF GLENDALE: Mickey’s of Glendale, the Walt Disney Imagineering store, will have three unique retail spaces for D23 Expo attendees to check out at the Anaheim Convention Center.
- Mickey’s of Glendale Main Store — Featuring merchandise designed by Imagineers, including hats, T-shirts, accessories, and more. Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to shop collections celebrating the upcoming Walt Disney Imagineering 70th Anniversary.
- Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store — Disney pin enthusiasts will want to stop by this space, which will feature a large assortment of limited-edition pins.
- D23 Expo Shop x Mickey’s of Glendale — The Official Disney Fan Club and Mickey’s of Glendale have joined forces to bring you the official merchandise of D23 Expo 2022

DISNEY PUBLISHING: The shopping destination for Disney book fans returns this year with an array of exciting first-to-market books available for purchase. Disney Publishing continues its tradition of celebrating great storytelling by hosting a variety of authors behind well-loved Disney stories. Join these world-building creators for book signings within the booth, including Disney historian and 100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime author Marcy Carriker Smothers, DisneyBound’s Leslie Kay, Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl’s Julie Kagawa, and Cautionary Tales’ Ridley Pearson.

WHAT TO BUY

Jam-packed with gear for every fan, from nostalgic collectibles, to fun twists on beloved classics, to playful merchandise from the newest series, movies, and characters, D23 Expo is the best place for fans to discover their next favorite treasure. A few highlights include:

D23 Expo attendees will have the first opportunity to purchase items celebrating Disney100.
Inspired by the vibrant landscape of Wakanda, and brought to life on-screen in Black Panther, World of Wakanda merchandise from Marvel will debut at D23 Expo Marketplace and on shopDisney.
Guided by the Light, a new collection by Ashley Eckstein (Star Wars: The Clone Wars), is inspired by Ahsoka Tano’s strength amid darkness. The collection will also be available on shopDisney.

With the help of some magic, a new line of adorable plush inspired by tasty treats from Disney Parks Main Street Bakery will debut at D23 Expo: Disney Munchlings. These cute collectibles include a scented Mickey Mouse Cinnamon Swirl Bun and Minnie Mouse Wild Strawberry Cupcake. Disney Munchlings will also be available for purchase on shopDisney.

D23 Expo merchandise Munchlings — I know there is no image here, but I can’t wait to see what Munchlings look like!

HOW TO SHOP

A few ways for attendees to navigate the shopping experience with ease:

Virtual Queue: Attendees will be able to sign up for an available boarding group in a virtual queue for D23 Expo Marketplace, Mickey’s of Glendale Main Store, or Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store by using the Disneyland Resort app and scanning a QR code located at the store’s entrance.
Merchandise Mobile Checkout: Pay for items from D23 Expo Marketplace, D23 Expo Shop x Mickey’s of Glendale, or Mickey’s of Glendale Main Store via the Disneyland Resort app to save time!
StorePass: To shop select limited-edition collection items, attendees will be able to reserve via StorePass, an online reservation system prior to the start of D23 Expo. Details on how to get a StorePass reservation will be announced later this summer.

INSPIRED BY STORIES: WHAT TO SEE

Throughout the weekend, Disney will give fans the chance to get the very latest in product innovations, listen to revered authors, and explore fashion trends through an array of content. Highlights include:

Women in Disney Fashion: Step into the minds of major Disney fashion icons as they share an exclusive look at their upcoming Disney collaborations.
It’s a Small Disney World: Celebrating the Art of Disney Parks: Ever wondered what it’s like to be an official Disney Parks artist? Disney will gather six artists to dive into their art, ideas for the future, and behind-the-scenes insights.
Cautionary Tales with the Disney Villains: The Imagination of Ridley Pearson: Cautionary Tales author Ridley Pearson and Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline will delight fans and spark creativity with insider Disney stories.
National Geographic’s 100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime: From a dessert cruise with fireworks views to an exclusive dinner in Walt’s Disneyland apartment, discover one-of-a-kind magical Disney experiences in this memorable discussion with expert Marcy Carriker Smothers.
Hey Disney! — a custom voice assistant built on Amazon’s Alexa technology — will be highlighted on the D23 Expo show floor (stay tuned for more details). Whether at home or in a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort hotel room, fans will be able to use an Echo device to interact with their favorite Disney, Star Wars, or Pixar characters.
On the Show Floor: Attendees can also check out activations from Visa, Amazon, Target, Aniplex, BoxLunch, Citizen, Enterprise, Funko / Loungefly, IMAX, Pandora, Ravensburger and Sunglass Hut, along with many others.

D23 Expo Guests should get ready to be wowed by the assortment of fan-favorite merchandise, books, clothing, and collectibles.

If you haven’t yet purchased tickets for the D23 Expo for 2022:

A limited number of single-day tickets for Sunday of D23 Expo 2022 are available for $99 for one-day adult admission and $79 for children ages 3–12. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $89 for a one-day adult admission. Single-day Friday and Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2022, visit D23Expo.com.

Schedule and talent are subject to change.

STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

You can see our additional D23 Expo coverage and follow along with us on social media:

FOLLOW THE ZANNALAND FAMILY ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WATCH OUR VIDEOS, VLOGS AND PODCAST TOO:

Twitter: @zannaland, @otisney
Instagram: @zannaland, @UpTheWaterfall, @otisney
Zannaland’s facebook page
Zannaland on YouTube
Listen to Up the Waterfall podcast, subscribe on iTunes, or watch Up the Waterfall on YouTube

D23 Expo Walt Disney Archives Exhibit Returns for 2022

14 June 2022 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

More D23 Expo announcements as we get closer to the big weekend. The Walt Disney Archives exhibit is always a favorite of mine when I visit, and any chance to get to see the archives in any form, is a must-do for me. Disney just announced the return of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit and stage for the 2022 D23 Expo. Here’s a little more to get you excited:

The Walt Disney Archives returns to the D23 Expo presented by Visa with an all-new exhibit, Walt Disney Archives presents Step in Time, a celebration of the nearly 100-year history of The Walt Disney Company. As part of the kick-off to Disney100, this chronological exhibition showcases Walt Disney Archives historical assets like never before with immersive, themed environments from animated shorts, films, and film premieres, as well as television productions and Disney Parks favorites, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Mary Poppins, Tron, and Walt Disney World Resort’s Haunted Mansion. The exhibition will provide fans an opportunity to experience some of the most iconic Disney moments over the course of September 9, 10, and 11 at the Anaheim Convention Center during the Expo hosted by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.

A timeline in the center of the exhibit will showcase the breadth of extraordinary Disney events over the past century and will act as a guide for visitors as they journey through the 12,000-square-foot experience. Guests will have the chance to literally “Step in Time,” into various immersive areas around the perimeter of the space, showcasing rare historical objects as never before, in recreations of the settings from which they originated.

The gallery space will be divided into nine highly themed areas, providing fans the opportunity to capture photos and become part of Disney’s rich history themselves. From captaining the boat in Steamboat Willie, walking the blue carpet at the premiere of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and visiting with the carousel horses from Mary Poppins, to being serenaded by Breathless Mahoney at Club Ritz (Dick Tracy), visiting Flynn’s Arcade (Tron), and coming face-to-face with the bride in the attic of the Haunted Mansion, fans will have the opportunity to relive moments from 100 Years of Wonder, all while making new memories to last a lifetime.

The popular Walt Disney Archives Stage returns, hosting more than a dozen panels and presentations throughout the weekend. Notables such as Disney Legend Bill Farmer, Walt Disney Archives director Becky Cline, author and historian Graham Allan, Walt Disney Imagineering global ambassador Bob Weis, Imagineers from the Illusioneering Lab, and historian and artist Stacia Martin will offer a unique peek “behind the magic.” Fans will enjoy exploring many of Disney’s worlds, including the impressive 50-year legacy of the Main Street Electrical Parade, a look back at the 1980s and 1990s edition of the Mickey Mouse Club, and the first half-century of the Walt Disney World Resort.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I airplane will be on display at D23 Expo. To accompany the return of this piece of Disney history, which is having its exterior restored and will be available for guests to see in the Arena of the Anaheim Convention Center, the Walt Disney Archives has curated an all-new exhibit featuring specially selected items that represent the history of the aircraft. Included will be a customized instrument panel originally located near Walt’s favorite onboard seat (enabling him to monitor flight conditions), a telephone handset (which gave Walt a direct line of communication to the pilot in the cockpit), and a flight bag adorned with an image of Mickey Mouse sitting on the tail of the famed plane.

Plus, join the Archives team and special guests on the 1,250-seat Backlot stage on Saturday, September 10, at 10 a.m. for a look at the creation of the upcoming Disney100: The Exhibition, which opens next February at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.

A limited number of single-day tickets for Sunday of D23 Expo 2022 are available for $99 for one-day adult admission and $79 for children ages 3–12. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $89 for a one-day adult admission. Single-day Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2022, visit D23Expo.com.

Schedule and talent are subject to change.

I remember the Breathless Mahoney costume from the old Backlot tour at the Disney-MGM Studios along with many other Dick Tracy items and displays. I cannot wait to see the Walt Disney Archives exhibit at the D23 Expo! We recently visited the traveling Archives exhibit at Graceland last winter and it was a phenomenal display. We may have to head to Philadelphia next February! Keep following along for more D23 Expo news and coverage.

D23 Expo 2022 News and Ticket Info

13 January 2022 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

It is not that far into the new year and we already have some exciting D23 news about the upcoming D23 Expo in September of 2022. D23 is kicking off the new year right, giving us info on ticket pricing and sales, the Mousequerade event, merchandise, and (most exciting to me) the restoration and display of Walt Disney’s plane, used, among other things, to scout the land purchased for the Walt Disney World Resort in the 1960’s.

I am so happy to see that this historic plane has been restored since its removal from the Backlot Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. D23 has also announced that there will be even more Walt Disney Archives presentations than ever before. I cannot wait for the Expo this year. I wasn’t able to attend last year and had to send my trusty reporter out, but this year I’m READY for all the Expo action. Let’s keep reading below for the official announcements from D23 and info on when and how to purchase your tickets!

TICKETS FOR D23 EXPO: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT PRESENTED BY VISA^® GO ON SALE JANUARY 20, 2022

The Biggest Disney Fan Event Will Take Place September 9th through 11th in Anaheim, Calif.

Returning Events Include the Disney Legends Awards, Mousequerade Costume Contest, and Much More; D23 Gold Members Receive Special Discounts

BURBANK, Calif. – January 13, 2022 – Tickets for D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa go on sale at 12 p.m. PT, Thursday, January 20 with an exclusive presale for Visa cardholders who are also D23 Members starting on January 19, at 10 a.m. PT. “The Ultimate Disney Fan Event,” hosted by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center September 9th through the 11th, celebrating the magic and excitement of Disney entertainment past, present, and future and kicking off Disney100, the centennial celebration of The Walt Disney Company. All of Disney’s wonderful worlds—including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars—will unite under one roof to showcase what’s new and what’s on the horizon from Disney theme parks, streaming, television, music, products, and films. Complete details are available at D23Expo.com.

D23 Expo 2022 will feature more than 50 shows, presentations, and panels, including the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, which honors the talented individuals who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy, as well as an all-new exhibit curated by the Walt Disney Archives highlighting the 100th anniversary of Disney.

The popular Mousequerade costume contest will return, hosted by Nina West and featuring a star-studded panel of judges including Yvette Nicole Brown (Big Shot, Disenchanted), Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano and creator of Her Universe), and Ally Maki (Toy Story 4, Home Sweet Home Alone). The contest will feature new categories including “Off the Screen,” “Imagine That!,” “Magical Mashups,” and “Cast of Characters,” as well as a fan-favorite award voted on by the audience and a “Best in Show” prize of $2,300. Complete rules for entry and details are available at D23Expo.com.

Presenting Sponsor Visa will be the “Official Way to Pay at D23 Expo,” and Visa cardholders will have access to additional benefits and one-of-a-kind Disney experiences.

Plus, D23 and the Walt Disney Archives, working with new D23 Expo Platinum sponsor Amazon, are restoring Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I company airplane, currently housed backstage at Walt Disney World Resort, and transporting it to Anaheim. The iconic aircraft was seen for years as part of the Studio Backlot Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and will be on display at D23 Expo 2022 for guests to see in an exhibit called Mickey Mouse One: Walt’s Plane presented by Amazon.

Returning to D23 Expo 2022 will be the massive show floor full of immersive experiences and special opportunities for guests to see what’s next for Disney around the world—and they may even run into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators, and filmmakers. Guests can also enjoy numerous shopping opportunities, many featuring D23 Expo-exclusive collectibles, at an assortment of Disney and partner pop-up shops including the D23 Expo Emporium, where the ultimate Disney fans can find their ultimate treasures. The 7,000-seat Hall D23 returns and will be joined this year by the 3,000-seat Premiere Stage, the 1,200-seat Backlot Stage, and the expanded, 700-seat Walt Disney Archives Stage for more presentations curated by the staff of the Archives. On the main show floor, the D23 Expo Live! Stage will feature performances, appearances, demonstrations, and more all weekend long, many of which will be livestreamed to guests at home.

D23’s seventh Expo in Anaheim follows the success of D23 Expo 2019, which drew tens of thousands of Disney fans for three star-studded days and nights. Guests were treated to appearances by celebrities such as Robert Downey Jr., Christina Aguilera, Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Angelina Jolie, Robin Roberts, Salma Hayek, Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, and the casts of The Mandalorian and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Guests immersed themselves in the one-of-a-kind exhibit Inside the World of Avatar, saw models and artwork from the new experiences and attractions coming to EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort, and admired iconic costumes on display from Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They also enjoyed a look back at Disney’s rich history through extraordinary panels, presentations, and exhibits and discovered the newest entertainment, technology, and products coming from Disney.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa will go on sale at D23Expo.com beginning January 20, 2022, at noon PT. Guests must be members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club—either at the complimentary General Member level or at the Gold Member level—to purchase tickets. Discounted single-day ($89) and three-day tickets ($229) will be available exclusively to D23 Gold Members. Regularly priced single-day tickets are $99 for a one-day adult admission and $79 for children, and money-saving three-day tickets are also available. This year, a limited number of Hall D23 Preferred Seating tickets (which include admission for all three days and a reserved seating section for all Hall D23 presentations) will be available exclusively to D23 Gold Members. D23 Members who are also Visa cardholders, and who pay with their Visa, will have pre-sale access to a limited number of one-day and three-day tickets for 24 hours beginning January 19, 2022, at 10 a.m. PT, while supplies last. Discounted hotel and Disneyland Resort park tickets are available to all D23 Expo ticket purchasers.

In addition to an exclusive discount on tickets, D23 Gold Members will enjoy special benefits at the Expo, including on-site discounts from select retail locations and a complimentary gift. And guests will be able to visit the D23 Ultimate Fan Lounge presented by Amazon on the show floor. For more information on tickets, ticket prices, and D23 Expo, visit D23Expo.com.

Schedule and talent are subject to change.

About D23 Expo 2022
D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, streaming, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2022 news, visit D23Expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.

About D23
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 99-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com, with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99), Gold Duo Membership ($129.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. Will you be purchasing D23 Expo tickets for 2022?

You can also see other D23 updates here on Zannaland as well as our Disney D23 Expo Retrospective episode of our Up the Waterfall podcast where we talk about all the fun of D23 Expos past:

Destination D 2021 is Coming to Walt Disney World-Ticket Sale Dates

26 July 2021 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

D23 has just announced the ticket sale date for Destination D! We had previously reported on June 24th: Huge surprise announcement today from D23 – The Official Disney Fan Club as they announced Destination D is happening this year! The Biggest Disney Fan Event of the year is coming November 19–21, 2021!

Join D23: The Official Disney Fan Club as we celebrate 50 years of the Walt Disney World Resort and more! Be the first to hear exciting announcements and see sneak peaks from the many worlds of Disney—and relive your favorite memories with behind-the-scenes stories, special guests, and so much more at this fan-favorite event!

Become a D23 Gold Member to purchase tickets when they go on sale in July.

This one of my favorite parts of D23 membership – it’s much more intimate and manageable than the D23 Expo, and really what led me to visit Disneyland (and the Expo) for the first time! I can’t wait to experience the next Destination D and all the fun facts and special surprises that will be in store! You can read about past Destination D events here. Hope to see you in November!

Today we got more information from D23 including pricing and ticket sale dates for Destination D 2021:

The event will take place November 19 – 21, 2021, at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World Resort.

Be the first to hear exciting announcements and see sneak peeks from the many worlds of Disney—and relive your favorite memories with behind-the-scenes stories, special guests, and so much more at this fan-favorite event!

Here’s even more info about the event straight from Disney D23:

Become a D23 Gold Member to purchase tickets when they go on sale!

Presentation Highlights of Destination D23 2021 will include*:

A kickoff welcome presentation with Bob Chapek, CEO, The Walt Disney Company.

What’s New and What’s Next for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products—Chairman Josh D’Amaro will share what’s new and what’s next for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. The exclusive presentation will feature updates on some of the most anticipated projects around the world. And as D23 Members know, there is always a surprise or two in store!

A special look at what’s new and next from Disney+!

Musical Memories of Walt Disney World— A journey through 50 years of the Walt Disney World songbook with Walt Disney Imagineering, revealing the stories behind beloved fan-favorite melodies and a peek into the process of creating new ones.

Destination D23 audiences will also thrill to performances from Michael James Scott, Genie in Disney on Broadway’s hit Aladdin and Disney’s acapella sensation DCappella.

The Art and Imagery of Walt Disney World— Dive into the Walt Disney Imagineering Art and Photo collections for a look at over 50 years of the most gorgeous, stunning, and surprising artwork that inspired the most magical place on earth over the years.

The Magical Musical World of Encanto—Join filmmakers and special guests for a melodic Saturday evening celebration of the upcoming musical, the 60th animated feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios!

Weird Disney World—The fan-favorite “Weird Disney” returns, as Director of the Walt Disney Archives Becky Cline digs into Disney history to bring you a half century of the wildest and wackiest Walt Disney World moments!

How the (Disney) World Began—Join Kevin Kern and Steven Vagnini, authors and historians behind A Portrait of Walt Disney World: 50 Years of The Most Magical Place on Earth and Disney Legend Dick Nunis for a look at how Walt Disney’s dreams were translated into the Vacation Kingdom of the World.

Park Stars: Original Characters of Walt Disney World—Figment, Big Al, the Orange Bird, and Teddi Barra are just a few of the many Disney characters created specifically for Walt Disney World. Join Imagineers Diana Brost and Jason Grandt as they take you on a journey around the “world” to meet many of the fun personalities that appear in Walt Disney World attractions and shows.

Exciting Experiences at Destination D23 2021 will include*:

The Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Bringing Home the Magic—An all-new exhibit curated by the Walt Disney Archives takes you through a half-century journey of merchandise memories of the Walt Disney World Resort. From figurines and fanny packs to pins and plush, relive each exciting decade through the souvenirs that brought the Vacation Kingdom of the World home!

Mickey’s of Glendale—The Walt Disney Imagineering campus store returns with a pop-up shop at the event for attendees, featuring a selection of exclusive Destination D23 and Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise. Trading pins for this event will be offered to attendees through a RSP opportunity.**

Special Film Screening—On Friday, November 19, event guests will also be invited to a special screening at Disney Springs.**

Disney+ Party—Join Disney+ for the grand finale of an incredible weekend with a special celebration you can’t miss!

Plus, more presenters and presentations to be announced soon!

*Please be advised: All schedules, events, and merchandise are subject to change without notice. For the enjoyment of all attendees, access in and out of the Fantasia ballroom may be limited during presentations.

**For the convenience of our event guests, you will be offered the opportunity to reserve a shopping window for Mickey’s of Glendale on Friday, as well as a show time for your screening at Disney Springs on Friday. Details to come closer to the event.

DETAILS
For those unable to join us live at the event, select segments of Destination D23 will be live-streamed on D23.com and D23 social media channels. Stay tuned to D23.com for a full schedule of streaming panels, along with details of where to tune in.

All guests will receive access to the following D23-exclusive experiences:

Guaranteed seats at all panels and presentations
Destination D23-exclusive Mickey’s of Glendale pop-up shop
All-new exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives
Special Screening on Friday
Disney+ Party on Sunday evening
Specialty gift created exclusively for the event

In addition, a limited number of preferred seating tickets will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. These tickets will include a dedicated queue for a reserved seating area at the front of the ballroom.

An extremely limited number of specially priced rooms and theme park tickets will be available to D23 Members who purchase Destination D23 tickets. Further details will be included in the ticket purchase confirmation email.

NOTES

D23 Gold Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest for either regular or preferred seating. D23 Members will be required to log in with their D23 Gold membership when reserving tickets.
- Gold Family Members can transition before purchase to the Gold Duo Plan at no charge for the opportunity to purchase additional tickets. Each Gold Member on the account can purchase a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest. For more information on how to transition your Gold Family account, click here.
- Each ticket must have a unique individual assigned to the ticket, no duplicate names can be used at time of purchase.

All ticket holders for this event agree to comply to the latest health and safety guidelines put forth by the Walt Disney World Resort. Find the latest guidelines at Know Before You Go.
All guests without active room reservations at Disney’s Contemporary Resort must park at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) and take the Monorail service to the event.
Video or audio recording of any kind will not be permitted during the presentation.
All Guests under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to attend this D23 event.
D23 Members attending must bring their photo ID and event tickets or they will not be admitted to the event.
Ticketed Members and guests who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. D23 Members must be present for their guests to gain entry to the event.
All D23 Events are subject to change without notice. There are strictly no cancellations or refunds, and tickets are not transferable.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: Filming, photography, and other recording will take place at WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT IN LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL during the event you will be attending. By entering the premises, you irrevocably consent to and authorize Disney Worldwide Services, Inc., its affiliates, successors, and assigns (collectively “Disney”), to photograph you, make sound recordings of you, and use such photographs and recordings throughout the world, for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity, including, but not limited to, television broadcasts and home entertainment products, including, but not limited to, home video and DVD. All such photographs and sound recordings will be the sole property of Disney.

What’s Included: D23 Gold Membership Duo Plan Announced

2 December 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

The Disney D23 membership has changed a bit over the years since its inception in 2009, to accommodate family memberships. Yesterday D23 announced a new membership to replace the Gold Family Membership plan – the D23 Gold Membership Duo Plan. What’s included in the new D23 Gold Membership Duo Plan? Here’s the breakdown of all the info from D23:

Starting on January 1, 2021, the new D23 Gold Membership Duo Plan will provide the benefits of a D23 Gold Membership with the opportunity to add a second D23 Gold Member (called an “affiliate” member) all for the same price as a D23 Gold Family Membership. That means Gold Members on the Duo Plan will receive two D23 Gold Memberships including two personalized certificates, two member cards, and access for each D23 Gold Member to participate in a variety of D23-exclusive experiences, including shopping opportunities and Gold Member events*. The Gold Membership Duo Plan also includes one annual Gold Member Collector Set and one annual subscription (four issues) to the Disney twenty-three publication, each sent to the primary member on the account.

The best news? You won’t have to wait until your renewal date to take advantage of this new membership plan. Starting in January 2021, current D23 Gold Family Members will have the opportunity to transition at no additional cost to the D23 Gold Membership Duo Plan through the remainder of their current Gold Family Membership term, and will automatically** renew to the Gold Duo Plan annually thereafter. Current D23 Gold Members also can upgrade for a fee to the Gold Duo Plan starting in January 2021.

Here’s a further breakdown of the D23 Membership options:

You can find out further info and answers to FAQ’s on this new D23 Membership option here. Are you a D23 Member? Will you be getting the D23 Gold Duo membership? Let us know in the comments below!

D23’s Halloween Hullabaloo – Virtual Mousequerade Contest!

10 September 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Leave it to D23 to figure out how to keep the Halloween magic alive this season! If you’ve ever attended a D23 Expo event, you know that the Mousequerade is a huge part of the fun. I may have never participated myself, but I LOVE roaming the Expo halls and seeing all the folks in their amazing costume creations. Some of them are just mind-boggling. I’ve seen a full Matterhorn attraction on a person, and a full sized centaur lady from Fantasia, among other incredible costumes. I have no doubt these contestants will not disappoint.

D23 has joined up with the fabulous Ashley Eckstein, who has been a staple of the D23 Expo events since the start. I’ve been lucky enough to interview Ashley a couple of times, and see her speak as well. She is such an inspiration! (And of course you know her from her role as the voice of Ahsoka Tano, her magical and inclusive Her Universe line of clothing and accessories, and may have seen her in the former Star Wars Weekends as well). Also judging is the wonderful and hilarious Yvette Nicole Brown, who hosted the Disney Legends ceremony at last year’s Expo, as well as playing Aunt Sarah in the live action Lady and the Tramp and my personal favorite, her role as Shirley on Community. The grand prize winner will receive a $500 Disney Gift Card! See all the details as well as some other Halloween Hullabaloo fun from D23 below:

It’s the most “wicked-ful” time of the year, and D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is celebrating the season with D23 Halloween Hullabaloo. From its first-ever D23 Halloween Mousequerade Contest and incredible new content to a weekly sweepstakes and exclusive collectibles, Disney fans will be able to enjoy lots of treats this fall—with maybe a trick or two thrown in—including:

D23 Halloween Mousequerade Contest: Grab your needle and thread for D23’s first-ever virtual costume contest during which creative contestants will be competing for fantastic prizes in front of celebrity judges Ashley Eckstein and Yvette Nicole Brown. And the category is… “All Things Disney.” Costumes should be inspired by the fantastic worlds of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, from movies and TV to Disney Parks attractions and other Disney properties. The Grand Prize winner will receive a $500 Disney Gift Card—and the ghoulish delight of victory! The festivities will be streamed on October 31 on D23.com, as well as D23’s Facebook and YouTube channels. For more information, visit D23.com/Mousequerade.

D23 Halloween Hullabaloo Sweepstakes: What better way to skele-brate the season than with a ghoulishly good sweepstakes? This October, D23 Members can enter for a chance to win a bubbling bundle of prizes from our cauldron. Don’t lose your head, because each week you get a new chance to enter.

Limited-Edition Pins: On September 28 at shopDisney.com, D23 Gold and Gold Family Members will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase two collectible pins designed by artist Kevin Kidney. These pins, one of the Haunted Mansion’s Hatbox Ghost and the other of Tinker Bell dressed in a wildly witchy costume, are each presented in a limited edition of 1,750.

Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks – D23 Book Launch Party: D23 Gold and Gold Family Members are invited to celebrate the launch of this new book by Disney Editions, as we look at the “spine-tingling half” of the book that pulls back the curtain on that magical combination of Disney and Halloween around the world!

D23 Halloween Hullabaloo Disney+ Picks: For the first four weeks of October, be on the lookout for a new short-form video series featuring our friends from all around Disney who will be sharing some of their favorite films found on Disney+, including behind-the-scenes tidbits to enhance the frighteningly fun experience!

The fine print:

D23 Halloween Mousequerade Costume Contest open to 50 US/DC; D23 Members; 18+. Photo entry begins at 12 AM PT on 9/17/20 and ends at 11:59 PM PT on 10/1/20. If selected as a Semi-Finalist, video entry begins at 9 AM PT on 10/13/20 and ends at 9 AM PT on 10/20/20. Void where prohibited. Rules/odds: https://d23.com/mousequerade-official-rules/.

More details on all of these things and more are available at D23.com.

Have you created a Disney costume at home? Let us know in the comments below!

Disney Parks Biggest Hits and Misses – Up the Waterfall Episode 18

27 January 2020 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Hello friends! This week’s episode of Up the Waterfall podcast could get a little heated! Scott and I have each compiled our lists of what we think are the biggest hits and the biggest misses/flops/disappointments or whatever you’d like to call them, across the Disney parks. Will you agree? Will you want to yell at us next time you see us in the parks?! Have a listen or a watch and see if you agree!

I know for me, some of my “misses” may not be the concept itself, but what it has turned into, or what effects it had on the parks and the way they run, as well as the way we visit them. As usual, Scott’s ideas may surprise you as they surprised me, and we even had the same item for a miss, unplanned.

You can listen in everywhere you download and listen to podcasts – if there’s a place you’d like to listen and can’t find us, let me know and I’ll be sure we add it there. You can of course find it on Apple podcasts and Google Play in addition to Anchor and many other locations. If you’d like to see our facial expressions and the amazing opening sequence that Christian created for us, head to ZannaLand on YouTube to watch (and see our other vlogs and videos too!)

Some fun other blogs to read relating to this topic are:

The Hollywood that Never Was and Never Should Be

D23 and Me (and You!)

Backstage Magic Tour – for the Disney Fan Who’s Seen It All

We hope you enjoy this episode, and invite you to share your favorite hits and misses in a comment below, or find us on whatever social channel you prefer to share your comments there.

WE THANK YOU AGAIN FOR LISTENING AND WATCHING! HAVE AN IDEA FOR A NEW EPISODE? LET US KNOW BELOW! AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

FOLLOW THE ZANNALAND TEAM ON SOCIAL MEDIA, WATCH OUR VIDEOS, VLOGS AND PODCAST TOO:

Twitter: @zannaland, @otisney, @badgesickle
Instagram: @zannaland, @otisney, @badgesickle
Zannaland’s facebook page
Zannaland on YouTube
Up the Waterfall is a weekly Disney history podcast hosted by Zanna and her husband, Disney history buff and bibliophile, Scott Otis, where they share stories of Disney past, present and future.
Listen to Up the Waterfall podcast, subscribe on iTunes, or watch on YouTube

We thank you for your support and for sharing the love!

D23 Celebrates the Archives and Destination D 2020 News!

9 September 2019 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

D23 Archives News

D23 has just sent over some great news! Next year, 2020 will be a year to celebrate the Walt Disney Archives and its 50th anniversary. As you may know from my previous post “D23 and You (and Me!)” and our first Up the Waterfall podcast episode, the Walt Disney Archives are my favorite part of anything D23 related. This is the true reason we are Disney fans, and any and all info and treasures from the Archives are why we keep going back to D23 events and remaining members.

Destination D – Fantastic Worlds – Walt Disney World 2020

Along with some news about a traveling Archives exhibit, we also get some Destination D news, which will take place at Walt Disney World in the Fall of 2020. UPDATE: We now have an official date for Destination D – Fantastic Worlds in Walt Disney World – November 20-22, 2020! Destination D will honor Disney’s many magical places, from the extraordinary to the fantastical.The exhibit will include 50 iconic treasures, each representing a year that the Archives has been in existence. And Walt Disney Imagineering’s store, Mickey’s of Glendale, will once again open a pop-up shop featuring exclusive items, just for the weekend. Additional details, including special hotel rates and ticketing information, will be announced in late spring. I can’t wait to attend and peruse all of these bits of history. Keep reading below for the official press release from D23:

The Walt Disney Archives celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, and to kick off the festivities, the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, Calif., will host Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic, offering a rare look at some of the treasures from the Archives. The 10,000-square-foot traveling exhibit opens to the public on March 7, 2020.

Plus, on June 22, the actual anniversary of the founding of the Archives, D23 will hold a special “birthday party” at the Bowers Museum. And next year, D23 will offer two exclusive D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experiences: A Day at the Studio Lot, for an exciting look behind the incredible work that goes on every day at the Walt Disney Archives.

Guests are invited to step into the Walt Disney Archives as they walk through a dazzling display of more than 400 objects, including original artwork, costumes, and props that tell the story of the Archives, The Walt Disney Company, and Walt Disney himself. Artifacts include never-before-displayed production art from Fantasia, Walt Disney’s office set from Saving Mr. Banks, the original pitch portfolio used to secure investors for Disneyland, maquettes from animated films such as Peter Pan and Frozen, and much more.

Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will be invited to enjoy an exclusive look at the exhibit before it opens to the general public during a special preview night where they can chat with Disney archivists while exploring the exhibit, which runs through August 30, 2020, before heading to other locations around the country (to be revealed in 2020). D23 Gold Members will also receive a discount on tickets to the exhibit, as well as a discount on merchandise in the museum store. Bowers Museum is one of Southern California’s finest museums, showcasing exquisite examples of art and culture from around the world since 1936.

In addition to the exhibit, Disney fans will be able to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Archives throughout 2020:

The Archives will partner with the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood for special El Cap Throwback screenings during the year.

WALT’S MARCELINE: Walt frequently cited this charming Missouri town, where he spent his early childhood, as one of his greatest influences. In fact, its lovely main thoroughfare was an inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. D23 Members will have a chance to explore the Walt Disney Hometown Museum, enjoy local treats, and mingle with special guests during this full-day event.

D23’s Behind the Scenes Experience: A Day at the Studio Lot events in 2020, held exclusively for Gold Members of D23, will offer a rare glimpse into how the Archives preserves the magic of The Walt Disney Company.

All Official Walt Disney Studios Tours in 2020, presented by D23, will include a special gift for guests themed to the 50th anniversary.

For nearly five decades, the Walt Disney Archives has carefully safeguarded the most treasured items from The Walt Disney Company’s history, including original scripts, movie props and costumes, Walt Disney’s correspondence and script notes, theme park artifacts, merchandise, millions of archival photographs, and many of Walt’s personal effects. Founded by Disney Legend Dave Smith in 1970, the Walt Disney Archives is a vital resource for every part of Disney, as well as an important research center for Disney scholars, researchers, and writers. The Archives also shares its countless pieces with Disney fans everywhere through its exhibitions and close association with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.

If you’re wondering what the D23 Member Gift for 2019 is, take a look at my Instagram Story unboxing of the gift, explaining all the reasons to join D23!

Who else is going to attend Destination D or any of the other D23 Archives events next year? Let me know in the comments below! Thanks for reading!

Up the Waterfall: D23 Expo, A 10 Year Retrospective

2 September 2019 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

A Zannaland Podcast!

It’s finally here! Up the Waterfall is a Disney podcast I’ve wanted to do for about 5 years now and it’s finally happening! Up the Waterfall is weekly podcast hosted by Zanna (me!) and Scott Otis. Discussions range from Disney history, to theorizing on what Disney’s future holds! Anything is possible in Disneyland! Thanks to Christian, we are also uploading the podcasts as video, in case anyone wants to watch as well as listen. 🙂

Up the Waterfall, Season One
Episode 1
“D23 Expo, A 10 Year Retrospective”

A look back at the past decade of D23 fan events, remembering what some of the biggest hits or biggest misses were. Listen and then let us know your thoughts!

This episode is also available in audio-only format.

Click here to download.

D23