Are you ready for the D23 Expo? Disney’s biennial D23 Expo returns this year to the Anaheim Convention Center and brings together every corner of the Walt Disney Company. Expectations are at an all-time high as fans eagerly anticipate new sneak peeks at Disney’s upcoming Star Wars films, details on Marvel’s upcoming Civil War, new theme park projects, and more. Will Disney deliver? We’ll find out soon but in the meantime we’ve all got some planning to do to make the most of our D23 Expo experience. We originally ran our Guide to the D23 Expo feature as part of the August 3 edition of Dateline Disneyland. We’ve spun it off into its own post here today with a few additions and updated information for your D23 Expo planning convenience.
We hope you all have an amazing time at the Expo and for those of you unable to attend, be sure to follow along here on MiceChat and on our various social media outposts for the latest news, information, photos and more throughout the three-day Expo!
   |
|
  |
- The D23 Expo is here! This weekend the Anaheim Convention Center will host “The Ultimate Disney Fan Event,” bringing together every corner of the Walt Disney Company, creating a big three-day living snapshot of the latest and greatest goings-on at Disney! Of course, MiceChat and Dateline Disneyland will be there to help bring a taste of the event back to those of you who can’t make it. But for those of you who are planning on attending, we’ve scoured the schedule to compile a list of the top 23 Must Do panels and presentations as well as some show floor highlights — and our guide still only scratches the surface of what D23 Expo will offer! It’s looking to be the biggest D23 Expo yet — what will you be checking out at this year’s D23 Expo?
D23 Expo 2015
August 14-16, 2015
- D23 Expo Tickets
Single-day tickets for Friday and Sunday are still available! Unfortunately, three-day passes and single-day tickets for Saturday have sold out. Buy tickets now.
- D23 Member Prices
Adult: $65 One Day (Saturday SOLD OUT) | $188 Three-Day (SOLD OUT)
Child: $48 One Day (Saturday SOLD OUT) | $139 Three-Day (SOLD OUT)
General Admission
Adult: $74 One Day (Saturday SOLD OUT) | $216 Three-Day (SOLD OUT)
Child: $54 One Day (Saturday SOLD OUT) | $156 Three-Day (SOLD OUT)
- Expo Hours
- Show Floor — General Admission: 10:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m.
Show Floor — D23 Gold and Silver Member Admission: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Hall H — All Attendees: As early as 8:00 a.m.
- Parking
- Anaheim Convention Center: Parking is available at the Anaheim Convention Center for $15 per automobile. Despite Disney allowing guests to queue overnight for Hall D23 presentations, the Anaheim Convention Center is not permitting overnight parking. Additionally, there are no in and out privileges for guests leaving and returning to Anaheim Convention Center parking.
- Toy Story Parking Lot: Disney’s Toy Story Parking Lot located across the street from the Anaheim Convention Center will be open but Disney has not announced if Toy Story Parking Lot will be open overnight for D23 Expo attendees.
- Early Arrival & Queuing
- For the first time, D23 Expo attendees can queue overnight inside the Anaheim Convention Center to be the first in line for two days of the Expo. A concession stand with a limited menu will be available for guests queueing overnight in Hall E. No re-entry will be allowed and all members of a party must be present.
- Friday, August 14: Attendees can begin lining up for Friday admission starting at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13 in Hall E.
Saturday, August 15: Attendees can begin lining up for Saturday admission starting at 10:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14 in Hall E.
Sunday, August 16: Attendees can begin lining up for Sunday admission starting at 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 16 at the main entrance to the Anaheim Convention Center. No overnight lineups will be permitted.
- Food & Beverage
- No outside food, beverages, or coolers are allowed at D23 Expo. Exceptions will be made for attendees with special dietary needs, including food allergies and baby food and formula. There will be multiple dining locations available to guests inside the Anaheim Convention Center as well as food trucks in front of the Convention Center.
- Convention Center Food Locations: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Food Trucks: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Quick Tips and Links
- Get the latest D23 Expo News Stay up-to-date with the latest news on the Expo, direct from the D23 Expo website.
- D23 Expo at Your Fingertips Download the official D23 Expo mobile app for iOS and Android to get the latest news, Expo schedule, show floor maps, StagePass availability and more. Download in the Apple App Store or in the Google Play store. You can also download an official .PDF of the complete D23 Expo by clicking here.
- Don’t forget your StagePass! Returning to the 2015 D23 Expo is StagePass – a free service that allows you to reserve guaranteed seating for select presentations at the D23 Expo. For more information, visit D23 Expo’s “Things to Know” page.
- Shop ’til you Drop! New for 2015, D23 Expo attendees have the opportunity to reserve a StorePass – a free service that allows you to skip the line to enter select D23 retail areas and shop for a 30-minute period. For more information, click here.
- Dress to Impress All event attendees—including adults—may attend the D23 EXPO dressed as their favorite Disney, Marvel and Star Wars Characters, with certain restrictions. If you’re not dressing up D23 Expo still requires proper attire at all times. Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times with no vulgar/offensive language or graphics.
- Dateline Disneyland’s Previous D23 Expo Coverage
| Walt Disney Parks & Resorts: 60 Years of Innovation  |
- Shanghai Disney Resort See maquettes, artist illustrations, and media clips that capture the designers’ journey in bringing Shanghai Disney Resort to life. Meet one-on-one with Disney Imagineers and learn about the show design process and discover the tradition and innovation infused into the resort.
- Pandora: The World of AVATAR Get an in-depth look at the new AVATAR experience coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World with models, images, and exhibits on display.
- Mickey’s of Glendale Shop in a special D23 Expo outpost of Walt Disney Imagineering’s employee-only store, featuring unique souvenirs, collectibles and Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise not available anywhere else.
The fan favorite Parks and Resort Pavilion returns with Walt Disney Imagineering pulling back the curtain on 60 Years of Innovation at Disney’s theme parks. Disney is celebrating the 60th anniversary of Disney theme parks this year with a 12,500-square-foot pavilion (located in Hall C) that celebrates six decades of Disney parks while looking ahead to the future. Guests will get a glimpse at the creative process that’s bringing Shanghai Disneyland and Pandora: The World of AVATAR to life!
| The Walt Disney Archives Presents Disneyland: The Exhibit  |
The Walt Disney Archives returns to the D23 Expo this year with a new exhibit celebrating 60 Years of Disneyland. Located for the first time on the D23 Expo show floor, the 12,000-square-foot Disneyland: The Exhibit will be the largest Walt Disney Archives exhibition ever staged at the D23 Expo featuring displays on the history, attractions, parades, and entertainment from Disneyland’s 60-year history. Among the more-than-300 items on display, Disneyland: The Exhibit will include Disneyland’s Ticket No. 1 (purchased by Roy O. Disney), surveying equipment from the 1950s used in the construction of Disneyland, a prototype vehicle for the Alice in Wonderland attraction, an early Autopia car, original artwork from Mickey Mouse Club Circus, and much, much more!
More on The Walt Disney Archives presents Disneyland: The Exhibit
 |
- There’s a ton to do at D23 Expo and it’s impossible to do it all but how do you know what’s really worth waiting in line for? Well, we’ve sifted through the schedule and have come up with a list of 23 panels that we think are the must-do highlights of this year’s event.
| 23 Must-Dos: Hall D23 Highlights |
- 1 — Disney Legends Awards
Friday, August 14 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Celebrate the contributions of those who have helped create lasting magic within the Walt Disney Company as Disney award eight talented individuals with the prestigious Disney Legend Award. The new Legends include Star Wars creator George Lucas, animator Andres Deja, and Disneyland’s first ambassador – Julie Reihm Casaletto. - 2 — Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films
Friday, August 14 | 3 p.m.-5 p.m.
See where Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios plan to take you next as John Lasseter presents this in-depth look at the animation studios’ slate. Filmmakers will unveil never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming The Good Dinosaur and Finding Dory and Disney Animation’s Zootopia and Moana. - 3 — Worlds, Galaxies, and Universes: Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios
Saturday, August 15 | 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Join Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn for a tour of upcoming live-action projects from Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm. Special guests will offer a look at Disney’s upcoming films including Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Jungle Book, Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and more. - 4 — Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Saturday, August 15 | 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Join Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Bob Chapek for a behind-the-scenes peek at magical experiences and entertainment coming to Disney parks around the world. - 5 — It’s Game Time: Disney Interactive Takes the Stage
Sunday, August 16 | 11 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Disney Interactive fans won’t want to miss this presentation featuring never-before-seen gameplay, trailers, character reveals, special guests, announcements and more! Attendees will receive an exclusive gift!
The new 7,500-seat Hall D23 replaces the D23 Arena as the biggest venue at the Expo for the biggest presentations, concerts and events. Hall D23’s line-up includes the highly-anticipated Walt Disney Pictures presentation with sneak peeks at the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney live action movies! Returning this year, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will host a 90-minute presentation giving a big behind-the-scenes look at the latest projects underway at Walt Disney Imagineering including Shanghai Disney Resort. Here are the first five of our 23 Must Dos:
| 23 Must-Dos: Stage 23 Highlights |
- 6 — The Magic Behind the Muppets
Friday, August 14 | 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Join the artists that bring the Muppets to life along with some of your favorite characters and a few surprise guests. - 7 — Safari So Good — 60 Years of the World Famous Jungle Cruise
Friday, August 14 | 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Skippers from throughout the years reflect on their experiences at the Jungle Cruise. - 8 — Imagineering 60 Years of Disneyland
Friday, August 14 | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
A two-part panel discussion about Disneyland with Disney Legends and current Imagineers on carrying on Walt’s legacy and the future of Disney Parks. Moderated by filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, who will present a new trailer from her forthcoming documentary about Walt Disney Imagineering. - 9 — Toy Story: 20 Years Later, The Original Crew Looks Back
Saturday, August 15 | 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Join members of the original crew, including filmmakers John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton and others as they share their stories and the challenges they faced along the way. - 10 — Disney In Concert: A Silly Symphony Celebration
Sunday, August 16 | 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. & 2 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
A 32-piece orchestra celebrates the Silly Symphony animated short films and their music, hosted by film historian Leonard Maltin. - 11 — Celebrating Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club — 60 Magical Years
Sunday, August 16 | 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Original Mouseketeers and special guests will celebrate the Mickey Mouse Club’s 60th Anniversary with a one-of-a-kind performance.
The second-largest venue at D23 Expo, Stage 23 will host a variety of panel discussions and special presentations that are sure to be huge draws for Disney enthusiasts. From panels on The Muppets to Disneyland’s 60th, and a Silly Symphonies concert — there’s plenty to see at Stage 23. The following six Stage 23 presentations are #6 through 11 in our 23 Must-Dos.
- Full Stage 23 Schedule
Reserve your seat with D23 Expo’s Stage Pass 
Returning this year, D23 Expo StagePass allows you to reserve seating at select panels and presentations at Stage 23 and Stage 28. StagePass ticket distribution begins daily at 11 a.m. at the Stage Pass distribution area in Hall A on the show floor. For more information, visit D23 Expo’s “Things To Know” page.
| 23 Must-Dos: Stage 28 Highlights |
- 12 — Disneyland Home Movies
Friday, August 14 | 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
A collection of one-of-a-kind footage and photography offers a unique viewpoint of Disneyland from another time. - 13 — A Goofy Movie 20th Anniversary Reunion
Friday, August 14 | 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
A panel of A Goofy Movie talent will share behind-the-scenes stories and surprising anecdotes from the fan-favorite musical. - 14 — One Little Spark — Marty Sklar presents Mickey’s Ten Commandments and The Road to Imagineering
Saturday, August 15 | 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Disney Imagineering Legend Marty Sklar joins five Imagineers in a conversation about what inspired them to go into the arts and become Imagineers. - 15 — The Making of American Experience: Walt Disney
Saturday, August 15 | 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Go behind-the-scenes with the team who brought together the upcoming two-part PBS documentary film on the life and legacy of Walt Disney. - 16 — Aladdin — The Making of a Classic
Saturday, August 15 | 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Join Walt Disney Animation Studios filmmakers and the voice cast of Aladdin as they unveil stories behind one of the great Disney classics. - 17 — Best of Destination D
Sunday, August 16 | 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
D23 is bringing two popular presentations from prior Destination D events together for a celebration of Walt Disney World.
Stage 28 also packs an amazing line-up of panel discussions and special presentations this year. From more Disneyland fun, to a behind-the-scenes look at a new documentary on Walt Disney, to celebrating A Goofy Movie‘s 20th Anniversary — there’s a lot here you won’t want to miss. We continue our Top 23 Must-Dos with the following six highlights from Stage 28:
- Full Stage 28 Schedule
- Reserve your seat with D23 Expo’s Stage Pass
Returning this year, D23 Expo StagePass allows you to reserve seating at select panels and presentations at Stage 23 and Stage 28. StagePass ticket distribution begins daily at 11 a.m. at the Stage Pass distribution area in Hall A on the show floor. For more information, visit D23 Expo’s “Things To Know” page.
| 23 Must-Dos: Walt Disney Archives Stage Highlights |
- 18 — In Conversation: Julie Reihm Casaletto
Friday, August 14 | 2:30 p.m.
Join an informal conversation with the first Disneyland Ambassador, Julie Reihm Casaletto. - 19 — Disney Did That? 4 Artists Paint 1 Tree
A Celebration of an Inspirational Masterpiece
Friday, August 14 | 5:30 p.m.
A look back at the classic “4 Artists Paint 1 Tree” program, originally part of the Disneyland anthology series An Adventure in Art. - 20 — Don DeFore’s Silver Banjo Barbecue—Frontierland: 1957-1961
Saturday, August 15 | 10 a.m.
Ron and David DeFore recollect their exciting adventures growing up in Disneyland when their father, actor Don DeFore, owned a restaurant in Frontierland. - 21 — Sounds Delightful: Disneyland Edition
Sunday, August 16 | 10 a.m.
Disney artist and historian Stacia Martin hosts an “Illustrated Audio Adventure” across the Disney decades via vintage vinyl recordings. - 22 — Everyone Loves the Circus…Including the Mouseketeers!
Sunday, August 16 | 11:30 a.m.
Disney historian Paula Sigman Lowery explores Walt Disney’s love of this famed American tradition with rare stills, film footage, and memories from Disneyland’s past. - 23 — Disneyland: Fond Memories of the Past
Sunday, August 16 | 1 p.m.
Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline and Disney artist and historian Stacia Martin journey through some of Disneyland’s most beloved attractions of yesteryear.
The new Walt Disney Archives Stage is the smallest of the D23 Expo’s main venues with only 275 seats but features an amazing lineup that will catch the attention of any Disneyland and Disney History fan. With such a stellar lineup of panels and presentations at the Disney Archives Stage be sure to line up early! Below, these selections from the amazing Walt Disney Archives schedule are the final six of our 23 Must-Do panels.
Shopping & More |
- Disney Dream Store D23 Expo-themed official merchandise and other specialty items, theme park merchandise, HARVEYS bags, jewelry, artist signings and more.
- Disney Store: A 3,000-foot store featuring the latest from Disney Store in the Disney Consumer Products Pavilion.
- Mickey’s of Glendale Exclusive merchandise from Walt Disney Imagineering.
- D23 Emporium: Collectors, vendors, and fans together in one magical bazaar.
- Shop ’til You Drop with D23 Expo StorePass
New this year, D23 Expo StorePass will allow you to skip the line and enjoy a pre-scheduled 30-minute shopping window at the Disney Dream Store, Disney Store, and Mickey’s of Glendale. For more information click here.
 |
- Don’t miss MiceChat’s D23 Expo Extravaganza!
- Passport of Prizes: Win Disney Art Classics, hotel stays at the Anabella Hotel and Carousel Hotel, original signed artwork, a Terri Hardin 60th Anniversary Sleeping Beauty Castle sculpture, and much more!
- Win a Grammovox: Enter to win an awesome Grammovox, the amazing new way to play music from your MP3 device or iPhone via a beautiful Gramophone type device.
- Discounts from MiceTrips & MiceDeals: MiceChat Partners Fairy Godmother Travel, Anabella Hotel, Tangerine Restaurant, and Carousel Inn and Suites are offering some fantastic deals to those who stop by the MiceChat booth.
- Free MiceChat and Dateline Disneyland buttons!: Stop by and pick up a free, limited edition MiceChat or Dateline Disneyland button (pictured, right) and show your support for the Happiest Place in Cyberspace! (Available while supplies last)
MiceChat is coming back to D23 Expo, bigger and better than ever before! Stop by MiceChat Booth B1214 during D23 Expo and engage in a world of Disney fun and fandom. Here’s what you can expect to find at the MiceChat booth:
- Help save the Walt Disney Birthplace!
- Ride the Carolwood Pacific! Travel back in time and ride Walt’s Carolwood Pacific Railroad with an Oculus Rift virtual reality headset!
- Meet Artist Shane Grammar: Shane, a former Imagineer, theme park designer and fine artist, will be painting live with the works to be auctioned off at the Expo!
- Pick up WDB Swag: Show your support with a Walt Disney Birthplace lapel pin or shirt, get your name on the restoration project, and more
- Pre-Order New Magical Flavors: O-Zell Sofda is introducing new flavors that will be available at Rocket Fizz stores nationwide in September! You can pre-order sodas at the D23 Expo and those who pre-order all four flavor six-packs will get a set of four deluxe O-Zell Flavor Mascot Pins for FREE!
While you’re in the D23 Emporium, be sure to visit the Walt Disney Birthplace booth, located adjacent to the MiceChat booth. You can learn more about the restoration of Walt’s birthplace at the booth, become a donor, and more:
- See the (Disney) Stars!
- Tommy Kirk; All day; Actor: Old Yeller, Shaggy Dog, Absent Minded Professor, Swiss Family Robinson
- Shane Grammer: All day; Artist, former Imagineer.
- Charles Phoenix: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Pop Culture Commentator - Mike Peraza: 1-3 p.m., 7-8 p.m.
Animator: The Little Mermaid, Duck Tales. - Terri Hardin: 11 a.m.-1 p.m, 5-7 p.m.
Artist, former Imagineer. - Gary Dubin: 3-5 p.m.
Voice of Toulouse in Aristocats - Mark Silverman: 3-5 p.m.
Voice actor: Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - Werner Weiss: 12-2 p.m.
Yesterland Bloger and Disney Historian.
Meet some of your Disney favorites! We’ve lined up some awesome Disney legends, animators, voice talent, stars, authors and podcasters to appear at the MiceChat and Walt Disney Birthplace booths:
Friday, August 14
- Saturday, August 15
- Shane Grammer: All day
Artist, former Imagineer. - Mark Silverman: 9-11 a.m.
Voice actor: Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - Sam Gennawey: 9- 11 a.m.
Author: Walt and the Promise of Progress City and Samland blogger - Nik Ranieri: 9-11 a.m.
Animator: The Little Mermaid, The Rescuers Down Under, Princess and the Frog, more. - Doug Lipp: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., 4-6 p.m.
Author of Disney U - Cindy Morgan: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Actress: Tron, Return of the Shaggy Dog, Caddy Shack - Jim Cummings: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-5 p.m.
Voice of Pooh, Tigger, Pete, and more. - Mike Peraza: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 7-8 p.m.
Animator: The Little Mermaid, Duck Tales. - Terri Hardin: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m
Artist, former Imagineer. - Bobby Burgess, 12-2 p.m.
Mouseketeer - Gary Dubin, 1-3 p.m.
Voice of Toulouse in Aristocats - Rick Farmiloe; 1-3 p.m.
Animator: Fox and the Hound, Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, more. - Floyd Norman, 3-6 p.m
Disney Legend and Animator
- Sunday, August 16
- Shane Grammer: All day
Artist, former Imagineer. - Mark Silverman: 9-11 a.m.
Voice actor: Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - Rick Farmiloe: 9-11 a.m.
Animator: Fox and the Hound, Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, more. - Jim Cummings: 11-1 p.m., 2-5 p.m.
Voice of Pooh, Tigger, Pete, and more. - Mike Peraza: 12-2 p.m.
Animator: The Little Mermaid, Duck Tales. - Gary Dubin: 1-3 p.m., 5-7 p.m.
Voice of Toulouse in Aristocats - Bill Farmer: 2-5 p.m.
Voice of Goofy - Jason Marsden: 2-5 p.m.
Voice of Max in Goof Troop - Nik Ranieri: 3-5 p.m.
Animator: The Little Mermaid, The Rescuers Down Under, Princess and the Frog, more. - Tom Sito: 3-6 p.m.
Animator: Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Fantasia 2000, more. - Terri Hardin: 3-6 p.m
Artist, former Imagineer. - Werner Weiss: 5-7 p.m.
Yesterland Bloger and Disney Historian.
- Happy Hour with MiceChat
Please join MiceChat, The Season Pass Podcast and the Walt Disney Birthplace along with a few special surprise guests for an informal cocktail party at the Anabella Hotel’s Tangerine Grill & Patio on Saturday evening, immediately following the D23 Expo!
- For the latest MiceChat & D23 Expo news or to enter-to-win the Gramovox, click here!
Note: All MiceChat and Walt Disney Birthplace D23 Expo booth information, schedules, appearances, etc. are subject to change without notice. Please visit the booth at the D23 Expo for more information.
Alright, that’s it for our special Guide to the D23 Expo. Be sure to check back early next week for full D23 Expo coverage from Dateline Disneyland! See you all on the show floor!