It’s Destination D23 weekend and that means tons of exciting new things should be announced by The Walt Disney Company! While fans are eagerly awaiting much of the information to come this weekend, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club kicked off their event by first showcasing all the exciting opportunities they will be hosting next year. Here’s a look at events happening across the country:
The D23 Expo
Perhaps the most anticipated event to return to the D23 docket in 2022 is the D23 Expo, the “ultimate Disney fan event.” The Expo, which is usually held every two years, will make its triumphant return Sept. 9 – 11 (its last iteration was in 2019). Aside from the usual focuses of new releases from Star Wars, Pixar, Marvel, and Walt Disney Animation, the Expo will also feature the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company, giving fans a first look at what is going to be involved in that celebration. Events and panels will also be live-streamed for those who cannot attend. Tickets go on sale starting January 20.
Movie Milestones
D23 will also celebrate many of our favorite Disney movie milestones throughout 2022. On January 24, Bedknobs and Broomsticks will turn 50 years old, and D23 plans to acknowledge the occasion on the Walt Disney Studio Lot, where the film was made. There will be special screenings of the movie, as well as items from the Walt Disney Archives on display.
D23 will also celebrate the 30th anniversaries of The Muppet Christmas Carol and Aladdin, the 25th anniversary of Hercules, and the 20th anniversary of Lilo & Stitch, with a variety of live-streamed and in-person events that will be announced soon.
Imagineering Collaboration
D23 has collaborated many times with Walt Disney Imagineering since the fan club’s founding, and 2022 will be no different. With the virtual event series, D23 x WDI, fans have been able to experience celebrations of famed Disney parks like Shanghai Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. In 2022, this event series will continue — with a special focus on Disneyland Paris’ 30th anniversary.
Studio Tour and Archives
D23 will soon welcome its members back to the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, where members can enjoy tours focused on the unique historic moments of Disney films, TV shows, and — of course — its theme parks. The Studio tours will also give members a chance to see Walt’s famous office suite, as well as take a peek into The Walt Disney Archives.
Speaking of the Archives, its founder, Disney Legend Dave Smith, will receive his window on Main Street in Disneyland in 2022. The dedication of his window is an event open to Gold D23 members and will take place January 24, during regular park hours.
Marceline Trip
Speaking of historical Disney, D23 is bringing its members to Walt’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri for a special limited-capacity, day-long event. This trip to one of Walt’s self-proclaimed greatest influences (the main street in Marceline inspired Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland), will give D23 members a chance to explore the Walt Disney Hometown Museum, meet special guests, and enjoy local food and beverage offerings.
Disney Theatrical
D23 is once again planning on bringing the magic of Broadway to its members. Those who are a part of the D23 fan club will get special discounted tickets to the North American tours of The Lion King and Frozen. These unique ticket packages will also allow members to participate in a post-show Q&A with certain cast members of the shows. While the entire touring schedule has yet to be announced, The Lion King will begin in Austin and St. Louis, while Frozen will start its tour in Atlanta and Orlando.
D23 Special Events
Throughout 2022, D23 will be offering its members access to select special events. In May, Star Wars Celebration is heading to the Anaheim Convention Center, where members of the fan club will be able to participate in a special Member Mixer to meet and get to know other Disney superfans.
Gold Members will also be given a special preview of the Walt Disney Archives traveling exhibitions around the U.S. They can also participate in advanced and opening night screenings at the El Capitan, AMC Disney Springs, and other theaters across the country. Members will receive access to Mickey’s of Glendale, the exclusive Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise store, and of course, will be able to celebrate the holidays at the end of the year with unique events just for them. There will be a Hocus Pocus-themed Halloween event and Light Up the Season will return in December 2022.
Dates and information for tickets can be found on the D23 website.
Merry and Bright Theme Park Ticket and Travel Deals
Our travel partners at Get Away Today are here to help you make new family memories with discounted theme park tickets and hotels. Extra days, big savings, travel packages and more. Snap up those deals to Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line and other family travel destinations while you still can, with your MiceChat partners at Get Away Today- HERE
The World-Famous MiceChat Gumball Rally Returns!
After a long hiatus, it’s time for the big return of the MiceChat Gumball Rally at Disneyland. The event is a competition to see who can ride the most attractions at Disneyland in a single day. Guests compete in small groups of 2 to 4 members and spend the day doing what Disney fans love most… riding the attractions!
So, say goodby to those nice people on the dock… because the Gumball Rally is rolling your way on February 12th.
Due to the need to book theme park reservations, we recommend signing up for the Rally now so you’ll have plenty of time to secure your spot. We are also offering discounted theme park admission and discounted hotel rooms this year via our partners at Get Away Today. Don’t miss out!
Gumball Rally Event information * HERE *
Let’s Hear From You
Are you a D23 member? If not, do these exciting events make you want to become one? And if you already are a member, is there a specific opportunity you’re most looking forward to? Let us know!
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