If you haven’t heard, tickets went on sale today for the 2013 D23 Expo, held at the Anaheim Convention Center from August 9th – 11th! Squee!
Of course you may be asking…what is D23, and why do I want to go to this expo?
D23 is the official Disney fan club. Every two years, thousands of Disney fanatics from all over the world meet at the Anaheim Convention Center for “The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.” Live events introduce upcoming Disney Park attractions, films, and other surprises. Famous imagineers and other Disney key dignitaries delight Disneyana enthusiasts with their behind-the-scenes secrets and knowledge. And of course, exhibitors sell everything Disney, from t-shirts to props from Disney movies and attractions.
I’ve been lucky to have attended both the 2009 and 2011 Disney Expos. I loved all the showcases I attended, especially the ones that introduced the upcoming Disney attractions being built at every Disney park around the world. The showcase that featured upcoming Disney films had more stars appearances than the Oscars! Just in 2011, I saw most of the stars from The Avengers, Jennifer Garner, Willem Dafoe, and the cast of the Muppets (the best ones!) In 2009, Dave got to see Johnny Depp, dressed as and acting like Jack Sparrow! The Legends Awards, which pays tribute to the men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney community, is heartfelt and not one to miss.
Of course, the shopping is the best! There is no way you’ll leave the Expo without picking up a little momento of your visit, or in Dave’s and my situation, a lot of momentos!!
Lastly, the energy and enthusiasm in the air is electrifying! To be surrounded by over 40.000 Disney fans, you can’t help but share your own Disney stories and experiences. For three days, the Disney Expo is “the happiest place on Earth.”
For the 2013 Disney Expo, there will be an added treat! The Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit, which is currently displayed at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum in Simi Valley, will be there. Over 12,000 feet of set pieces, props, and costumes from Disney’s past and present will be on hand for everyone to see. If you haven’t seen this exhibit yet, this is a great bonus!
Don’t worry if you’re not a D32 member (but I highly recommend joining!) Everyone can attend, and there are one-day and three-day ticket packages available. Visit the D23 Expo official page at http://d23.disney.go.com/d23-expo-2013/ to learn more about the D23 Expo and ticket prices.
Shout out below if you’ll be attending the 2013 Disney Expo! If you’ve attended a previous D23 Expo, write a comment below, letting us know how your experience was and any tips and suggestions for new D23 Expo attendees!
~Written by Johanna Mancini, Event Crew Member
We went in 2011, and my big tip to newcomers is this: buy the 3-day ticket! There is NO WAY that you will be able to see everything in just one day. There is so much to see and do!
My tip for everyone is to bring snacks and water! You’re not going to want to waste precious time standing in LONG lines just to get a crappy hamburger!