D23 Update: Get a Close-up Look at Epcot’s Transformation and More!
D23 just announced some details that the attendees will receive at this year’s expo next month!
If you are planning to attend the D23 Expo in Anaheim this year then you are in for some fun and details! There will be panels and pavilions that will excite every Disney fan and if you can’t make it, wish you could!
So Many Pavilions, So Little Time!
Head over to the show floor. You’re going to want to check out the Disney Parks “Imagining Tomorrow, Today” Pavilion. Once there, you will get a unique look at the developments that are occurring at the Disney parks! One big transformation going on right now is Epcot. This pavilion will give you a chance to get up close and see what’s in store for Epcot. Also, you’ll learn about what’s next for Marvel in the parks! It looks like Tony Stark has some plans to recruit guests to join the Avengers in Hong Kong, Paris, and California!
Another favorite is going to be the Hall D3 presentation with Bob Chapek who is the chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products. This presentation will take place Sunday, August 25th at 10:30 am. Attendees of this presentation will get more details on the much-anticipated attractions, experiences, and the storytelling that we all know and love at Disney parks!
Be Prepared To Shop!
If you’ve never been to D23 then make sure you leave space in your suitcase (or bring an extra one!) because the collectibles are like none other! ShopDisney.com/Disney Store, Disney DreamStore, Mickey’s of Glendale, and Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store will all have shops to find your favorite items. Attendees will be introduced to new collections that will celebrate milestone anniversaries and your favorite characters. Don’t forget there will also be official 2019 D23 Expo gear and accessories, nostalgic Disney Parks-inspired items, and limited-edition collectibles celebrating Walt Disney Imagineering.
There’s so much to do and discover at D23! Here are some of the special panel presentations we know of:
Friday
12:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena
The Music and Sounds of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—Sound design is an instrumental layer of storytelling found throughout every Disney park, resort, and cruise ship. Join Imagineering Music Studio lead Matt Walker in discussing the creative process behind the original music and sound design heard throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Join Imagineers and collaborators who will share how they developed all-new iconic soundscapes while taking inspiration from the rich legacy of Star Wars music and sound design, from the land’s epic John Williams-composed musical score to the sounds of low-flying starships.
4 p.m., Stage 28
Behind the Art of Disney Costuming: Heroes, Villains, and Spaces Between—Celebrate the imagination, passion, and attention to detail in creating Disney costumes. Go behind the scenes with the team that crafted the dazzling new Walt Disney Archives exhibit on the D23 Expo show floor and its accompanying coffee table book.
Saturday
12:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena
Haunted Mansion: Celebrating 50 Years—Celebrate Disney’s famed home of 999 happy haunts. The attraction’s rich history has generated global fandom from both the living and the unliving. Our ghost host has assembled a procession of bodies you will be dying to meet!
3:30 p.m., Stage 28
Immersive Worlds: Bringing Stories to Life in Disney Parks—Disney Imagineers continue Walt Disney’s legacy in creating themed environments where beloved stories and characters come to life. Join Imagineers Joe Rohde and Scott Trowbridge to learn about the creative process for dreaming up and developing new Disney experiences as we invite guests to enter authentic worlds previously seen only in a film, a book, or one’s imagination.
6 p.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage
Travels with Marty: A Conversation with the Sklars and Imagineers—Celebrate the legacy of Disney Legend Marty Sklar as his colleagues, mentees, and family recount the journey of publishing his last book and discuss his lasting impact on The Walt Disney Company.
Sunday
2 p.m., Stage 28
Inspiring Women Behind Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—Meet some of the talented women from across Disney Parks, Experiences and Products responsible for bringing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to life. Hear stories about their roles and experiences in developing everything from the original backstories of the land and its inhabitants, to the themed merchandise, galactic fare, and the interactive elements found throughout Black Spire Outpost.
4 p.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage
Magic Journey: My Fantastical Walt Disney Imagineering Career with Kevin Rafferty—Join veteran Imagineer Kevin Rafferty as he reminisces about a career spanning 40-plus years, from a dishwasher at Disneyland to builder of immersive worlds. Kevin explains his path to Imagineering and talks about his new book.
5:30 p.m., Stage 28
Marc Davis in His Own Words – Imagineering the Disney Theme Park—Authors Pete Docter and Christopher Merritt reveal their magnificent two-volume tribute to the artwork and career of Disney Legend Marc Davis. Featuring artwork from Marc for the creation of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, the presentation will also highlight the 50th anniversary of the storied attraction.
Now if that’s not enough for your Disney Nerd side then you’ll want to check out the special opportunities for some of your favorite artists to sign their merchandise for you:
Friday, August 23 – Saturday, August 24, Talent Central
Disney Store Artist Signing Schedule
Come meet the artists and designers behind some of our amazing D23 Expo product ranges:
- Disney Pixar Tiki Mug Signing with Jerome Ranft
Friday, August 23, 4 – 5 p.m., Talent Central
Midnight Masquerade and Animator Villains Collections with Steve Thompson and Courtney Watkinson
Saturday, August 24, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Talent Central
- The Little Mermaid 30th Anniversary Collection with Steve Thompson, Bryan Mon, Daria Vinogradova, Diana Tran, and Cathy Clark-Ramirez
Saturday, August 24, 4 – 5 p.m., Talent Central
Friday, August 23 – Sunday, August 25, Talent Central
Disney Parks Designer Collection Artist Signing Schedule
Meet the artists behind the latest releases from this exclusive, limited-release collection of Mickey ear hats and Minnie ear headbands:
- Jerrod Maruyama
Friday, August 23, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Talent Central
Saturday, August 24, 12:30 – 2 p.m., Talent Central
- SHAG
Saturday, August 24, 2 – 3:30 p.m., Talent Central
- Noah Fine Art
Saturday, August 24, 2 – 3:30 p.m., Talent Central
- Ashley Eckstein for Her Universe
Saturday, August 24, 9:30 – 11 a.m., Talent Central
Sunday, August 25, 5 – 6:45 p.m., Talent Central
What are you most excited about seeing at this year’s D23? Are you going? Let us know! We want to hear from you!
(All Photos Courtesy of D23)
