D23 Expo 2011! Who's attending?

[wdwislife]

thanks for all the info guys!
you'll make for valuable resources as we get closer to the expo, and more into planning!

 

[DiRTyBuNNy]

Would love to go but I can't really commit to it just yet.

--DB

 

[DaisyLuvr]

I'll ABSOLUTLY be there! I was planning to go last year but had to work the company golf tournament so I couldn't make it :-( VERY not happy!
I have already put in for the Vacation days at work and I am trying to talk my DM into attending with me
I can't wait!!

 

[franandaj]

Anyone hear anything more about Destination-D?

 

[Tink91]

Definately making the trip all the way from Aus

 

[nunzia]

Anyone hear anything more about Destination-D?

No..and everytime D23 posts on Facebook I remind them of it It is really getting late for those of us that need plane tickets and stuff to know if we are going or not....We have a hotel booked, but certain flight times are already not available for my DF free plane tickets..

 

[franandaj]

I just got my tickets for Destination-D, anyone else going?

 

[nunzia]

I just got my tickets for Destination-D, anyone else going?

Yeppers...

 

[iKristin]

I'm gonna try and go since i'll be moving back down to So Cal by July or beg. of August so hopefully I can hit it up

 

[Parkhopper]

I am considering going to the event in September of this year, but I am not certain that I fully understand the package. Do you get to go to ALL of the listed seminars each day, or are you limited to a select few?

I need to be making my flight reservation and putting in a vacation request at work ASAP if this is even going to be a possibility.

Where would be the best place to stay?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Suzi

 

[nunzia]

I am considering going to the event in September of this year, but I am not certain that I fully understand the package. Do you get to go to ALL of the listed seminars each day, or are you limited to a select few?

I need to be making my flight reservation and putting in a vacation request at work ASAP if this is even going to be a possibility.

Where would be the best place to stay?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Suzi

It is my understanding that when you get tickets you will be able to attend every event..this is why they are limiting tickets to the capacity of the DLH Ballroom. They do say they will clear the room after every seminar and there is no seat sharing, but as long as all you care about is a ticket, i beleive that everyone can at least get in. This was the big difficulty at the EXPO..endless line waiting took away alot of time we would have liked to use for the exhibits.
Haven't see it posted here, so this is the schedule as of now:
<<<Shown below is the current lineup for Destination D: Disneyland '55 (times to be announced later this summer; panels and talent subject to change):

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2010

Mickey Mouse Club 55th Anniversary
Join original Mouseketeers including Sharon Baird, Doreen Tracey, Bobby Burgess, Karen Pendleton, Sherry Van Meter (Alberoni), Tommy Cole, Cubby O'Brien and Mary Geoff (Espinosa) for a magical walk down memory lane as they recall their favorite behind-the-scenes stories from the classic Disneyland attraction Mickey Mouse Club Circus.

Weird Disney
From the startling visuals of the 1930's Fanchon & Marco "Mickey Mouse Idea" vaudeville shows to Disneyland's "Kap the Kaiser Aluminum Pig" and the "Crane Bathroom of Tomorrow," Disney's history has included some pretty offbeat stuff. Join Archives Director Becky Cline and Disney historian Paul Anderson as they act as your tour guides on a fun-filled, irreverent and often-surprising road trip through the wonderfully weird and wacky side of Disney.

From Quirky to Collectible: The Wonderful World of Disneyland Merchandise
Curiouser and curiouser! From a Mark Twain Riverboat AM radio to a Matterhorn bank, we will present a treasure trove of timeless trinkets and unique souvenirs. Merchandise mavens Stacia Martin and Paul Anderson and Disney Archivist Rob Klein will take you to a collector's Cloud Nine, including the "Top 5 Rarest Pieces of Disneyana" and the "Top 5 Strangest Items of Disneyland Memorabilia." You won't believe what they have found!

The 1964 New York World's Fair and the Development of Audio-Animatronics® Characters With so many incredible Disney achievements over the years, it's hard to pick one as most impressive. But one milestone — Disney's contribution to the 1964 New York World's Fair — arguably stands far and above any other for its impact on Disneyland, the dawning of Walt Disney World and now, the Disney theme park experience around the world. Hosted by historian Paul Anderson, this is a fascinating and remarkable story of how 50 years ago Walt and his Imagineers broke the barriers of technology and pioneered an entirely new chapter in the history of entertainment, and in doing so, drastically changed the course of Disney theme park history.

Imagineering the Magic of Disney
Disney Legend Marty Sklar hosts a prestigious panel of some of Disney's most creative minds made up of Imagineering Legends and current Imagineers. Join us as Bob Gurr, Blaine Gibson, Dave Durham, Kathy Mangum, Kevin Rafferty and other Imagineers share their memories and favorite moments about creating iconic attractions at the world's most popular theme parks.

E-Ticket: Music from the Disney Parks
As part of this year's inaugural Disney Legends Celebration, D23 Members are invited to join some Disney Legends for a colorful concert of music from the past and present of Disneyland Resort. Highlighting the concert will be Disney Legend Richard Sherman, who — along with his brother Robert — has contributed a multitude of songs to the Disney parks legacy, including "it's a small world," "The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room, "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" and many more. Performing will be a host of special guests, including John Tartaglia (Avenue Q, Johnny and the Sprites), Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty), Wilson Cruz (Rent, My So-Called Life), members of the Disney Employee Choir and many more, all paying tribute to some of the most enduring tunes in the Disney canon.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2010

Disneyland Through the Eye of Television
Archivist Rob Klein presents this unique look at the history of Disneyland as it was first seen by the general public — on television. This vibrant presentation includes Walt's first announcement of Disneyland, highlights from the original Disneyland television anthology series showing progress on the park and classic anniversary specials, as well as rarely seen promotional spots for Disneyland from the '60s and '70s for the Matterhorn, Main Street Electrical Parade, "New" Tomorrowland 1967 and much more!

Disney Undiscovered
No creative idea, no matter how marvelously imagined, is guaranteed to make it from the sketchbooks of Disney Imagineers to the parks. 2010's D23 Member gift, Disney Undiscovered, pays tribute to Disney's enduring creative spirit by celebrating the work of some of Disney's greatest dreamers and artists, whose feats of creative daring — even if never completed — will stand the test of time as masterpieces of the imagination. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the further fascinating details about these rare, never-produced park attractions and the Imagineers who dreamed them up.

Disneyland: The Happiest Place in Pop Culture
A humorous and informative journey through 55 years of popular culture as reflected in the original Magic Kingdom. Featuring rarely seen photos and film clips, the presentation, hosted by Disney authority Tim O'Day, will take you down memory lane, narrowly escaping bad fashions, bad hair and park entertainment, and events and attractions that definitely belong in Memoryland.

Disneyland: The Way We Were
Remember the Mickey Mouse Club Circus, Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship, TWA Rocket to the Moon, The Frito Kid, or America Sings? Join Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith as we explore some vintage images of Disneyland: first some rare color photographs taken during the park's construction, then a look at some beloved, gone-but-not-forgotten attractions, shops and restaurants. Throughout this presentation, Dave will reminisce about early visits to Disneyland, taking the audience back to some classic moments in the park's rich history.

A Word from the President
Disneyland President George Kalogridis shares a very special presentation with D23.

The Wonderful World of Vintage Disneyland — In Color!
Media Preservationist Ed Hobelman and Imagineer Tony Baxter share a trove of archival treasures and screen rarely seen color footage of Disneyland from the 1950s and 1960s.

Disneyland, U.S.A. Screening and Panel
A big-screen presentation of the classic 1956 People and Places featurette, Disneyland, U.S.A., followed by a panel featuring members of the film's restoration team, Disney Imagineers and Disney Legends who experienced the park first-hand during those early years, including Tony Baxter, Ed Hobelman, Dave Smith and Geri Bumpass. Hosted by Tim O'Day. >>>

 

[05MM08MM]

I'm planning to attend again next year, but not sure about buying tickets a year in advance. Is that really necessary

We will most likely arrive early in the week to have time to visit the parks and maybe make a trip to Hollywood area as well one day so we can dedicate the entire weekend to the event as to not miss anything this time.

It will be my 2nd trip to CA but my DH & DD's first

 

[wdwislife]

I wish I could go to Destination-D! It looks so interesting!
Unfortunately it's just not a convenient time for our family to fly out to Cali.

Since the Expo next year is still during the summer, before school is in session, we'll be able to make it!

 

[discorsner]

Anyone take kids to the expo last time or planning on doing it this time? What age range do you think this is appropriate for? What was there for kids to do?

 

[05MM08MM]

Anyone take kids to the expo last time or planning on doing it this time? What age range do you think this is appropriate for? What was there for kids to do?

I do not plan to bring my kids with me as of right now 1) I will be waking up very eary to be in line at the expo each morning and I don't see my kids wanting to wait that long with me 2) figured they would enjoy most things but might get bored after a couple hours and be wanting to leave when I am not ready to.

We will be doing the parks during the week with the kids and they will hang out with my Mom during the weekend and she will keep them busy and take them to the beach, Knots Berry Farm, etc

Last year it was just me and my step-mom at the Expo. I would think older (10+) kids might be ok perhaps. But if there is an event, show, or other thing going on that you want to attend but the kids may not then if you have another adult with you that can hang out with them and entertain while you go to that event then that might work out pretty well.

 

[franandaj]

There were a couple events that some young girls were dying for. Some Disney heart-throbs were rumoured to show up. We were in line for the Pixar presentation and they were already waiting for it and it was the following event. They received word that the stars weren't going to show after all and they were all heartbroken.

It depends on the kids and how much they like "seminars" on Disney. I would think most would be bored out of their minds, but there was some stuff for the kids to do. Pictures with characters, and some of the other exhibits. I think it was more geared towards adult kids.

 

[Peepster]

Hi, am very new here and while we've been to WDW many times next year will be our first trip to Disneyland. We just got our tickets to the Expo and splurged and got the Premium package..am now hoping that was a bright thing to do.

You folks are a wealth of information and we thank you already. It sounds like the majority of you think staying near the convention center is the smart thing to do. Should we wait for packages to be announced or do some of you have hotel suggestions you think we should be looking at already? Yes, I know how far away it is......I'm the "planner" a.k.a. the "worrier".

Sure sounds like the Expo will be great fun. Glad to have found you.

 

[franandaj]

I don't think you're crazy...I'm in the process of booking my hotel for the Expo. We're staying at the Hilton across the walkway from the Convention Center and we live only 25 minutes from the area. For us and the expo staying close is key, but we both have disabilities and need to be able to go back and take a power nap or get up real quick and get there in the morning.

Don't plan on visiting the parks on any day that the Expo is going on. There is just too much to take in at the Expo, the parks will be there. Make sure you plan extra time for them.

If you're able bodied and can walk a lot, you could easily stay at one of the Disney Hotels and walk to the Expo. If you're on a budget there are plenty of other hotels you can stay at offsite that would be easy to walk to both the Convention Center and the parks. If you drive to the convention center, you'll be hit with a $12 or so parking fee.

I would book something refundable now and worry about packages later if they do come out.

 

[Peepster]

Alison, many thanks for the great advice. Will go ahead and book at the Hilton. Will be staying prior to that on points at the VGC.

 

[SSRJen]

We will be going. Just booked our hotel room at the Hilton!