D23 Expo 2011! Who's attending?

[nunzia]

I can tell you that the Disney folks who run these things do visit the DISboards threads. I had a thread going on the DCA F&W Festival and I took a picture with the Director of the festival aat one of the first dinners. We met up at a subsequent dinner, and he told me that he had Google searches set up with his name and DCA F&W Festival set up. When he found one with both he had a red flag go up!

He ended up reading my whole Report and said that he loved how I covered past events before leading up the actual festival. Sad thing it was the last festival they have had. I just pray that in 2013 they bring it back!

wow..very cool. I had posted a kinda long convoluted question on the DVC board while in the middle of a purchase and had a call from a guide who had read it..not even MY guide!. Very impressed.
I can kind of see why people are getting upset at the Expo things as mentioned above, but I guess since I'm coming from the perspective of having gone the last time..and been totally blown away and surprised for 4 solid days..that I know all these frustrations and doubts will blow away like the wind once the doors open.
As far as the auction: can you see the auction facility packed with people who were given bidding supplies who had no intention of bidding? What a mess for those running the auction. I think the charge is justified to weed out the casual from the serious. I don't see it as a regular part of the Expo..which provides PLENTY for the cost..I think the ticket price for the Expo is very low. The RSP to purchase items is a good and fair way to deal with how mass amounts of people will get a limited aamount of product..You did not see the lines last year to just line up to get a paper allowing you to buy something. These things took away from people being able to participant in events since they were stuck in line so I think it will help the mess around the store area quite a bit. As far as overselling packages..I'm a Sorcerer and yes, I was a bit put off when I heard about the overselling since it was touted as STRICTLY limited, but with all the problems caused, again, by a large amount of people trying to buy a small amount of tickets, there were glitches and I'm sure parties got split up where one got through and one didn't so they juggled to accomodate. My friend and I went through this panic where it first said all sold out..then one got through and not sold out and then UH OH what heppens if the other doesn't get through and we are split up for the whole event? Then the other got through and big relief..so I am anticipating this type of thing is what had them bump the group up. Over half again as many people is a big bump..but hopefully they will find a way to make us all feel it was an OK decision for them to make.
I am very interested in seeing how they will manage to funnel us and the Premiers into events. I think they surely need two lines..both to enter and for security..if we end up in the same line, then what is the difference from last time? Very interesting and I bet there are some headache filled planning meetings going on.
The focus of my degree was event planning and boy, I sure wish I was in that planning group..what fun

 

[fenrir58]

Wait are the RSP forms for people with higher tickets? I haven't heard anything about that at all.

 

[nunzia]

Wait are the RSP forms for people with higher tickets? I haven't heard anything about that at all.

Yes..codes and info on the process was sent to Premier and Sorcerers a couple days ago.

 

[fenrir58]

Yes..codes and info on the process was sent to Premier and Sorcerers a couple days ago.

Ah okay. This does not concern me since I only have a regular ticket. Thanks!

 

[Tiggerholic]

I am a new D23 member and have NEVER been to a D23 expo so I'm a complete noob and need a lot of help/advice/insider secrets, etc. I have looked at the D23 website and am definitely excited about the Dream Store. I will be going on my own and right now have no plans on going to DLR.

Main question: Closest hotel to the convention center that runs under &100 a night.

Do/Should I attend all 3 days or can I get away with 1 day?

Being disabled, what kind of crowds and lines will I be up against?

Besides the "main" ticket, are there going to be any other tickets I'll need to purchase?

Anything that you know that I *should* know would be appreciated

Thank you in advance

 

[nunzia]

I'm at the Jolly Roger..very close..on a par I think with the Hilton and Marriott..I spent $70 a night.
In my opinion you should plan to be at the Expo from opening until the last curtain falls every single day..
I am thinking it will be more crowded this year than last..could be big lines again..I do not know what they do to assist, but am sure the website will have info on that.
You won't need any other tickets unless you have tons of cash and want to bid at the auction.
I don't know how the Dream Store will be set up this year..Last time there were lines to get a ticket on the limited stuff and you had until end of day to actually go buy it..each day had different limited things..pins, etc..I got a Hallmark ltd D23 ornament.
Be ready to see a bunch of very cool stuff..that's all you really need to do to

 

[wdwislife]

Gotta love super helpful Disney customer service!
I lost my D23 membership card and called Disney Store customer service tonight to get it sorted out and make sure I would have a card by the time of the Expo.
A very friendly woman helped me by finding my member number and arranging for a new card to be sent to my house! (For a $15 fee, but I was more than happy to pay it considering I wasn't even sure I could get a replacement at all!)

See you all on August 19th!

 

[Tiggerholic]

I'm at the Jolly Roger..very close..on a par I think with the Hilton and Marriott..I spent $70 a night.

I went through the AARP site and was quoted $107 a night for the Jolly Roger.

In my opinion you should plan to be at the Expo from opening until the last curtain falls every single day..
I am thinking it will be more crowded this year than last..could be big lines again..I do not know what they do to assist, but am sure the website will have info on that.

My DH and I were down at DLR last Halloween and I had found a local company near DLR that delivered a scooter to our hotel. Think this might be the best way to go.

You won't need any other tickets unless you have tons of cash and want to bid at the auction.
I don't know how the Dream Store will be set up this year..Last time there were lines to get a ticket on the limited stuff and you had until end of day to actually go buy it..each day had different limited things..pins, etc..I got a Hallmark ltd D23 ornament.
Be ready to see a bunch of very cool stuff..that's all you really need to do to

Thanks for your help I already have about 6 people who want me to get them the D23 vinylmation and just hoping there isn't a limit on them

 

[nunzia]

I went through the AARP site and was quoted $107 a night for the Jolly Roger.

In my opinion you should plan to be at the Expo from opening until the last curtain falls every single day..
I am thinking it will be more crowded this year than last..could be big lines again..I do not know what they do to assist, but am sure the website will have info on that.

My DH and I were down at DLR last Halloween and I had found a local company near DLR that delivered a scooter to our hotel. Think this might be the best way to go.

You won't need any other tickets unless you have tons of cash and want to bid at the auction.
I don't know how the Dream Store will be set up this year..Last time there were lines to get a ticket on the limited stuff and you had until end of day to actually go buy it..each day had different limited things..pins, etc..I got a Hallmark ltd D23 ornament.
Be ready to see a bunch of very cool stuff..that's all you really need to do to

Thanks for your help I already have about 6 people who want me to get them the D23 vinylmation and just hoping there isn't a limit on them

Jolly Roger $107?? Ack..I booked through hotels.com..but then again, this was months ago, so maybe nearly sold out? It is small.

Vinylmation D23..The preorder for Premier and Sorcerers had a limit of, I think, 5. But last time they had TONS and you didn't need a ticket and I wish I'd bought some but Vinylmation was a kinda new thing and I thought it was very odd

 

[franandaj]

I am a new D23 member and have NEVER been to a D23 expo so I'm a complete noob and need a lot of help/advice/insider secrets, etc. I have looked at the D23 website and am definitely excited about the Dream Store. I will be going on my own and right now have no plans on going to DLR.


Do/Should I attend all 3 days or can I get away with 1 day?

I'm with nunzia on this one, we live 25 minutes away and drove home each night for the last one. This time we're at the Hilton for the closest proximity and not to miss a thing. We'll be up early and stay each night to the bitter end.

Being disabled, what kind of crowds and lines will I be up against?

D23 has learned a lot about people with disabilities in the last couple years. Definitely go with the scooter. One thing that was great about the last Expo (at the end finally) was that they stopped allowing the queues to form outside of the presentation rooms. The only hall they expected the huge lines was the Arena because they had arranged for a queue outside that venue. By the final day of the Expo the able bodied attendees were queueing up in the Expo Hall on the first floor and when it was time to enter the room, they were escorted up the escalator to the 2nd floor to the rooms. Disabled folks in scooters and such were the only ones to wait directly outside the doors.

This helped them to know how many people in scooters to expect and better prepare the room.

Anything that you know that I *should* know would be appreciated

Thank you in advance

Pack a lot of patience. There will be lines for everything. We did all our shopping on Thursday (last time it was 4 days long) and the line was very long. Friday - Sunday it was absolutely HUGE! Be sure to get in line at least an hour before the presentations you want to see. If you are attending an Arena presentation, leave the cell phones and cameras in the car or hotel room. If you don't they will take them, check (as in coat check) them along with your ID and you will have to wait in a VERY LONG line to get them back after the presentation is over.

It seemed a bit over the top to me, but

It will be a fabulous time! I remember just being thrilled with each new experience, I got so many character pics. High fiveing with Goofy, the stormtroopers taking me hostage. All kinds of great previews. I can't wait (also I have no other trips planned between now and then so it's all I have to look forward to!)

I look forward to meeting you in the lines for the presentations, we'll be the two in almost matching scooters with the D23 stickers on the fenders!

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I think you can still bookthe Hilton for $83 per night on last minute travel. It is a opaque booking but you can tell it's the Hilton from the photos. -- Suzanne

 

[asianway]

It will be a fabulous time! I remember just being thrilled with each new experience, I got so many character pics. High fiveing with Goofy, the stormtroopers taking me hostage. All kinds of great previews. I can't wait (also I have no other trips planned between now and then so it's all I have to look forward to!)

I look forward to meeting you in the lines for the presentations, we'll be the two in almost matching scooters with the D23 stickers on the fenders!

What characters did you meet? We saw goofy, Donald, Mickey, wall-e, & lucky-but we've been wondering if at any point they brought out anyone obscure. Thanks!

 

[franandaj]

What characters did you meet? We saw goofy, Donald, Mickey, wall-e, & lucky-but we've been wondering if at any point they brought out anyone obscure. Thanks!

As I look back at my pictures, I guess I didn't take as many pictures as I thought. I have Goofy, Donald, the Stormtroopers, the Talking Trash Can, the Turtle from the ELP, and Herbie. I know that Band Leader Mickey was there because he had to leave before I got to the front of the queue. There were several others in the dedicated character area, but I didn't want to wait in the lines that were formed on Sat. & Sun. Most of my pictures in that area were from Thurs. when the lines were smaller.

 

[where's_my_prince]

Bought my tickets today!!!! Super super super excited!!!!!! The dream store looks AAAAAAMAZZINGGGGGGG

 

[Lilo's Mom]

Unbelievably my Boss is not letting me take vacation time to go to the D23 Expo...I am so disappointed since I initially had the OK to do so when I bought the tickets last August. I contacted D23 to ask if the tickets could be refunded, and they can't...but they can be transferred to another D23 member....so if anyone out there hasn't got their tickets yet and would like to buy my Early Bird tickets let me know!

Lilo's Mom

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Lilo's Mom - I'm so sorry to hear that your boss reversed his decision about your vacation. It's happened to me before and its hard.

Hopefully someone will see this and need some extra tickets.

 

[lisakramer]

I'm new at this, so I apologize in advance if this isn't ok. Would anyone be willing to make an advance purchase for me? I'd like to get the Cheshire cat pin and the EXPO vinylmation. I'd be willing to pay extra for this kindness.
Thanks!

 

[TommyG]

Delurking to say hello and see you at the D23 Expo!

I'm flying in on Wednesday morning, and am hoping to spend that evening in the parks. Thursday AM I'll be joining the masses in line for the trivia contest. (I'm a little rusty in my Disney trivia abilities, but we'll see how it goes.)

Then it's 3 days of Expo fun! I may skip out on some of the activities in favor of some more Disneyland/DCA fun in the evenings, but I definitely want to be around for the Legends presentation, plus the Parks & Resorts, ABC, and Film sessions. Plus, if John Lasseter has a chance to speak again, I don't want to miss that.

So it should be a fun-filled week. Bring your camera, a good pair of walking shoes, your patience, and a suitcase full of money -- and have a good time!

T

 

[PatMcDuck]

I was wondering how the lines work at D23? I am travelling in a group of 3 adults. Do we all 3 need to stand in the lines, or can one of us volunteer so the others can do something else?


Do they give out a schedule of the events before we get there?


Getting anxious to know what will be going on! What are the hardest things to get into? i am thinking the parks and resorts presentation?

PS one of you says to leave cameras and cell phones behind, yet you say you got many great photographs...... how did you do that?

 

[andrewilley]

How many events fill up, and how quickly? Does the main conference hall have enough capacity for all of the paid guests, should they all wish to attend an event?

Andre