D23 Expo 2011! Who's attending?

[PrncesKMW]

After listening to the WDW Radio podcast about the Expo, it sounded as if there were lines to get into the store. Do any of you "last-timers" remember if there was a line, and if so, how long did you have to wait?

Also, I collect ornaments and my must get item is the Hallmark expo exclusive ornament (I'm hoping they have them again.) Was this an extremely limited item, and how much did it cost?

Glad we have all you experienced people so that we can get the scoop!

 

[franandaj]

After listening to the WDW Radio podcast about the Expo, it sounded as if there were lines to get into the store. Do any of you "last-timers" remember if there was a line, and if so, how long did you have to wait?

Also, I collect ornaments and my must get item is the Hallmark expo exclusive ornament (I'm hoping they have them again.) Was this an extremely limited item, and how much did it cost?

Glad we have all you experienced people so that we can get the scoop!

The Expo was 4 days last time, we went to the store on Thursday and there was no line to get in, but there sure was a line to check out. I seem to remember a small line Friday to get in, but by Sat and Sun we steered clear of the store.

I'm glad to know that we can get in on Thursday evening, we'll do all our shopping then and stay away from the store for the rest of the show.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

The "electronic" check-in was only in the Arena. Yes, they did give you a claim ticket. When you came back you went to tables that were placed with letters of the alphabet. You went to the table that had the letter that your last name starts with and handed them your claim ticket. It actually ran very smoothly.

They didn't do they electronics check at all the Arena events, but they also did it at some of the smaller presentations. I think it was tied to showing unreleased video. We had to check our phones for the Princess & Frog presentation. Pick up ran pretty smoothly but did take a few extra minutes. -- Suzanne

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

I have a question. It has to do with autographing. Okay, I want to bring some of my posters to get signed but will they allow it or will it be have it be something you bought that only has to get signed?

 

[nunzia]

Last time we went home every night. The first day we ate bad food from the convention center. The next day we drove by Subway on our way in. The third day I made sandwiches at home and I think I did the same on the last day.

This year I figure after we go shopping Thursday night, we'll have our only good meal of the weekend. We have a travel cooler that works as well as a refrigerator and we have a small microwave that we take when we don't stay at DVC properties. We'll probably make sandwiches for lunch and bring some chips, fruit & cookies or brownies for lunch.

For dinner I'll probably have some microwavable dinners that I preprepare at home (nice that we can drive in) with a bag of salad.

For those staying at the CCI, I believe there is a Subway on the corner of Harbor and Katella (don't quote me) where one could get a sandwich for lunch. If you are stuck with convention center food, the best locations for tastyish food are outside, either on the rooftop patio, courtyard in the center of the hall, or the carts out in front of the entrance.

Getting nourishment while trying to see everything is certainly a challenge. There isn't time for fine dining or even Table Service meals. The string cheese suggestions and other snacks are a great idea. Now if they would just release some kind of complete schedule!!!!!!!

Alison! Don't you plan on just eating all the food in the Premiere/Sorcerer (I guess they are combined) lounge? We are hoping to get by with that stuff for lunch at least .

As for checking in items it went smoothly. I left my camera at the hotel most of the time because I didn't want to mess with that but then found I have very few Expo pictures and regret that so will suck it up and do whatever I need to with camera at the arena shows. They were serious about no pictures also. At the studio presentation some poor soul whipped out a phone he had managed to sneak in (we were wanded and everything) and almost instantly there was a commando type guy with pants bottoms shoved into the top of combat boots taking the phone away..I can't remember if they took the guy away too, but man..they are not kidding.

 

[nunzia]

I have a question. It has to do with autographing. Okay, I want to bring some of my posters to get signed but will they allow it or will it be have it be something you bought that only has to get signed?

No..last time they would only sign things purchased at the Expo

 

[nunzia]

After listening to the WDW Radio podcast about the Expo, it sounded as if there were lines to get into the store. Do any of you "last-timers" remember if there was a line, and if so, how long did you have to wait?

Also, I collect ornaments and my must get item is the Hallmark expo exclusive ornament (I'm hoping they have them again.) Was this an extremely limited item, and how much did it cost?Glad we have all you experienced people so that we can get the scoop!

it was limited to..1,000 (and I just noticed the little sticker on the bottom of mine doesn't have my edition number written in) and it was $25.00. Last year you had to stand in a line to get a slip of paper for the special things..that changed daily. Then you had until the end of the day to go get it from the Dream Store. When we went to the Dream store it wasn't bad at all, but the lines in the morning were HORRIFIC. I missed out on getting a slip for the Hallmark ornament...they were gone quickly... and someone in front of us in line for an areana presentation heard me talking to my friend about not getting it and they had a slip but had decided not to get the ornament so passed it on to me (Thanks!!)

 

[TommyG]

A couple of thoughts:

* The food at the last D23 Expo was LOUSY. It wasn't Disney; it was the contracted-consessionaire for the Convention Center. I only ate there once; the rest of the time I found it worth my time to wander outside the convention hall for something better.

* They did do bag searches/screenings at the main doors into the Expo (past the check-in desks), but I don't think they confiscated anyone's snacks.

* The whole camera check-in thing at the Arena was a huge pain, but it did get a little better during the week. I wrote to Stephen Clark last year and asked him what was the deal with it -- since we were Disney's #1 fans, we certainly weren't there to damage the company by taking unauthorized photos. Just ask us, and we'll keep the cameras away. We'll see what the policy is for this year, but I hope they lighten up a little bit.

* Despite that, I really recommend bringing your camera. There's a zillion little surprises around every corner, and you'll want to capture them on digital "film". Trust me on this one.

* I did not like the whole security guys-in-jackboots pacing the Arena looking for cameras bit. It was 100% totally non-Disney, and I told them so on my survey. I hope they took it to heart.

* The only day I saw lines to get into the shop was on Thursday. There were lines to check out later in the week, but they had a lot of cashiers working.

* Lou's podcast was 100% spot on -- wear your comfortable shoes, and stop for breaks. I'd also like to add that visiting the D23 Expo is like visiting the parks - you physically can't do it all in 3 days. So pace yourself, have fun, and don't stress it.

 

[franandaj]

Alison! Don't you plan on just eating all the food in the Premiere/Sorcerer (I guess they are combined) lounge? We are hoping to get by with that stuff for lunch at least .

I forgot that the lounge was supposed to have food. I figured it would be just tiny snacks, not even on par with the AKL or VGC Conceirge lounges. I could probably get by grazing on stuff there, but my DP will insist on something more substantial during the day. We'll have to check it out, we may be pleasantly surprised.

Hopefully they will lighten up on the cameras and stuff. At the Destination-D40 at WDW, Tony Baxter gave a presentation of the WDW that never was. We were asked not to take photos and people complied, so maybe they are learning to trust D23 members a little bit.

 

[FozzieFan]

There was just an announcement about the "Carousel of Projects" on the expo Facebook page. I can't paste the info since I'm on my phone. The post also gives an idea of some of the smaller seminars that the parks segment will be hosting.

Also news of a popup Mickeys of Glendale at the expo, which should be a mobscene.

 

[FozzieFan]

WALT DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS TO TAKE FANS THROUGH THE "CAROUSEL OF PROJECTS" AT D23 EXPO

07.18.11 - Fans attending Disney's D23 Expo August 19-21 at the Anaheim Convention Center will have the chance to experience "a great big beautiful tomorrow" as they immerse themselves in the future of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, which is currently in the biggest period of global expansion in its history.

Drawing inspiration from a classic attraction that debuted at the 1964 New York World's Fair and has made stops at Disneyland in California and Magic Kingdom in Florida, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts invites attendees to hop aboard the "Carousel of Projects" for a sneak peek at concepts, designs, models, storytelling tools, and technologies currently being developed at Walt Disney Imagineering for Disney parks around the world.
Throughout the weekend, exclusively at the D23 Expo, fans will get a look at the latest details for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts' 11 parks and five resorts around the world, as well as Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney and Disney Vacation Club, including:
Actual figures, props and ride vehicles for Radiators Springs Racers, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the building of Cars Land, the newest land at Disney California Adventure which opens next year.
The opportunity to meet a classic Disney icon in an entirely new way.
Concepts, models and plans for Fantasyland, one of the most ambitious expansions in the 40-year history of Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
What's new at Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney and Disney Vacation Club.
In addition to the pavilion, D23 Expo attendees will also have the chance to attend numerous presentations and panel discussions. On Friday, August 19, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs will give guests in the 4,000-seat main arena an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at some of the biggest projects currently underway at Disney parks, featuring a few surprises along the way.
Imagineers and cast members who create and operate Disney's parks, resorts, cruise ships, and other vacation experiences will take fans behind-the-magic with nine exciting presentations including:
Radiator Springs Reality: Imagineering Cars Land for Disney California Adventure—Join Disney/Pixar's John Lasseter and a panel of Imagineers and Pixar creative talent as they share the twists and turns through the real-life development of Radiator Springs.
The Making of Star Tours - The Adventures Continue—Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald will share the inside scoop on how Walt Disney Imagineering and George Lucas' Industrial Light & Magic began laying the groundwork for a new version of Star Tours.
A Good Look at Buena Vista Street—Imagineers Lisa Girolami, Ray Spencer, and Coulter Winn provide a preview of the new entrance to Disney California Adventure, an idealized depiction of the Los Angeles Walt Disney lived and worked in throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
Imagineering the Dream and the Fantasy—Imagineers Joe Lanzisero and Bob Zalk talk about charting the design course of the two newest Disney cruise ships.
Legends of Walt Disney Imagineering—Disney Legend Marty Sklar will lead a celebration of the careers and accomplishments of Walt Disney Imagineering, including Alice Davis, Orlando Ferrante, Bob Gurr, and Don Iwerks. With special guest and current Imagineer Kim Irvine, daughter of Disney Legend Leota Toombs.
In addition, and for the first time, the Parks and Resorts pavilion will also feature Mickey's of Glendale, an outlet of Walt Disney Imagineering's employee-only store, where—for just three days—guests can shop for "Carousel of Projects" souvenirs and collectibles and Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise not available anywhere else.

 

[Peepster]

NOW we're getting somewhere! Wa-Hoo!

How come a month has so many days????

 

[HydroGuy]

NOW we're getting somewhere! Wa-Hoo!

How come a month has so many days????

That would be for the times when you have a month long trip to Hawaii...

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

No..last time they would only sign things purchased at the Expo

Oh no. I was talking about the Disney Channel Stars and stuff, not the artists.

 

[LovinmyDisneylife]

Oh no. I was talking about the Disney Channel Stars and stuff, not the artists.

At the last expo I met Tiffany Thornton and Chelsea Kane (Staub at that time) and all I remember them signing was photos of themselves. They even stopped allowing pictures being made with them because it was so time consuming. Maybe it will be different this year.

 

[glenpreece]

Got 2 (???) e-mails today about having to pick up my credentials for the expo at the convention centre prob is that it's only 1 day before the expo starts!!! I am not impressed I wanted them mailed to me or atleast able to pick them up a few days before the expo I am suppoed to be doing hollywood with friends on the 18th!!!!

 

[nunzia]

Got 2 (???) e-mails today about having to pick up my credentials for the expo at the convention centre prob is that it's only 1 day before the expo starts!!! I am not impressed I wanted them mailed to me or atleast able to pick them up a few days before the expo I am suppoed to be doing hollywood with friends on the 18th!!!!

what is your ticket level? How can they have people pick up tickets a COUPLE days before the Expo starts when no one is scheduled to work at checking people in before Thursday? Why can't you still do Hollywood on the 18th then pick up your tickets at the Expo in the evening? Or, I guess if you didn't want to be in Anaheim you could still get them Friday morning with the rest of the attendees? I don't know how late the check in place will be open, but Premier can't even start until 6:30pm and Sorcerers start at 12:30 and have activities that evening (hardhat tour and Archives reception), so if you're a Sorcerer you'd need to be there early anyway.

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

At the last expo I met Tiffany Thornton and Chelsea Kane (Staub at that time) and all I remember them signing was photos of themselves. They even stopped allowing pictures being made with them because it was so time consuming. Maybe it will be different this year.

I hope so because I was planning on bringing some of my Shake It Up posters for the cast to get signed.

 

[Disneylvrforever]

EEEEEEEEEEEEEE.............I just got my tix for the 19th!!!
I'll be there w/ my DM. We both went to the 1st expo & I'm so EXCITED!!!

 

[glenpreece]

what is your ticket level? How can they have people pick up tickets a COUPLE days before the Expo starts when no one is scheduled to work at checking people in before Thursday? Why can't you still do Hollywood on the 18th then pick up your tickets at the Expo in the evening? Or, I guess if you didn't want to be in Anaheim you could still get them Friday morning with the rest of the attendees? I don't know how late the check in place will be open, but Premier can't even start until 6:30pm and Sorcerers start at 12:30 and have activities that evening (hardhat tour and Archives reception), so if you're a Sorcerer you'd need to be there early anyway.

I just have a 3 day tix. I will be in Anaheim starting on the 15th, I just figured that i would have them before i arrived in Cali. Apparently my friend has to pick up his stuff too so it won't be too bad.