D23 EXPO 2019 Superthread - dates announced!

[azdisneylover]

https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/13/media/star-wars-galaxys-edge-coke-disney/index.html

SWGE themed Coke cans!

Too bad the water bottle isn't the same shape as the others.

 

[abnihon]

Ok was hoping I could squeeze my DL trip in between May 23-30 and avoid the madness but it’s not looking like that will work..

Options are June 1-6 which would opening week. I’m staying at HOJO so not staying onsite (unless I can try and snag an onsite room for ONE of those nights to be guaranteed a SWGE time.. can try..)

Other options are June 22-27 but that’s when it opens to general public and that terrifies me a bit as far as crowds. Lol.

Or could go July 27th-August 1st when more SWGE info and tips will be available.

What would you choose??

 

[HydroGuy]

Ok was hoping I could squeeze my DL trip in between May 23-30 and avoid the madness but it’s not looking like that will work..

Options are June 1-6 which would opening week. I’m staying at HOJO so not staying onsite (unless I can try and snag an onsite room for ONE of those nights to be guaranteed a SWGE time.. can try..)

Other options are June 22-27 but that’s when it opens to general public and that terrifies me a bit as far as crowds. Lol.

Or could go July 27th-August 1st when more SWGE info and tips will be available.

What would you choose??

If you have been following the process, it is not clear to at least some of us that there will be any "madness". At least not the first 3 weeks. With the reservation system in place, I would just go June 1-6.

 

[abnihon]

If you have been following the process, it is not clear to at least some of us that there will be any "madness". At least not the first 3 weeks. With the reservation system in place, I would just go June 1-6.

Ok I caved and booked Paradise Pier for June 4-6th so I can be guaranteed access!
So doing first 3 nights and HOJO and then moving to PPH.
Would I be able to walk that with a suitcase or should I Uber?
Makes me nervous that as I’m booking the room this warning pops up. Maybe just to cover themselves in case opening gets delayed?
They’ve made it clear onsite guests will have guaranteed access..

 

[Chause]

There was a post yesterday on another site with updated permits for ROTR. Looks like they have three structural permits scheduled to commence this week. “Pre-slab inspection”, “drywall inspection”, and “T-Bar (structural) inspection”. The fact that they are now doing a slab inspection this late in the game is not good. We knew from previous posts of a technology glitch, but I had a feeling there was more too it than that. Looks like this may be it. And if it’s true they are doing foundation work and T-Bar inspections (maybe for the rumored faulty elevators), id imagine the rumors were spot on and we will be lucky to see it in action by Fall.

 

[dina444444]

There was a post yesterday on another site with updated permits for ROTR. Looks like they have three structural permits scheduled to commence this week. “Pre-slab inspection”, “drywall inspection”, and “T-Bar (structural) inspection”. The fact that they are now doing a slab inspection this late in the game is not good. We knew from previous posts of a technology glitch, but I had a feeling there was more too it than that. Looks like this may be it. And if it’s true they are doing foundation work and T-Bar inspections (maybe for the rumored faulty elevators), id imagine the rumors were spot on and we will be lucky to see it in action by Fall.

Those inspections have been going on for months, it’s wash rinse repeat with scheduling and canceling and partially approve and fully approval. I would search for the permit but don’t have time right now. It starts with bld2016 and address is 1313 harbor if someone want to go digging on the Anaheim website.

 

[dina444444]

Ok I caved and booked Paradise Pier for June 4-6th so I can be guaranteed access!
So doing first 3 nights and HOJO and then moving to PPH.
Would I be able to walk that with a suitcase or should I Uber?
Makes me nervous that as I’m booking the room this warning pops up. Maybe just to cover themselves in case opening gets delayed?
They’ve made it clear onsite guests will have guaranteed access..

I would just Uber, save yourself the headache of trying to go through security with luggage.

 

[IAmDis]

Ok I caved and booked Paradise Pier for June 4-6th so I can be guaranteed access!
So doing first 3 nights and HOJO and then moving to PPH.
Would I be able to walk that with a suitcase or should I Uber?
Makes me nervous that as I’m booking the room this warning pops up. Maybe just to cover themselves in case opening gets delayed?
They’ve made it clear onsite guests will have guaranteed access..

Yeah, def a quick Uber/Lyft ride would be good, unless you have a good roll-wheels and don't mind getting exercise, ha. I'm guessing it's a good mile if you walked around DCA to get there along Katella... but would be a good workout if you ate too much the night before.

 

[HydroGuy]

I would just Uber, save yourself the headache of trying to go through security with luggage.

I have gone through security with luggage a number of times and it was not a hassle. You tell them you are just crossing the Esplanade and they assign a CM to walk you to the other side of security. Then they do not try and check the luggage. I think it happens regularly and they are ready for it.

 

[dina444444]

I have gone through security with luggage a number of times and it was not a hassle. You tell them you are just crossing the Esplanade and they assign a CM to walk you to the other side of security. Then they do not try and check the luggage. I think it happens regularly and they are ready for it.

I know that was the case back when DTD wasn’t in the bubble but is that the case now that DTD is in the bubble?

 

[HydroGuy]

I know that was the case back when DTD wasn’t in the bubble but is that the case now that DTD is in the bubble?

You are right and I almost added it to my PP. I have not tried it since DTD security was moved further back.

Maybe someone going to DLR soon can ask the security folks? I would have to believe they still allow this. But I could be wrong! Wouldn't be the first time!

 

[CarolynFH]

We’re D23 Gold and just bought 3 day tickets for the Expo. Booked flights with rewards miles, hotel via timeshare points (not DVC, sadly). Bumping your thread in hopes that we’ll get info or at least a recommendation on where to ask!

 

[HydroGuy]

Currently I am a General D23 member and I am debating upgrading to Gold Family (I know I don't HAVE to upgrade in order to go to the Expo). I'm seriously considering going to the Expo this year since I feel like last time I missed out on a great event (and maybe even getting the rumored ride on Rise of the Resistance...MAYBE).

Problem is that there are too many variables I don't know the answer to and I have heard horror stories about how crowded it is. My first priority would be wanting to go to the Resorts Panel(s) and I would also like to see movie panels as well (maybe they will give out Disney+ trial memberships out too???)...but I would likely go by myself...and I here that in order to get into these panels there are LONG LONG lines you would have to get into to see these.

So as someone that has never gone, I don't know what I don't know. If any of you have gone, can you please advise me on A) if it is even worth it for me to try? B) if I go by myself would I essentially have to decide what ONE main thing I want to do and then spend all weekend in line for it? C) just any other general advice about the event (If DisUnplugged hasn't already...I think this would be a great full on episode around now...tips and tricks for getting the most out of D23 expo).

Any help/advice would be appreciated.

Wow, I missed this back in March.

Yes the lines for events are long. The events you mention are ones I have done the last 4 Expos. The hardest to get into is the Live Action Movies. They usually hold it in the morning (10AM?) and you have to show up by 3 or 4AM to even get in. It helps if you have a nearby hotel. This year I am planning on going over at 2 or 2:30AM.

Brings snacks and lots of reading materials. And my new favorite item is a collapsible chair sort of like this: https://www.amazon.com/Sunyear-Lightweight-Backpack-Breathable-Comfortable/dp/B078MNSM1Q

 

[CarolynFH]

Wow, I missed this back in March.

Yes the lines for events are long. The events you mention are ones I have done the last 4 Expos. The hardest to get into is the Live Action Movies. They usually hold it in the morning (10AM?) and you have to show up by 3 or 4AM to even get in. It helps if you have a nearby hotel. This year I am planning on going over at 2 or 2:30AM.

Brings snacks and lots of reading materials. And my new favorite item is a collapsible chair sort of like this: https://www.amazon.com/Sunyear-Lightweight-Backpack-Breathable-Comfortable/dp/B078MNSM1Q

Is the Live Action Movies the only event you have to line up that early for? I know the Expo is very popular and very crowded, but I hope we’ll be able to enjoy some without such a long wait.

Also, is there a website where I could see last year’s schedule, to get an idea of what to expect? When do they usually release this year’s schedule?

TIA!

 

[HydroGuy]

Is the Live Action Movies the only event you have to line up that early for? I know the Expo is very popular and very crowded, but I hope we’ll be able to enjoy some without such a long wait.

Also, is there a website where I could see last year’s schedule, to get an idea of what to expect? When do they usually release this year’s schedule?

TIA!

See https://d23.com/d23-expo-2017-friday-july-14/

Yes, Live Action is the hardest. The next is probably Animation movies, which is usually on Day 1 in the afternoon.

They do have a Fastpass type thing you can use for some events.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

You are right and I almost added it to my PP. I have not tried it since DTD security was moved further back.

Maybe someone going to DLR soon can ask the security folks? I would have to believe they still allow this. But I could be wrong! Wouldn't be the first time!

I have been behind people having their luggage searched twice in recent memory (on the Harbor side) - once was last week. I was glad they’ve opened up so many more security checks so I could just hop to a different line rather than waiting!

I feel like they just don’t have the manpower to send someone all the way down to the hotel and back as a luggage escort? That’s a much longer walk than across the esplanade...

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Read through this thread (D23 EXPO 2019 - dates announced!) for lots of information on the last Expo, people's experiences, lessons, learned, etc. and tips for this one.

 

[wench]

I’ve never been to an expo, but I know I’ve heard several podcasts reports from people that have gone in the past. Listening to some of those may help give you some idea of the experience. I’m pretty sure the Disgeek podcast & Disneyland Gazette have reported on them in the past. Disneyland Gazette no longer puts out new podcast episodes, but all of their archive is still on itunes & probably on other apps as well.

 

[kristenabelle]

It's definitely worth going solo, IMO. Folks you meet in lines (especially overnighters) are super friendly, and help pass the time, watch stuff, grab snacks. I've always avoided going with friends because I wanted the flexibility of following my own schedule, and not having to worry about anyone else (heading back to the room if I'm exhausted, not heading back to the room if I'm amped up, switching up plans last-minute based on crowds, etc).

Agreed that the LA panel is the most popular, and given that it's a huge year with The Rise of Skywalker coming, I'm sure it'll be very well attended. I'd recommend getting in line overnight for Saturday AM or very, very early Saturday AM. I also second getting a nearby hotel. While it's painful to nap on the convention center floor when the room you paid for is soooo close, it's worth it having a short return after a long Expo day.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

I wouldn't go in with the thought that you'll get loads of exclusives or free things (like the rise of the resistance ride or Disney+). Just a good way to set up for disappointment. Like I did last time convincing myself Lin Manuel Miranda was going to sing at the live action for Mary Poppins (he didn't even go).

You can pick one must do each day, that is a very safe thing.

We lined up for live action around 2:45 am last time and were some of the last in the guaranteed line.

I have a pretty detailed trip report from last time, I believe it's in my signature if you want to read and see what I was able to get done.