D23 expo. Is it worth it?

[Kingdome8]

was thinking of flying out for it. Sounds like it would be fun. BUt would it be worth it? Would it be better just for me and wife or would kids enjoy. They would be 15,11 and 7

 

[JennyDrake]

I have been to 3 D23 expos. They are very much geared to those who are Total Disney Nuts! I do not think your kids would enjoy it (at all). There are some really great panel discussions, but if you aren't "into" how the lake at Epcot was trenched, it's not for you. I have enjoyed each one I attended, but they have priced me out of the events. Feel free to PM me with any questions!

 

[DLgal]

I am local to Anaheim and could easily attend but I just don't think I would enjoy it. It seems to be a LOT of standing in long lines, being in huge crowds of people and in the end, you can listen to the panels (or at least highlights) online in the comfort of your own home and get all the same information. There is so much live media coverage of this event on Twitter that it's easy enough to follow all the breaking announcements.

I tend to get overwhelmed in large open spaces full of people. I get overly hot and a prone to migraines, so that's also a huge part of it.

I know MY kids would absolutely hate it. But on the other hand, many kids really love conventions.

It's really about your own personal tolerance for the convention atmosphere, because this particular convention is a BIG one and you have to be prepared for everything that goes along the that.

It is also VERY expensive, and I struggle to see the value in what you pay vs. what you get.

It will be in late August in 2019. Late August is typically very hot in Anaheim. You will spend a considerable amount of time outdoors in lines, so take that into consideration.

 

[Missyrose]

It can be lots of fun if you go in with the right expectations. There are long lines for EVERYTHING (panel discussions merchandise, food, etc.)

But you get to meet lots of cool people, learn lots of nerdy Disney stuff and buy lots of stuff.

 

[grumpy28]

Nevermind. Google is my friend

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I went to the last one. I was solo. I was in alot of lines surrounded by some friendly people who were willing to chat and a few lines where everyone near me were grumpy and not talking which wasn't fun. It was a ton of standing in lines. If you want to do the bigger things like the legends presentation that takes up most of your time for that day. If you go be prepared to get up early and be outside the convention center by 6:30am.

I also didn't do alot of the big panels except for the Parks and Resorts. I kind of created myself an imagineering track and went to smaller panels where they talked. It was interesting.
I did love seeing the huge Star Wars model and shopping in the stores but I spent alot of time in those lines and never even got to the Disney Store. LOL

I did enjoy it but it was exhausting and all the lines and people got frustrating by the last day. I'm not sure if I would ever do it again. If I ever do it again, I would go to things like the Legends Presentation or the one with the Heroines of Disney and that sort of thing.

I don't think kids would enjoy it. I did 2 days prior to D23 in Disneyland and California Adventure. Plus 1 evening of D23 I went to Disneyland to see the new Fantasmic (with VIP seating since they gave everyone who went to Parks and Resorts Presentation a free ticket)

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I've never been to one, but would love to! Any tips or info I need to know? How/when do tix go on sale?

Keep an eye on the D23 website for ticket sales, upgrade to gold membership before they go on sale. Bring something comfortable that can fit in a backpack to sit on. Bring something to do in the lines with you. Bring portable chargers for your electronic devices. Bring snacks and a drink or two.
Dress fun - character tshirt or even dress up as a character and be prepared to take lots of pictures with people. LOL Make a game plan using the D23 calendars on the website in advance.

If you are sleeping overnight - remember that someone will need to take your gear back to the hotel which would be harder or use things that will fit in backpacks because that is what they required last year. I saw folks using blow up type beds that they could deflate and put in backpacks along with blankets and such.
I'm not a sleep at the venue overnight person so I got up and went out to the front of the convention center by 6am. One day at 6:30am.

The food trucks outside the convention center had good food.

That's all I can think of right now.

 

[grumpy28]

@GaSleepingBeautyFan Thanks so much for the awesome tips!