D23 Expo September 9-11, 2022 Superthread **Updates in Posts 2 & 3**

[soniam]

How do folks who have gone before feel about hotel proximity to the convention center..? My husband would like us to drive down and bring our dog, but that means I need to find a reasonably priced hotel that allows pets while we're there (he's only going to walk around the convention a little bit and will be with her most of the time). The places we normally stay don't allow pets.. it seems I need to be at least 1/2 mile to a mile away or pay gobs of money to be closer. I don't mind the walk per se, but is it iffy in the early morning hours by yourself?

I didn't think the area was iffy. I haven't gone too far off the beaten path though. We stayed at the Sheraton at the convention center, and I have stayed on Harbor at maingate. I have walked by myself between Disneyland and the Convention Center and didn't worry. I guess it depends though. Hopefully, others who have stayed further away can answer.

 

[AquaDame]

Yeah, we've stayed on Harbor a bunch, but not this long of a walk. I haven't seen anything that would make me nervous yet tbh but we tended to move around when the sun was up and followed the herd of guests into and out of the parks. I imagine here Id be heading in at 4am or earlier so it might feel different - especially since I'll be alone.

 

[kristenabelle]

How do folks who have gone before feel about hotel proximity to the convention center..? My husband would like us to drive down and bring our dog, but that means I need to find a reasonably priced hotel that allows pets while we're there (he's only going to walk around the convention a little bit and will be with her most of the time). The places we normally stay don't allow pets.. it seems I need to be at least 1/2 mile to a mile away or pay gobs of money to be closer. I don't mind the walk per se, but is it iffy in the early morning hours by yourself?

I'm a single woman, and I've never felt iffy walking from DLH to the convention center, past a few other hotels. It's a pretty well trafficked area, and I've walked it in costume in the wee morning hours and back at the end of the day with large groups. I work in NYC though, so I have big city walking down pat.

 

[Dug720]

I'm a single woman, and I've never felt iffy walking from DLH to the convention center, past a few other hotels. It's a pretty well trafficked area, and I've walked it in costume in the wee morning hours and back at the end of the day with large groups. I work in NYC though, so I have big city walking down pat.

Thanks for sharing. I live in Brooklyn and am in Manhattan a lot and felt like between those two I'd be fine with walking on Harbor.

 

[kristenabelle]

Thanks for sharing. I live in Brooklyn and am in Manhattan a lot and felt like between those two I'd be fine with walking on Harbor.

Totally - and hello fellow east coaster!

 

[Dug720]

Totally - and hello fellow east coaster!

Hi!

 

[lvdis]

Question for those of you attending the Expo; do you also plan to go to the parks while you are there? Before, after, during?

 

[kristenabelle]

Question for those of you attending the Expo; do you also plan to go to the parks while you are there? Before, after, during?

Hoping to go Wednesday, Thursday, and Monday at least- flying back home early Tuesday AM. I know myself. I'd love to go the other days, but I'll probably be exhausted. Though this is the first year I have friends coming with me (and they're primarily doing parks), so that may change.

 

[CarolynFH]

Question for those of you attending the Expo; do you also plan to go to the parks while you are there? Before, after, during?

We’re not going this year but just last night DH found his park ticket from the 2019 Expo. It was a 5-day park hopper. I can’t remember the details, but I think it might have been a special discount ticket for the Expo. In any case, we bought it because we were staying a week in Anaheim and knew we’d want the flexibility to spend time in the parks before, during and after the Expo.

 

[TikiRob]

Question for those of you attending the Expo; do you also plan to go to the parks while you are there? Before, after, during?

This is my first time at the expo and will be solo. I plan to miss out on everything because I don't know what I'm doing and just go ride the teacups all day...

 

[dina444444]

Question for those of you attending the Expo; do you also plan to go to the parks while you are there? Before, after, during?

I went in the evenings on Thursday, Friday and Saturday to get dinner. I’m an AP holder though.

 

[pharmama]

Does look like there will be discounted park tickets available but not sure on the pricing yet
https://www.mydisneygroup.com/TMDI22A

 

[tobikaye]

Question for those of you attending the Expo; do you also plan to go to the parks while you are there? Before, after, during?

Last expo, I had my sister with me and we did 7 nights in Anaheim and then 3 nights in Las Vegas. We arrived the night before the expo and did DL/CA on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday after the Expo. We went to Knotts Berry on Monday.

This year, my sister cannot make it as she is not able to fly. So, this expo is a whirlwind trip with me arriving early 9/8 and taking the red eye home on 9/11. I wish they would release some of the schedule before the park tickets go on sale, but I doubt it. I figure I will do at least 2 days, maybe 3: Thursday, Saturday PM (maybe), and Sunday PM.

Does look like there will be discounted park tickets available but not sure on the pricing yet
https://www.mydisneygroup.com/TMDI22A

Yes, they will offer some kind of discount ticket, but whether they give us the prices or type of tickets offered before May 20 or not, I am not sure. I cannot remember when the tickets went on sale for the 2019 expo, I just know I did no buy mine until a couple of weeks out. Though in 2019, there was not reservation system so I might have just waited to make sure I knew how many days I wanted at the parks.

 

[AquaDame]

We've been to DL and will be again (and again and again probably) so I'm fine waiting until they put out discount tickets.

I'm a single woman, and I've never felt iffy walking from DLH to the convention center, past a few other hotels. It's a pretty well trafficked area, and I've walked it in costume in the wee morning hours and back at the end of the day with large groups. I work in NYC though, so I have big city walking down pat.

Thank you! While its not NYC I'm also in a city so I'm fine with a lot of weirdness, just wanted to know we were pretty "safe".

 

[soniam]

Question for those of you attending the Expo; do you also plan to go to the parks while you are there? Before, after, during?

2019 we hit the parks a couple/few days before, some nights, and the Monday after. It was a bit too much walking wise. I messed up my knee; it's a weak link for me anyway. I think this year we will definitely do Monday. I haven't decided if I will do any days before, maybe a day. My friends can only do the Monday. My family will be going to DLR in June. DH and DS won't be coming to the Expo. I already have 3 trips this year where I will be either going early without them or completely without. I don't know how much I will be there early due to those other trips.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

This is my first time at the expo and will be solo. I plan to miss out on everything because I don't know what I'm doing and just go ride the teacups all day...

In 2017, we met someone who was solo and without any plans. He had a total blast! Spent most of his time on the show floor and won more free stuff than any of us could believe! Went to the parks in the evenings and enjoyed every minute. Stick with this thread and you'll get good help. You'll have a great time at Expo.

 

[littleskippy]

Changed my reservation from Embassy Suites to Cortana Inn. Much closer to the Convention Center and still a reasonable price (just under $200/night with taxes). Will try to stay on New York time so that I'll sleep around 8 PM and wake up by 4 AM.

 

[Sakura1017]

Please share your pro's and con's between staying at Hilton Anaheim vs Westin Anaheim for the expo. Thanks!

 

[tobikaye]

Please share your pro's and con's between staying at Hilton Anaheim vs Westin Anaheim for the expo. Thanks!

I stayed at the Hilton in 2019 and have the Westin booked for 2022. Since the Westin wasn’t open until 2021, the pros for the Expo will be guesses.

Hilton: Going to the expo before the official opening time required going out to Katella to get to that convention security entrance, but after opening it was easy to use the entrance/exit to the back of the hotel. The food court options were nice for something quick to eat without having to go down Harbor. The room my sister and I shared was nice and we enjoyed the pool bar. The walk to DLR wasn’t bad going either Disneyland Dr or Harbor.

Westin: The closeness to the Katella convention entrance and to Disneyland Dr were pluses for me. The videos and reviews seem nice so I figured it would be a good place to try.

ADDITIONAL: For the Westin, if anyone has stayed recently or will stay before the expo, I would like to confirm if Room Service is available 24/7 and if there is a menu somewhere. More curious than anything just in case I do not want oatmeal or cold items for breakfast at 2 or 3 am before going to the expo.

 

[AlohaNow]

So glad I found the 'big' Expo thread! I am a D23 General member and I'm about to buy a one-day Expo ticket. If I don't first upgrade to Gold, will I really miss out on that much? I know there are some discounts, but are there typically Expo opportunities or experiences for Gold members that I will be kicking myself for missing out on if I don't upgrade?