D23 Expo: The “All Lines, No Rides” Disney Experience! FINISHED at Last!

[lurkyloo]

Just got back from my SoCal adventure (We seriously need to have a day in the parks together! The last TWO times have been without you - tragic!), and HAD to read up on your report. What are you doing to me?! I am now craving that soup like mad. It's 2 in the morning and I WANT that soup! Or those yummy grits. I really think I had the best plate of the place...

I'll bet you could figure out how to make it!

They used to have the print-on-demand kiosk (and some smaller already printed and matted copies) at Art of Disney in DTD but we checked on our trip this year and it was gone (or at least we couldn't find it). Maybe we need to plan a shopping trip to Disneyland. About 10 years ago we bought the full size version of the HM Disneyland poster at WoD in NYC. That sucker is huge (like 3ft by 4ft) -- this is before we realized they made the smaller versions. But DH loves it so that's what counts!

Hey, bigger is better when it comes to artwork, IMHO. Do you guys have it hanging up? I have so much Disney concept art that's in storage - I wish I had a bigger house so I could display it!

That fudge looks amazing, yes I know you took photos of so many things and I comment on the fudge, sorry

Well the fudge was definitely a highlight of the entire Expo!

I'm in - love your reports.

Thanks for signing on!

OHH-EMM-GEE!!! I want a fiber optics disney headboard!! that was amazingggg! or will be amazing! but that nasty mildew not so much.. I am assuming you wrote them a letter and included pics?? That's the nartseys and I'm sorry, just unacceptable! I'm bummed the movie blew, but stoked P was able to get a cool one of a kind pin out of it!

Oh to live your life for one day, would make my heart happy! Thanks for making it vicariously happy!

Yeah, OK, a fiberoptic headboard would be pretty dang cool. But, if you can believe it, I didn't write a letter! For some reason, I just didn't get worked up to my usual fever pitch over the mildew issue... maybe I'm losing my touch!

Loving the report so far! But those Stitch figures?!? eek! ...I think I might have nightmares from some of those!

Yeah... I felt like so many of them were being creepy just for creepy's sake.

And now I'm completely dying for some potato soup! I need to make some this week for sure! Luckily most of those pictures can be easily found or duplicated over here! But it is not good with my midnight munchies in full effect right now!

Ready for more...oh, and loving the DL live report tonight!

Glad you liked the live report! So have you made the soup yet..?

Just joining in. Thanks for sharing with us - everything looks awesome!

Hi! Welcome aboard!

 

[lurkyloo]

On Saturday we got to sleep all the way in til 7am. We awoke to our glamorous parking lot view...

We could also see the building with the DVC model rooms in it - I hope that didn't cost extra!

To save time, we ordered room service breakfast. As usual, this was a big mistake.


$17 Huevos Rancheros

$17 Spanish Omelette

I thought it would be impossible to screw up Mexican food, but I was wrong - mine just tasted like spicy on top of bland. DH thought his was OK.

We had a fairly full schedule of presentations we wanted to hit at the Expo that day, so we decided to take it easy that morning and not line up early for the big Parks & Resorts presentation in the Arena at 11am. Instead we poked around the show floor.


What we saw:

The Little House is my all-time favorite children's book, and Mary Blair's concept art for the Disney short is dreamy! I took a picture cuz I couldn't afford the real thing!

Of course we ended up back here...

We took a smoochtastic escalator ride up to the second floor to see the Treasures of the Disney Archives Exhibit.

They had a Herbie...

...And some costumes from Babes in Toyland...

...And some sleigh...

... And OMG - there's a wedding dress from the Kirstie Kelly fashion show randomly hanging outside one of the conference rooms!!!

 

[lurkyloo]

OK, so the Expo's official program said only that *flash* photography was not allowed in the archives, which makes sense cuz it's bad for the artifacts. But when we got there, we were told that *no* photography was allowed— even from a flash-less iPhone. Not coincidentally, they were selling a flimsy print-on-demand-looking book full of pictures of the exhibits in the archive, so the only way you could get an image of anything in the archives was to spend $20 or $35 on a book. LAME! (OK, so, yeah, this is the book I raced upstairs to purchase on Thursday, but I was kinda disappointed when I saw how few pages it is. At least it was less than 50 bucks...)

So, in order to give you a taste of the exhibits, I have swiped some photos taken by MiceChat's Fishbulb:


Some of Walt's desk items

Original Mouseketeer costumes

The book from the opening credits of Sleeping Beauty

Michael Jackson's Captain EO costume.

I love how some of the details are really chintzy-looking closeup but read well on the screen. I guess that's common with many screen costumes.

Susan Sarandon's crown from Enchanted

Meticulously preserved costumes from the Princess Protection Program and High School Musical movies - one would scarcely believe that some of them are as many as three years old!

Mary Poppins! I couldn't get over the wisp of a scarf - it looks much more substantial in the film!

This TRON costume is another one that is fun to see up close because you realize how jerry-rigged it is. It looked like they just drew on a body suit with a Sharpie!

And who knew that disc was just a glorified Frisbee?

Next we ambled down the hall to check out the live auction preview room. It was funny cuz so many of the lots were experiences that most of what was on display were placards describing the lot, not actual stuff to win.

Kevin Kidney & Jody Dailey's life-size Hatbox Ghost figure was definitely the coolest lot in the auction. It sold for $9,300.

 

[lurkyloo]

The lot of mouse ears customized by famous designers went for $3,500, and 5 of them were modeled by original Mouseketeers at the auction.

This sold for $3,100.

The Haunted Mansion O-Pin House pre-production pin set with poster and figures collection went for $5,100

The lot of 5 Kirstie Kelly bridesmaids gowns was a steal at $900, and the Snow White bridal gown was a similar bargain at $1,400 (the retail markup on the Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings gowns is huge).

Originally I had intended to attend the auction, even if I couldn't afford the prices stuff was sure to go for. But when they released the merchandise info, I knew I could save my $40 (for the chance to bid) and didn't even need to sit in the peanut gallery for free to watch the proceedings. Most of the experiences were ho-hum or things we could do ourselves for a lot less. The prime example of this was a progressive dinner at Downtown Disney where you eat each course at a different restaurant. It sold for $2,200 - I can do that on my own for just the cost of food! We are also fortunate to already have had the chance to do some of the other experiences they were selling. Judging by the final selling price, our free D23 Disney Studio Tour was worth $13,000. And apparently we should start charging for the LA Disney tour we took cdotla on a few weeks ago, cuz a similar one sold for $5,200! Of course, ours didn't have Dave Smith leading it...

For a great overview of the auction, including pix of some of the lots and selling prices for all of them, check out this guy's trip report: http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cach...esults&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=safari


Next we wandered the third floor looking at the exhibits:

Johhny Depp sat here...

 

[lurkyloo]

Huh. They paid all that money for CG in Prince of Persia and the actors still had to wear actual clothes?

The dragon from the soon-to-be-not-famous Chinese New Year scene of the soon-to-be-forgotten Sorcerer's Apprentice

There was also a room devoted to Disney Home Video, or whatever they're calling it these days, including screenings on a way-cool 3D TV of various Pixar shorts and 3-D Disney movie trailers, a Disney Movie Club area manned by rapacious ladies pushing free Disney Movie Club tote bags, and a hermetically sealed display case containing a $500 set of every Disney Treasures DVD ever released (which D23 members have the exclusive right to empty their wallets for a few weeks before the general public does).

A little further down the hall was an alcove set up where you could watch an artist at work and check out some maquettes from The Princess & the Frog.

Future Disney Archives artifacts - take pictures while ya still can!

Coming Up Next: The Anti-Climactic Disney Parks Presentation!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Awesome updates. Thanks for sharing.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Hey, bigger is better when it comes to artwork, IMHO. Do you guys have it hanging up? I have so much Disney concept art that's in storage - I wish I had a bigger house so I could display it!

We do! It's gone through its periods of having to be in storage -- when we were in a small apartment, when DD was born and the room it was displayed in needed to turn into a nursery (the nerve!) etc. but right now it has a perfect home along with two of the smaller ones.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Great update -- how cool to see all those items from the archives.

$17 for eggs -- holy canoli!

 

[8disneyfans]

I really enjoyed reading this report!
I love, love, love (did I say love?) the Mickey ears. I collect them and never really thought of making a custom pair...hmmm, I think I might need to.
I thought it was amazing that you got to see so many cool things. I like the Alice in Wonderland stuff, it looks like a very interesting movie. I can't wait to see it!!! One question...what is that axe thingy, it looks scary?

 

[Disneygrl36]

OMG Carrie.......Mary Poppins actual costume.
I love the Mickey ears all covered in buttons.....so cute.
I cannot wait for Alice in Wonderland. It just looks so Tim Burtony good!

 

[Handbag Lady]

Nice update!

We were disapppointed in the amount of things that the archives displayed. Yes, the things they had there were great and fabulous, but there were too few of them.

But, they had many of them in the round, and that was just great. You could see all the way around Mary Poppins' costume, for example.

But all of those costumes from such recent movies didn't hold my interest.

Overall, I thought it was a nice display, but they should have let us take pictures.


At the auction, I died when the hats were up. I collect Mouse Ear hats and I fell in love with the one that had pearls draped on it (not the one covered in all pearls).

But, I was just watching it and not bidding. Plus, I didn't want to get divorced.

 

[DWGal210]

Shut the front door!!! I LOVE the Toy Story Legos - those are just wonderful!!

And seeing all those costumes...sigh...how fun is that?!

Thanks for the great pictures and TR!

 

[A-T-G]

Oh boy! Saturday is starting! DH and I skipped the Expo and ran over to DL instead - so I am eager to hear about what I missed.

We really loved the 'Treasures' exhibit. We just wish it had been much, much larger. I was very bad and snapped iPhone pics of several pieces. They busted me before I could grab one of the "Sleeping Beauty" book! The "Mary Poppins" costume was the last thing I got before I heard the dreaded "excuse me!" from right behind. I played innocent "Oh sorry! The booklet just said no FLASH photography..."

MORE! I want to hear all about the rest of it!

 

[Donald'sGirl]

Awesome update Carrie! I love those Toy Story Legos! I am going to have to check DTD for them the next time I am there. Love all the old artifacts/treasures. I would have died to get the Kristi Kelly dress for only $1400 - well that is if I didn't already have mine!

 

[PrincessV]

We could also see the building with the DVC model rooms in it - I hope that didn't cost extra!

Would that be a "Disney view"?!

Are they on.... wire hangers?!?!

The lot of mouse ears customized by famous designers went for $3,500, and 5 of them were modeled by original Mouseketeers at the auction.

Oooo, those are neat!

 

[MyMuse]

Finally here!

I meant to read this earlier, but life got in the way.

Anyhoo, the TR and pictures are awesomesauce! (my new word from twitter...lol).

I really wanted to go to the Expo and I religiously did the contest but no dice for the mice. I had the twitters from you and AllEars, so all was well. I am looking fwd to visiting someday.

Those Vinylmations are just great! I'm really trying not to get overly involved in collecting (the miniatures - WOW!!!) because I will hunt for each and every piece and drive myself crazy in the process. Not a good look on me!
So, I settled for the mystery pins the last time I was at Disney. Though, I did pick up "design your own" vinylmations at the NYC WoD store earlier this year.

I see the D23 vinylmation in a canster thing on Ebay. Are they worth getting?

I also missed out on getting the D23 socerer mickey expo pin from the D23 store, though I did order a charter member pin and a t-shirt. I may or may not return them, since I'm not feeling the D23 love right now.

I am going (think I am anyway) to the Christmas Carol Train tour & movie. I hope Jim Carrey is decent. I usually do not like his slapstick crap. I'm hoping a cartoon version will be less annoying.

What did you think of Princess & the Frog? I know you were closing your eyes at the trailers. Did you hear any buzz?
I bought tickets to the NYC screening. I hope it's decent! It comes with "disney fun" afterwards.

Thank you for your TR. I'm really enjoying reading it. Takes my mind off other stuff. Look forward to more!

 

[lazydoxy66]

OK, now I'm finally caught up on this one too!

It is all very entertaining.
I love the videos.
That DVC resort in Hawaii will be fabulous!
Oh and the food porn is divine!

 

[cdotla]

Carrie - I am sooo late to the party, but thoroughly enjoying your review of the Expo, even if I did get the abbreviated version firsthand.

And apparently we should start charging for the LA Disney tour we took cdotla on a few weeks ago, cuz a similar one sold for $5,200! Of course, ours didn't have Dave Smith leading it...

I knew at some point you were going to figure out what that tour was worth! Can we call it even if I ship you out another spicy peanut sauce?

 

[lurkyloo]

Awesome updates. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for reading! .... 2 years ago...

We do! It's gone through its periods of having to be in storage -- when we were in a small apartment, when DD was born and the room it was displayed in needed to turn into a nursery (the nerve!) etc. but right now it has a perfect home along with two of the smaller ones.

Fantastic!

I really enjoyed reading this report!
I love, love, love (did I say love?) the Mickey ears. I collect them and never really thought of making a custom pair...hmmm, I think I might need to.
I thought it was amazing that you got to see so many cool things. I like the Alice in Wonderland stuff, it looks like a very interesting movie. I can't wait to see it!!! One question...what is that axe thingy, it looks scary?

Well, you've prolly seen the movie by now, so you know what the axe thingy is. Did you like it? Did you ever make custom Mickey ears?

OMG Carrie.......Mary Poppins actual costume.
I love the Mickey ears all covered in buttons.....so cute.
I cannot wait for Alice in Wonderland. It just looks so Tim Burtony good!

I hope you liked the movie too!

Nice update!

We were disapppointed in the amount of things that the archives displayed. Yes, the things they had there were great and fabulous, but there were too few of them.

But, they had many of them in the round, and that was just great. You could see all the way around Mary Poppins' costume, for example.

But all of those costumes from such recent movies didn't hold my interest.

Overall, I thought it was a nice display, but they should have let us take pictures.


At the auction, I died when the hats were up. I collect Mouse Ear hats and I fell in love with the one that had pearls draped on it (not the one covered in all pearls).

But, I was just watching it and not bidding. Plus, I didn't want to get divorced.

Good thinkin'.... So this year you'll be happy to know that they've doubled the size of the Archives exhibit! Lt's just hope they aren't devoting all that new space to the entire costume collection of High School Musical XVII: The Reckoning...

Shut the front door!!! I LOVE the Toy Story Legos - those are just wonderful!!

And seeing all those costumes...sigh...how fun is that?!

Thanks for the great pictures and TR!

Sure thing! Sorry it took me so long to finish it (see below...)

Oh boy! Saturday is starting! DH and I skipped the Expo and ran over to DL instead - so I am eager to hear about what I missed.

We really loved the 'Treasures' exhibit. We just wish it had been much, much larger. I was very bad and snapped iPhone pics of several pieces. They busted me before I could grab one of the "Sleeping Beauty" book! The "Mary Poppins" costume was the last thing I got before I heard the dreaded "excuse me!" from right behind. I played innocent "Oh sorry! The booklet just said no FLASH photography..."

MORE! I want to hear all about the rest of it!

Coming right up!

Awesome update Carrie! I love those Toy Story Legos! I am going to have to check DTD for them the next time I am there. Love all the old artifacts/treasures. I would have died to get the Kristi Kelly dress for only $1400 - well that is if I didn't already have mine!

Can you believe it's only 2 years later and Disney's already dropped Kirstie Kelly like a hot rock?! They aren't even doing a DFTW booth at this year's expo.

Would that be a "Disney view"?!

Yes. Yes it would.

Finally here!

I meant to read this earlier, but life got in the way.

Anyhoo, the TR and pictures are awesomesauce! (my new word from twitter...lol).

I really wanted to go to the Expo and I religiously did the contest but no dice for the mice. I had the twitters from you and AllEars, so all was well. I am looking fwd to visiting someday.

Those Vinylmations are just great! I'm really trying not to get overly involved in collecting (the miniatures - WOW!!!) because I will hunt for each and every piece and drive myself crazy in the process. Not a good look on me!
So, I settled for the mystery pins the last time I was at Disney. Though, I did pick up "design your own" vinylmations at the NYC WoD store earlier this year.


What did you think of Princess & the Frog? I know you were closing your eyes at the trailers. Did you hear any buzz?
I bought tickets to the NYC screening. I hope it's decent! It comes with "disney fun" afterwards.

Thank you for your TR. I'm really enjoying reading it. Takes my mind off other stuff. Look forward to more!

Thanks for reading! So, I'm afraid to ask, but... did you eventually dive in and start collection Vinylmations? They are SO dangerous for completists, cuz there are just so dang many of them!

OK, now I'm finally caught up on this one too!

It is all very entertaining.
I love the videos.
That DVC resort in Hawaii will be fabulous!
Oh and the food porn is divine!

Yay! Glad you liked it!

Carrie - I am sooo late to the party, but thoroughly enjoying your review of the Expo, even if I did get the abbreviated version firsthand.





I knew at some point you were going to figure out what that tour was worth! Can we call it even if I ship you out another spicy peanut sauce?

TOTALLY! I will always accept President's Choice Peanut Sauce as a form of payment.

 

[lurkyloo]

At this point I abandoned my D23 Expo trip report cuz it was just getting kind of boring (something I've obviously had no qualms about in subsequent reports!). Since the latest Expo is coming up in a few days, I thought I'd finish this one up as quickly as possible, if only to get the photos published. It's gonna be light on commentary, though—two years later, all I have to go on are a few chicken scratches in my journal from each night. Sorry about that!

OK, so after we checked out the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit, we went back downstairs to see the Walt Disney Parks & Resorts presentation in the arena.

This time we only waited in line a short while because we didn't need to be in the first few rows. We ended up in the balcony area with a decent view.

The Parks & Resorts presentation was the big spectacle I was most looking forward to, but it turned out to be kind of a dud—all the "big" announcements were just confirmation of rumors that had been making the rounds online for at least a month. Actually, now that even Disney seems to have acknowledged how underwhelming those plans for New Fantasyland were by scrapping half of them, this look back at their initial ideas is ironically amusing.

Don't get excited—it's just part of the screensaver they ran before the show started…

Jay Rasulo: "Oh man… they are totally gonna egg me when they realize I'm not announcing anything new!"

"So… uh… Who here likes Fantasyland?"

"That's right—Disneyland has one… [counts on fingers] two, three… uh, FOUR lands. And before the advent of Pixar, they were based on these four ideas!"

"Announcing the World's Largest Princess Meet-n-Greet!!! That's right, we're spending $100 million on this hyper-themed backdrop for photos with the princesses and fairies. What's that? 'Photoshop'? Never heard of it…."

Angular kids rejoice! There will be plenty of characters to run toward in New Fantasyland!