D23 EXPO THREAD - See you in 2019!

[scasta86]

Is anyone else going to try and do both the Legends AND the Friday PM panel (presumably Animation?) on Friday? I've heard that it's next to impossible to do both without the Sorcerer's Package. But I'm wondering if anyone else has done this before? Otherwise, I may just need to decide and commit to one or the other before the Expo.

 

[wilkeliza]

Is anyone else going to try and do both the Legends AND the Friday PM panel (presumably Animation?) on Friday? I've heard that it's next to impossible to do both without the Sorcerer's Package. But I'm wondering if anyone else has done this before? Otherwise, I may just need to decide and commit to one or the other before the Expo.

It is hard mostly but last year they opened up the room to allow more people in which really helped with most crowds. I'm tying but I'm Sorcerer's this year so don't have to line up for seats.

 

[lurkergirl]

Is anyone else going to try and do both the Legends AND the Friday PM panel (presumably Animation?) on Friday? I've heard that it's next to impossible to do both without the Sorcerer's Package. But I'm wondering if anyone else has done this before? Otherwise, I may just need to decide and commit to one or the other before the Expo.

I have done back-to-back panels in Hall D23, unintentionally - in 2015 we had no intention trying to get into the Live Action panel Saturday morning because we decided we'd rather do the Parks & Resort panel that afternoon, but found there was still room when we arrived in Hall E. So we decided to do Live Action. After being released back into the convention center, we attempted to line up for the Parks & Resort panel...but they were lining people up outside...it was TOO HOT for that. So we decided to wander the show floor.

But, as it turns out, we had friends that ended up getting in line just before started - they texted us there was room, so we went back down to Hall E. We did get into the Animation panel, but it had already started because of the loading issues in Hall D23.

It was possible for those two, but it's hard to predict what will happen in 2017. With the Legends panel featuring Marvel AND Star Wars Legends, will more people go to that? If Animation is in the afternoon (an if, although I'd think it worked out timing wise for them - with the exception of going WAY long in 2015), it's super popular...so line ups start as soon as they are loading the first panel.

Our plans have always been to choose one thing a day that we for sure want to get into - and we have literally gotten into all the panels we attempted, save the double booked ones. We have lost floor time, we've lost shopping time (I've never been inside the Disney Store or the Mickey's of Glendale options at any Expo)...

Flexibility and tempered expectations, for sure.

 

[PaintsWithAllTheColors]

https://d23.com/special-perks-benefits-need-know-youre-coming-d23-expo/

Some info about a fan lounge, seating for D23 Gold members, and more

 

[ashley0139]

https://d23.com/special-perks-benefits-need-know-youre-coming-d23-expo/

Some info about a fan lounge, seating for D23 Gold members, and more

Thanks for posting! Priority seating for gold members is quite interesting since there are thousands of gold members. Not sure how that will work, but I'm interested to see more information.

I can't believe it's close enough that we're starting to get more information. I feel like I just left the Destination D panel in 2015.

 

[lurkergirl]

The most interesting bit in the press release, to me at least, was that they refer to the priority seating in Hall D23 AND the D23 Expo Arena.

I thought Hall D23 was created to replace the D23 Arena space, allowing more seating - albeit flat seating.

I love the early speculation. Hee!

 

[ej119]

Thanks for posting! Priority seating for gold members is quite interesting since there are thousands of gold members. Not sure how that will work, but I'm interested to see more information.

Yeah, I fear that this will be the equivalent of the "special" Gold Members entrance which was always completely backed up in 2015 -- especially on Day 1. Not sure how priority seating could work without some sort of pre-registration system.

The most interesting bit in the press release, to me at least, was that they refer to the priority seating in Hall D23 AND the D23 Expo Arena.

I thought Hall D23 was created to replace the D23 Arena space, allowing more seating - albeit flat seating.

I love the early speculation. Hee!

I'm under the impression that they will be doing different talks in both Hall D23 and the Arena -- I could be wrong though! I guess the Arena could serve as overflow space, or they might be getting rid of one of the smaller spots.

I do remember that it was so hot at the 2015 Expo that they allowed us to queue up in the Arena on Day 3. Sad if the option goes away, lol.

 

[wilkeliza]

I imagine priority will br for a set amount and still behind sorcerers. Priority could just mean 1st entrance since or only gold members are allowed to line up until X time. Whatever it is priority is the key since guarenteed is different then priority.

 

[PatMcDuck]

I am hopeful but skeptical about the "priority" seating for gold members. They load the rooms too slowly, and not just the huge Hall D23. I was in a few other panels that they just had to start the panel and shut the doors, despite some available seats in the back of the room, and people on the standby line waiting to get in. (OUAT was one, I was on standby, got in, we literally had to RUN inside, as doors shut, and there were still some seats. Also happened for Merrie Melody one).

They loaded the Hall D23 so slow, we thought we might not get inside. I was in Group C, and they began to bring in Standbys, before they loaded 1/2 of Group C, there was a bit of a panic. (This was for Studio Live Action). So if they load gold members first, I am al for it.

PS I did back to back panels, a few times over the years. Usually by being seated near an exit door, being either alone or with only one other person (who I left in the dust and caught up with me later), and running like a crazy person. This is how I did Studios and Parks/Resorts back to back. And the irony was, they announced the Star Wars LAND Park news, at Studio Live Action, that was surprising and exciting! I had to run out of Studios, and go outside to get on the Parks/Resorts line, do not stop, do not pass go, do not use the restroom, or get food. Once settled in on the new line, you can leave to grab food, etc and get back to your spot.

 

[SMD]

They have never actually followed through with the promised benefit for gold members or charter members. One problem is that the event is staffed by people who don't work for D23 and could not care less if the paying members get a perk like early entry or a better seat or a faster line. They want to fill the room efficiently, and if they have to pull from the middle of the line, they'll do it to make their job easier and to make the overflow crowd disperse faster.

 

[lurkergirl]

I've seen an amended press release for Expo perks through another site, although I have been unable to find a copy of the actual amended document. They are now saying that the priority seating will be limited and on a first come, first served basis.

@SMD I have heard theories about the complete "newness" of every Expo that seems to make sense - most of the D23 staff seems to be new for the events, as people transition out between events. So lessons learned don't seem to carry through. Adding to that is the conflict between the Convention Center and the D23 Staff/Volunteers - everyone seems to have a varying level of knowledge that changes by the minute.

 

[ashley0139]

I've seen an amended press release for Expo perks through another site, although I have been unable to find a copy of the actual amended document. They are now saying that the priority seating will be limited and on a first come, first served basis.

@SMD I have heard theories about the complete "newness" of every Expo that seems to make sense - most of the D23 staff seems to be new for the events, as people transition out between events. So lessons learned don't seem to carry through. Adding to that is the conflict between the Convention Center and the D23 Staff/Volunteers - everyone seems to have a varying level of knowledge that changes by the minute.

Yes, you definitely need to bring your patience to this one. Go in knowing that there will be chaos and half the time even the staff won't know what's going on.

 

[Animation Fanatic]

Any idea what day 3 will be filled with since Disney Interactive is now... well... dead... defunct?

Also, this will be my first D23 Expo... I'm purchasing a Family Gold Membership this week, does that I mean I have to purchase 3 separate tickets to the Expo, or only one? I ask because on the membership page it states that a Family Gold Member can take up to 3 guests to select events. Is the Expo one of those selected events? I'm asking also because if I'm going to have to purchase 3 tickets, should I only purchase the Single Gold Membership?

Also, is there an area where Disney celebrities and dignitaries sign stuff? Like, could Glen Keane, or Don Hahn, or Andreas Deja, or Eric Goldberg, or Ed Asner be sitting somewhere signing stuff? Should I pack stuff in my carry on to take with me in the event that it could be signed?

Are there any good videos you all suggest that shows how the show floor will be, in other words... good videos of 2015's show floor to show how the show is set up? I'm trying to prepare and have tried to read as much of this tread as possible... just need a bit more help.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

...Also, this will be my first D23 Expo... I'm purchasing a Family Gold Membership this week, does that I mean I have to purchase 3 separate tickets to the Expo, or only one? I ask because on the membership page it states that a Family Gold Member can take up to 3 guests to select events. Is the Expo one of those selected events? I'm asking also because if I'm going to have to purchase 3 tickets, should I only purchase the Single Gold Membership?

Also, is there an area where Disney celebrities and dignitaries sign stuff? Like, could Glen Keane, or Don Hahn, or Andreas Deja, or Eric Goldberg, or Ed Asner be sitting somewhere signing stuff? Should I pack stuff in my carry on to take with me in the event that it could be signed?..

You will have to purchase Expo tickets for each of your guests and for yourself. Since it sounds like you want 3 day tickets, that would be 1 day ticket for yourself and 3 3 day tickets for your guests. You don't need Gold Member status just to purchase D23 Member tickets (even free Membership would work for that). The Gold Membership difference will matter when you get to the Expo. Certain benefits have been announced already with maybe more to come. (And for many Gold Members, those benefits didn't materialize at all during the last Expo, so be prepared for that, too.)

Regarding a Gold Family Membership, be aware that you will still have to pay separately for each guest when you attend D23 events that aren't free. For example, when we attend movies at the Studios, I must pay the fee for myself and each guest that I bring.

For signings at previous Expos, you were not always allowed to bring your own things to be signed. There was a strict limit on the things to be signed and how many. Brad Bird only signed 2 items per person, usually small slips of paper. The schedule announces who will be where and when for signings. If you happen to run into someone on the show floor or at a hotel, they may sign something for you if you ask nicely (this has happened to us), but there is no guarantee.

 

[Animation Fanatic]

Thank you so much for your quick reply theluckyrabbit!

Does that mean that if I am a Gold Member, and if... and that's a BIG IF... Gold Members actually do get to enter after Sorcerer's pass people first, that each person in my party will get to be in line with me and enter events when I do?

Sounds like theres no big need for a Family membership vs. a Single membership... is that correct? I live in the midwest... any D23 Events in Ohio, Indiana, or Illinois that would make a Family membership worth it?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Thank you so much for your quick reply theluckyrabbit!

Does that mean that if I am a Gold Member, and if... and that's a BIG IF... Gold Members actually do get to enter after Sorcerer's pass people first, that each person in my party will get to be in line with me and enter events when I do?

Sounds like theres no big need for a Family membership vs. a Single membership... is that correct? I live in the midwest... any D23 Events in Ohio, Indiana, or Illinois that would make a Family membership worth it?

First, Gold Members are supposed to get priority seating, but that doesn't guarantee good seating. You could still end up with a poor seat, so be warned. Yes, your guests should be able to enter with you if you purchased their tickets. If all the tickets are under your membership, then "Gold Member" should be printed on all the tickets. (But I don't remember if they will be asked to show D23 credentials other than their ticket, like a membership card, for anything.) Occasionally there are events in the midwest that might make a Family Membership worth it to you. There is an event coming up at Walt's birthplace house in Chicago. But these events are not frequent. Most of the events are in L.A. or in Orlando.

 

[lurkergirl]

In theory, you should be carrying your D23 membership card to gain access to separate member lines - I've always carried it and I believe I may have shown in once on 2015 to get in line in Hall E. They are giving away a print in 2017 to members and you will need the membership card to get the print, per the press release this week.

I can confirm that all tickets bought under a member account have the member's status on them - I have a single Gold account and always buy at least one additional credential for the weekend for a family member. Her credential is identical to mine, save the name, despite her not being a member. Again, to gain access to the perks, she would have to be with me and my membership card - even for the lines. We've never separated, so I'm not sure if that's actually enforced. As long as you are all together in the Gold line, you should be able to enter together. Key words - should be able.

There is always a learning curve with the Expos, so it doesn't always work out the way its supposed to.

 

[ashley0139]

In theory, you should be carrying your D23 membership card to gain access to separate member lines - I've always carried it and I believe I may have shown in once on 2015 to get in line in Hall E. They are giving away a print in 2017 to members and you will need the membership card to get the print, per the press release this week.

I can confirm that all tickets bought under a member account have the member's status on them - I have a single Gold account and always buy at least one additional credential for the weekend for a family member. Her credential is identical to mine, save the name, despite her not being a member. Again, to gain access to the perks, she would have to be with me and my membership card - even for the lines. We've never separated, so I'm not sure if that's actually enforced. As long as you are all together in the Gold line, you should be able to enter together. Key words - should be able.

There is always a learning curve with the Expos, so it doesn't always work out the way its supposed to.

To be with you in gold lines, does the person have to actually have a ticket bought from the gold account? I have a gold account and bought my ticket, but my friend I'm going with is a cast member so has a different ticket, but I thought I could bring her into the line with my card. I may have read wrong, but now I don't know what we'll do because we don't want to be in separate lines.

I wasn't gold last time so didn't use gold lines.

 

[wilkeliza]

To be with you in gold lines, does the person have to actually have a ticket bought from the gold account? I have a gold account and bought my ticket, but my friend I'm going with is a cast member so has a different ticket, but I thought I could bring her into the line with my card. I may have read wrong, but now I don't know what we'll do because we don't want to be in separate lines.

I wasn't gold last time so didn't use gold lines.

I think they have to have been bought under a gold ticket at minimum.

 

[lurkergirl]

@ashley0139 Hmm, good question. Usually the member designation the ticket isn't huge, I'm not sure Expo staff would be able to visually see it (when getting in a line versus actually being scanned in, two different things!) when checking to make sure you are in the right place.

But my understanding of the Gold single member credential perk has been that you can buy a ticket for yourself and up to three additional tickets - those additional credentials say member on them and they can (and do) go into the member line. I can see both sides of the coin here, both your point and @wilkeliza's. I just checked the current Things to Know in the website and the section on the 2105 D23 Expo app and it does not clarify it at all.

I would email D23 and see what they say.