D23 First Timer - Have Questions

[Disney Dreams]

Okay, so in trying to piece together an Expo plan (ah! Reoccurring nightmares about the lines! The lines!) I have two questions.

1. Legends is in the Arena at 2pm. Remembering last time (ah! The lines!), my fear is that if I go to the 10:30am Arena presentation, I will not get into the Legends presentation because the line will already be "full" by the time the 10:30am presentation lets out. Similarly, remembering how crazy early Dick Van Dyke filled last time (was it 12:30p?!?!), I fear that if I do ANYTHING at all on Saturday other than go directly to a line for Sherman/Menken, I will get shut out. The last thing I want to do is go to the Expo and sit in one line for 10 hours so I can see one thing, but Disney fans are like none other and last time, that's what some did for the Dick Van Dyke show. None of the three have StagePass.

So... What are your thoughts? Can you see the 10:30am Arena presentation AND Legends?

Can you do ANYTHING all day and see Sherman/Menken?

Sigh... This is the part of D23 that is seriously no fun.

Thoughts? Thanks!

- Dreams

P.S. Oh yeah... 2. For those of you who purchased the free membership, did you receive a membership card? If not, what do you show at D23 to prove your a member? I ask because I thought someone mentioned long ago about not getting anything tangible with the free membership. ???

P.P.S. hope it's okay to piggy back on this thread since OP received an answer already. If you'd rather I start my own thread, just let me know. This just seemed related so I thought it logical to post it here.

 

[nunzia]

You may have a chance IMO since both are in the Arena and it's the largest venue. DVD was in a smaller venue..crazy.. and it started super late because the Trivia contest ran over so tempers were high. So...worth a try. You should be able to get a feel for the crowd by Saturday (last time Saturday sold out) so you may decide you can do the AM show then skip Legends to see Sherman/Menken. I think the worst one for crowds will be the Broadway show since it's in a smaller venue..it does have StagePass though so that would help.

 

[Volunteer]

P.S. Oh yeah... 2. For those of you who purchased the free membership, did you receive a membership card? If not, what do you show at D23 to prove your a member? I ask because I thought someone mentioned long ago about not getting anything tangible with the free membership. ???

I remember reading on the D23 / expo site somewhere stating that free D23 members do not get a card, so what you need to do is print off your d23 order summary from when you signed up on disneystore.com and that will act as your proof of membership. Hope that helps!

 

[SuzanneSLO]

[snip]Similarly, remembering how crazy early Dick Van Dyke filled last time (was it 12:30p?!?!) [snip]

- Dreams

[snip]

In 2011, I got in line for DVD between 5 and 5:30 and had no problem getting into the show. BUT, I know others have posted that the line was closed by that time, which is why it is so hard to give advice.

When it comes to the arena shows, remember that a 2,000 seat overflow room has been added which will have a simulcast feed of the presentation. This increases the number who can experience each Arena presentation by 50%. However, there may be presentations which you would prefer to see live, not simulcast.

Best of luck. -- Suzanne

 

[HydroGuy]

Okay, so in trying to piece together an Expo plan (ah! Reoccurring nightmares about the lines! The lines!) I have two questions.

1. Legends is in the Arena at 2pm. Remembering last time (ah! The lines!), my fear is that if I go to the 10:30am Arena presentation, I will not get into the Legends presentation because the line will already be "full" by the time the 10:30am presentation lets out. Similarly, remembering how crazy early Dick Van Dyke filled last time (was it 12:30p?!?!), I fear that if I do ANYTHING at all on Saturday other than go directly to a line for Sherman/Menken, I will get shut out. The last thing I want to do is go to the Expo and sit in one line for 10 hours so I can see one thing, but Disney fans are like none other and last time, that's what some did for the Dick Van Dyke show. None of the three have StagePass.

So... What are your thoughts? Can you see the 10:30am Arena presentation AND Legends?

Can you do ANYTHING all day and see Sherman/Menken?

Sigh... This is the part of D23 that is seriously no fun.

Thoughts? Thanks!

Dreams, you echo my thoughts and concerns. My preliminary plan is this...

o For sure go to the Live Action Studios presentation 10:30-12:30.
o Cheat to the exit when it nears its end.
o High tail it to the Legends line and hope I can at least get into the 2000 person overflow section when it starts at 2PM
o Cheat to the exit when it nears its end at 4PM
o High tail it to the Sherman/Mencken line for the 6:30 show
o Hope I can make it in for that.

If not, I will have Stagepasses on hand to see Star Wars at 6PM with DS17.

I may have to miss Legends and I will have to be OK with that. I can't imagine this year's Legends coming close to topping 2011.

Best of luck to you!

 

[Disney Dreams]

Dreams, you echo my thoughts and concerns. My preliminary plan is this...

o For sure go to the Live Action Studios presentation 10:30-12:30.
o Cheat to the exit when it nears its end.
o High tail it to the Legends line and hope I can at least get into the 2000 person overflow section when it starts at 2PM
o Cheat to the exit when it nears its end at 4PM
o High tail it to the Sherman/Mencken line for the 6:30 show
o Hope I can make it in for that.

If not, I will have Stagepasses on hand to see Star Wars at 6PM with DS17.

I may have to miss Legends and I will have to be OK with that. I can't imagine this year's Legends coming close to topping 2011.

Best of luck to you!

Well, it's nice to know I'm not the only one sort of panicked about how to do this. Hahaha! It's supposed to be fun! No panicking allowed. Yeah, okay, back to the panic....

So your plan above was my original exact thoughts. Here's my concerns and I'm just curious on your view to see how another person is seeing it.

IF I attend the 10:30-12:30 Studios Presentation, there is a serious risk (imo) of getting shut out of Legends. Legends was my single best memory/experience of the Expo in 2011. Watching Kermit and Rowlf perform "Rainbow Connection" was one of the most memorable moments of my life. It was moving, entertaining, and simply amazing. I know that may sound silly, but it was just awesome. Not to mention watching the "Princesses" sing together. It was just a show that I will never forget.

Can they top it? *Eh, probably not. *But... who knows.

I missed out on seeing Johnny Depp, but I just cannot see how that would have been more memorable than what took place during Legends.

Can one make both Studios AND Legends? No one knows. So if I have to pick one, Legends is my pick (I think) on that showdown.

But... I don't want to miss out on Sherman and Menken by being in Legends.

So the easy answer is to miss Legends and attend Studios and Sherman/Menken, I suppose. And then there's the thought, so I've been there how many hours and attended two sessions?!?!?! That's not my idea of attending a convention. Know what I mean?

Okay, final thought looking at your plan above:
- Attend Studios.
- Shoot over to Legends line with a hope to get into overflow room.
- Then rush over to Sherman/Menken.
- If the first two go smoothly, when / how do you grab the StagePass for a 6:30pm back up plan? (Don't worry, I have no interest Star Wars so we are not in competition. ) Anything starting after 3pm does not have a StagePass available until after 12:30pm. But at 12:30pm we have our track shoes on to get to the Legends line. If we make the Legends line, not sure when to run and grab StagePasses for a Plan B for 6:30pm.

Ahhhhhh! Hahahaha! Oh Disney fan craziness. I wish they would not allow any lining up until X time before each presentation.

So... thoughts?

In 2011, I got in line for DVD between 5 and 5:30 and had no problem getting into the show. BUT, I know others have posted that the line was closed by that time, which is why it is so hard to give advice.

When it comes to the arena shows, remember that a 2,000 seat overflow room has been added which will have a simulcast feed of the presentation. This increases the number who can experience each Arena presentation by 50%. However, there may be presentations which you would prefer to see live, not simulcast.

Best of luck. -- Suzanne

That's SOOO interesting. I remember hearing around 3pm that the line was already closed and being just so disappointed. So it seems that what was floating around the convention center and reality were not the same.

Thanks for your first-hand experience. Missing that performance is my only regret from that year's Expo.

- Dreams

 

[HydroGuy]

Well, it's nice to know I'm not the only one sort of panicked about how to do this. Hahaha! It's supposed to be fun! No panicking allowed. Yeah, okay, back to the panic....

So your plan above was my original exact thoughts. Here's my concerns and I'm just curious on your view to see how another person is seeing it.

IF I attend the 10:30-12:30 Studios Presentation, there is a serious risk (imo) of getting shut out of Legends. Legends was my single best memory/experience of the Expo in 2011. Watching Kermit and Rowlf perform "Rainbow Connection" was one of the most memorable moments of my life. It was moving, entertaining, and simply amazing. I know that may sound silly, but it was just awesome. Not to mention watching the "Princesses" sing together. It was just a show that I will never forget.

Can they top it? *Eh, probably not. *But... who knows.

I missed out on seeing Johnny Depp, but I just cannot see how that would have been more memorable than what took place during Legends.

Can one make both Studios AND Legends? No one knows. So if I have to pick one, Legends is my pick (I think) on that showdown.

But... I don't want to miss out on Sherman and Menken by being in Legends.

So the easy answer is to miss Legends and attend Studios and Sherman/Menken, I suppose. And then there's the thought, so I've been there how many hours and attended two sessions?!?!?! That's not my idea of attending a convention. Know what I mean?

Okay, final thought looking at your plan above:
- Attend Studios.
- Shoot over to Legends line with a hope to get into overflow room.
- Then rush over to Sherman/Menken.
- If the first two go smoothly, when / how do you grab the StagePass for a 6:30pm back up plan? (Don't worry, I have no interest Star Wars so we are not in competition. ) Anything starting after 3pm does not have a StagePass available until after 12:30pm. But at 12:30pm we have our track shoes on to get to the Legends line. If we make the Legends line, not sure when to run and grab StagePasses for a Plan B for 6:30pm.

Ahhhhhh! Hahahaha! Oh Disney fan craziness. I wish they would not allow any lining up until X time before each presentation.

So... thoughts?

When referring to Johnny Depp you must mean 2009?

In any case, I have much lower expectations for Legends this year looking at the awardees. So that is one I feel I can miss.

As for StagePass for 6PM SW, that can be obtained at 3PM. So I or DS17 will wait in the Sherman/Mencken queue and the other will go to get Stagepasses at around 4PM - which D23 says is OK.

If Stagepass does not work I know DS17 prefers Star Wars to Sherman so he can just get in the SW line and save me a spot. I can choose Star Wars or Sherman then based on how the queue develops.

Funny neither of us has mentioned lunch or dinner, huh? Food and sleep or secondary here.

I have a really good Plan B. Tell me what you think...

All three sessions are in the Arena. In between each session make your way to the rest room and find a good hiding spot...

 

[Disney Dreams]

When referring to Johnny Depp you must mean 2009?

Yes, sorry, I meant Robert Downey Jr. (got my years switched).

In any case, I have much lower expectations for Legends this year looking at the awardees. So that is one I feel I can miss.

And I guess that's the bottom line. Where to gamble. (sigh I hate gambling)

As for StagePass for 6PM SW, that can be obtained at 3PM. So I or DS17 will wait in the Sherman/Mencken queue and the other will go to get Stagepasses at around 4PM - which D23 says is OK.

Do you have a spare DS I can rent for the afternoon as a runner / line holder? ...

Funny neither of us has mentioned lunch or dinner, huh? Food and sleep or secondary here.

Food? Sleep? There's three days of Disney "stuffs" to be seen and experienced!!! There's no time for silliness like sleeping or eating!

I have a really good Plan B. Tell me what you think...

All three sessions are in the Arena. In between each session make your way to the rest room and find a good hiding spot...

I'll be the sleep-deprived female dressed in Disney clothes who hasn't eaten in 12 hours hiding out in the Ladies Room right next door!

- Dreams

P.S. I haven't even mentioned my complete lack of desire to attend the Mary Poppins session... except for this nagging little thought that I can't turn off: What if Julie Andrews shows up there as a surprise? I'd die.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

[snip]

As for StagePass for 6PM SW, that can be obtained at 3PM. So I or DS17 will wait in the Sherman/Mencken queue and the other will go to get Stagepasses at around 4PM - which D23 says is OK.

The StagePass distribution times begin at 9am for 11 -2:30 presentations and 12:30 pm for 3 pm and later. -- Suzanne

 

[HydroGuy]

The StagePass distribution times begin at 9am for 11 -2:30 presentations and 12:30 pm for 3 pm and later. -- Suzanne

I knew that! Just confused myself trying to put it all together in a post! So yes, we can get SPs after the morning session but before Legends. Thanks!

 

[Castillo Mom]

OP here!

HydroGuy and Dreams you both bring up excellent points. To be honest my head is absolutely spinning right now! I actually had a similar plan B since I too have sons who are interested in the Star Wars presentation. I really have my heart set on Sherman/Menkin though. Ah well, I'll just have to wait and see how things develop as the day goes on. Very difficult to do for an obsessive planner!

 

[Filipina]

D23 official guide now available to download. That can help.

 

[Disney Dreams]

OP here!

HydroGuy and Dreams you both bring up excellent points. To be honest my head is absolutely spinning right now! I actually had a similar plan B since I too have sons who are interested in the Star Wars presentation. I really have my heart set on Sherman/Menkin though. Ah well, I'll just have to wait and see how things develop as the day goes on. Very difficult to do for an obsessive planner!

I'll make you or HydroGuy a deal: I borrow someone's son as a line sitter for me for Sherman / Menken while I'm in Legends and they can go to Star Wars the second I get out of Legends and join in line. Deal? Yeah.... I know.... I need to rent a kid for next weekend. haha!

D23 official guide now available to download. That can help.

I think it just makes me more stressed about how to enjoy everything that's being offered. - sigh -

So, essentially, I'm not alone in my general mental state towards next weekend?

- Dreams

 

[RandFamily]

I actually got a stomach ache reading this thread. The agony and planning and WAITING are why we decided not to go this year. For those of you who haven't been - I wish you the best of luck. We literally waited 3-4 hours for almost every presentation - on the hard floor with nothing to lean against. My suggestion to newbies is to bring food that you can eat on line. There's no time for meals. Also, you can't save spaces on the lines - all the party members must be there since they count how many the let into the line. Also remember that there are tens of thousands of people and only a few thousand seats at any given presentation time. You can't really get to many presentations.

I'm curious to see if the StagePass works. Won't people just line up three hours ahead of time for the passes? The only way to stop the lines is to sell passes to specific shows ahead of time.

 

[HydroGuy]

I actually got a stomach ache reading this thread. The agony and planning and WAITING are why we decided not to go this year. For those of you who haven't been - I wish you the best of luck. We literally waited 3-4 hours for almost every presentation - on the hard floor with nothing to lean against. My suggestion to newbies is to bring food that you can eat on line. There's no time for meals. Also, you can't save spaces on the lines - all the party members must be there since they count how many the let into the line. Also remember that there are tens of thousands of people and only a few thousand seats at any given presentation time. You can't really get to many presentations.

I'm curious to see if the StagePass works. Won't people just line up three hours ahead of time for the passes? The only way to stop the lines is to sell passes to specific shows ahead of time.

I was able to get out of line in 2011. No problem. They just told you when to be back. I mean folks do need use the rest rooms and all.

And bringing snack food for the line is great advice. I did that in 2011 and will do it again.

I did spend almost all of 2011 in lines. But I got to see a lot of sessions. Including Van Dyke which was awesome. And all the arena sessions. This year will be easier with Stagepass and having DS17 with me to tag team.

I am really looking forward to it. And wondering if Tom Hanks will show up for the studios presentation of Mr. Banks.

 

[N365PA]

Two noob questions;

Just bought our tickets today, leave for Anaheim on Thursday (From Alaska). Just kinda curious as to how quick they arrive for people. Might need to call D23 on this one.

2nd, the big question in regards to the Menken / Sherman concert. In the past, what time do people start lining up for this type of event? I've read (I surely hope in jest) 10 hours. I know we're a weird breed of fan that would do such a thing but just wondering if its possible to visit the merchandise areas, maybe see the archives exhibit, grab lunch, then get in line and settle down to a good book.

I know these are open ended questions but just curious as to ya'lls opinions.

Clint

 

[nunzia]

Dreams, you echo my thoughts and concerns. My preliminary plan is this...

o For sure go to the Live Action Studios presentation 10:30-12:30.
o Cheat to the exit when it nears its end.
o High tail it to the Legends line and hope I can at least get into the 2000 person overflow section when it starts at 2PM
o Cheat to the exit when it nears its end at 4PM
o High tail it to the Sherman/Mencken line for the 6:30 show
o Hope I can make it in for that.

If not, I will have Stagepasses on hand to see Star Wars at 6PM with DS17.

I may have to miss Legends and I will have to be OK with that. I can't imagine this year's Legends coming close to topping 2011.

Best of luck to you!

Good plan, but also remember, a BIG surprise can come right at the end. My first EXPO we started hustling out right when Dick Cook started saying 'Thanks for coming'..we were nearly out the door and hear the Pirates intro music..lucky for us we didn't make the exit a couple minutes earlier and miss what became a huge highlight of that Expo..the Black Pearl and the real Captain Jack rising up through the fog to announce a new Pirates ..there is a rumor another is coming..so what will the surprises be this year?? Anyway..we gotta do what we gotta do

 

[Castillo Mom]

I'll make you or HydroGuy a deal: I borrow someone's son as a line sitter for me for Sherman / Menken while I'm in Legends and they can go to Star Wars the second I get out of Legends and join in line. Deal? Yeah.... I know.... I need to rent a kid for next weekend. haha!


I think it just makes me more stressed about how to enjoy everything that's being offered. - sigh -

So, essentially, I'm not alone in my general mental state towards next weekend?

- Dreams

Sure, I'll rent out one of my sons - all you have to do is feed them!

I actually got a stomach ache reading this thread. The agony and planning and WAITING are why we decided not to go this year. For those of you who haven't been - I wish you the best of luck. We literally waited 3-4 hours for almost every presentation - on the hard floor with nothing to lean against. My suggestion to newbies is to bring food that you can eat on line. There's no time for meals. Also, you can't save spaces on the lines - all the party members must be there since they count how many the let into the line. Also remember that there are tens of thousands of people and only a few thousand seats at any given presentation time. You can't really get to many presentations.

I'm curious to see if the StagePass works. Won't people just line up three hours ahead of time for the passes? The only way to stop the lines is to sell passes to specific shows ahead of time.

That's what I'm worried about. I guess we'll just have to hope for the best.

Two noob questions;

Just bought our tickets today, leave for Anaheim on Thursday (From Alaska). Just kinda curious as to how quick they arrive for people. Might need to call D23 on this one.

2nd, the big question in regards to the Menken / Sherman concert. In the past, what time do people start lining up for this type of event? I've read (I surely hope in jest) 10 hours. I know we're a weird breed of fan that would do such a thing but just wondering if its possible to visit the merchandise areas, maybe see the archives exhibit, grab lunch, then get in line and settle down to a good book.

I know these are open ended questions but just curious as to ya'lls opinions.

Clint

Not sure if you got your answer yet but I was concerned about as well. I emailed D23 Guest Services and was informed that I need to pick up our credentials at Will Call. I called the Anaheim Convention Center and I was told that Will Call will be open for D23 tickets starting Thurs. and that the hours 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Just bring your membership card, ID and ticket confirmation with you. If you have the free membership, bring a print out of your registration information. I was told Will Call is in the main glass building.

 

[BRG226]

This thread has been very helpful thanks! What advice do you have for how early to line up for meeting the presenters at the talent round up? Namely I am thinking the senior imagineers (Baxter, Sklar, Davis, etc.) and Paige O'Hara?

Also do they sign/take pics? Is there a cost?

Thanks
Brendan

 

[cdwatts]

I'm so glad I found this thread. I went to both of the previous expos so I'm familiar with the lines, crowds, etc. however between the 2011 expo and now, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I'm use to getting a GAC at Disneyland and I use a cane. Sometimes I have to rent a wheelchair because of the fatigue issues.

I'm starting to get very nervous about the expo. I'm considering bringing my walker because it is one of those ones that has a seat and I feel like that will possibly make standing in lines easier. Does anyone have experience with using a walker at the expo? Any other advice?

Thanks everyone!