My Trip to the 2013 D23 Expo - That's a Wrap!

[PrincessInOz]

WOW!!! There sure is a lot of different things happening at D23. Between silent auction, stage events, celebrity talks, autographs and shops.....I never really fully appreciated what a full-on couple of days this is until now.

thanks for sharing.

Looking forward to your next post!

 

[Luvchefmic]

That horse in your 3rd from last picture, for the silent auction, I wonder if that was the horse from The Great Movie Ride ( from Mary Poppins ) because about a month ago it was removed from here

Tell me something how often is the D23 Expo held here WDW ? I had no idea the expo was that big either

 

[mvf-m11c]

Very nice pictures of the D23 Expo on Thursday during your Sorcerer's day. This is something that I will want to do when the Sorcerer's package is available next year. Spending part of my morning on Friday do get in line for shopping at the Dream Store was fun but also it would be nice to use that time to shop at the Mickey's of Glendale or for the D23 Arena for the "Art and Imagination" Animation at the WDS" event. Spending time to shop in the morning will take time away to see all the different activities during the Expo which I have learned from these last three. Hopefully my DA will have no problem getting the Sorcerer's tickets when they are available next year for the 2015 D23 Expo. Paying $1500 a person to be a Sorcerer package is quite a lot of money but it will definitely be worth it with less wait time to see the screenings, shopping, etc.

 

[franandaj]

WOW!!! There sure is a lot of different things happening at D23. Between silent auction, stage events, celebrity talks, autographs and shops.....I never really fully appreciated what a full-on couple of days this is until now.

thanks for sharing.

Looking forward to your next post!

Yeah and there was still more, Sephora had a booth, and there were a few others, there were some Disney bikes and a few others as well. When they say there is something for everyone they aren't kidding. I'm sure that folks do a lot that we don't do but there are million things going on at any one given time.

 

[franandaj]

That horse in your 3rd from last picture, for the silent auction, I wonder if that was the horse from The Great Movie Ride ( from Mary Poppins ) because about a month ago it was removed from here

Tell me something how often is the D23 Expo held here WDW ? I had no idea the expo was that big either

The Expo is always held in Anaheim. There is no way that the stars would be available in Orlando. But near LA is OK.

Very nice pictures of the D23 Expo on Thursday during your Sorcerer's day. This is something that I will want to do when the Sorcerer's package is available next year. Spending part of my morning on Friday do get in line for shopping at the Dream Store was fun but also it would be nice to use that time to shop at the Mickey's of Glendale or for the D23 Arena for the "Art and Imagination" Animation at the WDS" event. Hopefully my DA will have no problem getting the Sorcerer's tickets when they are available next year for the 2015 D23 Expo.

I think the competition for Sorcerer's passes will be much more severe for the next Expo. We will really have to compete for the privilege. Most people will really want to buy their way into the passes, and I understand. There is just too much of a demand for this stuff!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Great post thank you! Omg love that giant poster/picture of Merida she is one of my fav characters! I would have bankrupted us bidding on that lol. I love the chairs Fran wanted a picture of to have designed for your house they will look awesome! Those sorcerers passes am I right in thinking they are first come first served privilege that are free? You just log on early to see if you can get them? That must have been such a nice experience! I think it'sgreat it's in Anaheim where Hollywood and the stars are. We can't wait to plan our trip we are sold on it now

 

[mvf-m11c]

I think the competition for Sorcerer's passes will be much more severe for the next Expo. We will really have to compete for the privilege. Most people will really want to buy their way into the passes, and I understand. There is just too much of a demand for this stuff!

Getting the Sorcerer's passes for the 2015 D23 expo will be more intriguing next year. I thought about it last year when they were available. But I just couldn't spend that much money for the Sorcerer's passes. But after this past weekend D23 Expo trip, it makes more sense then ever to get the Sorcerer's passes (even though it costs $1500 a head) so we will be able to do all the different activities at the Expo and won't have to spend a lot of time waiting in lines for the stores or the screenings at the D23 Arena, Stage 23 & 28 (if we don't get a StagePass for those screenings). It will be very interesting next year when the Sorcerer's passes are available for purchase.

 

[ACDSNY]

Wow love the merchandise in the Dream Store, I think I better stay up in NorCal during these events or I could get in BIG trouble.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Wow love the merchandise in the Dream Store, I think I better stay up in NorCal during these events or I could get in BIG trouble.

They are holding the first ever D23 in Tokyo 12-14 October. If this becomes a yearly event, I suspect that I might be trying to coincide a visit to Japan around the same time.

BIG trouble in Little Tokyo.

 

[dolphingirl47]

It kind of looked spooky with everything so empty. I think this would make some fabulous before and after photos.

Corinna

 

[lurkergirl]

This ended up being the pavilion for the new “Tomorrowland” movie. I don’t quite get it, and when I update from the Studios presentation I will try to explain it. This pavilion stayed covered up like this until after the presentation.

Having played The Optimist ARG, which was for the Tomorrowland movie, I'm not even sure I could explain it.

The Expo is always held in Anaheim. There is no way that the stars would be available in Orlando. But near LA is OK.

You have remember, also, that Corporate is in Burbank - there is more of "company" presence as a result. And I think they'd have to do it at the Orlando convention center, if in Orlando, rather than on property - I'm not sure any of the property spaces would even be big enough!

Getting the Sorcerer's passes for the 2015 D23 expo will be more intriguing next year. I thought about it last year when they were available. But I just couldn't spend that much money for the Sorcerer's passes. But after this past weekend D23 Expo trip, it makes more sense then ever to get the Sorcerer's passes (even though it costs $1500 a head) so we will be able to do all the different activities at the Expo and won't have to spend a lot of time waiting in lines for the stores or the screenings at the D23 Arena, Stage 23 & 28 (if we don't get a StagePass for those screenings). It will be very interesting next year when the Sorcerer's passes are available for purchase.

They've changed the pricing structure and packages every Expo, I think...I'm curious to see what 2015 offers.

They are holding the first ever D23 in Tokyo 12-14 October. If this becomes a yearly event, I suspect that I might be trying to coincide a visit to Japan around the same time.

BIG trouble in Little Tokyo.

Too bad it's all in Japanese! I was bummed when I heard that. The Japanese Disney fans are so...passionate!

I figured that room would have been totally packed for Friday and Saturday. I'll give you some foreshadowing, we were back on Sunday and it looked like that again.

I saw people doing that scavenger hunt, there were some decals on the windows and people were pointing. We were darting to a session or something.

It was pretty empty early Sunday morning. And I mean like first thing. And picked over, as well.

That could have been the other hunt, too - there was the one for the Play Test in the Imagineering pavilion that ended at Trader Sam's.

 

[mvf-m11c]

They've changed the pricing structure and packages every Expo, I think...I'm curious to see what 2015 offers.

You are correct that the pricing structure of the packages have changed over these first three Expo's for the good tickets. This Expo was $1,500 which is a lot of money but they do provide great benefits for getting the Sorcerer's passes. I believe the 2011 Expo pass prices which was around $1,000 for the Sorcerer package (that had a limited number) while the Premiere was around $500 (which had more over the Sorcerer). Just after two years from the 2011 Expo, the Sorcerer package went up $500 and D23 eliminated the Premiere for this years Expo. It would have been nice if D23 left the Premiere package along with the Sorcerer's package. I am also curious of what next years prices are for the 2015 D23 Expo for the Sorcerer's package.

 

[Wonder2008]

You are absolutely right. A lot of Walt Disney World hotels have convention centers, but none are big enough for something like this (holding the event at more than one hotel at once is out of the question). I know the Swan and Dolphin together have a pretty big convention center, though. When they used to do the Disneyana Conventions, the Contemporary Resort's 2nd floor conference rooms, Grand Canyon Concourse (4th floor area), and connecting convention center were all used. But, the D23 Expos appear to be bigger events than the Disneyana ones ever were.

Robert

You have remember, also, that Corporate is in Burbank - there is more of "company" presence as a result. And I think they'd have to do it at the Orlando convention center, if in Orlando, rather than on property - I'm not sure any of the property spaces would even be big enough!

 

[lurkergirl]

You are correct that the pricing structure of the packages have changed over these first three Expo's for the good tickets. This Expo was $1,500 which is a lot of money but they do provide great benefits for getting the Sorcerer's passes. I believe the 2011 Expo pass prices which was around $1,000 for the Sorcerer package (that had a limited number) while the Premiere was around $500 (which had more over the Sorcerer). Just after two years from the 2011 Expo, the Sorcerer package went up $500 and D23 eliminated the Premiere for this years Expo. It would have been nice if D23 left the Premiere package along with the Sorcerer's package. I am also curious of what next years prices are for the 2015 D23 Expo for the Sorcerer's package.

It's that old time versus money thing. There were still Sorcerer tickets available when I bought my tickets, but at the time I couldn't justify it (I tried, trust me!)...

Now, with the lines fresh in my memory - I'm rethinking it.

 

[Handbag Lady]

It's that old time versus money thing. There were still Sorcerer tickets available when I bought my tickets, but at the time I couldn't justify it (I tried, trust me!)...

Now, with the lines fresh in my memory - I'm rethinking it.

Me, too. I saw a lot, but then I missed SO MUCH! But $1500 is a lot of money for something that costs very little if you have a cast member friend. At least we have a while to think about it.

I'm totally LOVING this trip report. I knew things were going on Thursday; I just didn't know what!

 

[rentayenta]

Okay so I'm catching up looking at every photo and description, mouth wide open, saying oh my G-d, oh my G-d. Was the Matterhorn car up for auction? That can be my guest bed when I come visit. I promise I'll squeeze in and not take up too much of Olga's space.

Those HM pictures are incredible.

From the merchandise to the little check in folder with all the goodies, I am truly impressed. What a cool event! Did you end up getting any of the jewelry since Si and Am didn't happen? Am I ahead of myself as usual?

What purse did you buy?



Oh and for anyone reading and planning to visit So Cal, when Alison gives you an idea of where to eat, listen to the woman. We went to a place called Chen's last night in Long Beach and it was cheap and gooood. Super old school with almond sliver cookies, HUGE portions, neon sings, ornate lanterns, and crappy service.

 

[TwoFeathers]

You have to choose between good food and good service here!

Fran

PS To everyone who welcomed me, many thanks!
I haven't learned how to reply with quotes yet.

F

 

[Luvchefmic]

You have to choose between good food and good service here!

Fran

PS To everyone who welcomed me, many thanks!
I haven't learned how to reply with quotes yet.

F

Hi Fran can't wait to meet you and Alison at out DisMeet in WDW
the quote thing is easy but I have a ton of things to do & should have been in bed a LONG time ago, working tonight I will leave the lesson to your DW

Later, Ruthie

 

[franandaj]

Great post thank you! Omg love that giant poster/picture of Merida she is one of my fav characters! I would have bankrupted us bidding on that lol. I love the chairs Fran wanted a picture of to have designed for your house they will look awesome! Those sorcerers passes am I right in thinking they are first come first served privilege that are free? You just log on early to see if you can get them? That must have been such a nice experience! I think it'sgreat it's in Anaheim where Hollywood and the stars are. We can't wait to plan our trip we are sold on it now

The Sorcerer's passes are first come, first pay. $1500 per person, thank you very much, but so worth the skipping of the lines and other benefits you get. We would have never been able to get what we did without them.

Getting the Sorcerer's passes for the 2015 D23 expo will be more intriguing next year. I thought about it last year when they were available. But I just couldn't spend that much money for the Sorcerer's passes. But after this past weekend D23 Expo trip, it makes more sense then ever to get the Sorcerer's passes (even though it costs $1500 a head) so we will be able to do all the different activities at the Expo and won't have to spend a lot of time waiting in lines for the stores or the screenings at the D23 Arena, Stage 23 & 28 (if we don't get a StagePass for those screenings). It will be very interesting next year when the Sorcerer's passes are available for purchase.

Yup. I'm sure the prices will go up again in 2015. The good thing is that we buy them in 2014 so it softens the blow when the expo comes around and we have saved up some money to spend on shopping.

Wow love the merchandise in the Dream Store, I think I better stay up in NorCal during these events or I could get in BIG trouble.

There is so much to buy, just wait!

They are holding the first ever D23 in Tokyo 12-14 October. If this becomes a yearly event, I suspect that I might be trying to coincide a visit to Japan around the same time.

BIG trouble in Little Tokyo.

The one here is every two years, but it is easy to get into trouble at these events!

It kind of looked spooky with everything so empty. I think this would make some fabulous before and after photos.

Corinna

We have some photos of the show floor from Friday and it is VERY different!

Having played The Optimist ARG, which was for the Tomorrowland movie, I'm not even sure I could explain it.

You have remember, also, that Corporate is in Burbank - there is more of "company" presence as a result. And I think they'd have to do it at the Orlando convention center, if in Orlando, rather than on property - I'm not sure any of the property spaces would even be big enough!

They've changed the pricing structure and packages every Expo, I think...I'm curious to see what 2015 offers.

Too bad it's all in Japanese! I was bummed when I heard that. The Japanese Disney fans are so...passionate!

It was pretty empty early Sunday morning. And I mean like first thing. And picked over, as well.

That could have been the other hunt, too - there was the one for the Play Test in the Imagineering pavilion that ended at Trader Sam's.

Yes, all that about the studios being that close and the executives and Imagineers being about an hour away. I was so interested in the panels and shopping, I didn't pay any attention to other things going on. I didn't even know they had scavenger type hunts.

You are correct that the pricing structure of the packages have changed over these first three Expo's for the good tickets. This Expo was $1,500 which is a lot of money but they do provide great benefits for getting the Sorcerer's passes. I believe the 2011 Expo pass prices which was around $1,000 for the Sorcerer package (that had a limited number) while the Premiere was around $500 (which had more over the Sorcerer). Just after two years from the 2011 Expo, the Sorcerer package went up $500 and D23 eliminated the Premiere for this years Expo. It would have been nice if D23 left the Premiere package along with the Sorcerer's package. I am also curious of what next years prices are for the 2015 D23 Expo for the Sorcerer's package.

I think they figured out if they just made it all Sorcerer's they could make a boatload of money right off. You figure 300 people at $1500 a head, that comes to $450,000 before you even open up the doors. Pretty good for D23, I bet that makes a big dent in the Convention Center Rental.

You are absolutely right. A lot of Walt Disney World hotels have convention centers, but none are big enough for something like this (holding the event at more than one hotel at once is out of the question). I know the Swan and Dolphin together have a pretty big convention center, though. When they used to do the Disneyana Conventions, the Contemporary Resort's 2nd floor conference rooms, Grand Canyon Concourse (4th floor area), and connecting convention center were all used. But, the D23 Expos appear to be bigger events than the Disneyana ones ever were.

Robert

Anaheim is one of the biggest yet most compact convention centers in the US. Plus being right across from Disneyland, they can't lose.

It's that old time versus money thing. There were still Sorcerer tickets available when I bought my tickets, but at the time I couldn't justify it (I tried, trust me!)...

Now, with the lines fresh in my memory - I'm rethinking it.

Worth every penny!

Me, too. I saw a lot, but then I missed SO MUCH! But $1500 is a lot of money for something that costs very little if you have a cast member friend. At least we have a while to think about it.

I'm totally LOVING this trip report. I knew things were going on Thursday; I just didn't know what!

Thursday was jam packed for us. I'm still working on writing it all up.

Okay so I'm catching up looking at every photo and description, mouth wide open, saying oh my G-d, oh my G-d. Was the Matterhorn car up for auction? That can be my guest bed when I come visit. I promise I'll squeeze in and not take up too much of Olga's space.

Those HM pictures are incredible.

From the merchandise to the little check in folder with all the goodies, I am truly impressed. What a cool event! Did you end up getting any of the jewelry since Si and Am didn't happen? Am I ahead of myself as usual?

What purse did you buy?



Oh and for anyone reading and planning to visit So Cal, when Alison gives you an idea of where to eat, listen to the woman. We went to a place called Chen's last night in Long Beach and it was cheap and gooood. Super old school with almond sliver cookies, HUGE portions, neon sings, ornate lanterns, and crappy service.

Yes, you are getting ahead of yourself (as usual)! Come meet Ellen and I Wednesday and you'll get all your answers!

You have to choose between good food and good service here!

Fran

PS To everyone who welcomed me, many thanks!
I haven't learned how to reply with quotes yet.

F

I'll be happy to show you how to do it whenever you are ready!

Hi Fran can't wait to meet you and Alison at out DisMeet in WDW
the quote thing is easy but I have a ton of things to do & should have been in bed a LONG time ago, working tonight I will leave the lesson to your DW

Later, Ruthie

Thanks, I've been offering to show her ever since she posted the other day, but she's always too busy doing something else!

 

[franandaj]

Our next stop was the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives. This room is actually the queue area. These dresses were originally inspired by the individual stories of the Disney Princesses by Ralph & Russo (Tiana), Versace (Cinderella), Elie Saab (Aurora), Marchesa (Ariel), Escada (Jasmine), Missoni (Mulan), Roberto Cavalli (Pocahontas), Jenny Packham (Rapunzel), Valentino (Belle), and Oscar de la Renta (Snow White). The stunning dresses were first showcased in an ultra-glamorous set of window displays at Harrods, the luxury store in Knightsbridge, London, during the 2012 holiday season. Unfortunately, I don’t remember who was who. By process of elimination one is Pocohontas and the other must be Jasmine.



These two are Mulan by Missoni and Belle by Valentino



Aurora by Elie Saab



Cinderella by Versace



Tiana by Ralph & Russo



Snow White by Oscar de la Renta (I think)



Ariel by Marchesa and I think Rapunzel by Packham



Now we move on to some of the costumes from Once Upon a Time. I was rather enthralled with this show, but Fran said it was too scary to watch at night. She has said that we could get it on DVD, but we need to watch it during the day. Anyways here are some of the costumes and props.









Now we move on to the Oz segment of our exhibit. For those of you not familiar with the Patchwork Girl you can watch this little segment.

http://www.poetv.com/video.php?vid=88200



This was a prop model for Big Rock Candy Mountain. I’m not sure if this ever got made into a production or was just experimentation.



I believe that these costumes were from the 1985 movie Return to Oz. There were props from Oz the Great and Powerful in here too, but since I haven’t seen that one, I’m not sure which movie each of the costumes is from.



This guy is definitely from Return to Oz. There was actually a real person inside of there and his feet went into the robot’s feet and then he bent over and stuck his hands in the robot’s feet and put the top on. Crazy! They had a video playing where the guy got into the costume.



I’m pretty sure this is all from Return to Oz, this is Dorothy’s Dress.



The Scarecrow.



Tin man.



Of course the Ruby Slippers.



I’m guessing that these are from Oz the Great and Powerful.











Some props from various movies.



We stopped right here because they had a video playing. The loop was between 10-20 minutes and it talked all about how Walt had planned to make a movie based on the Oz books. There was footage from the Mousketeers (some that I posted earlier) as well as a couple scenes from Return to Oz.

[Continued in Next Post]