What happens at a D23 expo?

[Tiradan]

Sorry if this is the wrong forum to post this in. Moderators, please move it accordingly if it is.

I was wondering what I can expect at the D23 expo. I've only heard of it because I recently joined this forum (which is awesome BTW). I've been to two Blizzcons, is the D23 expo similar? Also, is the Sorcerer's ticket worth the $1500?

Thanks in advance for any and all replies

 

[HydroGuy]

Sorry if this is the wrong forum to post this in. Moderators, please move it accordingly if it is.

I was wondering what I can expect at the D23 expo. I've only heard of it because I recently joined this forum (which is awesome BTW). I've been to two Blizzcons, is the D23 expo similar? Also, is the Sorcerer's ticket worth the $1500?

Thanks in advance for any and all replies

Yes this will likely get moved to the community board, but many things happen that appeal t many different demographics. First I will speak to my interests.

There are presentations by some top executives and imagineers on plans for Disney parks worldwide. At the 2011 Expo the info was more Cars Land and Buena Vista Street at DCA, New Fantasyland at WDW and Shanghai Disney under construction.

There are presentations on Disney films - live action and animated with lots of clips of future Pixar movies. Many of the previews shown are shown at the D23 Expo for the first time ever. They also bring many of the actors from the movies onto the stage.

There are presentations on Disney Legends Awards - folks who have contributed significantly to the Disney company. At the 2011 Expo this involved five Disney princesses from their animated movies.

There are entertainment sessions such as Dick Van Dyke's singing group.

There are sessions that review the development of major new rides or shows - for example there was a session with the imagineers on how they developed the new Star Tours ride with George Lucas.

That was my interest.

Others like all the unique merchandise and collectibles and historical Disney treasures. There are displays of props and costumes from movies such as the POTC movie. There are booths by independent companies showing what they do - collectibles, online forums, paintings, etc.

There are areas that focus on the Disney TV channels for kids.

Is it worth it $1500 for Sorcerers? I believe last time they all got snapped up on day 1 when they went on sale. The benefit is not having to wait in the 3 hour lines I waited in in order to get into sessions. That allows you to see more sessions. I missed some sessions I really wanted to attend because i had to be in line for other sessions.

 

[ethanwa]

Is it worth it $1500 for Sorcerers? I believe last time they all got snapped up on day 1 when they went on sale. The benefit is not having to wait in the 3 hour lines I waited in in order to get into sessions. That allows you to see more sessions. I missed some sessions I really wanted to attend because i had to be in line for other sessions.

The Sorcerers tickets don't bypass ALL lines in 2013, just the events in the main stage areas now. So don't think that you will get to skip ALL lines with it in 2013.

 

[Tiradan]

Thanks to both of you for the replies. I've already got my D23 membership. I think I'm going to go for the Sorcerer's package just to see what it's like.

Does anyone know how the tickets are sold? Are they only online? When I bought Blizzcon tickets I had to click incredibly fast to get in a online queue that was in the thousands. Is it like that for D23?

 

[mvf-m11c]

Thanks to both of you for the replies. I've already got my D23 membership. I think I'm going to go for the Sorcerer's package just to see what it's like.

Does anyone know how the tickets are sold? Are they only online? When I bought Blizzcon tickets I had to click incredibly fast to get in a online queue that was in the thousands. Is it like that for D23?

You can buy the tickets online which will be available tomorrow at 10am Pacific time. The earlier you purchase the tickets the more you save. If you are thinking of getting the Sorcerer's package, you will have to get it first thing in the morning tomorrow since it will sell out quickly. You go to the D23 website to purchase the tickets. I dont know if you can buy them in person since I bought the tickets online. I would guess that you can buy the tickets on the actual date and onside.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[ethanwa]

I had to click incredibly fast to get in a online queue that was in the thousands. Is it like that for D23?

The Sorcerer's Package will be gone in probably 5-10 seconds. That's how fast D23 events sell out for the premium tickets.

Good luck, I am going for two Sorcerer's Package tickets myself.

 

[HydroGuy]

The Sorcerers tickets don't bypass ALL lines in 2013, just the events in the main stage areas now. So don't think that you will get to skip ALL lines with it in 2013.

Thanks for the clarification. That is what I meant by "sessions".

 

[Disney Dreams]

Hmmm... D23 Expo

Wait in line at 10am for 12noon presentati -- oh, wait, nope, that stand by line is already cut off because it's reached the cap amount. So wait in THAT line for the 2pm presentation that is in the same room. Oh? You wanted to actually go to another presentation between now (9:30am) and 2pm? Hmm... sorry, if you do, you will miss any of the big presentations for the next five hours.

Seriously.

The line situation was out of control. And then there were the stand-by lines because they don't know if the Sorcerer Pass people are going to show up or not so they have to hold those seats in case they show up, but if you wait in the stand-by line, chances are the line for the next event will max out by the time you know you aren't getting into the one you are in stand-by for because of the number of Sorcerer Pass people that showed at the last second.

- U G H -

And then there's the Arena sessions:

Now, that said...

One of the coolest things I have ever done in my life (and I have done some cool stuff) was watching (with my husband) Kermit THE Frog and Rowlf the Dog sing, "Rainbow Connection" live with Brian Henson as one of the Muppeteers.

Something I will never forget.

I enjoyed other moments over the convention. Did not get to see 3/4 of the stuff I would have liked to have seen (and am not alone). Enjoyed seeing the Archives exhibit. It was wonderful to get to meet Robert Olszewski, as I have quite a collection of his work. Seeing and hearing the voices of many of the Disney princesses was special. And then, there were the lines. And the things I did NOT get to see. Like seeing Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix, because it meant choosing to sit in line for five hours and miss everything else that happened. Yeah, there's those lines again.

If you can afford to spend $1500 on the Pass, your experience will be completely different. Unfortunately the Pass creates two different experiences: that for the wealthy and for everyone else.

HTH,
Dreams

 

[ethanwa]

If you can afford to spend $1500 on the Pass, your experience will be completely different. Unfortunately the Pass creates two different experiences: that for the wealthy and for everyone else.

Yes, this is life unfortunately. The more money, the better treatment. There are a few points you made that I want to clarify too for people who are thinking about the $1500 pass...

First, the pass is MORE expensive (by $500/ticket) than it was in 2011 and you get LESS. Not getting exclusive session access might really put a damper on the $1500 you just spent (or $3000 for two people), especially if there is something you really wanted to see. The other benefits aren't really changed, which aren't the main reason to go to the Expo anyway. The MAIN reason people go is for the presentations/sessions.

Also, from what I'm understanding as a RUMOR, because they got rid of the Premier tickets for 2013 (a premium ticket in between normal and Sorcerer's available in 2011), they might be selling MORE $1500 tickets than last Expo. This means instead of ~50, there might be anywhere between ~100 to ~300. This might really put a damper on the exclusivity of the ticket itself which was to feel like you were in a small VIP group. Considering you are paying so much you want to be treated special, no?

Another thing to think about is airfare, hotel, food, and souvenirs (which you can't pass up at the Expo!) which are all NOT included in the price. If you are going to spend $2500+ on yourself, or $5000+ as a couple, you have to think.... maybe I could go to Hawaii for a week instead? Or split that money into two vacations?

And finally, the tickets go FAST. Like gone-in-10-seconds FAST tomorrow morning. There are countless Disney fans who are willing to pay ANY amount of money to get the best Disney experience, even if they live in a shack. So just because you can afford the tickets and want them doesn't mean that you are going to get them. With D23 events it's almost like the lottery... you are just going to have to get lucky to get the tickets. I personally know of at least 5 couples online (10 tickets) who have stated they are going to try for these tickets right off the bat.

Just some food for thought.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

We went in 2009 and 2011 and had a great time. No upgraded pass for us and we still went to 3 to 4 sessions each day. Yes, we waited in lines, but meet many great Disney fans while we did so.

For those who want to avoid lines, the Destination D events guarantee seating for all sessions. You can buy tickets for this Sayurday and zsubday until midnight tonight. -- Suzanne

 

[ethanwa]

Anyone else here get Sorcerer's tickets for D23 Expo 2013? My wife and I got two. Let me know and maybe we'll see you there!!

Ethan