Did you know there is a fan club for Disney fans? Named D23, this official Disney fan club unites fans from around the world. And every other year, the Disney fans unite for the Ultimate Disney Fan Event – the D23 Expo!
Located at the Anaheim Convention Center, the 2013 D23 Expo included thousands of Disney fans and plenty of Disney magic for three straight days. This one-of-a-kind experience allowed Disney fans to unite and offered exclusive looks at all Disney has to offer.
Throughout the Expo, various presentations allowed fans an insider perspective to upcoming movies and films, background information from Imagineers, musical presentations from the Disney greats, the history of various attractions, hotels, movies and more. There were even surprise celebrity appearances!
On the main floor, Disney fans were able to visit the large D23 Dream Store to purchase exclusive merchandise. Disney legends and artists were available to sign merchandise or even snap a photo with.
Another area to explore was the Collector’s Forum. With over 65 vendors (including the main sponsors located outside of the Forum), Disney fans were immersed in a Disney paradise. Pins, artwork, toys, books, magazines, travel, museums – there was something for everyone!
Glass Slipper Concierge participated with their own exhibit, and Cara Goldsbury gave away over 2,000 autographed copies of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World Resort.
Even Dave Smith, Disney’s Chief Archivist Emeritus stopped in for his copy for the Disney archives.
Various pavilions allowed fans to experience the many facets of Disney. Included were Disney Interactive (showcasing the new video game – Disney Infinity), Disney Citizenship (encouraging fans to voluntEAR in their cities), Disneytoon Studios (highlighting upcoming movies such as Planes and Pixie Hollow), ABC Studios (where you could step inside the Jolly Roger from Once Upon a Time), and Disney Consumer Products (which included makeovers, Star Wars memorabilia, karaoke, storytelling, artists and more).
The Center Stage featured various young talents from the Anaheim Area! These young dancers and singers kept Disney fans entertained. This area also included celebrities such as Ali Vincent, Joey Fatone and Ryan Scott.
One of the most popular pavilions was the Disney Channel pavilion! Stars from your favorite TV shows such as Good Luck Charlie, Jessie, Step It Up, Marvel Universe, Phineas and Ferb, Dog with a Blog, Teen Beach Movie and others came to interact with their fans.
Two areas piqued the interest of many Disney fans – Mickey’s of Glendale and the Journey into Imagineering. Mickey’s of Glendale offered fans the opportunity to shop at a store that has never been open to the public! Journey into Imagineering included the ins and outs of creating our favorite attractions, resorts, movies and more. Fans could see how the Haunted Mansion made the ghouls come to life, get a sneak peek of Disney Springs – coming to Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World, get a glimpse of one of the first maps of Disneyland, and even meet a special guest or two!
For Disney fans of all ages, the D23 Expo is a Disney paradise. Start planning now for your 2015 experience!
Megan Biller plans magical Disney vacations as an agent with Glass Slipper Concierge. She is also the co-author of Magical Miles: The Runner’s Guide to Walt Disney World as she enjoys running and including fitness into her vacations. Check out her blog Running Toward the Prize.
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