By D.Z. "Theme Park Specialist"
On Friday, August 9th, I was able to attend the first day of the 2013 D23 Expo!
I arrived to the Anaheim Convention Center at around 9:30am. Because I have a D23 membership, I could get in before it officially opened at 10am. After some confusion on where to get in line, I got in the D23 member line. This line wrapped all around the street. I really didn't want to wait in that line, so we just left.
We went to the Clarion Hotel for a small buffet breakfast. I already ate breakfast, so this would count for my lunch. The buffet did not have much to offer, but what was offered satisfied me. Just ten minutes after we sat down to eat, the whole D23 Expo line was gone.
Outside of the Convention Center was the Waffle-Inator. This was an outdoor celebration, all for promoting the new "Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel" special on Disney Channel. The main draw of this outdoor experience was this giant tower. It was a recreation of "Doofenshmirtz Evil Inc." A giant screen allowed characters to interact with guests.
In my opinion, this was not as cool as most thought it would be. Earlier this year, the Anaheim Convention Center expanded, by closing off it's main street. They created Grand Plaza, an outdoor venue. I was happy that Disney used the Grand Plaza space, but think more could of been offered.
Like I said, after ten minutes being in the hotel to eat, the whole line cleared. Around 10:30am, I was able to just walk in the expo, without waiting a bit. Walking in, I saw three huge banners, welcoming all of the excited guests.
I quickly got my badge and then got a guide book, outlining the 3 expo days.
When I got inside, the show floor was not crowded at all. Because of the big "Art and Imagination: Animation at The Walt Disney Studios" presentation, everyone was in the Arena.
I quickly went toward the Collector's Forum. I first stop was to see Wallace from
Disney Cartography. If you have been following the
Optimist, you know why I wanted to meet artist Wallace.
While walking over to the booth, I spotted Drake Bell, a Nickelodeon actor. After talking to him, I learned he is voicing the role of Spiderman in "Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel." It was great talking to him, as he was just freely walking around.
After waiting in line for three short minutes, I was able to personally sit down and talk with Wallace.
To hear what he said, watch the video.
Wallace filled me in on the last scavenger hunt, for the game. I was sadly not able to partake in the hunt, as it took guests to Disneyland, and I didn't have a ticket.
After meeting Wallace, I went through more of the Collector's Forum. Then, I left the show floor and hurried to the 3rd floor of the expo (Stage 23). I was one hour and 15 minutes early for "Undiscovered Disneyland."
The presentation was hosted by soon-to-be Disney Legend Tony Baxter (Tony became a legend on August 10th.) and imagineer Josh Shipley. For one hour, the two shared never before seen footage from vintage Disneyland. This included many different attractions, gone and renovated. We videoed the whole event!
(Video Coming Soon.)
At the end, surprisingly (unknown to Tony Baxter and guests) Tom Staggs, Chairman of Parks and Resorts came out onstage. Josh Shipley then left as Tom took over for the last 10 minutes. Tom talked about what Tony has done with the Walt Disney Company. Baxter began working at Disneyland as an ice cream maker and is now receiving a Disney Legend. To honor Tony, Staggs showed a 60 second video, outlining Tony's many accomplishments. Then Tom announced that Tony would be receiving a window display on Main Street. This is a very high honor. Then Tom had one more surprise. They randomly got lights to spot different seats. All those spotted guests will get the opportunity to attend Tony Baxter's window ceremony. That marked the end of "Undiscovered Disneyland."
After the presentation, I went back down to the show floor. It was already 1:30pm, so it was time for the Ridley Pearson meet and greet.
You could meet author Ridley Pearson between 1:15 and 2:15pm on Friday at "Talent Round-Up."
This was my second time meeting Ridley Pearson. Ridley is the author of Kingdom Keepers, Peter and the Starcatchers, and many more books. He has written over 40 books, and is a bestselling author. In May, I was able to chat with him on Skype about his latest book. watch the interview
by clicking here.
It was great seeing Ridley again!
After the meet and greet, I headed over to the Parks and Resorts pavilion. Last expo, I wasn't able to go inside the exhibit, so it was one of my main priorities this year.
The theme of this years exhibit was an "Open House." Disney can't take everyone to their Imagineering base in Glendale, so they brought it to the expo.
After waiting in line, you were shown a small Imagineering video.
Once inside the pavilion, you were immersed in the world of technology and Imagineering.
For the past two years, Disney has been working hard on a major project. In 2016, Avatar will be brought to life at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The imagineers working on the project attended the expo, so they could to talk about their recent trip to Pandora.
They were also teasing Star Wars, with a bunch of closed crates. All except one. Artoo came out and greeted with guests.
Disney Springs was also apart of this years exhibit. On display was a model of what the completion will look like!
The same day this years expo opened was the 44th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland! They actually brought out the Hatbox Ghost, to show how it works.
While we were there, Tom Staggs (Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts) and a few others, including WDI Bruce Vaughn, appeared and walked around the Parks and Resorts floor. I was personally able to talk with Staggs, as I told him how excited I am for Disney Parks and its upcoming projects.
After checking out the Parks and Resorts exhibit, I continued to walk around the show floor.
I went by Wallace's booth again. He was still at his desk, talking with guests. There was a long line to meet him.
Last expo, I did not check out all of the booths in the Collector's Forum. This year, I went to each and every one, to see what they offered.
Ortlando Attractions Magazine was at the event, promoting the magazine, blog and show. I even saw the two hosts, Banks Lee and JeniLynn Knopp.
Disneyland also had a booth. They sold Disneyland twilight and Mickey's Halloween Party tickets.
Disney Infinity.
The Disney Channel pavilion hosted a number of star signings.
At 3:40pm, the cast of "Lab Rats" came out and signed autographs.
Lab Rats cast.
Lab Rats cast poses for a picture.
(Video Coming Soon)
After the Lab Rats cast, I continued to walk around the show floor.
I saw some of the items Disney will be auctioning off.
More auctioned items.
It was already late in the afternoon, so I was getting ready to leave. Passing by WDW Radio/MouseFanTravel, I noticed they were interviewing Ridley Pearson. I then decided to stay for a few extra minutes.
For some time, Ridley sat down with host Lou Mongello to talk about Kingdom Keepers, the expo, and what's next.
(Video Coming Soon.)
WDW Radio host Lou Mongello asked Ridley a number of questions, live streaming at
d23expolive.com.
Ridley Pearson discussed Kingdom Keepers and what's his new series about.
After the Ridley Pearson interview, I once again went back to Wallace's booth. It was very crowded.
I learned that a lot of people had just completed the scavenger hunt. Wallace rewarded them with copies of his art.
At around 5:45, I left the Anaheim Convention Center.
I walked to Downtown Disney. It was about a 10 minute walk from the Convention Center to the gate. I had dinner at the House of Blues.
And that's my D23 Expo day!
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