This past weekend the Anaheim convention Center played host to the biannual D23 Expo. The sold-out three-day event is a celebration of all things Disney and celebrates the rich history of the company as well as previews what is coming across all their various outlets. The celebration is a fan-based event and this is evident from the moment you enter the main hall and are greeted by numerous colorful and interactive displays, booths, and vendors. The main stage was filled with musical guests and entertainment all weekend long and one of the main draws was a celebration of pirates throughout Disney entertainment. The impressive set was filled with artwork, costumes, memorabilia, props, and more, from the Pirates of the Caribbean films and attraction, as well as numerous pirates who have appeared in various productions throughout Disney’s rich history.
The Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge booth drew huge crowds all weekend long as it not only had artwork and memorabilia on display, but showed an expansive and detailed model of what fans can expect when the new attractions open in California and Florida in 2019. Pixar and Marvel also were on hand to show off costumes from the upcoming “Black Panther” and “Thor: Ragnarok” films as well as some impressive figurines and banners for the upcoming” Avengers: Infinity War”.
Pixar touted sequels to Wreck It Ralph, Frozen, and The Incredibles as well as their new upcoming film “Coco”. Numerous vendors offering everything from toys, clothing, pins, collectibles, and housewares, comprise the expansive showroom floor and various props ranging from a Snow Speeder, locomotive car, and various props may ample opportunities for memorable photos.
The panels of course are always a big draw and draw huge lines of fans many of whom camp out overnight just to ensure themselves a place. The live-action showcase offered a bevy of stars as well is a first look at upcoming films ranging from “Dumbo”,” The Lion King”, “A Wrinkle in time”, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”,” Avengers: Infinity War” and mutch more. Getting a first look at these films as well as the reveals of what is coming in the next two years would be enough for most people, but when you also factor in that numerous stars ranging from Robert Downey Jr. to Emily Blunt appear; you can get an inkling of just how exciting and memorable these moments are. Disney offered something called Stage Pass which allowed guests to obtain a guaranteed seat for various events with only a short wait in line. We decided to give it a try and obtain great seats for the level of videogame presentation with only a 5 to 10 min. wait in line at have the opportunity to come back a few hours later to get passes for other events that day and evening. Considering how lines were a big issue for several people who reportedly waited hours to get into main hall or various stores, the efficiency for which this part of things ran was a very welcome service.
the diversity of offerings is simply amazing issue everything from one of the Sherman Brothers discussing his storied career composing music for various Disney projects to reveals about new hotels, theme Park attractions, cruise ship offerings, television programming, and more that would be making its way to reality within the next couple of years.
The convention center is in the process of getting an expansion which I’m told should be done in the next year and a half or so which would be fantastic should be available for the next D23 Expo as the show continues to grow and offer a very unique and highly enjoyable experience for fans but could definitely benefit from more room to better accommodate the demand and audience.
I look forward to seeing the next show in 2019 as the D23 Expo continues to grow and become one of the more unique and enjoyable conventions out there offering an experience that cannot be duplicated anywhere else.
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D23Expo
