Find Out About the Awesome Changes Coming to Epcot and More at This Year’s D23 Expo
We are officially under the one month mark for the D23 Expo in Anaheim. Whether you’ll be heading out to the largest Disney fan event in the world or will simply be watching your newsfeed- here are some exciting details about what will be taking place during this year’s event!
Imagining Tomorrow Today Pavilion
Be sure to visit the show floor where you’ll get a unique look at the exciting developments underway at Disney parks around the world. Top of the list is Epcot’s historic transformation at Walt Disney World, as well as Tony Stark’s latest plans to recruit guests to join alongside the Avengers in fully immersive areas filled with action and adventure in Hong Kong, Paris, and California.
Hall D23 Presentation
A fan-favorite, this presentation will be lead by Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, will take place Sunday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m. Guests will be treated to more details on much-anticipated attractions, experiences, and transformative storytelling that set Disney apart.
Incredible Merch and Collectibles
Bring an extra suitcase, because D23 Expo will feature never-before-seen collectables across the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products-operated retail shops on the show floor. These are as follows: shopDisney.com | Disney Store, Disney DreamStore, Mickey’s of Glendale, and Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store. Attendees will be introduced to new collections that celebrate milestone anniversaries and favorite characters across Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel, along with must-have official D23 Expo 2019 gear and accessories, nostalgic Disney Parks-inspired items, and limited-edition collectables celebrating Walt Disney Imagineering’s heritage.
Here’s a closer look at some of the additional events taking place:
The Music and Sounds of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge– Friday, August 23rd, 12:30pm- D23 Expo Arena
Sound design is an integral part of storytelling at every Disney park, resort, and cruise ship. Join Imagineering Music Studio lead Matt Walker in discussing the creative process behind the original music and sound design heard throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Join Imagineers and collaborators who will share how they developed all-new iconic soundscapes while taking inspiration from the rich legacy of Star Wars music and sound design, from the land’s epic John Williams-composed musical score to the sounds of low-flying starships.
Behind the Art of Disney Costuming: Heroes, Villains and Spaces Between – Friday, August 23, 4pm- Stage 28
Celebrate the imagination, passion, and attention to detail in creating Disney costumes. Go behind the scenes with the team that crafted the dazzling new Walt Disney Archives exhibit on the D23 Expo show floor and its accompanying coffee table book.
Haunted Mansion: Celebrating 50 Years– Saturday, August 24, 12:30pm – D23 Expo Arena
Celebrate Disney’s famed home of 999 happy haunts. The attraction’s rich history has generated global fandom from both the living and the unliving. Our ghost host has assembled a procession of bodies you will be dying to meet!
Immersive Worlds: Bringing Stories to Life in Disney Parks– Saturday, August 24th, 3:30pm- Stage 28
Disney Imagineers continue Walt Disney’s legacy in creating themed environments where beloved stories and characters come to life. Join Imagineers Joe Rohde and Scott Trowbridge to learn about the creative process for dreaming up and developing new Disney experiences as we invite guests to enter authentic worlds previously seen only in a film, a book, or one’s imagination.
Travels with Marty: A Conversation with Sklars and Imagineers – Saturday, August 24th, 6 pm- Walt Disney Archives Stage
Celebrate the legacy of Disney Legend Marty Sklar as his colleagues, mentees, and family recount the journey of publishing his last book and discuss his lasting impact on The Walt Disney Company.
Inspiring Women Behind Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Sunday, August 25th 2pm- Stage 28
Meet some of the talented women from across Disney Parks, Experiences and Products responsible for bringing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to life. Hear stories about their roles and experiences in developing everything from the original backstories of the land and its inhabitants, to the themed merchandise, galactic fare, and the interactive elements found throughout Black Spire Outpost.
Magic Journey: My Fantastical Walt Disney Imagineering Career with Kevin Rafferty- Sunday, August 25, 4 pm- Walt Disney Archives Stage
Join veteran Imagineer Kevin Rafferty as he reminisces about a career spanning 40-plus years, from a dishwasher at Disneyland to builder of immersive worlds. Kevin explains his path to Imagineering and talks about his new book.
Marc Davis in His Own Words– Sunday, August 24, 5:30 pm- Stage 28
Authors Pete Docter and Christopher Merritt reveal their magnificent two-volume tribute to the artwork and career of Disney Legend Marc Davis. Featuring artwork from Marc for the creation of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, the presentation will also highlight the 50th anniversary of the storied attraction.
Disney Store Artist Signing Schedule – Friday, August 23 – Saturday, August 24 – Talent Central
Disney Pixar Tiki Mug Signing with Jerome Ranft- Friday, August 23, 4 – 5 p.m., Talent Central
Midnight Masquerade and Animator Villains Collections with Steve Thompson and Courtney Watkinson- Saturday, August 24, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Talent Central
The Little Mermaid 30th Anniversary Collection with Steve Thompson, Bryan Mon, Daria Vinogradova, Diana Tran, and Cathy Clark-Ramirez- Saturday, August 24, 4 – 5 p.m., Talent Central
Disney Parks Artist Signing Schedule – Friday, August 23 – Sunday, August 25 – Talent Central
Jerrod Maruyama – Friday, August 23, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Talent Central, Saturday, August 24, 12:30 – 2 p.m., Talent Central
SHAG- Saturday, August 24, 2 – 3:30 p.m., Talent Central
Noah Fine Art- Saturday, August 24, 2 – 3:30 p.m., Talent Central
Ashley Eckstein for Her Universe- Saturday, August 24, 9:30 – 11 a.m., Talent Central, Sunday, August 25, 5 – 6:45 p.m., Talent Central
We hope you’ve enjoyed this look at some of the awesome offerings coming to D23 this year! Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for the latest Walt Disney World news and updates!
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