D23 Expo 2019 is only one month away (August 23-25, 2019) and we are already buzzing with excitement as the date draws nearer! This is the ultimate Disney fan event and we’ve been attending since it first started in 2009. It’s crazy to think that we heard the announcement about the construction of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at D23 Expo 2015 and in four short years, the land is finally open! So you can bet that D23 Expo 2019 is going to be chock full of surprises, announcements, and so much more!
There’s truly something for every type of Disney fan in your family as well. History buffs can enjoy panels that discuss the history of the company. Disney Parks fans can learn more about what’s coming up in the world of Walt Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, or from Walt Disney Imagineering. Fans of Disney-owned entities like ESPN or ABC can meet & greet their favorite TV stars, while Disney animation fans can learn about the latest films that are on the docket. This is barely scratching the surface of everything slated for D23 Expo 2019!
If you’ve never been to the D23 Expo, now’s the perfect time to go. We’ve rounded up five reasons to put this fan list on your ‘to do’ list!
#1: Learn What’s Next at the Disney Parks
Photo courtesy of D23
Kudos to the brave Disney super fans who will camp out for hours on end to get the best seats in the D23 Arena to hear the latest news in person. The panel we are most excited to hear about is the Walt Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products panel because that is what affects our tips and tricks here at Babes in Disneyland! This year, this presentation will focus on the changes coming to EPCOT and the new Marvel-themed land that is slated for Disney California Adventure!
We also love to get into the intimate, smaller panels to hear from the people behind the magic. This year, be sure to check out some of the fun panels related to Disney Parks, such as The Music and Sounds of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Haunted Mansion: Celebrating 50 Years.
#2: See some of your favorite Disney “stars”
Posing with Imagineer Joe Rohde
We put the word “stars” in parentheses because each Disney fan has their own version of a star. For me, I get starstruck when I see Disney Imagineers like Tony Baxter or Joe Rohde (pictured above!) walking the halls of the Expo or up on stage speaking about their work at the Disney Parks. Others might be huge fans of the Disney Channel or Disney Junior stars that grace their television screens and make their kiddos happy with their characters and stories. Or, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a mega-star like Harrison Ford, on stage when they announced the launch of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Also, many Disney artists make appearances and sign their artwork, so it’s a great opportunity to celebrate your Disney fandom with the people who make the magic happen!
#3: Get Your Hands on Disney Merchandise
It wouldn’t be a Disney event without the merchandise, and D23 Expo serves up merchandise in spades. Be warned – the lines to get into the Disney Store and other pop-up shops at the Expo will be hours long, but Disney fans can score lots of exclusive Expo-only merchandise or get a sneak peek at some of the great merchandise that will be hitting the Parks later on.
#3: Check Out the Amazing Disney Exhibits!
Every Expo, the Walt Disney Archives presents an exciting display of memorabilia, from movie props, costumes, or historical sketches and behind-the-scenes features from your beloved Disney films. In 2017, it was in celebration of all things Pirates of the Caribbean, and this year, the Expo presents Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume.
Some of the displays include “Cinderella’s Workshop,” a gallery featuring the beloved fairy-tale character’s dresses from her numerous Disney incarnations, including 1997’s Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella; the gown worn by Scarlett Johansson for Annie Leibovitz’s 2007 Disney Dream Portrait series; 2014’s Into the Woods; the 2015 live-action reimagining of the animated masterpiece Cinderella; and the ABC hit series Once Upon a Time. Other costumes include a “Disney Heroes” section featuring Belle’s village dress and ballgown from 2017’s Beauty and the Beast; costumes worn by the Genie, Aladdin, and Jasmine in the live-action Aladdin; and three iconic Mary Poppins “traveling dresses” worn in three Poppins productions: the 1964 original film, 2018’s Mary Poppins Returns, and the Broadway musical. This and so much more await D23 Expo guests!
#5: Indulge in the Disney Extended Catalog
Whether you’re a Marvel Cinematic Universe fan, you love all things Star Wars, or you are a die-hard Disney animation fan – the sky is the limit at D23 Expo when it comes to celebrating your fandom. Every corner of the Disney universe is represented at D23 Expo (and this year, The Simpsons will also make their appearance!) It’s going to be a jam-packed event!
Come out to see your fellow Disney fans rock amazing costumes, revel in exclusive Disney artwork, and browse the Expo floor, teeming with vendors selling Disney memorabilia or celebrating Mickey Mouse himself.
It’s not too late! Although three-Day and Saturday Tickets are SOLD OUT, Friday and Sunday One-Day Tickets are still available! Head to the D23 Expo website to purchase yours NOW!
Need more reasons to visit? Check out this great video from the team at D23 – with 23 reasons you’ll love D23 Expo!
