Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Coming Attraction: Disney's D23 Expo at Anaheim Convention Center


It's been almost two years since its incredibly popular debut, and Disney's D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event looks ready to wow Mickey and Minnie fans once again. The fan-friendly expo hits the Anaheim Convention Center August 19-21, and the schedule is super-packed.

CC, Ian and I had a fantastic time at the inaugural D23 event in 2009. While I thrilled at seeing Johnny Depp in full-on Capt. Jack Sparrow regalia, CC and Ian had fun exploring the expo floor and posing with Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse.

This year promises just as much action. From celebrity appearances (Jennifer Garner! Kermit the Frog!) to special panels to archival exhibits to advance screenings ("The Muppets"! "Brave"!), Disney is again offering visitors a variety of sessions that should have fans busy drinking in all things Disney for three straight days.

Tickets for the event range from $32-$106 for children and $40-$136 for adults. (D23 members receive a discount. Visit www.D23Expo.com for more info.)

Mickey Mouse at the first D23 Expo (Photo credit: Disney)

While I can't list everything that's on the schedule (trust me, it's a lot), here's a selection of fun things to do on each day.

Friday, Aug. 19:

* Jake and the Never Land Pirates, 10 a.m. Character appearances by Disney Channel’s Jake, Captain Hook, and Mr. Smee.

* Christmas in August, 12:45 p.m. The world premiere screening of Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice with the creative team.

* Special Announcement and Storytelling Event, 1:00 p.m. Meet authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, as well as David Arquette, for story time.

* Rock Out with Rock Star Mickey, 1:00 p.m. Join us for a performance with Rock Star Mickey and American Idol's Constantine Maroulis.

* Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix, 8:15 p.m. Hear songs from Dick Van Dyke’s varied entertainment career and various Disney classic songs.

Saturday, Aug. 20:

* Phineas and Ferb, 10:00 a.m. Character appearances by Phineas, Ferb, and Perry, too!

* Disney Living Meet and Greet, 10:00 a.m. Meet Disney Store Princess Designer Collection artists.

* D23 Expo Talent Round-Up, 11:40 a.m. Join us for a meet and greet with ABC Family's Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence.

* A Conversation with the Pixar Creative Team, 2:30 p.m. Join us for a rare opportunity to spend time with the key figures responsible for Pixar’s moviemaking magic.

Sunday, Aug. 21:

* Handy Manny, 10:00 a.m. Meet the voice of Manny, Wilmer Valderrama, with character appearances from the show.

* Special Agent Oso, 11:15 a.m. Meet the voice of Oso, Sean Astin, with character appearances from the show.

* The Art of Brave, 11:30 a.m. Join us for an afternoon of conversation and art with Steve Pilcher and Tia Kratter as we uncover the secrets behind Pixar's detailed process.

* Radiator Springs Reality, 1:30 p.m. Pixar's John Lasseter and Roger Gould join Imagineers for a sneak peek look at Cars Land.

Have a great time!

D23 Expo (The number 23 represents 1923, when Disney got started)
Aug. 19-21, 2011

The Anaheim Convention Center
800 W. Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92802
Tickets can be purchased here.

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