Every two years, Disney fans gather at the Anaheim Convention Center in Orange County, California to celebrate all things Disney at D23 Expo , Disney’s ultimate fan convention. The family-friendly event, which attracts more than 60,000 adults and children from around the world, offers previews of upcoming films, the latest theme park plans, panels of Disney creators and famous speakers, performances, and autograph opportunities. You’ll also find personalized event memorabilia and a hall full of vendors selling everything Disney, Pixar and Marvel related.
Tickets for the upcoming D23 generally go on sale a year in advance.
What is D23?
D23 is the official Disney Fan Club, named after the year Walt Disney left Kansas City for Los Angeles, 1923. If you never heard it grew up, it’s because it was created in 2009, at the same time as the first D23 Expo. Join D23 for free and get basic member website access, Expo discounts and invitations to select member events. Paid Gold Membership adds additional benefits including early entry to Expo D23, access to more member events, and the ability to bring a guest, as well as special gifts and publications.
Both free members and Gold members get discounts on Expo tickets, so it’s worth joining if you plan to attend, but only Gold members get early entry.
Details of the D23 Disney Fan Expo for 2017
When: July 14-16, 2017
Location: Anaheim Convention Center (800 West Katella Avenue Anaheim CA 92802) adjacent to Disneyland.
Admission: 1 day – Members – Adults $ 72 / Children 3-9 $ 53, Non-members – Adults $ 81 / Children $ 59; 3-Day Pass – Adult Members $ 207 / Children $ 153, Non-Members Adults $ 238 / Children $ 174. Discounts available for advance purchase until December 31, 2016. Advance tickets online only.
Information and tickets: https://d23.com/d23-expo/
D23 Expo 2017 Highlights
The Disney Legends awards ceremony on Friday honors those who have made a significant contribution to Disney’s legacy. The event will take place in Hall D23, allowing 7,500 people to witness the event. (Friday, July 14, 2017, 10 am)
Zero to Hero: The Making of Hercules – For Hercules’ 20th anniversary , cast members and the creative team will be on hand to celebrate. (Sunday July 16, 12:30 pm, D23 Expo Arena)
Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films, hosted by John Lasseter ( Friday, July 14, 2017, 2:30 pm – Hall D23 )
Melodies in Walt’s Time: The Music of Disney Live-Action Films presented by Whoopie Goldberg with Lesley Ann Warren , Karen Dotrice and other renowned guest stars, joined by live musical performers and a 20-voice choir, to showcase Summer Magic , Mary Poppins , The Happiest Millionaire and The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band , as well as others. (Friday, July 14, 2017, 6 p.m., Disney Expo Arena).
A Whole New World of Alan Menken is a new one-man show from the creator, Disney hits like “Under the Sea,” “Be Our Guest,” “Colors of the Wind.” Menken won 8 Oscars and 11 GRAMMYs for composing music for Beauty and the Beast , The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Enchanted and Tangled , as well as Broadway shows Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act, Newsies, A Bronx Tale and the ABC television series galavant . (Sunday, July 16, 2017, 1:30 and 5:30 pm, Hall D23).
The Disney Parks and Resorts Update will feature upcoming attractions and entertainment developments at Disney parks around the world. (Saturday July 15, 2017, 3pm, Hall D23)
Walt Disney Imagineering Legends: John Stamos will host a talk with Legends of Walt Disney Imagineering, Marty Sklar , Tony Baxter, and 2017 Disney Legend inductee Wayne Jackson .
A new Ultimate Fan Street Party will take place on the show twice a day with live music, Disney characters and dancing. Stan Lee and Mark Hamill will lead the first parade on Friday, July 14, and the Descendants 2 cast members will lead the second that day.
A Galaxy of Stories at the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts pavilion will provide a preview and full detailed model of the new Star Trek Land and other park developments.
Disney Consumer Products Pavilion will showcase the latest fashion trends, books, apps and other products from Disney, Pixar and Marvel.
Disney Music Emporium will have a pop-up store on the Expo floor that will sell a limited number of collectible Disney Music recordings and other music-related items.
Disney Stage Performances: Disney on Broadway’s “The Originals” features stars from Disney’s Broadway musicals performing favorite songs from Disney’s Broadway shows interspersed with behind-the-scenes videos and interviews.
Meet Disney’s TV Stars – Actors from Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior will be available for performances, readings, and autograph sessions.
Radio Disney Dance Party – Radio Disney personalities will be available to host the Radio Disney Dance Party.
