This year I was happy that I had the opportunity to visit the D23 Expo! Though I had previously been to Disneyland, I could not resist a visit to the parks. The Expo was opened from Friday, August 19 – Sunday, August 21. I arrived in Anaheim on August 17 so I had two days to enjoy the parks before the opening of the Expo. I spent both of these two days at the parks from open until the close trying to get in as many details as I could in the time I had. I was attending the Expo with my son, age 5. So, I knew that I would not be able to be at the Expo from open until close without a kiddie riot. As such, I had purchased two additional days tickets to the theme parks so I could split my time between the Expo and the parks. Looking back on this decision, it was the best one I could have made for our situation. However, me being a “never say die” person, I was attempting to be at the Expo at open while also being in the theme parks until close. Between the two, I was exhausted for the return home.
If you plan on visiting a D23Expo, here are a few things you should consider:
- You will receive free things at the Expo – I received fans, buttons, stickers, balloons, an Expo guide book, pamphlets, and on and on. When planning your visit to the Expo, be sure to plan for these items (assuming you want to keep them) when selecting the luggage you bring to the Expo.
- The crowds are overwhelming for the larger events – People arrive 1 – 3 hours before the events to line up and make sure that they get a spot. In some instances, shows became full long before the demand had been met. One example was the Dick Van Dyke show on Friday evening. Many were disappointed that they could not experience this legendary show.
- You have to be selective in your chose of events – Many of the events and shows take place while other events and shows are going on. As such, it is important to review the materials found online for the D23 Expo or the Expo Guidebook you recieve once at the Expo. You will need to take care to select the events that more interest you.
- Bring your business card – If you represent a website or company, be sure to bring your business card along with you. This will give you something to hand out to those you meet at the Expo so you can contact one another in the future.
- Talk to others – The attendees (mostly) are other extreme Disney fans and what better opportunity to meet some lifelong Disney friends than at the Expo!
There is a lot to see, a lot. Before you go, know you just cannot possibly see everything. If you bring a child, as I did, you can still have a great time! He and I attended two shows that were over 2 hours long. Once we finished, we headed over to Disney Living where several exhibits included toys for the children to play with, as well as games that could be played. I was careful to make the experience one he enjoyed as well.
I hope to see you all at the next D23 Expo. If you would like additional details on some of the shows I attended, please find the articles at Meet the Magic.
Related articles
- D23 Expo talks details of the Fantasy, newest Disney Cruise Line ship (chipandco.com)
- D23 Expo 2011: Imagineering the Dream and the Fantasy Disney Cruise Line Panel (jedimouseketeer.blogspot.com)
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!
Wish I could go to D23. I love freebies and Disney so what better place to go. Also would love to meet the people who make up Disney and hear what they have to say.