Disney Insider
The Disney Enthusiast's Guide to D23 Expo Highlights
Wednesday September 9, 2009
Let's get right down to it ... the ultimate fan event in Disney history is only days away! Unlike anything The Walt Disney Company has ever embarked upon, the inaugural D23 Expo opens at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, September 10 through 13. A dream come true for devotees, the Expo promises to be jam-packed with all things Disney -- past, present, and future.
Strategic planning is highly recommended to navigate the celebrity appearances, screenings, family activities, Archives exhibit, live auction, show floor, presentations, previews, panel discussions, and oodles of cool surprises along the way -- from exclusive sneak previews to information on building a career as an Imagineer. To make the most of your Expo experience, we've culled 12 highlights sure to set any Disney enthusiast's Mickey ears aflutter.
THURSDAY 9/10
Bob Iger kicks things off in the arena at 10 a.m. with an overview of current happenings and future plans for the Company worldwide. "Bob's incredibly excited to meet Guests and share his vision of what's in store for Disney -- and there's no better person to hear it from than the Company's CEO," says Steven Clark, head of D23.
For the first time ever, fans can witness the Disney Legends Ceremony. Scheduled for 11 a.m. in the arena, this year's honorees include Tony Anselmo (animator/voice of Donald Duck), Bill Farmer (voices Goofy, Pluto, and Horace Horsecollar), Don Iwerks (technology whiz), Harry Archinal (former executive), Leota Toombs (Imagineer/ The Haunted Mansion's famous Madame Leota), actor Robin Williams, and "Golden Girls'" actresses Betty White, Beatrice Arthur, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty.
"The World of Vintage Disneyland – In Color" offers a fascinating look into the fledgling Theme Park's first year. Held in the Storytellers Theater at 2 p.m., Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter and media preservationist Ed Hobelman will treat Guests to rarely-seen Park footage, behind-the-scenes stories, still photos, and more.
FRIDAY 9/11
Interested in animation art? Check out expert preservationist Ron Stark's "History and Preservation of Disney Animation Art: The Courvoisier Tradition," on Stage 23 at 2 p.m. Ron will discuss Courvoisier (Disney's first animation art dealer), the "Nine Old Men," and animation's early days as well as demonstrate revolutionary ink and paint techniques that landed Disney at the forefront of the industry in the 1930s.
Describing his amazing transformation from "Steamboat Willie" to current reign as the world's best-loved mouse, master artist Dave Pacheco and Disney animator Andreas Deja host their hands-on presentation, "The Evolution of Mickey," at 3:30 p.m. on Stage 23.
Animation buffs should return to the Stage 23 Theater at 5:30 p.m. for "Disney Rarities," hosted by producer/author Don Hahn and Walt Disney Animation Studios creative director Dave Bossert. Guests will view footage from early Disney animation (more than 60 years old) as well as a never-before-seen Mickey Mouse short that never made it to Disney's Ink and Paint department.
SATURDAY 9/12
Walt's nephew, Roy Patrick Disney, will be joined by author/Disney biographer Neal Gabler for "Growing Up Disney" on Stage 23 at 12:30 p.m. Roy will show photos, exclusive video, and share childhood memories of playing in Walt's office, roaming the Studio's back lot, and standing on the mound of dirt that magically became Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World Resort.
Stick around Stage 23 for the "Sneak Preview of The Walt Disney Family Museum" at 2:30 p.m. Founding Executive Director Richard Benefield provides the inside scoop on the long-awaited grand opening as well as how the Museum plans to illuminate the genius behind Walt's vision, success, challenges, and entertainment legacy.
Take part in the live auction at 7 p.m. in the arena for a chance to bid on one of the most sought-after prizes, Lot 23. The lucky winner will become an honorary Archives Angel (only bestowed upon a select few), receive a limited-edition Archives Angel pin, and tour the Studio Archives as well as Archives' warehouses around the area. "This is a rare opportunity to see Disney's crown jewels up close and personal. It's an experience no one outside the Company has ever had," Steven explains.
SUNDAY 9/13
Aspiring artists, collectors, and enthusiasts should not miss "Collector's Edition Fine Art," a seminar featuring artists from the Disney Fine Art Program. Held on the Performances Stage at 12:30 p.m., the panel will discuss their techniques, inspiration, and careers. Panelists include James Coleman, Harrison Ellenshaw, Toby Bluth, Mike Kungl, "Noah," Trevor Carlton, John Rowe, and Tim Rogerson.
Ever wonder what that Disney collectible is worth? Catch "Disneyana Detective with Tom Tumbush," on Stage 23 at 3 p.m. to have one item (made before the year 2000) appraised. Tom, author of five Disney Collector price guides and editor-in-chief of "Tomart's Disneyana Update" magazine, shows Guests how to calculate the value of Disney memorabilia as well as date items within a few years of their actual production. Tom will also appear in the Tomart Publications booth in the Collector's Forum to identify additional Disney treasures.
Disney music aficionados will love "From Annette to Miley," a multimedia celebration of popular Disney songs and recording stars from the Studio's early beginnings right up to the present. On Stage 23 at 3:30, author, songwriter, and producer Greg Ehrbar will present exclusive footage, emcee a prize-filled game, and give behind-the-scenes accounts explaining how Annette Funicello, the Beatles, and the Beach Boys influenced everything from Disney Theme Parks to some of today's hottest pop stars.
With so much to see on all three Expo floors, there's something for everyone in the family. Just grab your sneakers and you're good to go ... the D23 Expo awaits!
The Disney Enthusiast's Guide to D23 Expo Highlights
Wednesday September 9, 2009
Let's get right down to it ... the ultimate fan event in Disney history is only days away! Unlike anything The Walt Disney Company has ever embarked upon, the inaugural D23 Expo opens at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, September 10 through 13. A dream come true for devotees, the Expo promises to be jam-packed with all things Disney -- past, present, and future.
Strategic planning is highly recommended to navigate the celebrity appearances, screenings, family activities, Archives exhibit, live auction, show floor, presentations, previews, panel discussions, and oodles of cool surprises along the way -- from exclusive sneak previews to information on building a career as an Imagineer. To make the most of your Expo experience, we've culled 12 highlights sure to set any Disney enthusiast's Mickey ears aflutter.
THURSDAY 9/10
Bob Iger kicks things off in the arena at 10 a.m. with an overview of current happenings and future plans for the Company worldwide. "Bob's incredibly excited to meet Guests and share his vision of what's in store for Disney -- and there's no better person to hear it from than the Company's CEO," says Steven Clark, head of D23.
For the first time ever, fans can witness the Disney Legends Ceremony. Scheduled for 11 a.m. in the arena, this year's honorees include Tony Anselmo (animator/voice of Donald Duck), Bill Farmer (voices Goofy, Pluto, and Horace Horsecollar), Don Iwerks (technology whiz), Harry Archinal (former executive), Leota Toombs (Imagineer/ The Haunted Mansion's famous Madame Leota), actor Robin Williams, and "Golden Girls'" actresses Betty White, Beatrice Arthur, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty.
"The World of Vintage Disneyland – In Color" offers a fascinating look into the fledgling Theme Park's first year. Held in the Storytellers Theater at 2 p.m., Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter and media preservationist Ed Hobelman will treat Guests to rarely-seen Park footage, behind-the-scenes stories, still photos, and more.
FRIDAY 9/11
Interested in animation art? Check out expert preservationist Ron Stark's "History and Preservation of Disney Animation Art: The Courvoisier Tradition," on Stage 23 at 2 p.m. Ron will discuss Courvoisier (Disney's first animation art dealer), the "Nine Old Men," and animation's early days as well as demonstrate revolutionary ink and paint techniques that landed Disney at the forefront of the industry in the 1930s.
Describing his amazing transformation from "Steamboat Willie" to current reign as the world's best-loved mouse, master artist Dave Pacheco and Disney animator Andreas Deja host their hands-on presentation, "The Evolution of Mickey," at 3:30 p.m. on Stage 23.
Animation buffs should return to the Stage 23 Theater at 5:30 p.m. for "Disney Rarities," hosted by producer/author Don Hahn and Walt Disney Animation Studios creative director Dave Bossert. Guests will view footage from early Disney animation (more than 60 years old) as well as a never-before-seen Mickey Mouse short that never made it to Disney's Ink and Paint department.
SATURDAY 9/12
Walt's nephew, Roy Patrick Disney, will be joined by author/Disney biographer Neal Gabler for "Growing Up Disney" on Stage 23 at 12:30 p.m. Roy will show photos, exclusive video, and share childhood memories of playing in Walt's office, roaming the Studio's back lot, and standing on the mound of dirt that magically became Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World Resort.
Stick around Stage 23 for the "Sneak Preview of The Walt Disney Family Museum" at 2:30 p.m. Founding Executive Director Richard Benefield provides the inside scoop on the long-awaited grand opening as well as how the Museum plans to illuminate the genius behind Walt's vision, success, challenges, and entertainment legacy.
Take part in the live auction at 7 p.m. in the arena for a chance to bid on one of the most sought-after prizes, Lot 23. The lucky winner will become an honorary Archives Angel (only bestowed upon a select few), receive a limited-edition Archives Angel pin, and tour the Studio Archives as well as Archives' warehouses around the area. "This is a rare opportunity to see Disney's crown jewels up close and personal. It's an experience no one outside the Company has ever had," Steven explains.
SUNDAY 9/13
Aspiring artists, collectors, and enthusiasts should not miss "Collector's Edition Fine Art," a seminar featuring artists from the Disney Fine Art Program. Held on the Performances Stage at 12:30 p.m., the panel will discuss their techniques, inspiration, and careers. Panelists include James Coleman, Harrison Ellenshaw, Toby Bluth, Mike Kungl, "Noah," Trevor Carlton, John Rowe, and Tim Rogerson.
Ever wonder what that Disney collectible is worth? Catch "Disneyana Detective with Tom Tumbush," on Stage 23 at 3 p.m. to have one item (made before the year 2000) appraised. Tom, author of five Disney Collector price guides and editor-in-chief of "Tomart's Disneyana Update" magazine, shows Guests how to calculate the value of Disney memorabilia as well as date items within a few years of their actual production. Tom will also appear in the Tomart Publications booth in the Collector's Forum to identify additional Disney treasures.
Disney music aficionados will love "From Annette to Miley," a multimedia celebration of popular Disney songs and recording stars from the Studio's early beginnings right up to the present. On Stage 23 at 3:30, author, songwriter, and producer Greg Ehrbar will present exclusive footage, emcee a prize-filled game, and give behind-the-scenes accounts explaining how Annette Funicello, the Beatles, and the Beach Boys influenced everything from Disney Theme Parks to some of today's hottest pop stars.
With so much to see on all three Expo floors, there's something for everyone in the family. Just grab your sneakers and you're good to go ... the D23 Expo awaits!
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