By D23 Team
Fans of Disney parks, experiences, and products—start planning your trip to Anaheim, because D23 Expo is the place for you. From can’t-miss panels to stunning pavilions, this is your chance for an insider’s look at new themed lands, attractions, shows, and more.
On the show floor, make sure to check out the Disney Parks “Imagining Tomorrow, Today” pavilion, where you’ll get a unique look at the exciting developments underway at Disney parks around the world. We know fans are hotly anticipating more details on Epcot’s historic transformation at Walt Disney World, and this pavilion is your chance for a close-up look at a dedicated showcase of what’s in store. Plus, Marvel fans can get the inside scoop on Tony Stark’s latest plans to recruit guests to join alongside the Avengers in fully immersive areas filled with action and adventure in Hong Kong, Paris, and California.
The fan-favorite Hall D23 presentation with Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, will take place Sunday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m. Guests will be treated to more details on much-anticipated attractions, experiences, and transformative storytelling that set Disney apart.
Make sure you’ve got extra room in your suitcase, because D23 Expo will feature never-before-seen collectibles across the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products-operated retail shops on the show floor: shopDisney.com | Disney Store, Disney DreamStore, Mickey’s of Glendale, and Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store. Attendees will be introduced to new collections that celebrate milestone anniversaries and favorite characters across Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel, along with must-have official D23 Expo 2019 gear and accessories, nostalgic Disney Parks-inspired items, and limited-edition collectibles celebrating Walt Disney Imagineering’s heritage.
There are many other exciting offerings to discover, including several special panel presentations:
Friday, August 23, 12:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena
The Music and Sounds of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—Sound design is an instrumental layer of storytelling found throughout every Disney park, resort, and cruise ship. Join Imagineering Music Studio lead Matt Walker in discussing the creative process behind the original music and sound design heard throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Join Imagineers and collaborators who will share how they developed all-new iconic soundscapes while taking inspiration from the rich legacy of Star Wars music and sound design, from the land’s epic John Williams-composed musical score to the sounds of low-flying starships.
Friday, August 23, 4 p.m., Stage 28
Behind the Art of Disney Costuming: Heroes, Villains, and Spaces Between—Celebrate the imagination, passion, and attention to detail in creating Disney costumes. Go behind the scenes with the team that crafted the dazzling new Walt Disney Archives exhibit on the D23 Expo show floor and its accompanying coffee table book.
Saturday, August 24, 12:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena
Haunted Mansion: Celebrating 50 Years—Celebrate Disney’s famed home of 999 happy haunts. The attraction’s rich history has generated global fandom from both the living and the unliving. Our ghost host has assembled a procession of bodies you will be dying to meet!
Saturday, August 24, 3:30 p.m., Stage 28
Immersive Worlds: Bringing Stories to Life in Disney Parks—Disney Imagineers continue Walt Disney’s legacy in creating themed environments where beloved stories and characters come to life. Join Imagineers Joe Rohde and Scott Trowbridge to learn about the creative process for dreaming up and developing new Disney experiences as we invite guests to enter authentic worlds previously seen only in a film, a book, or one’s imagination.
Saturday, August 24, 6 p.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage
Travels with Marty: A Conversation with the Sklars and Imagineers—Celebrate the legacy of Disney Legend Marty Sklar as his colleagues, mentees, and family recount the journey of publishing his last book and discuss his lasting impact on The Walt Disney Company.
Sunday, August 25, 2 p.m., Stage 28
Inspiring Women Behind Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—Meet some of the talented women from across Disney Parks, Experiences and Products responsible for bringing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to life. Hear stories about their roles and experiences in developing everything from the original backstories of the land and its inhabitants, to the themed merchandise, galactic fare, and the interactive elements found throughout Black Spire Outpost.
Sunday, August 25, 4 p.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage
Magic Journey: My Fantastical Walt Disney Imagineering Career with Kevin Rafferty—Join veteran Imagineer Kevin Rafferty as he reminisces about a career spanning 40-plus years, from a dishwasher at Disneyland to builder of immersive worlds. Kevin explains his path to Imagineering and talks about his new book.
Sunday, August 25, 5:30 p.m., Stage 28
Marc Davis in His Own Words – Imagineering the Disney Theme Parks—Authors Pete Docter and Christopher Merritt reveal their magnificent two-volume tribute to the artwork and career of Disney Legend Marc Davis. Featuring artwork from Marc for the creation of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, the presentation will also highlight the 50th anniversary of the storied attraction.
Plus, don’t forget to check out special opportunities for some of your favorite artists to sign their exclusive merchandise:
Friday, August 23 – Saturday, August 24, Talent Central
Disney Store Artist Signing Schedule
Come meet the artists and designers behind some of our amazing D23 Expo product ranges:
- Disney Pixar Tiki Mug Signing with Jerome Ranft
Friday, August 23, 4 – 5 p.m., Talent Central
Midnight Masquerade and Animator Villains Collections with Steve Thompson and Courtney Watkinson
Saturday, August 24, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Talent Central
- The Little Mermaid 30th Anniversary Collection with Steve Thompson, Bryan Mon, Daria Vinogradova, Diana Tran, and Cathy Clark-Ramirez
Saturday, August 24, 4 – 5 p.m., Talent Central
Friday, August 23 – Sunday, August 25, Talent Central
Disney Parks Designer Collection Artist Signing Schedule
Meet the artists behind the latest releases from this exclusive, limited-release collection of Mickey ear hats and Minnie ear headbands:
- Jerrod Maruyama
Friday, August 23, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Talent Central
Saturday, August 24, 12:30 – 2 p.m., Talent Central
- SHAG
Saturday, August 24, 2 – 3:30 p.m., Talent Central
- Noah Fine Art
Saturday, August 24, 2 – 3:30 p.m., Talent Central
- Ashley Eckstein for Her Universe
Saturday, August 24, 9:30 – 11 a.m., Talent Central
Sunday, August 25, 5 – 6:45 p.m., Talent Central
