D23 Expo 2013 Tickets Go On Sale August 9th!

WDWNT on December 3, 2012

BURBANK, Calif. – July 26, 2012 – On Thursday, Aug. 9, at 10 a.m. PT, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will begin selling tickets for the next D23 Expo, which will open one year later and run from Aug. 9-11, 2013, at the Anaheim Convention Center. The largest Disney fan event in the world, the D23 Expo celebrates the entire world of Disney entertainment and brings together all parts of The Walt Disney Company under one roof, including The Walt Disney Studios; Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; Disney Consumer Products; Media Networks (including ABC, ABC Family, Disney Channel, and Radio Disney) and Disney Interactive. D23 Expo 2013 marks the third Expo held in Anaheim, following Expos in 2009 and 2011.

More than 40,000 Disney fans from around the world gathered at the Anaheim Convention Center in 2011 for the second D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. In anticipation of even bigger attendance, D23 Expo 2013 will feature: an overflow theater for the D23 Arena, which will accommodate more than 2,000 guests for live streaming of the popular Arena presentations; nearly double the size of presentation venue Stage 23 (formerly 1,000 seats); and an expanded show floor, to include Halls A, B, C and D, as well as a larger Collectors’ Forum to provide even more magical experiences for guests.

As in previous Expos, D23 Expo 2013 will showcase all of the latest stars in the Disney universe. In 2011, celebrity appearances included Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Garner, Dick Van Dyke, Willem Dafoe, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Jason Segel, Marty Sklar, Alice Davis, Michael Giacchino, Tony Baxter, Tom Bergeron, Regis Philbin, Jodi Benson, Lea Salonga, Linda Larkin, Paige O’Hara, Anika Noni Rose, David Arquette, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Kelly Macdonald, Kevin McKidd, Taylor Kitsch, Wilmer Valderrama, Melissa Joan Hart, Sean Astin, Chelsea Kane, and Kyle Massey, along with Disney executives and creative talent. They came together to bring special presentations, announcements, and performances to Disney fans throughout the three-day extravaganza.

D23 Expo 2013 will also feature the Disney Legends Awards–a stirring biennial event that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy; an all-new Fan Art Contest themed to the upcoming 50th anniversary of Mary Poppins; the 12,000 square-foot Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit featuring costumes, props, and set pieces from Disney’s rich history; plus amazing live events, celebrity appearances, panels and presentations, sneak peeks, and unique experiences that celebrate the past, present, and future of Disney.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2013 will be available at a discounted price for a limited time. From August 9–December 31, 2012, tickets will be $47 for a one-day adult admission and $37 for children 3-12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will be $40 for a one-day adult admission and $32 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public, and D23 Members can save as much as $204 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit www.D23Expo.com.

In addition to these special advance-purchase savings, D23 Members can also buy D23 Expo VIP Sorcerer Packages, extremely limited tickets that are only available to members. These packages offer incredible, exclusive opportunities.

The SORCERER PACKAGE includes:

  • Three-day admission ticket
  • Reserved seating at all presentations in the D23 Arena and Stage 23
  • Commemorative Sorcerer credential
  • Pre-Expo tour of the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit
  • Exclusive shopping time in the D23 Expo Dream Store and the Treasure Trove the day before the Expo is open to guests
  • Exclusive tour of the D23 Expo show floor the day before the Expo is open to the public
  • Private welcome reception
  • Special entrance to the Expo each morning
  • Hardbound Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives catalog
  • Hardbound Disney Legends ceremony commemorative program
  • A voucher for an appointment with an on-site massage therapist
  • Exclusive D23 Expo 2013 tote bag filled with gifts
  • “Fond Farewell” reception on final day of Expo
  • In addition, Sorcerer-level members have access to the Sorcerer Member Lounge

Sorcerer Package tickets will be available exclusively to both Gold- and Silver- level D23 Members at $1,500 per ticket. Members will also have the option to purchase up to two Sorcerer tickets. Additional details and benefit are highlighted at www.D23Expo.com.

D23 Members receive early admission to the Expo show floor, and D23 will once again give a special thanks to D23 Charter Members, providing them special access to the Expo’s Charter Member Lounge.

Visit www.D23Expo.com to relive some of the extraordinary experiences from the first two Expo events and get a peek at what’s to come in 2013.

Full Details on D23’s Epcot 30th Anniversary Celebration

WDWNT on October 30, 2012

October 1, 2012, marks the 30th anniversary of Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort and D23: The Official Disney Fan Club invites its members and their guests to fete one of Disney’s crowning achievements on this special occasion. The event on Sunday, September 30, will whisk D23 Members back to a time touted as when “the 21st century begins”—those early Epcot years when guests first marveled at “Astuter Computers,” “Smellitzers,” the novelty of “riding on sunshine,” and were awed by a massive geodesic sphere called Spaceship Earth. The celebration will feature rare and never-before-seen artwork; film and video footage and photos; along with a number of pioneers of Epcot, including such Disney Imagineers, Legends and Epcot luminaries as Marty Sklar (exclusive pre-taped presentation), Tony Baxter, Ron Schneider, Charlie Ridgway, Ron Logan, Bill Sullivan, Bob Garner, Jason Surrell, Jason Grandt, Alex Wright, Duncan Dickson and Steve Taylor.

World Passport ($65) general admission includes:
• Access to all presentations
• A commemorative gift
• Access to exclusive D23 merchandise

World Key ($185) level admission includes:
• All features of the World Passport admission
• Reserved seating for all presentations
• A special dessert reception at 8 p.m. inside an exclusive Future World lounge
• Exclusive meet-and-greet opportunity with Disney Legends and Epcot luminaries
• Reception will also include screenings of rare film footage of Epcot’s early days

Check out some of the presentations D23 is has in store for this extraordinary tribute to Epcot:

Hooray for the 21st Century

Disney Legend and former Walt Disney Imagineering Principal Creative Executive Marty Sklar joins D23 guests via a virtual presentation, where we see and hear what it was like to work with Walt Disney on his original vision for an Experiemental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Along the way, learn about Marty’s favorite memories working on the EPCOT Center project with a team of passionate Imagineers.

The Music of EPCOT Center

Some of Epcot’s most passionate fans agree that the park’s soundtrack has created one of its most lasting legacies that continue to help “makin’ memories” around the world. Join Disney historians and songwriters as we explore the incredible world of Epcot music, celebrating the talents of such Epcot songwriters and composers as Bob Moline, Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman, George Wilkins, Buddy Baker, X. Atencio, Peter Stougaard, Russell Brower, Edo Guidotti and others who have left a permanent musical mark on the park’s creative legacy. Along the way, hear stories about the recording sessions, learn about some fascinating alternate versions of some of your favorite melodies, and sing along to your favorite Epcot tunes!

We Can Do It!

Disney Legends and EPCOT Center creators review the immense challenge that loomed ahead of them when bringing Epcot to reality in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Guests will hear stories of trips to foreign countries to secure participants in the World Showcase concept, what life was like inside the largest private construction project in the world, and how they readied its highly anticipated opening day.

We’ve Just Begun to Dream

Join Disney Legend Ron Logan and other key Disney entertainment veterans as they reminisce about the official EPCOT Center opening festivities that remain among the most elaborate Disney has ever staged. This presentation will include rare footage from the grand openings of various Future World and World Showcase pavilions, which were held throughout October 1982.

Makin’ Memories: Epcot on Film

Join former Disney Imagineer Bob Garner and Disney author and historian Tim O’Day as they cast a “Magic Eye” on the marvelous world of Epcot on film. Bob was closely involved in the creation of film documentation and production at Epcot, including special video elements of Future World and World Showcase pavilions and such promotional films as EPCOT Center: The Opening Celebration.

Looking Back at Tomorrow

Few Epcot visitors, even its most avid fans, realize The Land pavilion was almost called “Harvest Tomorrow” or that Figment was slated to co-host an “Images & Imagination” pavilion with “Professor Marvel.” With recently discovered materials from the Walt Disney Archives, join Disney archivists as they examine how the “dreamers and doers” developed favorite Epcot attractions of the past including Horizons, Journey into Imagination, Kitchen Kabaret, World of Motion, theAstuter Computer Revue, and the original Universe of Energy.

The EPCOT Center That Never Was

Using rare concept artwork, guests will glimpse what it was like to design Epcot with Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Vice President Tony Baxter, designer and producer for several beloved Epcot pavilions, and explore early versions of Epcot attractions that never made it off the drawing board.

Imagineering Epcot: An Extra Perceptive Close-up Of Things


Fans of wall-to-wall carpeting and leapfrog fountains unite! Disney Imagineers Jason Surrell, Jason Grandt, and Alex Wright return with a humorous exploration of the details that make Epcot so unique. From miniature gardens to massive buildings (and every international food and beverage offering in between), they’ll show what makes Future World and World Showcase like no place else on earth.

Tickets go on sale on June 21st at 10 A.M. PST.

D23 Expo 2013 to Take Place August 9-11, 2013!

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

BURBANK, Calif. – March 9, 2012 – All the magic and excitement of the past, present and future of Disney entertainment will come together once again when D23: The Official Disney Fan Club presents an all-new D23 EXPO at the Anaheim Convention Center on Aug. 9-11, 2013.

“The D23 Expo has become a phenomenal way for Disney fans to see everything they love about Disney all in one place — from Disney’s biggest stars and latest innovations to unforgettable performances live on stage,” said Steven Clark, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, which produces the bi-annual D23 EXPO. “Our third Expo is sure to create even more magical new experiences and memories for our biggest fans attending from throughout the U.S. and around the globe.

“Anaheim is extremely pleased that the D23 EXPO will be returning next year,” said Charles Ahlers, president, Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau. “This exciting event is quickly becoming an industry icon, drawing Disney fans from around the world. The Anaheim community truly appreciates and enjoys this quality show and positive impacts it brings.”

More than 40,000 Disney fans attended D23 EXPO 2011, which brought together the entire world of Disney under one roof for three star-studded days and nights. Fans were treated to appearances by superstars like Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Regis Philbin and Billy Crystal; enjoyed performances by Dick Van Dyke, The Muppets and Disney princess voice talent Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, Lea Salonga and Anika Noni Rose; previewed concept art and attractions coming from Disney Parks and Walt Disney Imagineering; glimpsed back at Disney’s rich history through extraordinary panels, presentations and exhibits; and discovered the newest entertainment, technology, and products from The Walt Disney Company.

Among the highlights of D23 EXPO 2013 will be expanded capacities at some of our most popular venues; the 2013 Disney Legends Ceremony, which honors the talented men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy; Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, a treasure trove of crown jewels from the Walt Disney Archives; the bustling aisles of the Collectors Forum, where Disney fans can buy, sell and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia and merchandise; and a massive show floor full of special opportunities to see what’s on the horizon for Disney around the world—and where guests may bump into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators and filmmakers.

Advance tickets for the D23 EXPO 2013 will go on sale at D23Expo.com beginning August 9, 2012. D23 Members receive special pricing on both one- and three-day tickets to the event, which is also open to the general public.

D23 Members receive early admission to the Expo show floor, and D23 will once again give a special thanks to D23 Charter Members, providing them special access to the Expo’s Charter Member Lounge. Members will also have an opportunity to purchase a special Sorcerer Package, which provides a host of special benefits and amenities.

D23 EXPO 2013 marks the third D23 Expo held in Anaheim — the first Expo was held in 2009 followed by a second in 2011. Each event played host to thousands of Disney fans from every corner of the globe. Starting today, guests can visit D23Expo.com to relive some of the extraordinary experiences from the first two Expo events and get a peek at what’s to come in 2013.

D23 Tickets Available Augst 9th

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

From Jeffrey Epstein of the Disney Parks Blog:

Tickets for the D23 Expo: the ultimate Disney fan event, will be available to guests beginning August 9 at 10 a.m. PT.

Presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, the D23 Expo – the largest Disney fan event in the world – will take place right across the street from Disneyland Resort at the Anaheim Convention Center August 9-11, 2013.

The D23 Expo brings together all the wonderful worlds of Disney from Disney Parks, Walt Disney Imagineering, the Walt Disney Studios to Disney Living, Disney Channel and Disney Interactive. The 2011 Expo – which attracted more than 40,000 Disney fans from around the world – was attended by such celebrities and Disney luminaries as Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Garner, Dick Van Dyke, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Jason Segel, Marty Sklar, Alice Davis, Tony Baxter, Tom Bergeron, Regis Philbin, Jodi Benson, Lea Salonga, Linda Larkin, Paige O’Hara, Anika Noni Rose, Sarah Silverman, Sean Astin, Chelsea Kane and Kyle Massey.

The 2013 D23 Expo promises to be even more spectacular! In response to great fan demand, the Expo will feature an overflow theater for the D23 Arena to accommodate more than 2,000 guests for live streaming of the popular presentations, nearly double the seating in the Stage 28 venue and an expanded show floor and Collectors’ Forum to provide even more memorable experiences for guests.

Returning to the Expo are the Disney Legends Awards to honor the talented men and women who have contributed to the Disney legacy, the 12,000 square-foot Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit and the Fan Art Contest, which this year will be themed to Walt Disney’s classic film “Mary Poppins” (a year-long 50th anniversary celebration for the film will kick-off at the Expo).

Discounted tickets for D23 Expo 2013 will be available for a limited time, from August 9–December 31, 2012, and D23 Members save even more! For complete information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit www.D23Expo.com.

D23 Expo 2013 to Take Place August 9-11, 2013!

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

BURBANK, Calif. – March 9, 2012 – All the magic and excitement of the past, present and future of Disney entertainment will come together once again when D23: The Official Disney Fan Club presents an all-new D23 EXPO at the Anaheim Convention Center on Aug. 9-11, 2013.

“The D23 Expo has become a phenomenal way for Disney fans to see everything they love about Disney all in one place — from Disney’s biggest stars and latest innovations to unforgettable performances live on stage,” said Steven Clark, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, which produces the bi-annual D23 EXPO. “Our third Expo is sure to create even more magical new experiences and memories for our biggest fans attending from throughout the U.S. and around the globe.

“Anaheim is extremely pleased that the D23 EXPO will be returning next year,” said Charles Ahlers, president, Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau. “This exciting event is quickly becoming an industry icon, drawing Disney fans from around the world. The Anaheim community truly appreciates and enjoys this quality show and positive impacts it brings.”

More than 40,000 Disney fans attended D23 EXPO 2011, which brought together the entire world of Disney under one roof for three star-studded days and nights. Fans were treated to appearances by superstars like Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Regis Philbin and Billy Crystal; enjoyed performances by Dick Van Dyke, The Muppets and Disney princess voice talent Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, Lea Salonga and Anika Noni Rose; previewed concept art and attractions coming from Disney Parks and Walt Disney Imagineering; glimpsed back at Disney’s rich history through extraordinary panels, presentations and exhibits; and discovered the newest entertainment, technology, and products from The Walt Disney Company.

Among the highlights of D23 EXPO 2013 will be expanded capacities at some of our most popular venues; the 2013 Disney Legends Ceremony, which honors the talented men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy; Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, a treasure trove of crown jewels from the Walt Disney Archives; the bustling aisles of the Collectors Forum, where Disney fans can buy, sell and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia and merchandise; and a massive show floor full of special opportunities to see what’s on the horizon for Disney around the world—and where guests may bump into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators and filmmakers.

Advance tickets for the D23 EXPO 2013 will go on sale at D23Expo.com beginning August 9, 2012. D23 Members receive special pricing on both one- and three-day tickets to the event, which is also open to the general public.

D23 Members receive early admission to the Expo show floor, and D23 will once again give a special thanks to D23 Charter Members, providing them special access to the Expo’s Charter Member Lounge. Members will also have an opportunity to purchase a special Sorcerer Package, which provides a host of special benefits and amenities.

D23 EXPO 2013 marks the third D23 Expo held in Anaheim — the first Expo was held in 2009 followed by a second in 2011. Each event played host to thousands of Disney fans from every corner of the globe. Starting today, guests can visit D23Expo.com to relive some of the extraordinary experiences from the first two Expo events and get a peek at what’s to come in 2013.

D23 Presents “Disneyland Off the Map”

WDWNT on May 31, 2012

From the D23 Website:

You’ve been to Disneyland. You’ve experienced every attraction, watched every spectacle, and sampled every delicacy the resort has to offer. Or have you? During your daylong Disneyland adventure, you will visit legendary locales seldom (if ever) seen by Disney fans—places that are, shall we say, off the map?

Included in your unforgettable visit will be a tour of Walt Disney’s private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street, U.S.A. This quaint studio apartment was built during the construction of Disneyland so that Walt could sometimes spend the night and watch his beloved dream of Disneyland became a reality. Once the park opened, Walt and his family would occasionally spend the night—or just use the fully functional apartment (complete with shower and small kitchenette!) as a respite from the busy park below. Lillian would use the outside patio for afternoon tea and for entertaining guests while Walt would conduct studio business using the (still-working) Victorian-era rotary phone.

Interested in a grand circle tour of Disneyland? How about taking a ride in the Lilly Belle VIP parlor car on the Disneyland Railroad? Named after Walt’s wife, Lillian, this converted observation car from the early days of the Disneyland Railroad was actually built in 1928, making it as old as Mickey Mouse. For the park’s 1975-1976 celebration of the American Bicentennial, the car was re-christened the Lilly Belle, an elegantly furnished parlor car whose guests have included heads of state and legends from all corners of the worlds of the arts and sports. Now it’s your turn to be treated like royalty aboard the Disneyland Railroad!

Then it’s time for a dream come true. In 2008, The Disney Gallery above Pirates of the Caribbean was transformed into Disneyland Dream Suite. The space was originally intended as an apartment for Walt to entertain guests and spend the night, but he passed away before it could be completed. As part of the Disney Parks Year of a Million Dreams celebration, the apartment was brought to life by Imagineers, who not only stayed faithful to many of Walt’s original ideas for the space, but enhanced it with some truly magical touches that include a quintessentially Disney  “kiss goodnight.”

Of course there will be ample time to enjoy many of the park’s signature attractions, including Haunted Mansion and it’s a small world, but don’t fill up on churros. We will be meeting at 6 p.m. for a very special dinner (and drinks) inside one of the resort’s most unique restaurants.

With surprises, special gifts, and more than a little bit of pixie dust thrown in for good measure, we are confident this will be one D23 event you will want to put on your map.

NOTE: Available only to D23 Members in good standing. Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest. There are a limited number of tickets available. Guests will be divided into groups to visit each of the three main locations, so guests may not necessarily visit in the order the venues are listed. In the event of rain, the Lilly Belle portion of the experience may be canceled. Theme park admission not included and required. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. If you wish to request sign language interpreting services for this event, please submit your request to d23.guestservices@disneystore.com at least two weeks prior to the event date. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancellations or refunds, and tickets are not transferable.

D23 Announces Details on Destination D: 75 Years of Disney Animated Features

WDWNT on April 19, 2012

BURBANK, Calif. – April 5, 2012 – D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is celebrating the once-in-a-lifetime diamond anniversary of one of the most universally beloved and singularly unique film genres in the world—at DESTINATION D: 75 YEARS OF DISNEY ANIMATED FEATURES, Aug. 11 and 12 at the Disneyland Resort.

The two-day event will offer a panorama of some of the most celebrated films and characters ever brought to life on screen and provide attendees with an unforgettable Disney experience.  

From Walt Disney’s groundbreaking Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to the upcoming Wreck-It Ralph, guests will go on a “behind-the-magic” journey filled with classic cinematic moments of heart-tugging emotion, laughter, and song that have captivated generations the world over. Renowned historians, authors, and animators of today will host this trip through the artistry and imagination of Disney animated features, each day ending with an unforgettable nighttime concert featuring two incomparable Disney Legends.

Highlights of DESTINATION D: 75 YEARS OF DISNEY ANIMATED FEATURES will include:

  • Salutes to the great Disney animators and artists of the past
  • A Saturday-evening concert by the incredible Dick Van Dyke and The Vantastix performing beloved Disney songs and pop standards
  • A Sunday-evening concert showcase starring eight-time Oscar®-winning composer/songwriter Alan Menken, who will perform some of his most memorable songs from many modern-day Disney film classics and more
  • A glimpse at how Disney animated features have influenced Disney Parks
  • Rare and never-before-seen artwork and film footage
  • A special salute to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the “fairest of them all”
  • An extraordinary reunion of Disney animation voice talent through the years
  • More screenings, presentations, and panels, to be announced in the coming weeks

The weekend event will take place in the Grand Ballroom of the newly “re-Imagineered” Disneyland® Hotel in Anaheim, Calif. Tickets, available Wednesday, April 18, are $225 each and available exclusively to D23 Members and their guests. A limited number of “Diamond Level” tickets will be available featuring VIP seating, a third day of experiences on Monday, Aug. 13, at the Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, Calif., special gifts, and more.

More details about the program and tickets for D23’s DESTINATION D: 75 YEARS OF DISNEY ANIMATED FEATURES can be found online at www.disney.com/D23.

Tim Alcoser’s 6/30/12 Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives Photo Report

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

DLNT Reporter Tim Alcoser went to a media preview of D23′s Treasures Of The Walt Disney Archives exhibit at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley and captured tons of photos of all the displays and exhibits to share. The exhibit opens to the public on Saturday, July 6, and is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.  The exhibit is scheduled to run through April 2013.

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

 


These Haunted Mansion props are from Walt Disney World

Maleficent dragon head from Disneyland’s Fantasmic!

Mickey Mouse Revue!

Thanks for reading!

 

2012 D23 Events Announced, Including 2012 Destination D At The Disneyland Resort

WDWNT on November 23, 2011

In 2012, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will take the show on the road as it kicks off a year-long celebration for D23 members with a bold lineup of fantastic events.

Throughout the year, D23 will delight Disney fans from Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Palm Springs to Orlando, Burbank and even Marceline, Missouri — Walt Disney’s boyhood hometown — with the thrill and excitement of uniquely magical Disney experiences.

“To help D23 celebrate its third ‘fanniversary,’ we developed the most exciting lineup yet of special events to bring our members truly one-of-a-kind Disney experiences,” said Steven Clark, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. “We’re excited to visit our fans all around the country, and to create events we hope will surprise and delight them.”

Starting the year are two new extraordinary experiences: D23’s JOURNEY TO MARCELINE and D23 PRESENTS THE SMOKE TREE RANCH ROUNDUP.

For the first time ever, a special tour of Walt’s boyhood hometown — Marceline, Missouri — will take place for D23 members on March 14. Led by Disney archivists, the daylong Journey to Marcelineexplores this small town (pop. 2,221) in ways that will have special resonance for Disney fans.

In his later life, Walt found unique inspiration at Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs, and during the incredible, three-day Smoke Tree Ranch Roundup (January 23-25), D23 Members can experience this exclusive retreat in a completely unique way. In another first-of-its-kind, immersive experience, Disney fans will get to see what Walt called “my own laughing place,” taking part in screenings, presentations, activities and delectable meals, all while staying in a Smoke Tree Ranch cottage.

In the spring, D23 takes the party on the road with the D23 ‘FANNIVERSARY’ CELEBRATION. It commemorates more than 40 unforgettable Disney magical milestones, each celebrating an anniversary in2012. Hosted by Disney archivists, D23 Fanniversary Celebration events will be held in Orlando, New York, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles and revisits some of the most beloved Disney theme park attractions, animated and live-action films, TV series and more from 85 years of Disney history.Fanniversary events will be open to the public, with special admission and surprises created especially for D23 Members in attendance.

In the summer, D23 will offer an all-new “Destination D” event – DESTINATION D: 75 YEARS OF DISNEY ANIMATION, held over two days at the Disneyland Resort in California (August 11-12). As Disney marks the 75th anniversary of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, D23 marks the occasion by gathering many renowned Disney animation legends along with topDisney animators, voice talent (past and present) and composers — plus interesting demonstrations, fascinating presentations, autograph sessions and the chance to see entertaining animation rarities from the Disney vaults —all in celebration of 75 years of Disney feature animation.

Throughout the year, D23 will continue its popular series of movie screenings at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. With a new series, FROM THE VAULTS, D23 will bring favorite live-action films back to the big screen, including special 20th anniversary screenings of Newsies (February 25) and Sister Act (May 26), plus the classic Disney adaptation of Treasure Island (September 22). D23’s 50 AND FABULOUS series also returns in 2012, with In Search of the Castaways (June 23).

The year also includes four special weekends of member-only tours of the Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Archives in Burbank, which are planned for February 11-12, April 28-29, September 8-9 and November 10-11 — doubling the capacity of these consistently sold-out D23 events.

In the fall, during Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival, D23’s popular Sip & Stroll event get a Halloween twist and becomesSIP & SCREAM (October 2012). And during the holiday season D23 will again hold back-to-back presentations of its popular holiday offerings — DISNEY AND DICKENS (in Burbank in December) and MAGIC & MERRIMENT (at Walt Disney World Resort, tentative dates: December 7-8 and 9-10), doubling your Disney holiday fun.

Look for more D23 events to be announced throughout the year including details on an Epcot 30th anniversary celebration and a fun-filled D23 third anniversary party at the Disneyland Resort. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2012 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at http://www.Disney.com/D23. All events and dates are subject to change.

2012 D23 Events Announced, Including Epcot’s 30th Anniversary!

WDWNT on November 16, 2011

In 2012, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will take the show on the road as it kicks off a year-long celebration for D23 members with a bold lineup of fantastic events.

Throughout the year, D23 will delight Disney fans from Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Palm Springs to Orlando, Burbank and even Marceline, Missouri — Walt Disney’s boyhood hometown — with the thrill and excitement of uniquely magical Disney experiences.

“To help D23 celebrate its third ‘fanniversary,’ we developed the most exciting lineup yet of special events to bring our members truly one-of-a-kind Disney experiences,” said Steven Clark, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. “We’re excited to visit our fans all around the country, and to create events we hope will surprise and delight them.”

Starting the year are two new extraordinary experiences: D23’s JOURNEY TO MARCELINE and D23 PRESENTS THE SMOKE TREE RANCH ROUNDUP.

For the first time ever, a special tour of Walt’s boyhood hometown — Marceline, Missouri — will take place for D23 members on March 14. Led by Disney archivists, the daylong Journey to Marcelineexplores this small town (pop. 2,221) in ways that will have special resonance for Disney fans.

In his later life, Walt found unique inspiration at Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs, and during the incredible, three-day Smoke Tree Ranch Roundup (January 23-25), D23 Members can experience this exclusive retreat in a completely unique way. In another first-of-its-kind, immersive experience, Disney fans will get to see what Walt called “my own laughing place,” taking part in screenings, presentations, activities and delectable meals, all while staying in a Smoke Tree Ranch cottage.

In the spring, D23 takes the party on the road with the D23 ‘FANNIVERSARY’ CELEBRATION. It commemorates more than 40 unforgettable Disney magical milestones, each celebrating an anniversary in2012. Hosted by Disney archivists, D23 Fanniversary Celebration events will be held in Orlando, New York, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles and revisits some of the most beloved Disney theme park attractions, animated and live-action films, TV series and more from 85 years of Disney history.Fanniversary events will be open to the public, with special admission and surprises created especially for D23 Members in attendance.

In the summer, D23 will offer an all-new “Destination D” event – DESTINATION D: 75 YEARS OF DISNEY ANIMATION, held over two days at the Disneyland Resort in California (August 11-12). As Disney marks the 75th anniversary of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, D23 marks the occasion by gathering many renowned Disney animation legends along with topDisney animators, voice talent (past and present) and composers — plus interesting demonstrations, fascinating presentations, autograph sessions and the chance to see entertaining animation rarities from the Disney vaults —all in celebration of 75 years of Disney feature animation.

Throughout the year, D23 will continue its popular series of movie screenings at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. With a new series, FROM THE VAULTS, D23 will bring favorite live-action films back to the big screen, including special 20th anniversary screenings of Newsies (February 25) and Sister Act (May 26), plus the classic Disney adaptation of Treasure Island (September 22). D23’s 50 AND FABULOUS series also returns in 2012, with In Search of the Castaways (June 23).

The year also includes four special weekends of member-only tours of the Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Archives in Burbank, which are planned for February 11-12, April 28-29, September 8-9 and November 10-11 — doubling the capacity of these consistently sold-out D23 events.

In the fall, during Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival, D23’s popular Sip & Stroll event get a Halloween twist and becomesSIP & SCREAM (October 2012). And during the holiday season D23 will again hold back-to-back presentations of its popular holiday offerings — DISNEY AND DICKENS (in Burbank in December) and MAGIC & MERRIMENT (at Walt Disney World Resort, tentative dates: December 7-8 and 9-10), doubling your Disney holiday fun.

Look for more D23 events to be announced throughout the year including details on an Epcot 30th anniversary celebration and a fun-filled D23 third anniversary party at the Disneyland Resort. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2012 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at http://www.Disney.com/D23. All events and dates are subject to change.