D23 Expo Day 1 Recap (9/10/09)

WDWNT on September 11, 2009

UPDATED 9/10/09 – 11:07PM WITH NEW PICTURES AND VIDEOS FROM DAY 1 OF THE D23 EXPO

Well, the first day of the D23 Expo is finally upon us. Not too much ground-breaking news has come out yet, but we do have some stuff for you. First up, the OC Register’s Around Disney blog reports from Bob Iger’s opening speech at the D23 Expo this morning:

Audience members squealed as soon as Zac Efron’s face popped on the screen. They clapped when “Princess and the Frog” movie footage started. And a few random enthusiasts screamed when “Radio Disney” was mentioned during a speech.

The fans were the reason for this convention: the D23 Expo, the first-time, four-day event put on by the Walt Disney Co. that began today.

“The excitement that keeps us going year after year comes from you — the fans,” said Bob Iger, the company’s president.

Iger gave the opening address today on the first day of the four-day expo in front of thousands of audience members at the Anaheim Convention Center. The opening presentation included a video showing the diversity of the company — from theme-park footage to scenes of “High School Musical,” starring Efron.

The opening 30 minutes of the upcoming movie, “Princess and the Frog,” –one third of the film — was shown for the first time to the public three months before it goes to the theaters.

After the preview, actress Anika Noni Rose, the voice of main character Princess Tiana, came out in a sparkly, off-white dress to perform a song from the movie. Iger said Rose had been suffering from bronchitis.

Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle followed on stage, joking that he was the frog after the princess.

The presentation concluded when an audience member — Dan Learn of Murrieta — was awarded a night’s stay in the Dream Suite at Disneyland. During a followup press conference, Iger said: “I haven’t stayed there.”

Other news coming in from the Expo also reveals that Captain EO will not be coming back to Disneyland, at least not at the moment. According to LA Times Travel Blog:

Disneyland has “no definite plans to bring back” the Michael Jackson 3-D movie “Captain EO,” Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger said today during an impromptu news conference at D23 Expo in Anaheim.

Iger and other Disney brass watched a screening of the 1980s-era sci-fi fantasy film this week and determined that the old music video needed to be further evaluated before it could be brought back into the Anaheim theme park.

Back in 1986, everybody wanted a piece of the hottest pop star in the world. So it was with much fanfare that Disneyland introduced “Captain EO,” starring Jackson.

It was an association the family-friendly amusement park would eventually come to regret as the bizarre pop star became increasingly embroiled in controversy.

The 17-minute “Captain EO” cost an estimated $30 million and featured a star-studded list of credits, including executive producer George Lucas, director Francis Ford Coppola and Anjelica Huston as the evil Supreme Leader.

The 3-D movie — featuring lasers, smoke and stars that extended into the audience — told the story of Captain EO’s mission to deliver a musical gift to a wicked alien queen on a dystopian planet. EO’s rag-tag crew included his sidekick Fuzzbucket, security officer Major Domo and blundering shipmate Hooter.

“EO” used music — specifically the original song “We Are Here to Change the World” — to defeat the queen and her whip-wielding henchmen.

“Captain EO” opened in Disneyland’s Magic Eye Theater in 1986 and ran for more than a decade, quietly closing in 1997.

Identical versions of the film eventually opened at Epcot in Florida, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. All closed by 1998.

Michael Jackson died in June.

@DisneylandNews on Twitter reports that Bob Iger stated “execs are ‘looking at’ bringing back Captain EO to Disneyland” and “We want to make sure we do it right if we do bring it back.”

Here are some photos and videos Disney released from inside the Expo today:

People were lining up as early as 4am to get into the Expo!

Read More about D23 Expo Day 1 Recap (9/10/09)

D23 Expo Day 1 Recap (9/10/09)

WDWNT on September 11, 2009

Well, the first day of the D23 Expo is finally upon us. Not too much ground-breaking news has come out yet, but we do have some stuff for you. First up, the OC Register’s Around Disney blog reports from Bob Iger’s opening speech at the D23 Expo this morning:

Audience members squealed as soon as Zac Efron’s face popped on the screen. They clapped when “Princess and the Frog” movie footage started. And a few random enthusiasts screamed when “Radio Disney” was mentioned during a speech.

The fans were the reason for this convention: the D23 Expo, the first-time, four-day event put on by the Walt Disney Co. that began today.

“The excitement that keeps us going year after year comes from you — the fans,” said Bob Iger, the company’s president.

Iger gave the opening address today on the first day of the four-day expo in front of thousands of audience members at the Anaheim Convention Center. The opening presentation included a video showing the diversity of the company — from theme-park footage to scenes of “High School Musical,” starring Efron.

The opening 30 minutes of the upcoming movie, “Princess and the Frog,” –one third of the film — was shown for the first time to the public three months before it goes to the theaters.

After the preview, actress Anika Noni Rose, the voice of main character Princess Tiana, came out in a sparkly, off-white dress to perform a song from the movie. Iger said Rose had been suffering from bronchitis.

Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle followed on stage, joking that he was the frog after the princess.

The presentation concluded when an audience member — Dan Learn of Murrieta — was awarded a night’s stay in the Dream Suite at Disneyland. During a followup press conference, Iger said: “I haven’t stayed there.”

Here are some photos and videos Disney released from inside the Expo today:

People were lining up as early as 4am to get into the Expo!

Read More about D23 Expo Day 1 Recap (9/10/09)

9/9/09 News Update

WDWNT on September 10, 2009

With the D23 Expo just one day away, plenty of photos and announcements are starting to come out, so I thought I’d group together some stuff released/announced today. First up, D23 has announced their fall member events:

D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans today announced its lineup of fall 2009 special events. In November, D23 Members will be among the first audiences to see The Princess and the Frog as The Walt Disney Studios opens its gates to the public for the very first time. The national tours of The Lion King and Mary Poppins continue to delight audiences from coast to coast, and D23 Members will get the opportunity to go behind the scenes of these amazing productions. Back by popular demand, the legendary Lot at The Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Archives will be open for guided tours, and unique once-in-a-lifetime experiences will take place at the Walt Disney World Resort where D23 Members can enjoy Sip & Stroll during the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival and Magic & Merriment this holiday season.

“D23 continues to create unique and unforgettable events around the country that only D23 Members can experience,” said Steven Clark, head of D23. “Our Spring and Summer events introduced us to our Members for the very first time, and we look forward to meeting more of them this Fall; plus, as with everything we do, D23 Members can expect some amazing surprises along the way.”

FALL 2009 D23 CHARTER MEMBER-ONLY SPECIAL EVENTS:

October 7: D23 and The Lion King Roar into Anchorage
This award-winning musical phenomenon has entertained more than 50 million guests around the world and now, thanks to our friends at Disney Theatrical Productions, D23 Members can have a magical night to remember at The Lion King at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, including premium seats, merchandise discounts, complimentary souvenir program, an exclusive show merchandise item, a special “behind-the-scenes” experience after the show and more!

October 7: D23 and Poppins Breeze into the Lone Star State
D23 Members can have a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious night to remember at Mary Poppins in Dallas — featuring original Broadway stars Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) and Gavin Lee (Bert) — with premium seats, merchandise discounts, complimentary souvenir program and a once-in-a-lifetime “behind-the-scenes” experience. D23 Members also will receive the recently released 2-Disc Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Special Edition DVD, courtesy of our friends at Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

November 7: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives (FREE)
A rare opportunity for D23 Members to enjoy a two-hour tour of The Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Archives, hosted by D23 and Walt Disney Archives staff. Space is very limited.

November 18: D23 and Poppins Fly into Los Angeles
D23 Members will have the chance to experience the “practically perfect” Mary Poppins — featuring original Broadway stars Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) and Gavin Lee (Bert) — like never before, with premium seats, merchandise discounts, complimentary souvenir program and a once-in-a-lifetime “behind-the-scenes” experience.

November 20: D23 and The Lion King Roar into Spokane
Simba and Nala have entertained more than 50 million guests across the world. Now D23 Members can have a magical night to remember at The Lion King, including premium seats, merchandise discounts, complimentary souvenir program, exclusive show merchandise item, a special “behind-the-scenes” experience after the show and more!

November 25, 2009: D23 Night at The Princess and the Frog
Join D23 at a very special first-night screening of The Princess and the Frog, when The Walt Disney Studios opens its gates for the first time in history to the general public! After being one of the first audiences to see The Princess and the Frog in the newly renovated Main Theatre on The Walt Disney Studios Lot, guests will go over to Sound Stage 3 for the ultimate Disney experience, where they can meet ALL the Disney princesses, including the star of the film, Princess Tiana. D23 Members will learn to draw a character from the movie from a Disney animator; see original costumes, sets and props from the Walt Disney Archives, and much, much more! Tickets for this event will be available at the D23 Expo in addition to the D23 ticketing phone line.

More information on this event is available HERE

ADDITIONAL EVENTS: SAVE THE DATES

Complementing the above spectacular experiences are three extraordinary events.

Sip & Stroll will offer a host of exclusive, delicious opportunities during the Epcot ® International Food & Wine Festival on Sunday, October 18.

D23 will celebrate the season with Disney and Dickens on Thursday, December 10, featuring VIP seating for Disney’s A Christmas Carol at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, followed by a private dinner at the legendary Tam O’Shanter restaurant in Los Angeles — a frequent hangout of Walt Disney and his animators.

On December 12 and 13, D23 will bring Magic & Merriment to Walt Disney World with out-of-this-world holiday magic.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for additional details and ticket prices for these truly unique events.

To find out more about D23’s Fall 2009 Special Events Calendar, including admissions and how to register for events, click on the Expo & Events tab. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice, have varying admission fees and registration processes, and may require advance reservations due to space limitations.

It appears that walls have gone up just in front of the California letters at the entrance to Disney’s California Adventure. The letters are still there on the other side of the walls, accessible to guests. Could this be the beginning of the change over to Buena Vista Street?

Don’t worry, the park is still open 😉

Picture taken by Tom Corless on the WDWNT Twitter. Follow that account all week for coverage from Disneyland and the D23 Expo

Finally, if you just can’t wait until tomorrow to see what’s going on at the D23 Expo, then here are some images Disney released from the Anaheim Convention Center:

While crews work around the clock, Mickey Mouse is getting ready to greet Disney fans fans from all over the world who will be given unprecedented access to never-before-seen movies, TV shows, park experiences, collectibles and more from Sept. 10 to Sept. 13 at the Anaheim Convention Center as Disney and “D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans” present the first-ever D23 EXPO

The Welcome Center being set up

Herbie the Love Bug will be at the Expo

In an extraordinary exhibition designed especially for the D23 Expo, an incredible collection of classic and contemporary Disney props, artifacts and costumes will be accessible to the public for the first time ever. “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” brings together such amazing pieces as the fully restored, 11-foot model of the Nautilus from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea; the stunning, jewel-encrusted book used in the opening moments of Sleeping Beauty; Michael Jackson’s costume from Captain EO; and other rare surprises from throughout Disney’s history. Ranging from the original Mickey Mouse Club and the musical classic Mary Poppins to recent hits like Pirates of the Caribbean and High School Musical, the “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” is a never-before-experienced exhibition that’s a D23 Expo exclusive

For more pictures from inside the Convention Center, check out D23’s website. Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today and WDW News Today in the coming week for plenty more coverage from the first ever D23 Expo!

D23 Expo Details, Tickets, and Packages Now Available!!!

WDWNT on June 3, 2009

d23expo_sketch_mickey

D23 EXPO, THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EXPERIENCE,
COMES TO THE ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER SEPT. 10-13

Four Extraordinary Days of Live Events, Interactive Pavilions and
One-of-a-Kind Entertainment Celebrate the Past, Present and Future of Disney

ANAHEIM and BURBANK, Calif. – June 3, 2009 – Disney fans will be given unprecedented access to never-before-seen movies, TV shows, park experiences, collectibles and more from Sept. 10 to Sept. 13 at the Anaheim Convention Center when Disney and D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans present the first-ever D23 EXPO.

Tickets to the D23 EXPO are available beginning today at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 EXPO and can be purchased for single days or for the full four days of festivities. Admission is discounted for members of D23.

“We hope this will be the ultimate event for the multitude of fans who have been so instrumental in Disney’s success,” said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger. “The D23 Expo represents the finest in Disney entertainment from across our great company and will offer a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience for people of all ages to enjoy.”

Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle added, “The upcoming D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center will serve as an exciting opportunity to present Anaheim to the millions of Disney enthusiasts around the world. For the thousands of inaugural-year D23 Expo attendees who will visit our city in September, this will be a special and a memorable time in the birthplace of Walt Disney’s original theme park. It is a great honor for Anaheim and the Anaheim Convention Center to host this event.”

Among the centerpiece events of the D23 EXPO will be an extraordinary, exclusive opportunity to get early glimpses of several all-new Disney feature films. Only at the D23 EXPO will guests preview a wide range of upcoming movie events, including The Princess and the Frog, Rapunzel, Disney’s A Christmas Carol, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, TRON, Toy Story 3, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Walt Disney Pictures will present these special sneak peeks in a state-of-the-art cinema built especially for the D23 EXPO.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will take D23 EXPO guests behind the scenes to explore the rich legacy and exciting future of Disney’s theme parks and vacation destinations worldwide. Highlights will include a special look at what’s being imagineered for the future of Disney’s California Adventure, a peek behind closed doors at the amazing new technologies defining today’s and tomorrow’s Disney theme park experience, and the opportunity to meet and hear from the Imagineers, Cast Members and key Disney Parks and Resorts executives who create lasting memories for millions every year.

In many different ways, the D23 EXPO will explore the history and heritage of Walt Disney and the company he founded more than 80 years ago. The D23 EXPO will be home to the 2009 Disney Legends Awards – a 22-year tradition that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to Disney entertainment. This year’s recipients will be honored at a ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 12, marking the first time the prestigious event has been held off Disney property.

In an extraordinary exhibition designed especially for the D23 EXPO, an incredible collection of classic and contemporary Disney props, artifacts and costumes will be accessible to the public for the first time ever. “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” brings together such amazing pieces as the fully restored, 11-foot model of the Nautilus from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea; the stunning, jewel-encrusted book used in the opening moments of Sleeping Beauty; and other rare surprises from throughout Disney’s history. Ranging from the original Mickey Mouse Club and the musical classic Mary Poppins to recent hits like Pirates of the Caribbean and High School Musical, the “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” is a never-before-experienced exhibition that’s a D23 EXPO exclusive.

The D23 EXPO spotlight will also shine on Disney Channel’s brightest stars in a can’t miss-special event. There will also be an ESPN Sports Lounge, live broadcasts from Radio Disney, and a preview of ABC’s new fall primetime shows, details of which will be announced in the coming weeks at www.D23Expo.com.

For Disney fans who want to take home part of the magic, Disney Consumer Products will offer myriad opportunities to do just that. Only at the D23 EXPO will guests be able to walk through the eight-room “Disney Dream Home,” celebrate the holidays Disney-style, see fine art created before their eyes, learn about Disney Fairy Tale Weddings, experience Disney couture fashion shows, meet and hear from the authors of a dazzling array of Disney books, prepare for trick-or-treating with the latest Disney Store Halloween costumes, and more … all under one roof.

The D23 EXPO also will be home to the “Disney Dream Store,” where guests will find exclusive D23 EXPO merchandise and collectibles; the Disney pin-trading headquarters; and much more, including the chance to build your own Mouse ears.

Showcasing Disney’s appeal to fans of every generation, the D23 EXPO has created a multi-layered experience: Avid Disney enthusiasts can attend dozens of specially created panels and celebrity-speaker events, details of which will be announced over the next several weeks. Younger Disney fans, meanwhile, will be able to experience special interactive play areas, meet their favorite Radio Disney DJs broadcasting live, watch “Princess makeover” demos from the Bibbidi-Bobbidi Boutique, and have fun in the Baby Einstein play area. Together, families can enjoy the Disney Crafts Center and learn about scrapbooking, Disney-style.

The D23 Collectors’ Forum will present a wide range of options for collectors to show and sell their Disney memorabilia, and those interested in exhibiting can visit www.D23Expo.com for more information.

Fans also will be able to view and even take part in the first-ever Disney Fan Art Gallery, which will include the finalists in the Donald Duck 75th Anniversary Portrait Contest, as well as a one-of-a-kind fan art show. Full details and contest rules can be found at www.D23Expo.com or www.disney.com/D23.

All activities at the D23 EXPO are included in single- and four-day admissions, including the “50 and Fabulous Film Festival,” which honors three classic Disney movies that are celebrating their golden anniversaries this year. Sleeping Beauty, The Shaggy Dog and Darby O’Gill and the Little People, all originally released in 1959, will be presented on the big screen, one movie each evening, for Disney fans of all ages to enjoy together. Also featured at the D23 EXPO will be a special screening of Walt Disney Pictures’ upcoming Tinker Bell: Lost Treasure, along with an in-depth exploration of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Diamond Edition, which will be released this fall by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

Tickets to the D23 EXPO, which go on sale today, are $37 for a one-day adult admission and $27 for children 3-12. To experience every bit of entertainment and excitement at the D23 EXPO, four-day passes are also available at $111 for adults and $81 for children. Members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans will receive a discount on up to four same-day admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 EXPO for themselves and their guests.

Special vacation packages are available at the D23 EXPO website, from both the Walt Disney Travel Company (including Disneyland Resort hotel accommodations, D23 EXPO tickets and theme park admission), and the Anaheim Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, which is offering a limited number of area hotel rooms at special rates to those attending the D23 EXPO.

Many more details about the entertainment, events and special guests that will be part of the first-ever D23 EXPO will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can keep up with all of the announcements by visiting www.D23EXPO.com, as well as by following “Disney D23” at Twitter and on Facebook.

D23 Confirms Luxo is Going to Hollywood

WDWNT on June 3, 2009

From the D23 Twilight Bark:

Luxo Jr., Pixar Animation Studios’ hopping desk lamp mascot, will soon take up residence in the Pixar Place section of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Check back for more details about our latest Audio-Animatronics® figure!

Hard to believe we reported this in the fall of 2008 and it’s just getting ready to debut now. As reported on the WDWNT Twitter, the expected debut of this figure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is late June/early July. Stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information on this story as it develops.

D23 Annonces Summer Line-Up of Member-Only Special Events

WDWNT on May 14, 2009

Whether you’re in Orlando, Anaheim, Burbank, Las Vegas, New York, or Chicago, D23 members have some very special events coming their way this summer. Here is a press release about the events, as well as an upcoming D23 contest:

DISNEY’S D23 FAN COMMUNITY ANNOUNCES
SUMMER 2009 SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR

Unique Experiences Created Exclusively for Charter Members of
“The Official Community for Disney Fans”

BURBANK, CALIF – May 14, 2009 – Disney’s D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans today announced its Summer 2009 Special Events Calendar.  From very special screenings and stepping behind-the-scenes with Mary Poppins to visiting the legendary Walt Disney Studios and Archives to being among the first to experience the new Walt Disney Family Museum, D23’s inaugural slate of Members-only events promises outstanding, unforgettable opportunities that are exclusive to the fan community’s Charter Membership.

“D23 Members are Disney’s biggest fans, and they’re always looking for distinctive, memorable ways to celebrate the things they love most about Disney,” said Steven Clark, Head of D23.  “For our inaugural season of events and contests, we’ve created an experientially and geographically diverse calendar that we know our Members will enjoy and remember fondly for years.”

SUMMER 2009 CHARTER MEMBER-ONLY SPECIAL EVENTS:

May 28 D23 “Up All Night” at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre (FREE)
(Los Angeles, CA) — Theatergoers across the country will soon meet the unlikely duo of 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen and 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer Russell in Disney•Pixar’s latest adventure, Up.   D23 Members will be among the first to see the film at this free event at the historic El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles on May 28, 2009.  The fun begins with a special pin trading event, followed by an all new Disney stage show and a screening of the new Disney-Pixar short Partly Cloudy and the highly anticipated and critically acclaimed Up!   And it wouldn’t be a D23 event without a few other special surprises and guests!

May 31          D23’s Flowers & Fireworks Celebration at Epcot (FREE with park admission)
(Orlando, FL) – Join D23 at Epcot at the Walt Disney World  Resort to celebrate its members in all 50 states and more than 25 countries worldwide!  Start the evening at the American Gardens Theatre with reserved seating for the Flower Power Concert Series Finale, starring the legendary Tony Orlando, to close the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.  Next, head to a VIP location to mix and mingle with your fellow D23 members over desserts and coffee, and then enjoy the spectacular nighttime extravaganza IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth from a private viewing area.

June 24         D23’s Supercalifragilistic Night on Broadway
(New York, NY) — Disney’s award-winning musical Mary Poppins recently celebrated its 1,000th performance on Broadway and on June 24, 2009, D23 Members are being offered the opportunity to meet one another and share in the magic with premium seats, merchandise discounts and an opportunity to stay after the show for a special “behind-the-scenes” experience at the historic New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City.  D23 Members also will receive the recently released 2-Disc Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Special Edition DVD, courtesy of our friends at Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

June 24         D23 and Poppins Breeze into The Windy City
(Chicago, IL) — Mary Poppins blew into the Windy City on March 25, 2009 and original Broadway stars Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee have been delighting audiences at the Cadillac Palace Theatre ever since.  On June 24, 2009, D23 Members will have the chance to experience the “practically perfect” Mary Poppins like never before, with premium seats, merchandise discounts, complimentary souvenir program and a once-in-a-lifetime “behind-the-scenes” experience.  D23 Members also will receive the recently released 2-Disc Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Special Edition DVD, courtesy of our friends at Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

June 27         D23 and The Lion King Roar in Vegas
(Las Vegas, NV) — After entertaining more than 45 million guests in theatres around the world, Simba and Nala have roared their way onto the world famous Las Vegas Strip.  On June 27, 2009, D23 will host a special night at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, with premium seating for The Lion King, a “behind-the-scenes” experience and more, available exclusively to D23 Members.

June 27 & Aug. 15          D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives (FREE)
(Burbank, CA) — A rare opportunity for D23 Members to enjoy a 2-hour tour of The Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Archives, hosted by D23 and Disney Archives staff.  Only two dates are available for the Summer 2009 Calendar and space is limited.

July 17           D23 presents Disneyland, U.S.A. (FREE)
(Anaheim, CA) — Celebrate Disneyland’s 54th Anniversary with a special screening of Walt Disney’s recently restored 1956 “People and Places” featurette Disneyland, U.S.A., as well as a panel discussion including Imagineer Tony Baxter, Disney Legend and Chief Archivist Dave Smith, and Disney Studios Film Archivist Ed Hobelman.  The event will take place at Disneyland’s Team Disney Anaheim Theater and will be followed by a D23 Member reception.

Sept TBD      The Walt Disney Family Museum Preview (FREE)
(San Francisco, CA) – Prior to its October 2009 Grand Opening, D23 members will have the opportunity to experience The Walt Disney Family Museum, celebrating the life and achievements of the man who raised animation to an art, transformed the film industry, tirelessly pursued innovation, and created a global and distinctly American legacy.  This special preview will be hosted by the Museum’s Executive Director Richard Benefield.  Dates and details will be available soon.

To find out more about D23’s Summer 2009 Special Events Calendar, including admissions and how to register for events, visit www.disney.com/D23 and click on the “Expo & Events” tab.  All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice, have varying admission fees and registration processes, and may require advance reservations due to space limitations.

SUMMER 2009 CHARTER MEMBER-ONLY CONTEST:

In addition to D23’s inaugural slate of special events, the fan community is also pleased to announce its first Member-only contest.  This summer, one lucky D23 Member and a guest will have the chance to win an incredible getaway package to join the pack at Pride Rock and see The Lion King in Las Vegas including 2-nights accommodation at the Mandalay Bay Resort and much more. To enter, D23 Members are being asked to tell us what they love most about The Lion King in 300 words or less.  To enter, D23 Members are being asked to tell us what they love most about The Lion King in 300 words or less.  A complete list of rules/ regulations and more information will be available www.disney.com/D23 in early June.

D23’s Flowers and Fireworks

WDWNT on May 14, 2009

D23 members visiting Walt Disney World at the end of the month will be happy to hear about a FREE special event at Epcot that’s just for them:

05.14.09 – Join D23 at Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort to celebrate its Members in all 50 states and more than 25 countries worldwide! Start the evening at the American Gardens Theatre with reserved seating for the Flower Power Concert Series Finale, starring the legendary Tony Orlando, to close the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Next, head to a VIP location to mix and mingle with your fellow D23 Members over desserts and coffee, and then enjoy the spectacular nighttime extravaganza IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth from the pavilion’s private viewing area.

Date: Sunday, May 31, 2009

Location: Epcot, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida

Time: 7:15 p.m.

Tickets Available: May, TBD

Cost: FREE! (Theme park admission separate and required.)

Ticket reservation information will be available soon. Please check back here for updates.

* 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. D23 Members will be required to give their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID and their D23 membership card. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card, may not be admitted to the event. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice.

D23 also announced a plethora of member only events taking place through-out the summer at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and in New York City, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Burbank. You can see a complete list of upcoming D23 events by going HERE.