D23 Expo 2011 Explained

WDWNT on August 9, 2011

D23 is the official Disney fan club. Membership to D23 gets you things like an annual gift, access to special events, exclusive merchandise, a bi-weekly newsletter and other special offers. A Silver Membership costs $34.99. Gold will run you $74.99 per year.

The D23 Expo is an even that features celebrities, movie sneak peaks, what’s new at the Disney parks, the Disney Legends ceremony, trivia games, archive exhibits and much more. This years expo will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center from August 19-21. It is touted as “The Ultimate Disney Event”. I’ll tell you, I attended D23’s Destination D event celebrating 40 years of Walt Disney World and they put on an amazing show. This is a must do for any Disney fan. There were a ton of surprised, like when Richard Sherman performed “One Little Spark” with the original Dreamfinder and Figment up on stage.

But we are here talking about D23 on this site because of the Vinylmation that will be on hand. D23 announced their Dream Store merchandise that they will sell at the event and Vinylmation is a large part of it. Like The Florida Project and Trade City, there is an RSP (Random Selection Process) for the Vinylmation. I’m surprised by the selection D23 is getting. They will have 4 pieces, just like the Florida Project. I think most people, like myself, expected more out of the Florida Project’s selection. Here are all the detail on the D23 Expo 2011 Vinylmation:

Update: 8/11/11 All 2500 Disney Store 25th Vinylmation will be available at the EXPO. Previously, Disney said 2000 would be available online to D23 members. Thanks to Michael for this update: “Disney just posted on their Vinylmation blog that “Good news! Due to popular demand, all 2,500 figures will be released at the Expo!”. Not “good” news to everyone.


Update: 8/10/11 Disney announced that Vinylmation lead designer Thomas Scott and Disney Design Group Artist, Alex Maher will be signing for guests at D23. Thomas Scott designed the 3″ Gladstone Gander figure available at D23 (see below). Alex Maher is more noted for his pins, but designed the 5 figure 9″ Disneyland Attractions Poster Set. Here is a signing schedule:

Friday, August 19, 2011 – 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. at the Product Showcase and Trading Area

Saturday, August 20, 2011 – 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. at the Product Showcase and Trading Area

Sunday, August 21, 2011 – 12 Noon – 2:00 p.m. at the Product Showcase and Trading Area

Disney also released a new product shot of the D23 Logo figure (details below)

Copyright Disney

This, and the Gladstone figure, will both be released in these Open Window boxes. So no tins… not event the tin replacement boxes that we see other special event Vinylmation come in.



Update: 8/9/11 D23 will have the release of the Jr. 4 It’s a Small World and the 3″ 12 figure Lion King series. There will also be a signing with Lion King Vinylmation artists at D23 on Sunday, August 21 at 10am.

There will also be an exclusive Disney Store 25th Anniversary 3″ Vinylmation:

3″ Vinylmation and Pin set. LE 2500. $26.95
Update on LE availability:
Only 500 Disney Store 25th Vinyl/Pin sets at D23; 2000 online. Our new contributor Disney North found this update for us:

@countdowntoD23 tweeted today:
There will be 500 of the @DisneyStore 25th Vinylmation to purchase at #D23Expo. 2,000 more to be sold online to D23 members only

@DisneyStore confirmed
@disneynorth Yes, Disneystore.com will release the remaining 2,000 25th anniversary vinylmation. They will be sold to D23 members only.

ALL 2500 WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT THE D23 EXPO.

There will also be 2 special Pop! Vinyl figures:
9″ Metal Steamboat Willie. LE 350. $44.50
Add 3″ Flocked Lotso. LE 500. $14.50
3″ D23 Logo
(RSP #18)
Artist: Maria Clapsis
$13.95 (LE 4800) limit 5 per customer

This is an example of a front not being as exciting as the back. We have Pixie Dust outlining Mickey’s features. Not very unlike the idea on 2009’s D23 Vinylmation:
The back side of this figure is great. It might be a little plain, but I’m biased. Sorcerer Mickey is only second to Little Green Men and Donald Duck as my favorite character. He is the logo of D23 and here he is peaking out the top. the D23 Expo logo graces the body.
3″ Davy Crocket
(RSP #19)
Artist: Casey Jones
$13.95 (LE 1200) limit 2 per customer

Looks like the King of the Wild Frontier will not only make an appearance as a 9″ Park 6. This sepia tone smaller version is great looking. I like the knife and shine of the belt buckle. And what a facial expression.
It’s the hat that really tops this figure off. Great job Casey at including the tail. I have been so looking forward to the 9″ Park 6, but I hope to also get this one into my collection.

Not much detail in the clothing, but I don’t think he needs it. The sepia color choice was also a nice way to separate this from his larger counterpart.
3″ Gladstone Gander
(RSP #20)
Artist: Thomas Scott
$13.95 (LE 1200) limit 2 per customer

A lesser known character for sure. And I’m just going to say it, we would expect no less from Thomas Scott. But that’s what makes him a great artist. Perfect place to release this figure… to a convention center full of Disney Geeks! Gladstone is Donald Duck’s cousin. Scott’s version looks to be from the comic strips, although Gladstone appeared in Duck Tails with some minor appearance changes.
9″ Butch
(RSP #21)
Artist: Eric Caszatt
$44.95 (LE 750) limit 1 per customer

Butch first showed up in 1940 and mainly plays Pluto’s antagonist. Lately, he has popped up in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse as Pete’s dog. Great looking face on this one!
9″ It All Started
With a Mouse
(RSP #71)
Artist: Noah
$595 (LE 23)

You can not go wrong with a Noah Vinylmation. His paint jobs are top notch. Look at the finish on this one. I really would like to see it in person. It features the D23 Logo and Tink on the head, a dancing broom on body front, and a sorcerer hat with Mickey’s silhouette on the back.
As with most of Noah’s 9″ figures, this one comes on it’s own display stand with some Noah art work serving as the backdrop. This is what the artwork behind the Vinylmation looks like.

D23 Auction Vinylmation Table

WDWNT on August 4, 2011

Where do you put your Vinylmation when you run out of space on your shelves, bookcase, entertainment center, shower, window sills, computer desk, dog house, and closets? Stuff them into a coffee table of course! Check out the Vinylmation coffee table available in the D23 Expo Auction. The D23 Expo 2011 Live Auction will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 8:00 PM pacific on Stage 23 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Only registered Guests may participate in the Live Auction. Tickets for the D23 Live and Silent Auction Package are $45.00 each. No discounts will be offered in conjunction with this package. Separate D23 Expo admission is required. To purchase an auction ticket visit www.disneyurl.com/d23auctions. See the entire catalog here.

Vinylmation Table up for auction at D23

From the auction catalog:
Over 200 three-inch Vinylmation figures from various collections including Pirates of the Caribbean, Toy Story, Sea Creatures, Urban Series and more can be found on display in this custom made Vinylmation coffee table. The hinged top allows easy accessibility to add or change out Vinylmation figures from your own personal collection. Dimensions: 20” H x 57.5”W x 37.75”D

Ya, I wouldn’t mind adding this to my house. The best part is that you get to open it up and put your own Vinylmation in there. How much do you think this will sell for?

Arena Presentation Schedule Announced for 2011 D23 Expo

WDWNT on July 7, 2011

ARENA SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR THE D23 EXPO: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY
FAN EVENT AUGUST 19 – 21 AT THE ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER

Star-Studded Presentations Include Regis Philbin, the Cast of Disney Channel’s “Shake It Up,” Disney Princesses and Countless Surprise Appearances

ANAHEIM, Calif. – July 7, 2011 – The D23 Expo 2011 is proud to announce the Arena schedule for The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. From August 19 – 21, Expo guests will have exclusive access to presentations from The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, Disney Channel and Marvel Comics – plus they will be able to experience the 2011 Disney Legends Ceremony. In addition to the spotlight arena presentations, this year’s Expo will feature screenings, celebrity panels and autograph signings, eye-popping pavilions, exclusive insights into TV shows, theme parks, animation, Disney history and more, to be announced in the coming weeks. Arena presentations will include:

Friday, August 19, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – 2011 Disney Legends Ceremony – Hosted by Tom Bergeron. Honorees Regis Philbin; Jim Henson; Disney Princesses Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, Lea Salonga, Linda Larkin and Anika Noni Rose; Bo Boyd; Jack and Bonita Wrather; Guy Williams and Ray Watson will be inducted as Disney Legends for their contribution to the creative legacy of The Walt Disney Company in a special presentation exclusively for D23 Expo guests.

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts – Join Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, as he gives D23 guests a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into some of the exciting projects currently underway at Disney’s parks and resorts around the world.

Saturday, August 20, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – The Walt Disney Studios – A fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse at the exciting roster of projects on the horizon at The Walt Disney Studios. From exclusive video clips and live performances to filmmaker discussions and star appearances, this session will be hosted by Rich Ross, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios; Sean Bailey, President of Production, The Walt Disney Studios; John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; and Kevin Feige, President of Production, Marvel Studios.

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – The Lion King 3D Exclusive D23 Screening – Disney fans will have access to an exclusive advance screening of The Lion King in Disney Digital 3D™, ahead of the film’s highly anticipated theatrical and home entertainment releases. “The Circle of Life” takes on a new dimension as Simba, Mufasa, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa grace the screen once again, this time in breathtaking 3D.

Sunday, August 21, 2011
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Marvel Comics – An exclusive and unprecedented experience that will take you through the evolution of Marvel from its first comic book in 1939 to its current position as one of the most important creative forces in the world. During this presentation, which will include interactive Q&A segments, you will not only get an inside glimpse of the history of Marvel and its iconic Super Heroes but also discover why Marvel truly is the House of Ideas. This session will be hosted by Joe Quesada, Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer and one of the most respected and sought after writers and artists in the entertainment industry.

2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Disney Channel – Fans are invited to experience the excitement of a spectacular live performance, featuring stars of Disney Channel’s hit series Shake It Up. From meeting the cast of television’s first dance-driven sitcom and learning moves from a Disney Channel dance master to a special panel, autograph session and more, this unforgettable experience awaits Disney fans of all ages.

These presentations add to the already robust schedule of experiences, presentations and pavilions that will make up the D23 Expo 2011, including the Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament presented by Hasbro’s Trivial Pursuit, the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit – including the Fan Art Gallery, the D23 Expo Live Auction and the D23 Expo Dream Store. Additional schedule, pavilion and talent announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

Tickets to the D23 EXPO are available at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 EXPO, including the Disney Legends Ceremony, and can be purchased for single days or for the full three days of festivities. Admission is $47 for a one-day adult ticket and $37 for children 3-12. Three-day passes are $136 for adults and $106 for children. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will receive a discount for up to four admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 EXPO for themselves and their guests.

D23 Vinylmation

WDWNT on June 20, 2011

In addition to the known Noah one-of-a-kind Vinylmation, the D23 website hinted to other Vinylmation at the August Expo in Anaheim. The wrote “Take home a piece of the magic from this year’s D23 Expo, with an assortment of merchandise including apparel, headwear, pins and Vinylmation™. ” And displayed this picture:

They also talked about a “trading showcase” that will have a trading floor for guests to traded Vinylmation and Pins as well as displays showing off upcoming releases. Who is planing on attending D23 this year?


Tickets for D23 Expo 2011 On Sale Tomorrow

WDWNT on August 18, 2010

BURBANK, Calif. – August 18, 2010 – The first-ever D23 EXPO in 2009 left Disney fans asking when there would be another.  On Thursday, Aug. 19, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club begins ticket sales for the next adventure – an incredible three-day event that brings the entire world of Disney under one roof at the Anaheim Convention Center next Aug. 19–21.

Tickets for the D23 EXPO 2011 will be available at a discounted price for a limited time.  From August 19–December 31, 2010, tickets will be $37 for a one-day adult admission and $27 for children 3-12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will be $30 for a one-day adult admission and $22 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 D23 Members and general admission, visit www.Disney.com/D23.

In addition to these special advance-purchase savings, D23 Members can also buy new D23 EXPO VIP packages that are only available to members. These new packages offer incredible exclusive opportunities and will have very limited availability.

The PREMIERE PACKAGE includes:

  • Three days of admission to the D23 EXPO
  • Reserved seating at all events and presentations in the Arena
  • Access to a relaxing Premiere Lounge with concierge and complimentary refreshments, as well as a special exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives
  • A D23 EXPO autograph book
  • A special Premiere Package gift bag

The SORCERER PACKAGE includes:

  • All benefits in the Premiere Package
  • A private tour of and reception in the “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” exhibit the night before the Expo opens<
  • Exclusive hardhat tour of the show floor prior to opening
  • Limited edition artwork signed by Disney artist Dave Pacheco
  • Reserved seating at all presentations and panels
  • A voucher for an appointment with an on-site massage therapist
  • Special shopping opportunities at the Disney Dream Store
  • A hardbound, collectible D23 EXPO guidebook.

Only 250 Premiere Package tickets will be available at $500 per ticket. Availability of the Sorcerer Package will be strictly limited to 50 D23 Members at $1,000 per ticket. Both packages are only available to D23 Members.

All D23 Members – both Gold level and Silver level – can take advantage of these exclusive admission savings and access to the special packages when tickets go on sale on Thursday, Aug. 19 at www.D23Expo.com.

The D23 EXPO 2011 will also feature the Disney Legends Awards – a tradition that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy; the return of the D23 Live Auction boasting extraordinary rarities and specially designed items for Disney fans; an all-new Fan Art Contest themed to the 50th anniversary of One Hundred and One Dalmatians; Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives with an expanded exhibit of costumes, props and set pieces from Disney’s rich history; plus amazing live events, special celebrity appearances, panels and presentations, sneak peeks and unique experiences that celebrate the past, present and future of Disney. The D23 EXPO 2011 is scheduled to take place Aug. 19-21 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

In 2009, the first D23 EXPO brought together all parts of The Walt Disney Company under one roof including The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Disney Consumer Products, The Walt Disney Archives, ABC, Disney Channel, Radio Disney, and Disney Interactive Media Group to celebrate all things Disney. Stars like Johnny Depp, Nicolas Cage, Courteney Cox, Betty White, Robin Williams, John Travolta and the cast of Wizards of Waverly Place made appearances; Miley Cyrus and Honor Society performed in concert. Imagineering legends took to the stage, and key Disney executives and creative talent including Walt Disney President and CEO Bob Iger and Disney and Pixar Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter.

Gold-level D23 memberships are $74.99, and Silver-level memberships – which provide all benefits with the exception of a Disney twenty-three subscription – are just $34.99 a year.  All discounts and special promotions are available to both Gold- and Silver-level D23 Members.

Disney fans can become members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club at www.disney.com/D23, select shops at the Disneyland® and Walt Disney World Resorts and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23.

“Destination D” Details Released

WDWNT on July 7, 2010

Details for the D23 event “Destination D” have been released with a few surprises.

From D23:

This year is the 55th anniversary of Disneyland Resort, and D23 is celebrating this milestone year with the premiere of Destination D: Disneyland ’55, a brand-new, two-day event that illuminates the fascinating history behind Disney’s flagship park.

Destination D: Disneyland ’55 will take D23 Members on a mesmerizing journey through the design, creation, debut and magical history of the world’s first Disney theme park. The event will offer two full days of special presentations, panels, screenings and guest speakers that give fans an inside view of this fascinating era in Disney history and let them meet and talk with key figures in Disneyland’s history. Future Destination D events will explore other important aspects of Disney’s amazing creative legacy. Following its premiere in September, Destination D will alternate annually with the enormously popular D23 Expo.

Event highlights include our Mickey Mouse Club 55th Anniversary presentation, reuniting original Mouseketeers Sharon Baird, Doreen Tracey, Bobby Burgess, Karen Pendleton, Sherry Van Meter (formerly Alberoni), Tommy Cole, Cubby O’Brien, and Mary Geoff (formerly Espinosa) for a delightful trip back in time to the dawning of the television era with the club that was, like D23, “made for you and me.”

Destination D will also mark the debut of the Disney Legends Celebration, a heartfelt tribute to those who have made a lasting contribution to the Disney legacy. All Destination D attendees and Disney Legends will be invited to attend E-Ticket: Music from the Disney Parks, a concert of memorable tunes through the years at the Disneyland Resort with some very special guests, including Disney Legend Richard Sherman.

All guests will also receive a limited-edition set of colorful, vintage Disneyland postcards from the Walt Disney Archives Collection. It’s a reproduction of actual postcards sold when Disneyland opened in 1955 — it’s just a coincidence that the complete set features 23 images!

There will also be a selection of limited edition merchandise available for purchase at the event.

Shown below is the current lineup for Destination D: Disneyland ’55 (times to be announced later this summer; panels and talent subject to change):

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2010

Mickey Mouse Club 55th Anniversary
Join original Mouseketeers including Sharon Baird, Doreen Tracey, Bobby Burgess, Karen Pendleton, Sherry Van Meter (Alberoni), Tommy Cole, Cubby O’Brien and Mary Geoff (Espinosa) for a magical walk down memory lane as they recall their favorite behind-the-scenes stories from the classic Disneyland attraction Mickey Mouse Club Circus.

Weird Disney
From the startling visuals of the 1930’s Fanchon & Marco “Mickey Mouse Idea” vaudeville shows to Disneyland’s “Kap the Kaiser Aluminum Pig” and the “Crane Bathroom of Tomorrow,” Disney’s history has included some pretty offbeat stuff. Join Archives Director Becky Cline and Disney historian Paul Anderson as they act as your tour guides on a fun-filled, irreverent and often-surprising road trip through the wonderfully weird and wacky side of Disney.

From Quirky to Collectible: The Wonderful World of Disneyland Merchandise
Curiouser and curiouser! From a Mark Twain Riverboat AM radio to a Matterhorn bank, we will present a treasure trove of timeless trinkets and unique souvenirs. Merchandise mavens Stacia Martin and Paul Anderson and Disney Archivist Rob Klein will take you to a collector’s Cloud Nine, including the “Top 5 Rarest Pieces of Disneyana” and the “Top 5 Strangest Items of Disneyland Memorabilia.” You won’t believe what they have found!

The 1964 New York World’s Fair and the Development of Audio-Animatronics® Characters With so many incredible Disney achievements over the years, it’s hard to pick one as most impressive. But one milestone — Disney’s contribution to the 1964 New York World’s Fair — arguably stands far and above any other for its impact on Disneyland, the dawning of Walt Disney World and now, the Disney theme park experience around the world. Hosted by historian Paul Anderson, this is a fascinating and remarkable story of how 50 years ago Walt and his Imagineers broke the barriers of technology and pioneered an entirely new chapter in the history of entertainment, and in doing so, drastically changed the course of Disney theme park history.

Imagineering the Magic of Disney
Disney Legend Marty Sklar hosts a prestigious panel of some of Disney’s most creative minds made up of Imagineering Legends and current Imagineers. Join us as Bob Gurr, Blaine Gibson, Dave Durham, Kathy Mangum, Kevin Rafferty and other Imagineers share their memories and favorite moments about creating iconic attractions at the world’s most popular theme parks.

E-Ticket: Music from the Disney Parks
As part of this year’s inaugural Disney Legends Celebration, D23 Members are invited to join some Disney Legends for a colorful concert of music from the past and present of Disneyland Resort. Highlighting the concert will be Disney Legend Richard Sherman, who — along with his brother Robert — has contributed a multitude of songs to the Disney parks legacy, including “it’s a small world,” “The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” and many more. Performing will be a host of special guests, including John Tartaglia (Avenue Q, Johnny and the Sprites), Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty), Wilson Cruz (Rent, My So-Called Life), members of the Disney Employee Choir and many more, all paying tribute to some of the most enduring tunes in the Disney canon.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2010

Disneyland Through the Eye of Television
Archivist Rob Klein presents this unique look at the history of Disneyland as it was first seen by the general public — on television. This vibrant presentation includes Walt’s first announcement of Disneyland, highlights from the original Disneyland television anthology series showing progress on the park and classic anniversary specials, as well as rarely seen promotional spots for Disneyland from the ’60s and ’70s for the Matterhorn, Main Street Electrical Parade, “New” Tomorrowland 1967 and much more!

Disney Undiscovered
No creative idea, no matter how marvelously imagined, is guaranteed to make it from the sketchbooks of Disney Imagineers to the parks. 2010’s D23 Member gift, Disney Undiscovered, pays tribute to Disney’s enduring creative spirit by celebrating the work of some of Disney’s greatest dreamers and artists, whose feats of creative daring — even if never completed — will stand the test of time as masterpieces of the imagination. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the further fascinating details about these rare, never-produced park attractions and the Imagineers who dreamed them up.

Disneyland: The Happiest Place in Pop Culture
A humorous and informative journey through 55 years of popular culture as reflected in the original Magic Kingdom. Featuring rarely seen photos and film clips, the presentation, hosted by Disney authority Tim O’Day, will take you down memory lane, narrowly escaping bad fashions, bad hair and park entertainment, and events and attractions that definitely belong in Memoryland.

Disneyland: The Way We Were
Remember the Mickey Mouse Club Circus, Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship, TWA Rocket to the Moon, The Frito Kid, or America Sings? Join Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith as we explore some vintage images of Disneyland: first some rare color photographs taken during the park’s construction, then a look at some beloved, gone-but-not-forgotten attractions, shops and restaurants. Throughout this presentation, Dave will reminisce about early visits to Disneyland, taking the audience back to some classic moments in the park’s rich history.

A Word from the President
Disneyland President George Kalogridis shares a very special presentation with D23.

The Wonderful World of Vintage Disneyland — In Color!
Media Preservationist Ed Hobelman and Imagineer Tony Baxter share a trove of archival treasures and screen rarely seen color footage of Disneyland from the 1950s and 1960s.

Disneyland, U.S.A. Screening and Panel
A big-screen presentation of the classic 1956 People and Places featurette, Disneyland, U.S.A., followed by a panel featuring members of the film’s restoration team, Disney Imagineers and Disney Legends who experienced the park first-hand during those early years, including Tony Baxter, Ed Hobelman, Dave Smith and Geri Bumpass. Hosted by Tim O’Day.

And here is the surprise event announced to coincide with “Destination D.”

THE HUNT IS ON FOR DISNEY FANS THIS SEPTEMBER
WITH D23’S GREAT DISNEY SCAVENGER HUNT

Disney’s Official Fan Club Creates an Extraordinary, All-Day
Hunt Throughout the Disneyland Resort in Conjunction With
the First-Ever Destination D Event in Anaheim

ANAHEIM, Calif. – July 7, 2010 – From Downtown Disney to the Disneyland Hotel, from the Matterhorn to Midway Mania, Disney fans will embark on an all-day search that will take them throughout the Disneyland Resort on September 26 in the very first GREAT DISNEY SCAVENGER HUNT from D23, the official Disney fan club.

It’s the ultimate Disney test, with teams of up to four people racing against the clock to gather as many points as possible.  The top 10 teams will win Disney prizes.  Any Disney fan can register for the GREAT DISNEY SCAVENGER HUNT by visiting www.disney.com/D23.  Registration opens July 12 and is $50 for a team (up to four people) of D23 Members and $75 for a team of non-members.

The GREAT DISNEY SCAVENGER HUNT will begin at 8:45 a.m. at the Disneyland Hotel, and teams will need to scour the entire Disneyland Resort for clues.  (Note that theme park admission is not included in the registration fee, but special convention-rate admission will be available during the weekend’s Destination D: Disneyland ’55 event.)  Teams will have five hours to search everywhere from Downtown Disney and the Disneyland Resort Hotels to Disney’s California Adventure and, of course, Disneyland.

For the top 10 teams, D23 has assembled an amazing array of prizes from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, the Walt Disney Collectors’ Society, Disney Publishing, Walt Disney Records and more.

The GREAT DISNEY SCAVENGER HUNT caps an exciting weekend for D23 Members, as they’ll also have the opportunity to take part in the first Destination D event, a two-day celebration of the Disney’s legacy of magic and creativity.

Destination D: Disneyland ’55 illuminates the fascinating history behind Disney’s flagship park, taking members on a mesmerizing journey through the design, creation and debut of the world’s first Disney theme park.

Destination D will also feature a special homage to the 55th anniversary of the Mickey Mouse Club, with original Mousketeers in attendance, including Sharon Baird, Doreen Tracey, Bobby Burgess, Karen Pendleton, Sherry Van Meter (née Alberoni), Tommy Cole, Cubby O’Brien and Mary Geoff (née Espinosa).

Throughout the two days of Destination D – which will be held September 24 and 25 – guests will also enjoy panels, presentations and guest speakers, including explorations of the development of Audio Animatronics; Disneyland’s unique place in pop culture; amazing never-completed Disney attractions; and an appearance by Disneyland President George Kalogridis.

Tickets to Destination D: Disneyland 55 and the GREAT DISNEY SCAVENGER HUNT will be available separately beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, July 12.

Attendance at Destination D is reserved for members of D23, Disney’s official fan club, while the GREAT DISNEY SCAVENGER HUNT is open to all Disney fans.

Even More Star Tours and Little Mermaid Attraction Details

WDWNT on June 14, 2010

From an article about “What’s Next?” at Disneyland Resort on Disney’s D23 website, here’s more on Star Tours II and Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid:

The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
A couple sen-sea-tional reveals were made about this mega-attraction sprouting up now along the side of Paradise Bay.

  • As guests descend into the water, a cool blast of air will give them the sensation of headed under the sea.
  • Scuttle the seagull will be the first character guests will meet once they have loaded into their “clam-mobiles.” And there will be several places you will see him along you way as he helps weave Ariel’s story together.

Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
While it may not open until the fall of 2011, a few exciting elements of the reimagined Star Tours were announced.

  • The enhanced attraction — featuring multiple destinations — takes place in between the two Star Wars trilogies, which will enable Imagineers to utilize characters from both sets of films.
  • While the planet of Tatooine was unveiled as a destination at last year’s D23 Expo, Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Show Producer Kathy Rogers announced that the bustling urban environment of Coruscant will be another.
  • There will be several points during each journey where the audience will be able to change where the story is going. “There’s an incredible number of different variations,” explains Al Weiss, president, Worldwide Operations, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “You will rarely, if ever, see the same show twice. And it’s all in 3D.

Looks like we may be waiting until Fall 2011 for Star Tours at Disneyland Resort and we imagine it will be a similar wait for the Disney’s Hollywood Studios version. Stay tuned to WDW News Today for more details on these two upcoming attractions as they become available.

D23 Announces Destination D 2010 & D23 Expo 2011

WDWNT on March 10, 2010

BURBANK, Calif. – March 10, 2010 – It’s a milestone year for the Disneyland® Resort, and D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans is celebrating with the premiere of DESTINATION D, a brand-new, two-day event exclusively for D23 Members that illuminates Disney’s fascinating history.

D23 announced its latest members-only event on its first anniversary – capping a year in which Disney’s first-ever fan community grew to encompass tens of thousands of members from all 50 U.S. states and more than 30 countries worldwide.

The inaugural DESTINATION D, whose theme is “Disneyland ’55,” will be held this Sept. 24-25. DESTINATION D: Disneyland ’55 will take D23 Members on a journey through the design, creation, debut and magical history of the world’s first Disney theme park. The first DESTINATION D will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Disneyland Hotel.

DESTINATION D: Disneyland ’55 will offer two full days of special presentations, panels, screenings and guest speakers that let fans meet and talk with key figures in Disneyland’s history. Future DESTINATION D events will explore other important aspects of Disney’s creative legacy. Following its premiere in September, DESTINATION D will alternate annually with the enormously popular D23 EXPO.

The next D23 EXPO is set for Aug. 19-21, 2011, returning to the Anaheim Convention Center. Tickets for the 2011 D23 EXPO will go on sale Aug. 19 (one year in advance), with specially priced tickets available exclusively to D23 Members. In addition, D23 Charter Members will have access to a special Charter Member Lounge at the 2011 D23 EXPO, at no additional cost.

The first-ever D23 EXPO attracted nearly 40,000 Disney fans when it debuted last September, bringing the entire world of Disney under one massive roof. During the D23 EXPO, fans were treated to appearances by superstars like Johnny Depp, Miley Cyrus and John Travolta; explored exciting, new concepts and attractions from Disney Parks and Walt Disney Imagineering; peered into Disney’s history at special panels, presentations and displays; and discovered the newest entertainment, products and events from throughout The Walt Disney Company.

“The first D23 EXPO surpassed all of our expectations, and our 2011 Expo is already shaping up to be a jaw-dropping, not-to-be missed showcase of the best and brightest Disney has to offer,” said Steven Clark, head of D23.

“We’re very excited to also be creating an entirely new event with DESTINATION D, which will bring Disney’s fascinating history to D23 Members in ways no other Disney fan can experience,” Clark said. “There’s nowhere on earth quite as special as Disneyland, and we want fans to see it as they never have before.”

The D23 team is in the midst of developing exclusive programming for DESTINATION D – but an early peek at plans reveals a host of special speakers, presentations and panels throughout the two-day event, including:

  • “Disneyland: The Way We Were” – Disney’s Chief Archivist Dave Smith will look back at highlights from Disneyland history;
  • “Disney Undiscovered” – An exploration of never-built projects and attractions developed for Disneyland;
  • “23 on 55” – The Walt Disney Archives celebrates Disneyland’s 55th anniversary;
  • “Weird Disney” – A showcase for some of the quirky, little-known facts, places, people and ideas that even the most avid fan might not know.

More details on the programming and events planned for DESTINATION D: Disneyland ’55 – as well as details about the 2011 D23 EXPO – will be available soon at www.disney.com/D23. Tickets will go on sale early this summer.

DESTINATION D joins a lineup of special events throughout 2010 designed exclusively for D23 Members. Among them are free screenings of classic Disney movies during the “50 & Fabulous” film festival at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank; members-only tours of the famed Walt Disney Archives; an exclusive Sip & Stroll event during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival; and holiday-themed Magic and Merriment weekend at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

New Concept Art of the Fantasyland Forest Expansion

WDWNT on March 8, 2010

While the presentation about the Fantasyland Expansion during the D23 First Anniversary party did not allow photography of any kind, there were ten pieces of artwork on display at Ariel’s Grotto during the party, some new, some you may have seen before:

The overall view, nothing new here

Old concept art of Dumbo’s Circus area and the “Dueling Dumbos”

The exterior of “Dreams Come True with Cinderella”

Old concept art of “Under The Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid”. A new version of this artwork was shown during the presentation, however, photography was not allowed. The ride will use omnimover vehicles very much like those found at the Seas with Nemo and Friends

Old concept art of “A Birthday Surprise for Sleeping Beauty”

Old concept art of “Dreams Come True with Cinderella”

Old concept art of Gaston’s Tavern

New concept art of the cottage that will hold the magic mirror transporting guests into “Enchanted Tales with Belle”

Older concept art of “Be Our Guest” Restaurant, but take note of the “living character” Lumiere being wheeled around, along with the stained glass windows featuring Beauty and the Beast characters towards the back of the room

New concept art showing the entrance to the Beast’s Castle and the “Be Our Guest” Restaurant