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Disney Parks Reveals Schedule for D23 Expo

The sold out D23 Expo coming to Anaheim this September is expected to be huge and it may be difficult to navigate all the panels that are coming. Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products have revealed their plans for the upcoming celebration that include both pavilions to see models and displays of upcoming park attractions as well as panels featuring Walt Disney Imagineers and more.

On the convention floor, you’ll find the Wonderful World of Dreams pavilion that invite visitors to experience attractions from the Walt Disney Company around the world. This year’s pavilion will highlight Tiana’s Bayou Adventure coming to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, the continuing transformation of EPCOT, new Frozen-themed adventures, Disney Cruise Line, live entertainment and more.

For exciting reveals, you will want a seat at the A Boundless Future: Disney Parks Experiences and Products panel on Sunday at 10:30 a.m (Hall D23 Stage). Join the Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, Josh D’Amaro as he reveals details for ongoing projects as well as sneak peaks at what’s to come. This is a panel you do not want to miss!

For all you Disney merchandise hunters, D23 Expo will have plenty for you to spend your hard earned dollars on! There will be a D23 Expo Marketplace, an immersive shopping experience with products from shopdisney.com and Disney Parks. Walt Disney Imagineering’s popular shop Mickey’s of Glendale is returning to D23 Expo this year with three unique retail spaces: Mickey’s of Glendale Main Store, Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store and D23 Expo Shop x Mickey’s of Glendale.

When exploring D23 Expo you may start hearing about DisneyMe. Get a head start on that now by downloading the DisneyPlay app, which you’ll need to begin using the all new digital-avatar. This experience empowers guests to express their Disney style by creating their own unique DisneyMe. To celebrate the launch of DisneyMe as part of Disney Uncharted Adventure on the Disney Wish, guests at D23 Expo will be invited on a quest that can only be completed at the Expo. Attendees will uncover specially designed Disney Wish and D23 Expo digital clothing and accessories for their DisneyMe around the show floor. Starting in September, D23 Expo guests will need to download the latest Play Disney Parks app to be ready to create their DisneyMe and join the DisneyMe D23 Expo Quest during the convention.

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Below is a listing of all the Disney Parks panels you might want to put on your radar!

Inside Look at the Society of Explorers and Adventurers
Friday, Sept. 9, 10:30 a.m., Backlot Stage
An inside look at the continuing development of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers — what it means in the Disney parks and how these stories continue to grow. Disney Imagineers are joined by Julie Kagawa to talk about her first two books in a series of novels that tie into the lore of S.E.A.

A Peek Behind the Curtain at the Walt Disney Imagineering Illusions and Special Effects Development Lab
Saturday, September 10, 10 a.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage 
Learn about the legacy of Walt Disney Imagineering’s Illusions and Special Effects Development Lab, including the work created by Yale Gracey for the Haunted Mansion and other early projects, plus a behind-the-curtain look at the present-day magical process that is so unique to Imagineering.

Uncovering Treasures from the Marty Sklar Collection
Saturday, September 10, 12 p.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage
Join Walt Disney Imagineering Ambassador Bob Weis and Leah and Leslie Sklar, the wife and daughter of the late Disney Legend and Imagineer Marty Sklar, as they discuss some of the treasures they’ve discovered while going through Marty’s collection from his more than 50 years with Walt Disney Imagineering.

Dreaming, Designing and Bringing to Life the Disney Wish
Saturday, September 10, 4 p.m., Backlot Stage
Disney Imagineers fresh off the launch of the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet — the Disney Wish — talk about their experiences bringing this ship to life. From the wondrously themed spaces and imaginative kids clubs to the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, the ship brings to life fantastical stories you know and love like never before.

Walt Disney Imagineering: 70 Years of Making the Impossible, Possible
Sunday, September 11, 1 p.m., Premiere Stage 
For seven decades, the magic-makers at Walt Disney Imagineering have blended limitless imagination with cutting-edge technology to create groundbreaking experiences that bring together families and friends to create lifelong memories. Join Imagineers past and present as they discuss the core elements of storytelling and innovation that bring dreams to life for guests from all around the world. 

Disney Parks Through the Decades: A Disney Ambassador Perspective 
Sunday, September 11, 4 p.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage  
Join us for a conversation with Disney Ambassadors spanning the decades, including 1966 Disney Ambassador, Connie Lane, and 1971 Walt Disney World Ambassador, Debby Dane Browne. From representing Walt Disney at Disneyland in the 1960s, to opening Walt Disney World: experience the history of Disney Parks like never before.

The World of Duffy & Friends Revealed
Sunday, September 11, 4:15 p.m., Hyperion Stage
Disney Imagineers discuss the origin and continuing popularity of Duffy & Friends, including the newest friend who has become a global phenomenon — LinaBell!

D23 Expo is sold out. Select presentations will be streamed for guests at D23 Expo Live! For more information, visit D23Expo.com.



David Yeh
A long time fan of both Disney and Star Wars, he has a hard time resisting the temptations of Disney’s merchandising force. If you see pictures of the toys and pins, you can bet they are from Dave, our resident collecting guru.