D23 Expo or Bust | My Trip To The #D23Expo & Disneyland60
D23 Expo or Bust: My Trip to the D23 Expo & Disneyland
It’s been a few weeks since the D23 Expo & Disneyland Diamond Celebration, and the memories of this once-in-a-lifetime event still sparkle in my mind. I, along with 24 other bloggers, had the honor of being invited by Disney to this event in Anaheim that took place from August 13-17, 2015. Trust me, if you lived within 100 miles from me, my excitement was palpable when I opened the invite email!
The Anticipation
The anticipation was intense, given the short two-week period between the invite and the trip. But this being a Disney Expo, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to dress up. So, I spent my two weeks planning outfits and crafting Disney-inspired accessories. I even had a photo taken of me holding a sign that read “D23 Expo or Bust”, which landed our group in the Orange County Register! How exciting is that?
The Journey
Finally, the big day arrived. I was on my way to Anaheim, ready to embark on a magical journey. However, my journey wasn’t without its hiccups. An hour layover in Houston turned into six hours due to a plane malfunction. Tired but eager, I finally arrived at the Hyatt Regency Orange County Hotel around 8pm. Thankfully, my group was grabbing a bite at the bar, exactly what I needed after a long day of travel.
Day 1 at the D23 Expo
The Expo day was finally here! The anticipation was palpable as we prepared to attend the most anticipated event of the year, the D23 Expo. We arrived early as we had the exciting opportunity to get a sneak peek at the new Playmation games set to launch that fall. Spoiler alert: they’re going to be game-changers!
Next, we got a chance to check out the new show created by the men behind The Muppets. But let’s be real, the furry little puppets stole the show, just like they did when I was a kid. The Q&A session was a powerful reminder of how much these puppets have meant to people from all over the world.
Exploring the Expo
Exploring the show floor was an absolute treat. The creativity of the costumes was mind-blowing. There were plenty of booths to check out with Disney, Marvel, and LucasFilm inspired products. The American Tourister booth with their new Star Wars Line was a must-visit. And who could resist the SMS Audio headphones?
More Highlights
We ended our first D23 Expo day at the Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films, Hosted by John Lasseter panel. With 7500 people in attendance, the excitement was palpable. The panel was full of announcements, special guests, and a surprise birthday celebration for Toy Story!
Ending Day 1 with a Bang
How do you end an amazing first day? By heading to Disneyland to enjoy the Diamond Celebration, of course! From the spectacular Light The Night Parade to the breathtaking Firework Spectacular, it was truly a magical end to an unforgettable day.
Ready to continue this magical journey? Let’s head to Day 2 ==>
Want to learn more about each panel? Check out my posts on Animation Film Slate, Parks & Resorts,Silly Symphony, Playmation, The Legacy Collection, Disney Shorts, Live Action Film Slate and Disney Interactive.
This event was part of an all-expenses-paid press trip to Anaheim for the #D23Expo. All experiences and opinions shared are 100% my own.
| Day | Activities | Highlights |
|—–|————|————|
| 1 | Arrival at Anaheim | Delayed flight, late arrival at the Hyatt Regency Orange County Hotel |
| 2 | D23 Expo Day 1, Disneyland Diamond Celebration | Showcase of new Playmation games, Q&A with The Muppets, exploring the show floor, Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios panel, Disneyland visit |
| 3 | Continuation of D23 Expo, Disneyland Diamond Celebration | To be continued… |
Behind the Scenes: The D23 Expo & Disneyland Diamond Celebration
Although the D23 Expo & Disneyland Diamond Celebration has been over for a few weeks now, the magic of this extraordinary event is still very much alive in my memory. I was one of the lucky 25 bloggers who received an invitation from Disney to this awe-inspiring event which took place in Anaheim from August 13-17, 2015. If you happen to live within a 100-mile radius of me, you could probably feel the waves of excitement radiating from me when I received that invitation!
Preparations and Expectations
The countdown to the event was intense, with only two weeks to prepare after receiving the invitation. But the opportunity to dress up for a Disney Expo was too enticing to pass up. I dedicated my time to planning outfits and crafting Disney-inspired accessories. I even posed for a photo holding a sign that read “D23 Expo or Bust”, which made it into the Orange County Register! The thrill of anticipation was simply overwhelming.
The Adventure Begins
The day of departure finally arrived and I was off to Anaheim, ready to immerse myself in the magic. However, the journey had its challenges. A supposed one-hour stopover in Houston turned into a six-hour delay due to a plane malfunction. Despite the fatigue, my spirits remained high and I finally arrived at the Hyatt Regency Orange County Hotel around 8pm. Luckily, my group was unwinding at the bar – the perfect remedy for a tiresome day of travel.
First Impressions of the D23 Expo
The first day of the Expo was a whirlwind of excitement. We got an early start and had the privilege of getting a sneak peek at the new Playmation games set to launch that fall. These interactive games are set to revolutionize the way children play!
We also got a chance to preview a new show created by the team behind The Muppets. The charming puppets stole the show, just like they did when I was a child. The Q&A session was a touching reminder of the universal appeal of these lovable characters.
Immersing in the Expo
Wandering around the Expo floor was an absolute delight. The creativity and attention to detail in the costumes left me in awe. There were countless booths showcasing Disney, Marvel, and LucasFilm inspired products. The American Tourister booth with their new Star Wars Line was a must-see. And the SMS Audio headphones? Absolutely irresistible!
Highlights & Surprises
Our first day at the D23 Expo culminated with the Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films, Hosted by John Lasseter panel. The event was packed with 7500 attendees, and the energy was electrifying. The panel was full of surprising announcements, special guests, and even a surprise birthday celebration for Toy Story!
Ending the Day at Disneyland
The best way to end a day full of magic? A trip to Disneyland to enjoy the Diamond Celebration, of course! The stunning Light The Night Parade and the mesmerizing Firework Spectacular were the perfect end to an unforgettable day.
Ready for more magic? Join me as we continue this enchanting journey on Day 2 ==>
For more in-depth coverage of each panel, check out my posts on Animation Film Slate, Parks & Resorts,Silly Symphony, Playmation, The Legacy Collection, Disney Shorts, Live Action Film Slate and Disney Interactive.
This event was part of an all-expenses-paid press trip to Anaheim for the #D23Expo. All experiences and opinions shared are 100% my own.
1. What is the D23 Expo?
The D23 Expo is a fan event held by The Walt Disney Company that celebrates all things Disney, including film, television, theme parks, and more. It is named after D23, the official Disney fan club. The expo features panels, presentations, and sneak peeks at upcoming Disney projects.
2. When and where was the D23 Expo & Disneyland Diamond Celebration held?
The event took place from August 13-17, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
3. How did you get invited to the D23 Expo & Disneyland Diamond Celebration?
I was invited by Disney along with 24 other bloggers to attend this event.
4. What activities did you participate in at the D23 Expo?
During the Expo, I got a sneak peek at the new Playmation games set to launch that fall, checked out the new show created by the men behind The Muppets, explored the show floor featuring Disney, Marvel, and LucasFilm inspired products, and attended the Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films panel.
5. What was the highlight of the first day at the D23 Expo?
The highlight of the first day was attending the Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films panel, hosted by John Lasseter. There were special guests, announcements, and a surprise birthday celebration for Toy Story.
6. What did you do after the Expo on the first day?
After the Expo, I headed to Disneyland to enjoy the Diamond Celebration, which included the Light The Night Parade and the Firework Spectacular.
7. How can I learn more about each panel at the D23 Expo?
You can check out my posts on Animation Film Slate, Parks & Resorts, Silly Symphony, Playmation, The Legacy Collection, Disney Shorts, Live Action Film Slate, and Disney Interactive for more detailed information about each panel.
8. Did you have to pay for your trip to the D23 Expo & Disneyland Diamond Celebration?
No, this event was part of an all-expenses-paid press trip to Anaheim for the D23 Expo.
