D23 Expo explained: Here’s what the Disney-centered expo is all about
The D23 Expo started out as a celebration of all things Disney, but over the past decade, the three-day convention has grown to epic proportions.
Disney-lovers will descend upon the Anaheim Convention Center on Aug. 23 through Aug. 25 to celebrate all things Disney. And this year’s D23 Expo is special for a number of reasons. Now in its tenth year, the D23 Expo is the place to go for once-in-a-lifetime panels, shopping experiences, cosplay and more, and 2019 will mark the first year that Disney’s newest FOX properties join in all the fun.
D23 is a biennial convention, and while there would be plenty of announcements to make it a yearly convention, there’s no question that Disney aims to make the event a complete sell-out by scheduling it every other year. The next D23 Expo will take place in 2021.
The panel presentations at D23 are unlike anything fans will ever see at other conventions. From past events like the entire cast of Avengers: Infinity War showing up, to special appearances from the cast of various Star Wars movies, and even singalong reunions from beloved Disney animated classics, the D23 panels are unique and one of the highlights of the weekend.
This year’s panel highlights include offerings from Disney’s various movie IPs, which will no doubt include Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and more. There will also be a presentation on the new streaming service Disney+, and this year’s expo marks the first time The Simpsons will take the stage as part of the Disney family. There will also be a presentation featuring news and updates about Disney Parks and their upcoming initiatives.
In addition to panel presentations, fans will line up overnight to get into the shopping areas of the expo. D23 offers some of the most exclusive merchandise available to Disney fans, with items that can only be purchased at the event. Collectors will also be able to shop the expo floor with other private vendors selling their Disney goods.
The expo floor is also home to exclusive photo opportunities, with unique displays and a collection of Disney memorabilia that only gets rolled out of the magical Disney vaults for special occasions. This year, there will also be a very large Disney+ presence complete with an area that allows attendees a chance to check out the upcoming streaming service and be among the first to sign up.
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As of this writing, the 2019 D23 Expo is officially sold out. Watch for tickets for the 2021 event to go on sale soon after the 2019 event ends.