Recently I wrote of an upcoming D23-sponsered event that didn’t seem to include any special tickets or opportunities for its club members. So now I will highlight what’s on D23’s agenda for 2011. For those not in the know, D23 is the official Disney fan club. I have a post on all the details about it here.
After taking a year off to celebrate Disney history with the debut of Destination D, this year’s biggest affair is definitely the return of the D23 expo. Despite its name, the expo is actually open to the public, not just club members. Being in D23, however, scores you discounted tickets.
The D23 Expo is like Disney’s answer to Comic-Con, a three day event featuring special celebrity guests, sneak peeks at upcoming Disney films, exclusive merchandise, and other unique Disney exhibits. The expo will be held this year on August 19-21 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Tickets are on sale now, so check out the official expo website for sales and other information.
In addition to the expo, D23 has special events for its members planned throughout the year. You should definitely keep an eye on the official club website if you’re interested, however, because tickets are often limited and sell out fast.
For example, January 22’s “50 and Fabulous” screening of “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” on the Walt Disney Studio Lot is already sold out. But don’t be too put out; each year D23 hosts a screening of a studio feature turning 50 that year, so if you missed your chance you can try again next year.
D23 does have another event in January planned for which tickets are still available. If you’ve got young Disney fans in your household, then you might consider signing up for the January 29 preview of the first two episodes of “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.”
The new Disney Junior show debuting on the Disney Channel in February chronicles the adventures of Jake, a Neverland resident who leads his own crew of kid pirates, to the continued consternation of Captain Hook. The event is sort of free (there is a $5 processing fee) to D23 members and will be held at the Studio Theatre in Burbank, California.
Those really into Disney history should check out the D23 Day at the Walt Disney Studio and Archives. Attendees will be treated to a staff-guided special two-and-a-half hour tour through the original Walt Disney Studio and its archives. Tickets are $50 to D23 members of good standing only, and the event will be held at the Disney Studio in Burbank on February 5.
East Coast D23 members shouldn’t fret; the fan club hasn’t forgotten about you. On May 12-13 D23 is hosting the event which most appeals to me (besides the Expo): The Great Walt Disney World Scavenger Hunt.
Rather than holding two separate days of the same event, the Great Scavenger Hunt instead spans over the entire weekend. Teams will consist of 2-4 participants. Other information will be posted closer to the event.
The biggest D23 surprise of the year is the reoccurrence of Destination D, which was announced in 2010 as an every-other -year replacement for the Expo. Perhaps it’s returning this year due to popular demand, or because 2011 marks the 40th anniversary of Walt Disney World. Events will mirror those for last year’s Destination D celebrating 55 years of Disneyland, giving looks at Disney World over the years and strange ideas for the park that never came to fruition.
D23 is bursting with events in 2011, and as of yet nothing has even been announced past August. I’ll keep you updated as more details and events are revealed.
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