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The time has arrived: with the D23 Disney Expo just around the corner on August 19-21, the full schedule of events has finally been released. Chances are you know by now whether or not you’re going, but just in case I’ll go over the highlights of the Expo today. I wanted to present the details sooner, but unfortunately Disney didn’t release them until now.
Each day is absolutely packed, so if you want to view the entire schedule visit the official D23 Expo website. I’ll present the best looking options for each day here. 2011 is the year for Disney Channel fans, because each day is packed with panels, concerts, and character appearances from the television station.
On Friday, for example, fans of “Jake and the Neverland Pirates,” “Good Luck Charlie,” “Lemonade Mouth,” and “So Random!” will have the chance to meet the characters from and actors behind their favorite series. Disney History buffs, especially those interested in the parks, have plenty on offer for them on Friday as well.
Sit in on a panel examining the history of Disneyland, the very first Disney theme park, hear about the making of the recently opened “Ariel’s Undersea Adventure” attraction, and attend the conference detailing what’s currently on the drawing boards for the Disney Parks. The two biggest events for the day, however, are the 2011 Disney Legends induction ceremony and Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix wrapping up the evening performing hit songs from his long career.
Saturday sees more meet-and-greets for Disney Channel shows, such as “A.N.T. Farm” and “Phineaus and Ferb.” It’s also a great day for would-be Imagineers; they get the chance to learn about legends in the field at a panel led by Principal Creative Executive Marty Sklar.
Later, you can sit in on a host of other Imagineers talking about their craft during the “Imagineer’s Guide to Creativity and Innovation.” But the real catnip of the day for me is a meet and greet with Warren Spector, video game designer and the man behind “Epic Mickey.”
Sunday has something for everyone as well: more Disney Channel meet-and-greets and more Disney history, with the stand-out being a viewing of vintage footage from the parks. John Lasseter makes an appearance, though unfortunately only to talk about the forthcoming “Cars Land.” And the draw for me? A panel on the evolution of Marvel comics.
All in all a solid lineup for D23, though it contains some glaring omissions. The last D23 was hallmarked by previews of upcoming Disney flicks. I have a hard time believing that D23 would bring John Lasseter to the convention and then not have him really talk about anything related to Pixar. Speaking of, why isn’t there a preview for “Brave”? It’s one of the top two movies I want to see next year.
The other being “Avengers,” another movie I’m surprised doesn’t make the list. I know the big “Avengers” panel was at Comic-Con, where it really belongs, but I have a hard time believing Disney isn’t trying to capitalize on their new ownership of Marvel and won’t even have some sort of feature on “Avengers” at D23.
A little note at the bottom of the schedule says that more events are to be announced. With just a week until the Expo, what are they waiting for?
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