D23 Expo 2015

[Trueheart03]

Hello,

This is my first time posting to the threads, but I read through them all the time.

I'm taking my first trip to Disneyland this August, and I will also be going to the D23 Expo. I was wondering if anyone had any tips for the Expo. This is my first time going to anything like this. I've never been to any conventions or anything where people wait in line for hours and hours to get in, and then wait hours more for presentations.

I do not want to stand in line all night, so I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on what time to go in the morning, how long before a presentation should I get in line (particular the Theme Parks Presentation), merchandise/shopping tips, when cameras can be used, do they take cameras from you for certain presentations, and any other tips you think a new person should know.

I'd actually love if this subject was on a Podcast before my trip in August. I love listening to the Podcast.

As a side note, I am a Charter, Gold Member in the D23 club.

I appreciate any advice anyone can give me.

[John]

Welcome and thanks for posting. Hope a few folks who have been to D23 will be able to give you some tips. I believe Michael on the podcast had also shared his experience of being there on one of the casts a year or so ago. You might want to visit the archives for that episode.

You are going to love Disneyland... There is something incredibly magical about the house that Walt built. I can't wait to get back myself this fall.

[NotaGeek]

Howdy! It's Michael from the podcast ...

I have been to every D23 Expo and will be there again this year -- it's truly fun, crazy, frustrating, LONG, and one of my favorite things to do!

I NEVER wait in line for hours -- luckily I have a friend that is content to wait with his ipad (they venue has free wifi) and he normally just waits a few hours, except for the BIG talks -- the longest we have waited in line was 3 hours or so -- and then we take turns.

In the mornings you never really have to wait in line to get in (or ever during the day) - it's an ENORMOUS venue so they don't hold people in line, in the mornings people start lining up early if there is a big talk first thing -- the Theme Parks talk, the WD pictures talk etc ...

You can use cameras anywhere on the main floor -- there is no flash photography or video allowed during the talks -- and some talks are STRICT no photos and they will plastic bag and check in all phones, cameras or tell you not to bring them -- the rules for each event is listed on the schedule so you will know ahead of time what's allowed. The press folk can do whatever they want of course.

One of the only big lines is always the WD Imagineering merchandise area -- but OMG it's worth it -- crazy amazing stuff you can't buy anywhere else -- the regular D23 Expo merchandise area is hit or miss for me -- last Expo I didn't even buy any of the merch from the regular area -- the COOL thing is that they always have artists there signing stuff -- that's one of my favorite things -- I think I got a couple of Vinylmations signed for guests.

There is just a TON to do -- once the official calendar comes out you just have to plan your day -- figure out what you HAVE to see vs. your DL Park time and plan in some rest time! I stay at the Hilton right at the convention center so when i need to get OUT it's just a trip up the elevator - you can just walk across the street to get into the park or take a quick cab for about $10.

There is a private lounge area for Charter D23 members -- maybe we can meet for a cocktail!

Hope this helps!

[BrowncatP]

Not a Geek sums it all up very well. I went to the 2013 Expo. Three days of Disney!! You barely have time to eat. Over the span of the three days over 30,000 people were there.(I think.) Everyone tends to be spread out over the entire convention center, but there are some lines for the big presentations. Enjoy

[Melanie]

Welcome to the world of posting on INTERCOT, Trueheart03!!!