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I can't believe the D23 Expo is less than a month away and I will actually be there! I've been talking about going to the next expo since before the last one two years ago. I'm just excited to be going but don't really know what to expect. Does anyone have advice?
It is just DH and myself going for our anniversary so we decided to spring for the Grand Californian!
Haven't been to D23 so can't offer advice but wanted to wish you a Happy Anniversary. We celebrated ours at the GCH also this year. Make sure they give you some Anniversary buttons to wear.
I have been to both the previous expos.
The last expo was much more crowded that the first. There may be even more people this time - although they are opening up more floor space too.
Advice. It's kind of like tackling a Disney Park:
1. Get there early. The line to get in was really long an hour before the doors opened for D23 members (D23 member get early entry).
2. A few days before the Expo, download the schedule and prioritize what you want to do. If you are wanting to get into the panel presentations etc, it's not possible to do them back to back. We found that you really needed a minumum of 2 hours between the end of one panel and the start of the next one to have much hope of getting in. Things may be a bit different this year as they are trying a sort of 'fast pass' system where you get tickets - but I wouldn't be surprised if the lines for those are long too.
We found that it was possible to do 2 presentations a day. You are very lucky if you can squeeze in three in a day due to the lining up involved. (I think we had one day when we did 3 in a day and it was a long day)
3. The main presentation in the Arena also fill up, and on the Disney Studio day, you needed to have gone straight to the area line upon entry in the morning to have a hope of getting in.
4. Don't miss the Parks and Resorts pavillion on the floor. It's the best. Last year they had a Mickey's of Glendale Imagineering store at the end of it.
5. Speaking of stores - the lines in the stores could be long too, and if there is a specific item you are after, head to the store first, as they do sell out. I'd advise doing your shopping on the first day.
6. Leave time to explore the show floor - there are lots a exhibits and fun people to talk to. Lots of unexpected things too.
7. Have Fun! Hope I haven't freaked you out re the crowds - there are a lot of people. Lots of people complain about the expo etc because the missed out on X Y Z. I think it's all about how you approach it. Realize that you can't do it all, or even most of what is on offer. Pick one thing (presentation etc) each day that you must see or do - make sure you get to do that, then treat anything else as a bonus and you'll have a great time.
If you approach with realistic expectations of what you achieve in a day, you will have a blast. I've had the best time at the Expo and really loved attending panels with John Lasseter and Tony Baxter, the Muppets and the Pixar Brains trust.
Thanks mickeyd, exactly the type of information I was looking for.