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Disney releases more details about next month's D23 fan convention

By Robert Niles
Published: August 24, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Disney's released a more detailed schedule for its D23 fan convention, which runs Sept. 10-13 at the Anaheim Convention Center, across the street from the Disneyland Resort.

Below, I've highlighted the events that would most likely be of interest to theme park fans. A complete schedule is available on the D23 website. Contrary to what many folks believe, you do not have to be a member of Disney's D23 fan club to attend. Anyone can buy one-day tickets to the event for $37. ($27 for kids 3-12. Interesting that the kid cut-off date is 12 for the expo, but 9 for the theme parks.) A four-day pass is $111 for adults and $81 for kids. D23 members do get a discount: one-day tickets for $30 and $22; the passes for $90 and $66.

If you are planning to attend, please consider posting a daily write-up and photos here on the Blog Flume or the Theme Park Insider discussion board. I, and your fellow readers, would love to read your reports!

Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009
Bob Iger Presentation, 10 a.m. – Walt Disney Company President and CEO Bob Iger with an hour-long presentation on the future of Disney and new projects taking shape around the globe. Arena.

An Afternoon With Imagineering Legends, 4:30 p.m. – Recently retired Executive Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering Marty Sklar hosts a panel, including X Atencio, Alice Davis, Blaine Gibson and Bob Gurr. Storytellers Theater

The World of Vintage Disneyland – In Color, 2 p.m., Storytellers Theater

The Music of The Haunted Mansion, 3:30 p.m., Stage 23

Friday, Sept. 11, 2009
Happy Haunts: 40 Years of The Haunted Mansion, 12:30 p.m., Stage 23

Special Preview: "The Wonderful World of Color," 2 p.m., Storytellers Theater

We Make the Music: Conversations with the Creators of Disney Theme Park Music, 3:30 p.m., Storytellers Theater

Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009
So You Want to Be an Imagineer, 9 a.m. – Marty Sklar hosts a conversation with more than half a dozen guest Imagineers, who will discuss the challenges and rewards of their careers, and the special skills that are needed to "make the magic." Storytellers Theater

Imagineering the Future of Disney Theme Parks, 11 a.m. – Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo unveils new experiences on the horizon at Disney’s Parks and Resorts around the world. Arena

The Science of Imagineering, 12:30 p.m., Storytellers Theater

Refreshing a Classic: Remaking "it’s a small world" for the 21st Century, 2 p.m., Storytellers Theater

The Making of the U.S. Presidents, 3:30 p.m., Storytellers Theater

Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009
The Making of Toy Story Midway Mania, 9:30 a.m., Storytellers Theater

The Science of Imagineering, 1 p.m., Storytellers Theater (repeat of Saturday's show)

Imagineering Pixar for the Disney Parks, 3 p.m., Storytellers Theater

Readers' Opinions

From Dan M on August 24, 2009 at 10:55 AM
I really wish I lived in Southern California. I'd be all over this. Hopefully most of it will make it onto Youtube and I'm sure there will be extensive coverage by all the Disneyland fansites.
From Robert Niles on August 24, 2009 at 11:04 AM
The big "news" will be the Fantasyland expansion at Walt Disney World, which will bring the Little Mermaid and Pixie Hollow attractions from the Disneyland Resort, as well as the new version of "Star Tours" at Disneyland, and possibly Disney World.

I don't know if Iger or Rasulo will get to present those, though. I suspect that Iger will mention them broadly, Disney will "leak" it to the local papers and TV Thursday or Friday, then Rasulo will do the formal unveiling on Saturday.

Of course, since you read theme park news sites, you know about these already, right? ;-)

If I could pick one day, I'd be all over Saturday. However, my fall Saturdays are otherwise occupied with youth soccer games, so that's why I'm trying to recruit another reader to cover the event.

From Dan M on August 24, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Yeah, I've heard both of those. I'm sure the Lasseter and Iger addresses will be great along with the other Imagineering Panels. A lot of fans of the Disney parks seem to be really unhappy with Rasulo, but I'm sure his address will certainly include the confirmation of at least something new for the parks thats already been rumored. I also hear that there going to be showing a lot of stuff about DCA. One of the press releases says its something "too big to fit inside the Blue Sky Cellar". Red Trolley anyone?
From TH Creative on August 24, 2009 at 12:57 PM
I'll cover it for you Mr. Niles. Please book me the appropriate first class flight from Orlando -- I'll need drivers to pick me up at the house and at LAX -- I will email you my list of acceptable vehicles and required beverages to be placed in the back seat as well as the suite at the Grand Californian.

Please arrange for tickets to the Disney parks as well as dining at a high end local eatery.

Then again, I don't want to take you away from time with your children. Simply post a credit card number here on the site and I will do all the required legwork to make the accommodations listed above.

I'm cool like that.

From Robert Niles on August 24, 2009 at 1:02 PM
Oh, I'll get some credit card numbers for ya, TH.

And if any law enforcement officials ask you about them, just tell 'em you're reporting for "Fox News," okay?

From Anthony Murphy on August 24, 2009 at 1:05 PM
Sounds really cool and I wish I could go, but I have so much going on that weekend (like seeing U2!) since I am a D23 member.

However, I did find that the Music from the Haunted Mansion and the Sherman Brothers Music CDs are available to D23 members to purchase. I preordered mine.

I will try to go next year. It sounds even better than I expected!

New Suggestion: Have it at Disney World! They own Convention Centers. Imagine having it at the Contemparary........

From 204.149.81.7 on August 25, 2009 at 1:38 PM
First time I'm noticing "The Science of Imagineering" discussion. I'm assuming this is similar to the presentation that was done in New York at the World Science Festival in 2008. I thought that event was great, with interesting presentations that any age group would appreciate.

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