In Disney’s more than eight decades, fans have found ways to come together. They have congregated at theme parks for the past half-century. And they have formed unofficial clubs, most recently creating Web sites and communicating through social networking.
But the Walt Disney Co. itself has never provided a central gathering place like the one set for this week.
The D23 Expo is the first major Disney convention, coming Thursday through Sunday to the Anaheim Convention Center. It’s billed as the “ultimate Disney fan experience.” The event, open to the public, will cover everything Disney – from T.V. stars and toys to movie premieres and artifacts. CLICK ON MAP TO SEE D23 EXPO FLOORPLAN AND HIGHLIGHTS.
“D23 is an unprecedented way we opened doors to Disney to fans in a way they can’t get through any other venue,” said Steven Clark, the head of D23.
The concept for a Disney fan club came up about two years ago after Bob Iger, Disney’s president, kept receiving e-mails and letters asking for more connection to Disney. Even though other fan clubs exist, Iger wanted to give fans the opportunity to link directly with Disney.
In March, Disney officials came up with D23 – a club named after D for Disney and 23 for 1923, the year that Walt Disney arrived in California to begin his company.
“When you look at the other Web sites and clubs that exist, we certainly aren’t pretending to be a replacement for them,” Clark said. “When you look at the Disney fan environment … there’s such a deep, voracious appetite for all things Disney. I think it would be foolish to think there’s a sole voice of Disney fandom. It’s a great option and great offering for fans.”
The expo is offering something for everyone.
For reality T.V. watchers, Donny Osmond will perform a dance routine before his debut on “Dancing with the Stars.” For Disney Channel-inspired tweens, the “Wizards of Waverly Place” cast will sign autographs and answer questions. For animation fans, Toy Story 1 and 2 in 3D will premiere and Toy Story 3 scenes will be shown.
For fashionistas, Disney will unveil the first sketch of a Princess Tiana-inspired wedding gown and present Disney fashion shows. For kids, LEGO master builders will construct a life-size mural of Disney characters. For conspiracy theorists, a “Lost” University will take a peek behind the T.V. show.
Disney promises to break news about theme parks.
D23 member Eric Chu, 39, of Morgan Hill has monitored the buzz on Twitter and social networking sites. He plans to fly down later this week to attend the expo mostly because he is a fan of theme parks and has a fascination with the business’ marketing.
He’s most interested in the live auction and panels about theme parks, including ones with ride creators and Roy Disney, the grand nephew of Walt Disney. Chu, who used to work at Disney stores, said he thinks it’s a good idea.
“Because they know they have such a huge fan base, it would be an opportunity lost if they didn’t (have a club and expo),” Chu said. “All it does is encourage synergy.”
Disney and convention officials are unsure how many people will show up to the event.
Initial projections showed between 30,000 and 40,000 people could attend the expo, said Charles Ahlers, president of Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau. But Disney officials would only say that they expect tens of thousands people and declined to release how many have signed up so far.
Registrants are coming from all 50 states and several countries, including Australia and Japan, Clark said.
Al Lutz, editor of MiceAge.com, a Disney watchdog blog, said early sign-ups were falling short of initial predictions.
Regardless, convention planners expect that many will come for the day from the local region.
About a week and a half before the expo, Bill O’Connell, who owns four Disney-area hotels, said bookings were up slightly – about 10 percent higher than the previous year at the same time.
“Anything Disney does certainly helps with attendance and hotel occupancy, but this appears to be a little soft,” O’Connell said.
Disney already has committed to holding another expo in Anaheim. But the company isn’t sure when that might be – whether it will be an annual event or every five or so years. Disney tentatively is holding dates for next year, Ahlers said.
The expo opens Thursday through Sunday at 9 a.m. to the public. The floor closes at 5 p.m. each day. Events last until midnight.
Costs are: adults, $37 for one day, $111 for four-day pass; children ages 3-12, $27 for one day, $81 for four-day pass.
Follow coverage of D23 all week at Around Disney.
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