What to expect at the D23 Expo from Disney theme parks

The Disney theme parks pavilion at the D23 Expo in Anaheim will offer sneak peeks at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure coming to Disneyland, the continuing transformation of Epcot in Florida and new “Frozen” experiences bound for the Disney cruise line.

Disney Parks and Experiences will host a series of panels, presentations and the Wonderful World of Dreams pavilion on Sept. 9-11 during the D23 Expo 2022 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Sign up for our Park Life newsletter and find out what’s new and interesting every week at Southern California’s theme parks. Subscribe here.

The Wonderful World of Dreams pavilion at the D23 Expo will spotlight new attractions currently under development by Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative arm of the company.

The lineup of Disney theme park panels and presentations during the D23 Expo in Anaheim includes:

A Boundless Future: Disney Parks Experiences and Products

10:30 a.m., Sept. 11, Hall D23

Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro reveals new details about upcoming attractions coming to Disney theme parks around the world.

Dreaming, Designing, and Bringing to Life the Disney Wish

4 p.m., Sept. 10, Backlot Stage

Imagineering discusses the development of the new Disney Wish cruise ship with the AquaMouse water coaster, the first Disney theme park attraction at sea.

Walt Disney Imagineering: 70 Years of Making the Impossible, Possible

1 p.m., Sept. 11, Premiere Stage

Imagineering discusses the storytelling, technology and innovation that bring to life Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm attractions at Disney theme parks around the world.

A Peek Behind the Curtain at the Walt Disney Imagineering Illusions and Special Effects Development Lab

10 a.m., Sept. 10, Walt Disney Archives Stage

Imagineering offers an insider’s look at the creative process behind current theme park attractions as well as the history of the Illusions and Special Effects Development Lab where the Haunted Mansion and other early projects were developed.

Inside Look at the Society of Explorers and Adventurers

10:30 a.m., Sept. 9, Backlot Stage

Author Julie Kagawa talks with Imagineering about her Society of Explorers and Adventurers novel series and how the expanding S.E.A. lore ties into Disney theme parks.

Uncovering Treasures from the Marty Sklar Collection

Noon, Sept. 10, Walt Disney Archives Stage

Explore the collection of Disney Legend Marty Sklar from his more than 50 years at Imagineering with hosts Bob Weis, the former president of Imagineering, and Leah and Leslie Sklar, Marty’s wife and daughter.

Magic in the Air: 30 Years of The Muppet Christmas Carol

1 p.m., Sept. 10, Premiere Stage

The Muppets host a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the 1992 comedy musical Christmas film with special guests.

The World of Duffy & Friends Revealed

4:15 p.m., Sept. 11, Hyperion Stage

Imagineering discusses the history of Duffy and popularity of the teddy bear character at Tokyo Disneyland and other international Disney theme parks. The presentation is expected to announce the official return of Duffy & Friends to the Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts, according to WDW News Today.

DisneyMe digital avatar

D23 Expo attendees will be the first to try the new DisneyMe digital avatar in the Play Disney Parks app, uncover exclusive digital clothing and take part in an interactive quest at the convention. DisneyMe will debut this fall as part of the Disney Uncharted Adventure interactive experience on the new Disney Wish cruise ship.

Also at the Expo

The D23 Expo will present showcases and panels on Marvel, Lucasfilm and Pixar projects as well as shows coming to the Disney Channel, ABC, Disney+, Hulu, Freeform, FX and National Geographic.

by
on August 10, 2022