Disney’s big 2013 D23 Expo is this weekend! Are you ready for three days of Disney insanity? We’ve put together a guide with the Expo must-dos for Disney theme park, animation and history fans! We also have a full Disneyland update this week with a peek inside the Market House as it continues its conversion and expansion into Disneyland’s new Starbucks location as well as a look at the progress at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Don’t miss your weekly Disneyland Resort crowd forecast — provided by our friends at MouseAddict — in the Weekly News and Information Roundup at the end of today’s update!
Get a closer look at today’s update!
Click on any photo in the blog for a large, high-resolution version of the image.
Welcome to Disneyland!
Summer continues with great weather, manageable crowds and parks that look fantastic. It’s a great time to visit Disneyland.
A look at Disneyland wait times midday Friday.
The D23 Expo is almost here! This weekend the Anaheim Convention Center will host what Disney calls “The Ultimate Disney Fan Event,” bringing together every corner of the Walt Disney Company – from theme parks to television to movies and beyond! MiceChat and Dateline Disneyland will be there to cover the event for those of you who can’t make it. But for those of you who are planning on attending, we’ve put together a list of some of the most-anticipated pavilions, presentations and special events happening at this year’s Expo. So take a look at the Dateline Disneyland D23 Expo Must-Dos and see what you might want to add to your list!
D23 Expo Tickets
Tickets are still available and D23 Members get a discount! Buy tickets now.
D23 Member Prices Adult: $50 One Day | $145 Three-Day Child: $42 One Day | $121 Three-Day
General Admission Adult: $57 One Day | $166 Three-Day Child: $47 One Day | $136 Three-Day
Quick Tips and Links
Get the latest D23 Expo News Stay up-to-date with the latest news on the Expo, direct from the D23 Expo website.
Get the D23 Expo app D23 recently launched an app for smartphones with all of the latest information, schedules and more for the D23 Expo.
Don’t forget your StagePass! New for the 2013 Expo, D23 is offering StagePass – a free service that allows you to reserve guaranteed seating for up to two presentations each day in Stage 23 or Stage 28. For more information.
Relax after the Expo at Trader Sam’s The wildly popualar Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel will expand its footprint onto the Frontier and Adventure towers’ lawn areas near the pool on D23 Expo nights only
Perhaps one of the most anticipated features of the D23 Expo, the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Pavilion is celebrating the 60th anniversary of Walt Disney Imagineering with special historical displays plus sneak peeks on new and upcoming attractions. Guests will enter the pavilion through a recreation of the main entrance to the Walt Disney Imagineering campus in Glendale, California and inside may tease at upcoming Star Wars, Avatar while taking a look back at 60 years of creating the impossible.
A first look at MyMagic+ Take a look at the new collection of tools debuting soon at Walt Disney World that will give guests more opportunities to customize and personalize their entire visit.
A sneak peek at Disney Springs Preview the reimagining and reinvention of Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World that transforms it into a timeless and vibrant place that celebrates the turn-of-the century lakeside towns that dotted the Florida landscape.
Marvel’s Avengers Meet & Greet The opportunity to meet one of Marvel‚Äôs Avengers before he sets sail on a new adventure.
A glimpse into the Walt Disney Imagineering Art Library Featuring rarely seen models of concepts that were never built, as well as historical and revered original concept art from the early days of Imagineering, including Herb Ryman’s sketch of Disneyland and Peter Ellenshaw’s “surprise” rendering for the Disneyland television show.
Mickey’s of Glendale An outlet of Walt Disney Imagineering’s employee-only store, to shop for unique souvenirs and collectibles and Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise not available anywhere else.
This year, the extremely popular Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney’s beloved “Mary Poppins” film, showcasing iconic props from the film including Mary’s carpet bag which was recently acquired by the Walt Disney Archives. The Archives exhibit is always a popular look back through the rich history of the Disney company and this year’s exhibit is sure to once again deliver.
Mary Poppins 50th Anniversary An exhibit celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary featuring concept art and matte paintings, Mary and Bert’s carousel horses, costumes, and Mary’s recently acquired carpet bag.
Disney’s Adventures on the Land of Oz A collection of props, costumes and artifacts from Disney’s long association with the wonderful world of Oz featuring a costume from 1957’s “The Rainbow Road to Oz,” props and costume pieces from 1985’s Return to Oz and an assortment of costumes from this year’s Oz The Great and Powerful.
Storytelling on the Small Screen Props, costumes and more from ABC’s hit show “Once Upon a Time” and Disney Channel’s new “Teen Beach Movie.”
Check out sneak peeks of the upcoming films and catch an up-close look at the latest technology being utilized in Frozen (it’s a chilling experience). Watch Walt Disney Animation Studios artists in action as they showcase how they do what they do. There will be presentations and demonstrations featuring characters from both upcoming movies and recent favorites from Wreck It Ralph to next year’s Big Hero 6. More on the Walt Disney Animation Studios Pavilion
D23 Arena Highlights
The D23 Arena is home to some of the biggest presentations at the D23 Expo, including the highly-anticipated Walt Disney Pictures presentation which is expected to give us sneak peeks into the latest big screen magic Disney is creating with Marvel, The Muppets and in Tomorrowland!
Art and Imagination: Animation at The Walt Disney Studios Friday, August 9 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Join Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter and get an up-close look at the exciting and innovative projects on the horizon from the Disney animation studios, from Frozen to Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur.
Let the Adventures Begin: Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios Saturday, August 10 | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Go behind the scenes at The Walt Disney Studios with this revealing look at the upcoming roster of live-action adventures from Disney, Marvel, and Lucasfilm.
Disney Legends Awards Ceremony Saturday, August 10 | 2 p.m.- 4 p.m.
This year, Monsters, Inc. stars Billy Crystal and John Goodman, technology visionary Steve Jobs, television icon Dick Clark and four others – Tony Baxter, Collin Campbell, Glen Keane, and Ed Wynn – will be named and honored as official Disney Legends.
Richard M. Sherman and Alan Menken: The Disney Songbook Saturday, August 10 | 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
For one night only, two of the world’s most celebrated songwriters and composers will take the stage.
The 2,000-seat Stage 23 will host numerous panel discussions and special presentations that are sure to be huge draws for Disney enthusiasts. From a series of panels celebrating Walt Disney Imagineering’s 60th Anniversary, to a behind-the-scenes look at Walt Disney’s iconic “Mary Poppins” – there’s quite a bit to see in Stage 23 over the three-day Expo. Below are some that we’re especially excited about:
Behind the Scenes of Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins Friday, August 9 | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Take a historical look behind the scenes at the origins of the 1964 film as it nears its 50th anniversary with Chief Archivist Emeritus Dave Smith.
Undiscovered Disneyland Friday, August 9 | 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Disney Imagineer and soon-to-be Disney Legend Tony Baxter, along with Imagineer Josh Shipley, share more never-before-seen color footage of Disneyland in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s.
Inside the Ice: The Art of Disney’s Frozen Saturday, August 10 | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Join the team behind the movie for an exclusive look at the artistry and animation of the Thanksgiving 2013 release Frozen.
The Art of The Good Dinosaur Saturday, August 10 | 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Take a closer look at the artistry and production design behind Pixar’s upcoming film “The Good Dinosaur.”
Walt Disney Imagineering’s 60th Sunday, August 11 | Panels throughout the day
This series of panels takes guests through the history and behind-the-scenes of Walt Disney Imagineering as it celebrates its 60th Anniversary. Panel topics include: Working with Walt, Craft of Creativity, Leave ’em Laughing and more!
Reserve your seat with D23 Expo’s Stage Pass
New this year, you may choose to retrieve a limited number of StagePass tickets, at no additional charge, to guarantee seating at select sessions in Stage 23 and Stage 28. For more information on StagePass.
Stage 28 Highlights
The 850-seat Stage 28 may be the smallest of the D23 Expo’s main venues, but it still packs an amazing line-up of panel discussions and special presentations!
Mayhem, Mischief, and Monkeys: The Magic of Mystic Manor Friday, August 9 | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Imagineers Joe Lanzisero and Mark Schirmer pull back the curtain on the amazing new Mystic Manor attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland.
Dave Bossert Remembers Roy E. Disney, with Special Guest Roy P. Disney Friday, August 9 | 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Dave Bossert, along with guest Roy P. Disney, will share stories, drawings, and candid photos found in his new book, Remembering Roy E. Disney: Memories and Photos of a Storied Life.
Broadcasts from Buena Vista Street Saturday, August 10 | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Hear audio from Buena Vista Street, performed live with members of the original voice cast.
Charles Phoenix Presents Saturday, August 10 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
With his gracious wit and keen eye for oddball detail, Charles Phoenix shares spectacular views of beloved and gone-but-not-forgotten Disneyland attractions, as well as Anaheim’s midcentury motels.
Voices of the Disney Parks Saturday, August 10 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The men and women who provide voices for the Disney parks are back with more stories, more humorous asides, and new faces
Disney Animated: An Inside Look at Walt Disney Animation Studios Saturday, August 10 | 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Discover how the timeless stories from Walt Disney Animation Studios are brought to life.
Sounds Delightful! An Illustrated Audio Adventure Sunday, August 11 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Join Disney artist and historian Stacia Martin for a trip across the decades via vintage Disney Vinyl Recordings.
The Jack Wrather Organization Featuring The Disneyland Hotel Sunday, August 11 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Disneyland Hotel historian and author Don Ballard opens up the resort’s past with opening-day color footage.
Reserve your seat with D23 Expo’s Stage Pass
New this year, you may choose to retrieve a limited number of StagePass tickets, at no additional charge, to guarantee seating at select sessions in Stage 23 and Stage 28. For more information on StagePass.
Shopping
Disney Dream Store D23 Expo-themed official merchandise and other specialty items including official D23 Expo merchandise, HARVEYS Seatbeltbags, Disney theme park merchandise, ACME Archives Limited, autograph sessions with guest artists, and much more.
Meet Disney celebrities and your favorite MiceChat bloggers and podcasters!
As if the D23 Expo didn’t have enough things for you to see and do, MiceChat will have an amazing booth (Booth #513) in the Collectors Forum area of the D23 Expo this year as well. We invite you and your friends to meet with the incredible lineup of special guests and Disney Legends whom we have scheduled throughout the three day show including:
Bob Gurr, Disney Legend and Imagineer
Rolly Crump, Disney Legend and Imagineer
Floyd Norman, Disney Animator
Nik Ranieri, Disney Animator
Mark Silverman, Disney Voice Actor
Margaret Kerry, Orignal model for Tinker Bell
Carolyn Carroll, Wife of Eddie Carroll, the voice of Jiminy Cricket
…and surprise guests!
Plus MiceChat staff and columnists inlcuding Fishbulb, Monorail Man, Sam Gennawey, Doug Barnes, Scarlett Stahl, Rixter, Mickey Maxx, Jeff Heimbuch, Gwendolyn Dreyer, Sarah the MiceChatter, Indiana Jenn, Mamabot, Dustysage and more!
We will also be giving away lots of great prizes, including hotel stays and an iPad Mini!
MiceChat’s D23 Expo Cocktail Party At the Anabella Hotel | Saturday, August 10 | 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
We’d like to invite all of you to join us for a special cocktail party at the Anabella Hotel’s Tangerine Grill & Patio, just a short walk from the Anaheim Convention Center on Katella Avenue! on the evening of Saturday, August 10th! The Tangerine Grill & Patio will be offering happy hour prices to MiceChatters from 9pm until 1am. We’ll have some VERY special guests drop by, including Disney Legend Bob Gurr!
Refurbishment Round-Up
Back at Disneyland, Expo guests this weekend will see first-hand the progress on on-going projects in Disneyland, including the new Starbucks location on Main Street and the major Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment.
Not much new to see from outside of the Market House and former Disneyana shop as construction continues inside on the new Starbucks location. Walls are still up around what we believe will be a new door.
A pulled-back construction tarp revealed progress inside the former Disneyana shop.
This is looking inside the bay window to the right of the main door to the shop, positioned behind where the shop’s main cash wrap was located.
Nothing left of the Disneyana shop – but still a long ways to go before its usable cafe space.
At the end of Main Street, the Main Street Photo Supply roofline has gotten a quick fix to hide the retractable safety railing that is now always in the up position.
Oh.
Heading toward Frontierland….
… Big Thunder Mountain Railroad work continues…
Scaffolding has gone up around the load building.
Big Thunder Trail was still “washed out” for repaving last week.
Big Thunder Trail’s repaving project is coming along nicely. I’m happy to see the painted slurry is now gone and themed pavement is going in.
Looks good so far
Over in Fantasyland, there’s still plenty of safety railing up on Sleeping Beauty Castle.
There’s also a little something missing on Sleeping Beauty Castle that we had failed to notice until recently. One of the highest (and smallest) turrets on the castle is missing its roof. Our friend Matt Gottula (@DLthings on Twitter) looked back through photos and said that turret has been missing since the holiday snow overlay was removed in January!
It’s interesting that something like this on the park’s central icon has been missing for so long but also interesting that nobody really seemed to notice…
Limited Time Magic
[center]Take Flight with Planes Commemorative Wings at Disney California Adventure
Available now while supplies last[/center]
Disney is promoting their new movie by giving away “Planes” pins at Soarin’ Over California. The official line is that only kids ages 5-13 can get the pins, but we’ve heard that Soarin’ Cast Members are giving them away to anybody who wants one.
[center]Cover Your Ears with Heroes or Villains at Disneyland Park
Available now while supplies last[/center]
Disney is now selling Ear Hat covers at Disneyland and marketing as part of Limited Time Magic. I suspect these Ear Hat covers will stick around long after Limited Time Magic if their sales are successful – afterall, the Cozy Cone hats in Cars Land are still for sale long after their Limited Time Magic run.
[center]Vote for Your Favorite Long Lost Disney Friends at Disneyland Park
Available now while supplies last[/center]
Seemingly out of ideas, Disney will be bringing back another one of its Limited Time Magic offerings again in the near future – this time its the popular “Long Lost Friends Week.” Disney is inviting fans to cast their votes to decide which characters return.
Some of the options such as Merlin, Dr. Facilier or the Three Little Pigs would be nice to see return, but some of the other options such as Snow White and Chip n’ Dale reek of desperation – I mean, these are characters that are out every day! In any case, voting closes today so if you haven’t voted yet – go choose your favorite.
[center]Disney Infinity at Innoventions Preview for Passholders A Limited Time Annual Passholder Magic Event
at Disneyland Park
August 6, 2013[/center]
The new Disney Infinity video game will be taking over the XBox display in Innoventions this month and Annual Passholders will be able to get a sneak peek of the Disney Infinity takeover Tuesday night and will be able to mingle with some of the video game developers and other surprises.
Come celebrate the upcoming release of the Disney Infinity video game on August 18, 2013! Passholders can get a sneak peek at the Disney Infinity take-over of the Xbox 360 exhibit in Innoventions on August 6, 2013 before it opens to the general public.
Disney Infinity, available for many popular game consoles, is a video game that merges various characters from Disney and Pixar worlds. Explore the Disney Infinity Characters and check out Disney Infinity Play Sets.
Dates and Times
Tuesday, August 18, 2013
5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Location
Innoventions in Tomorrowland
Event Registration and Wristband Distribution
To check event availability, please present your valid Annual Passport (photo ID may also be required) to the event Cast Member at the entrance to Innoventions in Tomorrowland during event hours.
This is an all-ages event. However, all participating Guests ages 3 and older must be valid Annual Passholders on the day of the event. Guests under the age of 3 do not need an Annual Pass.
Summer trudges along at California Adventure with no major news coming from the park.
A look at wait times Friday afternoon… Not bad!
Downtown Volleyball
Last week Downtown Disney played host to another one of its strangely under-promoted side events. The shopping district’s “Summer Celebration” set up shop between Earl of Sandwich and ESPN Zone at the far end of Downtown Disney with a beach volleyball tournament and a couple booths and some special guests.
Downtown Disney’s small little offerings and festivals like this can seem a little weird and out of left field at times, but they tend to work as nice little events for the local community rather than added attractions for the tourists.
A short walk from the park, HoJo Anaheim is conveniently located next to Matterhorn Mountain at Disneyland with nearby dining, freeway access, FREE parking and FREE Wi-Fi. For more information on HoJo Anaheim, room rates, or to book your stay today, visit HoJoAnaheim.com/MiceChat
MiceChat.com and Annual Passholder Discounts
Available Every Day! The HoJo Anaheim is now offering deeper discounts for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders! On select nights, Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders can get rooms for as low as $59 per night, plus tax. For more information visit the HoJo Anaheim Innsider Boards which features an up-to-date listing of available nights, or call (714) 776-6120 and ask for In-House Reservations to book. If your date isn’t listed, the HoJo Anaheim still offers rooms for 20% off their best available rate if you call (714) 776-6120.
[center]Closure and Refurbishment Schedule[/center]
[b][center]Disneyland Park[/center][/b]
[b]Big Thunder Mountain Railroad:[/b] Closed for extensive refurbishment through October 30.
[B]Mad Tea Party:[/B] Closed August 19-22 for refurbishment.
[B]Matterhorn Bobsleds:[/B] Closed August 19-22 and September 3-5 for refurbishment.
[B]Haunted Mansion:[/B] Closed August 26-September 12 for Haunted Mansion Holiday installation.
[B]Big Thunder Ranch:[/B] Closed September 3-12 for Halloween overlay installation.
[B]Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island:[/B] Closed September 3-4.
[B]Mickey’s House:[/B] Closed September 3-26 for refurbishment.
[B]King Arthur Carrousel:[/B] Closed September 3 – October 10 for refurbishment.
[B]Mark Twain Riverboat:[/B] Closed for one day, September 9.
[B]Space Mountain:[/B] Closed September 9-12 for Ghost Galaxy overlay installation.
[B]Sailing Ship Columbia:[/B] Closed September 17-19 for refurbishment.
[b]Market House:[/b] Closed for conversion and expansion for new Starbucks location. Opens fall 2013.
[B]Alice in Wonderland:[/B] Expected to close early 2014 to install permanent safety railing on outdoor ride portion.
[b][center]Disney California Adventure[/center][/b]
[b]Muppet*Vision 3D:[/b] Closed September 9-12.
[b]Toy Story Midway Mania!:[/b] Closed September 16-19 for refurbishment.
[b][center]Downtown Disney and Disneyland Resort Hotels[/center][/b]
None.
[center] A weekly look at projected crowd levels at the Disneyland Resort.[/center]
August 5 – 11, 2013
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
About This Week’s Estimates
Our Addictometer™ crowd estimates are designed to give you an idea of how busy the resort feels using historical data, crowd sourcing, and proprietary algorithms used in the Mouseaddict iOS app. Among the variables affecting crowd levels this week are:
The D23 Expo will take place Friday-Sunday, and D23 crowds will ebb and flow throughout the weekend depending on keynote events.
Hotels are heavily booked all week, even before D23 begins.
Southern California and SoCal Select passports are blocked every day this week. Deluxe passports are blocked out this Saturday.
There are just two weeks left before schools are back in session. Time for last minute visits before fall!
Are you already a Mouseaddict? Be sure to submit your wait times to help us help you!
[center]Headline Roundup A quick look at noteworthy Disney theme park headlines from around the web.[/center]
The 23rd Annual CHOC Walk in the Park benefitting CHOC Children’s Hospital returns to Disneyland October 13
MiceChat reported that big changes are coming to Disneyland’s private Club 33 this year that could mean notable changes in New Orleans Square for regular park guests.
The Pirates League returns to Disneyland in a new location during this year’s Halloween Time, starting September 13.
You can save up to 20% on Disneyland Resort Hotel stays this fall with this new promotion.
Alright! Thanks wraps up this week’s edition of Dateline Disneyland. Thanks for reading and please be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below! Are you attending this weekend’s D23 Expo? Let us know and be sure to stop by and say hello at the MiceChat booth!
We’re only here because of generous readers like you. Do you enjoy reading Dateline Disneyland every week? Consider helping us out by donating so we can pay the bills and keep the weekly updates coming! You can donate with a click of a button via PayPal, click here!
For more Disneyland news, be sure to read MiceChat’s weekly In the Parks blog. And be sure to check out our sister blog, Dateline Disney World – a fantastic weekly photo blog covering Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida!
Thanks for reading. See you at Disneyland!
[B]- Andy[/B]
Don’t miss your weekly Disneyland Resort crowd forecast — provided by our friends at MouseAddict — in the Weekly News and Information Roundup at the end of today’s update! 
The 850-seat Stage 28 may be the smallest of the D23 Expo’s main venues, but it still packs an amazing line-up of panel discussions and special presentations!
| 
| 
| 
| 
[/center]