D23 Expo 2013

DAY 1 - August 9, 2013:

-7:30am, stood in line for General Show Floor Admission

-10:30-11:30am, Stage 28 for "Mayhem, Mischief, and Monkeys: The Magic of Mystic Manor" with Joe Lanzisero and Mark Schirmer.  They had models of Albert the monkey, Mystic Manor, and Lord Henry's Mystic Magneto-Electric Carriage.  Spoke about the entire development of Mystic Point for Hong Kong Disneyland.  Nothing really new mentioned that has not been said before from initial press releases.

-12:30-1:30pm, Stage 23 for "Undiscovered Disneyland" with Tony Baxter and Josh Shipley.  A fun laid-back look at Disneyland of the past via video and photo slideshows.  Tom Staggs made a surprise appearance to announce that Tony Baxter will be rewarded with a window in Disneyland's Main Street.

-1:30-2pm, went to get StagePass for "Broadway & Beyond" in Stage 23 but it was booked.  Instead, got StagePass for "Pixar: Doing Our Homework" in Stage 28.

-2-4pm, went into "Parks & Resorts: Journey into Imagineering Pavilion".

-4-5pm, wandered around Collectots Forum.

-5-5:30pm, ate a pretzel with cheese sauce.  The food areas this year had a lot more space with tables and chairs.

-6-7pm, Stage 28 with StagePass for "Pixar: Doing Our Homework".  Was quite disappointed with this panel discussion.  Nothing new was learned if you've seen the Pixar DVD extras.

DAY 2 - August 10, 2013:

-7:30am, stood in line for D23 Arena's "Let the Adventures Begin: Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios".  I wish someone had a "End of Line" sign.  Not even the employees there knew what was going on.

-8-10:15am, let us into the Show Floor's queue with electronic devices in sealed bags.  This is a lot more convenient than checking in all devices into a bag and getting a return ticket.

-10:30am-12:30pm, special appearances with Sir Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Chris Evans, Sebastian Stan, Ty Burrell, Angelina Jolie, Brad Bird, Jason Schwartzman, B.J. Novak, and Richard Sherman.  Had a nice "Let's Go Fly a Kite" ending with the "Shermans" singing and entertainment running out in the aisles flying kites on poles.  Walked out with "Saving Mr. Banks" movie poster and Maleficent horns.

-12:30-5pm, bought a Jessica Rabbit magnetic bottle opener from Mickey's of Glendale.

Disappointed with The Dream Store.  Most things were from speciality artists like in Downtown Disney's WonderGround Gallery.  The Tommorrowland shirts, 4D Puzzle, and Hedbanz games were the only things worthy of purchase http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/08/guess-whats-fun-in-four-dimensions-coming-to-the-d23-expo-dream-store-and-disney-parks-in-august-2013/.  But that's still not enough from statues, paintings, metal keys.  Saw a group dressed as Mansion Ballroom dancers admiring the Haunted Mansion paintings.  No surprise there was not a line at the check-out registers.  I was expecting merchandise from Mystic Manor, Grizzly Gulch, and New Fantasyland like the Gaston statue, Lumiere figure, and Be Our Guest goblet: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/08/disneys-beauty-and-the-beast-continues-inspiring-new-merchandise-coming-to-disney-parks/

Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives.  The queue had behind-the-scenes video playing with princess designer gowns on display.  Had sections for Teen Beach Movie, Once Upon a Time, Oz, and Mary Poppins.

Visited various booths including a presentation from a Disney animator.  Got a few freebies including a grape soda pin from PIXAR's UP.

-5pm-6:30pm, waited in Overflow queue for D23 Arena presentation.

-6:30-8:30pm, D23 Arena Overflow Simulcast for "Richard M. Sherman and Alan Menken: The Disney Songbook".  AMAZING!

DAY 3 - August 11, 2013:

-8am, stood in line for Show Floor General Admission.

-9:30-10:30am, Stage 23 for "Working With Walt".  Afterwards, StagePass for "Leading a Legacy"

-11:15am-12:15pm, Stage 23 for "The DNA of Innovation".  Afterwards, StagePass for "Leave 'em Laughing".

-1-2pm, Stage 23 for "Craft of Creativity".

-2:45-3:45pm, Stage 23 with StagePass for "Leading a Legacy".

-4:30-5:30pm, Stage 23 for "Leave 'em Laughing".

-5:30pm, line for Once Upon a Time booth was unfortunately closed.  Went to The Tomorrowland Project.  Walked around until 7pm looking for any last minute giveaways.  Got a HONDA ASIMO Innoventions coin, PLANES t-shirt.

-7:30-8:30pm, went to Disneyland Hotel for "Trader Sam's Tiki Luau Party".  But nobody knew anything.  There was an outdoor bar.  Apparently the D23 Scavenger Hunt ended here.  But that was it.  Highly disappointed.  In my opinion, a huge communication error.

The Guidebook had no specific information.  I just found out the official website listed the Party as Friday and Saturday 8pm-12am.  Sunday 6pm-8pm.  Outside Luau Party Dining as Friday and Saturday 8:30pm-10:30pm.  Sunday not available.  Polynesian Performers as Friday and Saturday 9pm and 10:20pm.  Sunday no performances.  https://d23.com/trader-sams-tiki-after-party-disneyland-hotel-d23-expo/

Parklet and Aerial Greenway

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Line_(New_York_City)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promenade_plantée

Someone else suggested this before, but I think it's a great idea.  New York City converted their elevated railroad line, The High Line, into an aerial greenway.  They were inspired by Paris' Promenade plantée.  I think the same could be down with Disneyland's Tomorrowland's Peoplemover track.  At least just the portion that is at between the entrance and former un/load station.  In addition, add Cell Phone Charging Stations to lure people in this area.  Have tables and chairs every several feet to offer sitting areas.  Wheelchair accessible ramps.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parklet

This placemaking concept I just found interesting.