With just over three weeks to go until the D23 Expo, the folks planning this epic event are putting the finishing touches on the schedule and have just announced details on even more panels and experiences, plus the return of the Ultimate Fan Street Party.
New panels:
Mousequerade
August 23, 11:00am, Stage 28
This costume contest invites participants to create their own Disney-inspired designs. Jim Babcock hosts as finalists compete in five categories and vie for the $2,300 Best in Show Prize. Judges include voice actress/designer Ashley Eckstein, designer Jennifer Leonard, and actress Yvette Nicole Nicole Brown.
Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series-Episode II First Look
August 23, 2:00pm, Stage 28
Catch an exclusive sneak peek of the new adventure with Director Ben Snow Senior Experience Designer Jose Perez III, and Lucasfilm Story Group Creative Executive Matt Martin.
A Musical Celebration of Aladdin
August 24, 5:30pm, D23 Expo Arena
Voice actors Scott Weinger (Aladdin ’92) and Linda Larkin (Jasmine ’92) host this celebration of both the animated classic and new live action Aladdin. Stars scheduled to appear include Brad Kane (Aladdin ’92 singing voice), Deedee Magno Hall (Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin-A Musical Spectacular), Jamal Sims (Choreographer for Aladdin 2019), Clinton Greenspan (Upcoming Aladdin on Broadway), Lillias White (Calliope in Hercules), and Norm Lewis (Scandal, The Little Mermaid on Broadway).
Heroines of the Disney Galaxies
August 25, 10:00am, Stage 28
Ashley Eckstein (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels) hosts this look at some of the most inspiring and empowered heroines from the worlds of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and more. Guests scheduled to appear include Sana Amanat (Vice President of Content & Character Development for Marvel), Ally Maki (Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger, Toy Story 4), and Christy Carlson Romano (Kim Possible, Even Stevens, Big Hero 6: The Series).
Disney Characters Voices, Inc: The 30th Anniversary Celebration
August 25, 3:00pm, D23 Expo Arena
Rick Dempsey, Senior Vice President of Character Voices, hosts this look at the voice actors that have kept Disney characters alive in toys, games, attractions, and more. Famous voices scheduled to appear are Tony Anselmo (Donald), Jodi Benson (Ariel in The Little Mermaid), Bill Farmer (Goofy, Pluto), Bret Iwan (Mickey Mouse), and Linda Larkin (Jasmine in Aladdin).
Two Worlds, One Family, The Making of Tarzan
August 25, 5:30pm, D23 Expo Arena
The team that brought Tarzan to life 20 years ago goes behind the scenes of the animated feature. Guests include director Chris Buck, director Kevin Lima, animator Bruce W. Smith, animator Ken Duncan, animator and Disney Legend Glen Keane, and producer Bonnie Arnold. Actor Matthew Morrison will present a special performance from his upcoming album for Walt Disney Records.
The Art of Disney Storytelling
August 25, 6:00pm, Stage 28
A panel of storytellers discuss Walt Disney’s impact on their careers and the entertainment industry in general. The panel includes Imagineer and Disney Legend Tony Baxter, animator and Disney Legend Floyd Norman, Paul Briggs (story head for Frozen, Big Hero 6), and producer Don Hahn.
Inside the World of Avatar
This one-of-a-kind exhibit on the second floor of the Expo will take guests inside the film with rarely seen props, costumes, an models. The exhibit will also include a look at the making of Pandora-The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Walt Disney Archives Stage
The stage will host 16 panels and presentations over the course of the weekend, featuring a look behind the magic with many Disney notables. Guests scheduled to appear include Bill Farmer, J.B. Kaufman, Kevin Kidney, Jody Daily, Becky Cline, Bob Weis, Daniel Jue, and Kevin Rafferty. Panels will focus holiday magic in the park, Haunted Mansion, Fun and Fancy Free, and Disney Legend Mary Sklar.
Center Stage
This stage in the heart of the Expo floor will host a variety of events and performances. Look for K-pop star Tiffany Young, Radio Disney favorites Meg Donnelly and Asher Angel, stars from Disney on Broadway, and Bill Rogers, the voice of Disneyland, who will return to record outgoing voicemail message for fans.
Ultimate Fan Street Party
This cavalcade returns, but this year features a disco theme, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Mickey Mouse Disco album. Mickey, Minnie, and their friends will be wearing their “disco duds” and high-energy dancers will keep the fun going. Each Street Party will featured a celebrity grand marshal.
Grand marshals already announced include:
- August 23, 4:30pm – Kenny Ortega (Newsies, High School Musical) and Tom Bergeron (Dancing with the Stars)
- August 24, 2:00pm – Payton Elizabeth Lee (Andi Mack, Secret Society of Second Born Royals) and Skyler Astin (Secret Society of Second Born Royals)
The D23 Expo will be held August 23rd through 25th at the Anaheim Convention Center.
