WHERE and WHEN New Disney Parks Announcements Will Be Made

We’re just a few weeks away from one of the BIGGEST events for Disney fans!

That’s right, the D23 Expo is coming soon! This year’s event will take place from September 9th-11th in Anaheim, California. But what makes it a big deal? Well, typically the expo is filled with exciting announcements for the future of the company, especially for those who like to visit the theme parks. And now, there’s another must-see addition to the expo!

Throughout the weekend, there are a variety of exhibits, special panels, experiences, and shopping opportunities for attendees. Disney has shared a look at many of these upcoming offerings, but now we’ve got more information.

At the 2022 D23 Expo, fans will want to check out the Wonderful World of Dreams pavilion! This area “invites attendees to step into new stories, attractions, and adventures Walt Disney Imagineers are bringing to life around the globe.” When visiting this pavilion, you can expect behind-the-scenes looks at projects like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the transformation of EPCOT, new Frozen-themed experiences, Disney Cruise Line, live entertainment, and more.

Besides the pavilion, there are some major panels for theme park junkies throughout the weekend. Here’s a list of ones that are bound to be popular:

Inside Look at the Society of Explorers and Adventurers
Friday, September 9th, 10:30AM, Backlot Stage
An inside look at the continuing development of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers — what it means in the Disney parks and how these stories continue to grow. Disney Imagineers are joined by Julie Kagawa to talk about her first two books in a series of novels that tie into the lore of S.E.A.

A Peek Behind the Curtain at the Walt Disney Imagineering Illusions and Special Effects Development Lab
Saturday, September 10th, 10AM, Walt Disney Archives Stage
Learn about the legacy of Walt Disney Imagineering’s Illusions and Special Effects Development Lab, including the work created by Yale Gracey for the Haunted Mansion and other early projects, plus a behind-the-curtain look at the present-day magical process that is so unique to Imagineering.

Uncovering Treasures from the Marty Sklar Collection
Saturday, September 10th, 12PM, Walt Disney Archives Stage
Join Walt Disney Imagineering Ambassador Bob Weis and Leah and Leslie Sklar, the wife and daughter of the late Disney Legend and Imagineer Marty Sklar, as they discuss some of the treasures they’ve discovered while going through Marty’s collection from his more than 50 years with Walt Disney Imagineering.

Magic in the Air: 30 Years of The Muppet Christmas Carol
Saturday, September 10th, 1PM, Premiere Stage
Celebrate 30 years of The Muppet Christmas Carol with The Muppets and other special guests.

Dreaming, Designing, and Bringing to Life the Disney Wish
Saturday, September 10th, 4PM, Backlot Stage
Walt Disney Imagineers fresh off the launch of the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet—the Disney Wish—talk about their experiences bringing this ship to life. From the wondrously themed spaces, imaginative kids’ clubs, and the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, the ship brings to life fantastical stories you know and love like never before.

Walt Disney Imagineering: 70 Years of Making the Impossible, Possible
Sunday, September 11th, 1PM, Premiere Stage
For seven decades, the magic-makers at Walt Disney Imagineering have blended limitless imagination with cutting-edge technology to create groundbreaking experiences that bring together families and friends to form lifelong memories. Join Imagineers past and present as they discuss the core elements of storytelling and innovation that bring dreams to life for guests from all around the world.

A Boundless Future: Disney Parks Experiences and Products
Sunday, September 11th, 10:30AM, Hall D23
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro will take to the Hall D23 stage for A Boundless Future: Disney Parks Experiences and Products to share a look at new details of highly anticipated projects in development around the world. The fan-favorite presentation is sure to feature see-it-here-first moments and special surprises.

The World of Duffy & Friends Revealed
Sunday, September 11th, 4:15PM, Hyperion Stage
Disney Imagineers discuss the origin and continuing popularity of Duffy & Friends, including the newest friend who has become a global phenomenon — LinaBell!

On top of all these panels and exhibits, D23 attendees will get first access to DisneyMe, an all-new digital avatar in the Play Disney Parks app. You’ll be able to create your very own DisneyMe avatar, then complete a special quest that’s exclusive to expo visitors. Around the show floor, players will discover “specially designed Disney Wish and D23 Expo digital clothing and accessories for their DisneyMe.”

©Disney

Wow, that’s a LOT! If you’re heading to the expo this year, be prepared for some busy days and exciting announcements. You definitely don’t want to miss that Disney Parks panel with Josh D’Amaro, so make sure to arrive early so that you can score a seat.

We’ll be covering all the big news that comes from the expo, so stay tuned to AllEars for the latest details. We’ll make sure you’re in the know about any announcements!