Destination D23 weekend is here!
The event runs from September 8th to 10th and it’s Disney’s biggest fan event of the entire year. We’ve been studying the full schedule that Disney released online and we expect to hear some big news this weekend. If you want to get in on the fun, Disney will live stream from Destination D23 on Saturday, September 9th, but we’ll bring you along the entire weekend — starting NOW!
There’s so much to see, so let’s get into it!
Down the Rabbit Hole: The Disney You Didn’t Know
THis panel was perfect for all of us who love Disney secrets!
Kevin M. Kern and Steven Vagnini, Disney archivists and authors, shared some Disney secrets with us, such as the first thing that was built on EPCOT property was a Porta Potty!
The Road to 1923: Walt Goes West Panel
This panel talked about the journey of Walt Disney joining his brother in California and eventually starting Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio 100 years ago.
The Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio is now known as The Walt Disney Studio.
Weird Disney Panel
The next panel was called Weird Disney, and while no photos or videos were allowed during the panel, we can tell you what it was about. It’s exactly what it’s named for!
This panel talked about some of the strangest things that Disney has either made, or had to deal with, or holds in their possession, as well as things like strange characters. It definitely made us laugh!
Global Ambassador Showdown Panel
This was a super cute and fun panel where ambassadors from the international Disney parks “competed” in the best snacks, best castles, and best rides categories to decide which park was the best.
There wasn’t any new information revealed in this panel, but it was a great way to hear more about the international parks and why their representatives love them so much.
Walt Disney Studios Showcase Panel
During this panel, Disney showed us a new Destination D23 short film titled Once Upon a Studio — it was so impactful, that it received a standing ovation!
We got to see a new short at #DestinationD23 this morning titled ‘Once Upon a Studio’! It got a standing ovation! pic.twitter.com/ADLEq6pXXV
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 10, 2023
We also got to see a pretty amazing Haunted Mansion performance and got news that the film will be dropping on Disney+ on October 4th.
Haunted Mansion fans, this #DestinationD23 performance is for YOU! 👻 pic.twitter.com/x9KYFfJLth
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 10, 2023
We also got to hear more about Disney’s upcoming film Wish, see Asha on stage, and watch the first 10 minutes of the film (which included two songs).
Asha from ‘Wish’ was at #DestinationD23 for this morning’s panel! pic.twitter.com/3MkiQ56c4s
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 10, 2023
Additionally, we got to see teases for upcoming shows and films like I Am Groot and Loki Season 2. Chopper from Ahsoka also made an appearance on stage.
Sneak Peek At Figment Meet and Greet
We also got to meet Figment a day before everyone else, which was very exciting.
The meet and greet is now officially open in EPCOT’s Imagination Pavilion!
Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana at Night
We were brought to Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana at night to explore the new attraction.
EPCOT: Always in a State of Becoming
Next, we’re learning more about the future of EPCOT.
The next #DestinationD23 panel of the day is all about EPCOT! 🌐 pic.twitter.com/DA6WkRiKei
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 9, 2023
Soarin’ Over California is returning!
Soarin’ over California is returning in just a FEW WEEKS to EPCOT for a limited time! #DestinationD23 pic.twitter.com/qAkfJF8S3W
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 9, 2023
NEWS: Soarin Over California Is Returning to EPCOT!
100 Years of Innovation: Magic in Every Medium
At this 100th anniversary panel, we got to get a glimpse behind the curtain of how the magic is made.
Marvel: Beyond Earth’s Mightiest – Celebrating 60 Years of The Avengers
C.B. Cebulski, Editor in Chief for Marvel Comics, led the panel going through the history of Marvel.
Disney Cruise Line: 25 Years of Innovative Design at Sea
The Disney Cruise Line panel took us behind the scenes on how these ships are made. These panelists also shared fun stories from their time working at Disney.
National Geographic Live – Secrets of the Whales
Brian Skerry taught us a lot about whales at the National Geographic panel!
100 Years of Classic Characters: Unforgettable Stories
Ashley Eckstein hosted the next panel where she interviewed various Disney voice actors who give life to characters like Minnie and Goofy.
The Early ’Ears – Ub, Oswald, and Mickey
The Early Ears panel took us back into the archives to look at Oswald and Mickey and the people who made these characters comes to life.
D23 Updates with Michael Vargo
Michael Vargo, vice president of D23, announced details about next year’s D23 event called D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
D23 will be bigger and better than ever before next August! #DestinationD23 pic.twitter.com/aL29tSGp9m
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 9, 2023
Learn all about the event here!
A Celebration of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
We’re here for the start of Day 2! We’ll be bringing you all the updates from the panels today so follow along with us.
Welcome to Day 2 of #DestinationD23! We’re here to bring you all the latest updates and information revealed in today’s panels, so stay tuned to see what we learn! pic.twitter.com/Y6KP1kU7fI
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 9, 2023
The Muses are kicking off Day 2. We’re loving this.
The Muses are kicking off the first panel of #DestinationD23 today! 🎶🎤 pic.twitter.com/6nvZLHe5Ta
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 9, 2023
We got some HUGE news from this panel so let’s dive in! First, we got to hear from Disney CEO himself, Bob Iger via video this morning.
Disney CEO Bob Iger shared a few thoughts at the start of the panel this morning at #DestinationD23 pic.twitter.com/aOfyI7dLeX
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 9, 2023
Next, we heard that Ahsoka, a beloved Star Wars character was coming to Star Tours around the world.
Ahsoka will be coming to Star Tours! #DestinationD23 pic.twitter.com/CHoCtRt0WR
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 9, 2023
But, that’s not the only new character coming to Disney parks… Asha from the upcoming Disney film, Wish, will be coming to EPCOT, Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris.
Asha from the upcoming movie ‘Wish’ will be making a debut in EPCOT, Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris! #DestinationD23 pic.twitter.com/siUi64x9Ib
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 9, 2023
We got a closer look at the incredible new world coming to Hong Kong Disneyland, the World of Frozen. Guests will be transported to an icy land soon.
Here’s a peek at World of Frozen coming to Hong Kong Disneyland! #DestinationD23 pic.twitter.com/r4hnAMJc2a
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 9, 2023
A moment all Haunted Mansion fans have been waiting for, The Hatbox Ghost is officially coming to Disney World in late November! We have been waiting for this one since last year’s D23 when it was announced.
The Hatbox Ghost is coming to the Haunted Mansion in Disney World in late NOVEMBER! #DestinationD23
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 9, 2023
That’s not the only thing coming to Magic Kingdom, the Country Bears will be getting a new show next year. Disney is working with songwriters from Nashville to create this updated experience.
The Country Bears will be learning a new song AND a new act next year! #DestinationD23 pic.twitter.com/zVSnfcFm3R
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 9, 2023
After years of construction, World Celebration will begin welcoming guests THIS December at EPCOT. We can’t wait to explore this new area soon.
World Celebration will begin welcoming guests THIS December in EPCOT! #DestinationD23 pic.twitter.com/dGfrp2NEIN
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 9, 2023
Speaking of new areas, while Cast Members have been able to experience it already, all guests can visit Journey of Water on October 16th.
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will open to guests on October 16! #DestinationD23 pic.twitter.com/Rh6nfNvdYP
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 9, 2023
Over at Animal Kingdom, we learned more about what will be taking over Dinoland U.S.A. in the future. Take a look at what we can expect to come.
We got some hints about the new land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom! This will take over the area where Dinoland U.S.A. sits now. #DestinationD23 pic.twitter.com/HaDqiZIdUR
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 9, 2023
Finally, guests can begin meeting a special, purple dragon named Figment TOMORROW at EPCOT. Yes, tomorrow! You better grab those park pass reservations fast.
Figment will begin meeting guests TOMORROW, September 10 in EPCOT! As you can see, Emma is very excited about the news! #DestinationD23 pic.twitter.com/N4AYdkgK9k
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) September 9, 2023
The Plausible Impossible 60 Years of Disney Audio-Animatronics® Technology
The main exhibit this year is the 60 Years of Disney’s Audio-Animatronics® Technology Exhibit which is a display made by Walt Disney Archives and Walt Disney Imagineering.
It goes through the history and evolution of audio-animatronics, like you see in the Disney parks!
Several tables are set up to teach guests about animatronics.
There is some really unique memorabilia out on display.
Check out this “it’s a small world” animatronic!
Then it shows how they are made! Start with a model…
…then we move onto fabrication…
…any finally onto costuming!
Figure finishing looks a little scary, but the details on these are wild!
This is around all weekend but is closed during presentations.
Photo Ops
Around Destination D23, you’ll find plenty of places to snap a fun photo! Disney planted huge props like this adorable Figment to pose with!
There are also the magical brooms from Fantasia…
…Nemo…
…Marshmallow the snow monster from Frozen…
…Captain America’s shield…
…Pain and Panic from Hercules…
…Mulan…
…and Han Solo.
Then there is this impressive display of plushes from shopDisney! Any guesses for how many plushes are in this picture?
Shopping
The Walt Disney Company Store
Let’s go shopping, shall we? We started in The Walt Disney Company Store where you’ll find lots of D23 and Walt Disney Company branded merchandise.
Starting with the D23 merchandise, we’ve got this mug…
…D23 Gold Member exclusive pin…
…a D23 tumbler…
…a jacket…
…a Loungefly backpack…
…and a D23 Gold Member spirit jersey.
Onto Walt Disney Company items, we spotted this beanie…
…a hoodie…
…a pink sweatshirt…
…a Walt Disney Productions hat featuring Mickey…
…a journal…
…and a huge tumbler!
There are a TON of items, but that’s a look at some of our favorites!
Ink & Paint Marketplace
At the Ink & Paint Marketplace, we got a look at new Disney lug bags — we were lucky enough to get a sneak peek before heading to the store and you can check that all out here!
Then we stopped by some other tables that have some familiar items…like Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company!
A hidden Mickey in coffee grounds? That’s a new one!
You can also shop Corkcicle…
…Lionel with this 100th anniversary train set…
…Sunglass Hut…
…The Op Games…
…RockLove…
…and Citizen.
Mickey’s of Glendale
Finally, you can shop at Mickey’s of Glendale. Let’s take a look at some of what they have!
First of all, there is a lot of Muppets merchandise including this Dr Teeth and the Electric Mayhem shirt…
…this Muppet Studios tote bag…
…this Muppets Studio tumbler…
…and this Animal Plush.
Also available (and on sale) is the El Capitoon Theater spirit jersey…
…jacket…
…and purse!
Guests of the event can commemorate the weekend with Destination D23 merchandise. That includes this spirit jersey…
…bucket hat…
…water bottles, and more!
Walt Disney Imagineering has its own line of merchandise including this backpack…
…mugs in many colors…
…and a T-shirt.
We’ll be at the event all weekend, so stay tuned to AllEars for more!
HUGE News We’re Expecting from Disney This Week!
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Are you excited about Destination D23 weekend? Let us know in the comments!
Disclosure: We were invited by Disney to attend Destination D23. This did not affect our reporting of the event — our opinions are our own.
The “60 years of Disney” exhibit looks like a school fair. Table cloths and curtains are wrinkled, items just sitting on tables with a cheep looking table card. It looks like a last minute addition with very little presentation.