The D23 Expo is essentially a dream convention for fans of Disney and Pixar. All of the various properties come together under one roof for a weekend-long celebration of Disney/Pixar films, theme park attractions, television, and, of course, merchandise. Many times when major announcements are made outside of a convention, they are shared with the press who then relay the news to fans. The Expo, like similar events such as Comic Con, allows fans to see the news and sights with their own eyes. New films will be detailed, clips will be shown, and exclusive merchandise will be available. Due to the sheer size of the show, it can also be overwhelming, which is where this guide to Pixar at the D23 Expo may help.
Whether you are descending upon the Anaheim Convention Center or following along at home, the details below will at least help you understand when and where you can expect to find Pixar-related happenings and products. With the major Animation Studios panel taking place first thing Friday morning, most will want to head there to hear any news on upcoming Pixar projects such as The Good Dinosaur and Inside Out. We could very well see a teaser for the dinosaur film, so it is the must-see panel of the weekend. Let us start there and widen the scope out to the rest of the schedule, with the exclusive merchandise detailed afterwards.
Here are the maps for the D23 Expo show floor and panel locations, so you can follow along.
Schedule
Friday, August 9th
10 am – 12:30 pm:
Art and Imagination: Animation at The Walt Disney Studios (D23 Arena)
Fans know that animation is the heart and soul of Disney. Get an up-close look at the exciting and innovative projects on the horizon from our animation studios, from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Thanksgiving release Frozenand Pixar Animation Studios’ summer 2014 feature The Good Dinosaur to Disneytoon Studios’ Disney’s Planes and far beyond. Join Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter and our filmmakers and stars for the behind-the-scenes scoop on our upcoming animated features, including exclusive film debuts, can’t-miss announcements, and thrilling live performances.
1:30 – 2:00 pm:
Disney Find Your Voice Performance by Internet Sensation/Pixar Employee Nick Pitera (Disney Center Stage)
2:30 – 4:00 pm:
Heroes and Villains à la Mode: The Official D23 Expo Costume Contest (Stage 23)
The à la Mode Costume Contest invites fans to dress their best for fun and the chance to win a very collectible—only five were made!—Edna Mode (The Incredibles) bronze trophy.
4:30 – 5:00 pm:
Director Angus MacLane signs Buzz Lightyear Small Fry action figures, pictured below (Disney Consumer Products Pavilion)
5:00 – 5:15 pm:
See the winners from the Heroes and Villains à la Mode: The Official D23 Expo Costume Contest (Disney Center Stage)
6:00 – 7:00 pm:
Pixar: Doing Our Homework (Stage 28)
Learn from Pixar filmmakers why research is such an integral part of the filmmaking process. Once a story idea is seeded, Pixar filmmakers set out to become experts, embarking on research trips to immerse themselves in places, people, and experiences that inspire and inform their filmmaking. Whether it be spirited Scots, delectable French cuisine, or deep sea adventures, Pixar always focuses on creating an authentic film that captivates audiences with a new world to explore.
Saturday, August 10th
1:15 – 2:30 pm:
Signing with Brad Bird, the director of Pixar’s The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and Disney’s upcoming film Tomorrowland (Dream Store)
3:00 – 4:00 pm:
The Art of The Good Dinosaur (Stage 23)
What if the cataclysmic asteroid that forever changed life on Earth actually missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Explore the world of possibility in Disney•Pixar’s upcoming original feature filmThe Good Dinosaur, directed by veteran filmmaker and longtime Pixar artist Bob Peterson. Take a closer look at the artistry and production design behind this remarkable film and immerse yourself in Pixar’s imaginative world where dinosaurs live on.
5:00 – 6:00 pm:
Toy Story OF TERROR! and the Motivation Behind Pixar’s Short Form Content (Stage 28)
From toys on vacation to tow-riffic four wheelers, Pixar keeps some of their most beloved characters alive and well through much of its short-form content. This fall, Pixar debuts its first-ever television special, Toy Story OF TERROR!, a new adventure with Woody, Buzz, and the gang. Hear from Toy Story OF TERROR! Director Angus MacLane, Producer Galyn Susman, and a few more of Pixar’s short-form filmmakers as they share their experiences and favorite moments and talk about the exciting challenges of expanding the worlds of these characters loved by audiences across the globe.
Sunday, August 11th
12:00 – 1:30 pm:
To Infinity and Beyond: Disney Interactive Takes the Stage (D23 Arena)
Disney Interactive invites you into its workshop for a first look at its upcomingslate of digital products, including reveals of never-before-seen Disney games,mobile apps, and online shows. Presented by Disney Interactive Co-PresidentsJimmy Pitaro and John Pleasants, this session will include the world premiereof Blank: A Vinylmation Love Story, the upcoming web series based on theVinylmation franchise, and a demo of the just-announced video gameFantasia:Music Evolved, with a live performance from the Disney Chamber Ensemble. Disney Infinity will also take center stage with several new surprises you won’t want to miss. The first 5,000 arena attendees will leave the presentation with an exclusive giveaway of a never-before-seen Disney Infinity figure!
1:00 – 2:00 pm:
Women of Pixar (Stage 28)
Jessie. Dory. Sally. Merida. Although they exist in different worlds and never cross paths, these iconic Pixar females have one thing in common: girl power. Meet a dynamic group of women from Pixar, whose experience and success at the studio have helped craft some of the most memorable animated films in recent history.
4:30 – 5:00 pm:
Disney Find Your Voice Performance by Internet Sensation/Pixar Employee Nick Pitera (Disney Center Stage)
Exclusive Products
Disney Consumer Products Pavilion:
Small Fry Buzz Lightyear – $20
Dinoco Convoy Brothers – $100
Dream Store:
Disney/Pixar Shorts Mystery Pin Set – $19.95, Limited Edition of 4,000
D23 Expo Mystery Pin Set – $19.95
Monsters University Vinylmation Set – $29.95, Limited Edition of 1,500
Disney Store:
Thursday, we will exclusively reveal a limited edition line of Disney/Pixar products. The products feature great designs and we cannot wait to share the details and images. Stay tuned!
Ridemakerz Booth:
Silent Auction
The D23 Expo 2013 Silent Auction takes place Saturday, August 10, 2013. Tickets for the Silent Auction go on sale June 11, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific) via www.ArtofDisneyParks.com. A separate ticket from your D23 Expo admission is required to participate. A limited number of auction tickets will be sold at the Disney Dream Store for $23.00 during the D23 Expo. Please visit the Auction Preview Room at the D23 Expo for more information. The Auction Preview room is located on the Second Floor (210A and 211A).
Jerrod Maruyama and myself will be at the show bringing you as much coverage as we can of the panels and the show floor. Stay tuned for all the excitement from the weekend!
