Destination D23 Disney Fan Event
You may have heard of D23 Expo, which is essentially Disney’s version of Comic Con, where for one weekend, Disney fans attend panels based on the parks, movies, TV shows, Marvel, Star Wars, and more, but you may not have heard of Destination D23. Below are answers to all of the top questions for this unique event.
WHAT IS D23?
For those unfamiliar, D23, also known as Disney 23, is the official fan club for The Walk Disney Company. The “D” stands for Disney and “23” represents 1923, which is the year that Walt Disney founded what would become The Walt Disney Company.
What is Destination D23?
Every two years D23 has an expo that takes place in California. “Destination D23” is the smaller D23 expo that happens the year between D23 expos at a Walt Disney World Resort. This one is smaller and limited to roughly 3,000 or so guests and caters more towards park news and around a certain theme. When I went in 2018, the event was catered around Mickey’s 90th birthday. In 2021, it focused on Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. This time around, it was all about the Walt Disney Company turning 100 years old.
The event takes place a Friday through Sunday, usually in November, though this time, they held it in September at the Contemporary Resort. Friday usually consists of picking up badges, gifts, pre-ordered merchandise, and shopping at the exclusive Mickey of Glendale shop (a shop usually only available to Walt Disney Imagineering). Saturday and Sunday consist of panels and pop-up events, like access to the parks after hours or Halloween parties featuring special exclusive characters.
How much is Destination D23?
First, you do need to be a D23 member to register for this event, and the event cost is not included in D23 membership fees.
I bought a regular admission ticket, which was $350, but I got a Lug bag filled with goodies from partners of the event like Charlotte Tilbury and Disney Visa. You also get free goodies during the panels. This time around, it was a Figment figurine, a $7 Disney food gift card to grab a Mickey Bar, Ashoka Tano Minnie Ears, and more!
Included in admission were a few surprises as well, like first access (after cast members) to preview the new Journey of Water attraction, first access to meet Figment before his meet and greet started, an after-hours event in Epcot where Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind and Test Track was open to just event guests, and a special Disney+ themed Halloween party where you could meet Jack and Sally, Oogie Boogie, Mickey in his Halloween costume, and go trick or treating!
Is D23 worth it?
This is my third time attending Destination D23 (and while the 2021 one was nothing to write home about), as a Disney fan, I really enjoy these events. You get access to things before they open to the public. I was the first to hear about the changes coming to the parks, like the new Test Track or the Zootopia show replacing It’s Tough to be a Bug. You are also the first to watch previews of new movies and tv shows. I got to preview 10 minutes of the new Disney movie, Wish, and the new short that will premiere before it, Once Upon a Studio (heads up, if you are a Disney fan, that short will tug on your heartstrings, so bring tissues).
It is far less crowded than the D23 Expo in California, and you have a guaranteed seat for every panel. If you have wanted to attend a Con but are nervous, this is an excellent first step.
The next Destination D23 event should be taking place sometime in 2025, with the next D23 Expo happening in Anaheim next August. Keep an eye out on the official D23 channels for more information about the event.
Interested in attending D23 Expo or Destination D23? Shoreline Destinations can help plan your vacation to Disneyland or Disney World! Click the link below to start planning your trip today!
Frances Sherlock
Shoreline Destinations Disney World contributor
Blog by: Frances Sherlock
Frances is an Orlando local who visits the Disney Parks weekly. She is a Disney College Program alum and a former Disney Store Cast Member. Frances is also an avid Disney pin trader and she and her fiancé enjoy trying new restaurants on Disney properties.
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