Below, I've highlighted the events that would most likely be of interest to theme park fans. A complete schedule is available on the D23 website. Contrary to what many folks believe, you do not have to be a member of Disney's D23 fan club to attend. Anyone can buy one-day tickets to the event for $37. ($27 for kids 3-12. Interesting that the kid cut-off date is 12 for the expo, but 9 for the theme parks.) A four-day pass is $111 for adults and $81 for kids. D23 members do get a discount: one-day tickets for $30 and $22; the passes for $90 and $66.
If you are planning to attend, please consider posting a daily write-up and photos here on the Blog Flume or the Theme Park Insider discussion board. I, and your fellow readers, would love to read your reports!
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009
Bob Iger Presentation, 10 a.m. – Walt Disney Company President and CEO Bob Iger with an hour-long presentation on the future of Disney and new projects taking shape around the globe. Arena.
An Afternoon With Imagineering Legends, 4:30 p.m. – Recently retired Executive Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering Marty Sklar hosts a panel, including X Atencio, Alice Davis, Blaine Gibson and Bob Gurr. Storytellers Theater
The World of Vintage Disneyland – In Color, 2 p.m., Storytellers Theater
The Music of The Haunted Mansion, 3:30 p.m., Stage 23
Friday, Sept. 11, 2009
Happy Haunts: 40 Years of The Haunted Mansion, 12:30 p.m., Stage 23
Special Preview: "The Wonderful World of Color," 2 p.m., Storytellers Theater
We Make the Music: Conversations with the Creators of Disney Theme Park Music, 3:30 p.m., Storytellers Theater
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009
So You Want to Be an Imagineer, 9 a.m. – Marty Sklar hosts a conversation with more than half a dozen guest Imagineers, who will discuss the challenges and rewards of their careers, and the special skills that are needed to "make the magic." Storytellers Theater
Imagineering the Future of Disney Theme Parks, 11 a.m. – Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo unveils new experiences on the horizon at Disney’s Parks and Resorts around the world. Arena
The Science of Imagineering, 12:30 p.m., Storytellers Theater
Refreshing a Classic: Remaking "it’s a small world" for the 21st Century, 2 p.m., Storytellers Theater
The Making of the U.S. Presidents, 3:30 p.m., Storytellers Theater
Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009
The Making of Toy Story Midway Mania, 9:30 a.m., Storytellers Theater
The Science of Imagineering, 1 p.m., Storytellers Theater (repeat of Saturday's show)
Imagineering Pixar for the Disney Parks, 3 p.m., Storytellers Theater
I don't know if Iger or Rasulo will get to present those, though. I suspect that Iger will mention them broadly, Disney will "leak" it to the local papers and TV Thursday or Friday, then Rasulo will do the formal unveiling on Saturday.
Of course, since you read theme park news sites, you know about these already, right? ;-)
If I could pick one day, I'd be all over Saturday. However, my fall Saturdays are otherwise occupied with youth soccer games, so that's why I'm trying to recruit another reader to cover the event.
Please arrange for tickets to the Disney parks as well as dining at a high end local eatery.
Then again, I don't want to take you away from time with your children. Simply post a credit card number here on the site and I will do all the required legwork to make the accommodations listed above.
I'm cool like that.
And if any law enforcement officials ask you about them, just tell 'em you're reporting for "Fox News," okay?
However, I did find that the Music from the Haunted Mansion and the Sherman Brothers Music CDs are available to D23 members to purchase. I preordered mine.
I will try to go next year. It sounds even better than I expected!
New Suggestion: Have it at Disney World! They own Convention Centers. Imagine having it at the Contemparary........
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