To a Disney enthusiast, the idea of a convention organized by the Mouse himself is major excitement overload. The D23 Expo premiered for the first time last month and was exactly what you’d expect from a first year convention. Despite taking place right next door to Disneyland at the Anaheim Convention Center, it was surprisingly un-crowded. In March 2009, the first official online, members-only Disney fan club was launched, D23 (Walt Disney founded what would become the Disney Studios in 1923). The D23 Expo was then organized to serve as an annual meeting place for not only members of D23, but any Disney-loving member of the general public.

            Having just conquered the enormous event that is San Diego Comic-Con, it’s hard to not compare any convention to it. It should be noted that there were benefits like the lack of waiting in line and no sweaty mobs to push past. The Anaheim Convention Center was big, bright and airy on that Saturday afternoon. Large banners announcing the Expo decorated the streets surrounding Disneyland. Upon walking in, about 50 Disney Cast Members sat behind desks waiting to check you in. After receiving a cool tote bag and official guide book, maps of the Expo and Event schedules were posted and updated to make sure you didn’t miss a thing.

            The 815,000 square foot exhibit hall was filled with Disney fun, ready to grab you and hug you with happiness. Elaborate booths celebrated the upcoming Tim Burton Alice in Wonderland, the newest Disney Princess, Tiana, and the upcoming release of a remastered Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on DVD/Blu Ray. Large themed areas for kids provided plenty of activities, coloring Toy Story pictures, learning to draw Mickey and testing out new Disney themed video games including a play-at-home version of Toy Story Mania, the newest attraction at Disneyland’s sister park, California Adventure. A live entertainment area provided a few appearances by Disney Channel stars much to the delight of every pre-teen in attendance.

            In the back area of the Exhibit Hall were rows of collector/vendor booths from all over the country. Movie props, art, plush toys, pins, books and dolls lined the tables, overflowing into bins on the ground. I was able to sell a few vintage park tickets I had picked up at Comic Con for 5 times what I paid for them. The gentlemen who bought them from me even educated me on their background. Much to my surprise I met David Koenig, author of the unofficial but highly regarded line of Disney park history books including MouseTales and Realityland, the man responsible for introducing me to Disneyland 5 years before I would ever dream of actually seeing it for myself.

            A very big disappointment was the highly anticipated Dream Store. From the pre-Expo literature, I had envisioned the original Disney Store with piles of cute plush puppies, glittering princess dolls and pink lollipops. Taking up quite a bit of space on the show floor, it ended up being just a few displays thrown together and what appeared to be a random selection of merchandise from the Park, overpriced and non-exclusive. More than a third of the designated space for the store turned out to be rows of cash registers. Sure enough though, the line of people buying the merchandise wrapped entirely around this area. Disney could have sold toothpaste, paperclips and officially licensed anthrax spores and people would still have waited hours in that line.  

            Of course, a Disney event would not be complete without home-furnishings. This gigantic area showcased Disney Consumer Products, so you too can have a Disney made couch and armoire. Another area, fit for any aspiring princess, displayed the actual Cinderella coach you may use when you hold your wedding at a Disney Park or on the Disney Cruise Line. Beautiful dress samples, table displays and elaborate floral arrangements fit for a queen were displayed for every girl (and guy) to fantasize about. Wedding coordinators stood by incase you yanked your significant other to this display, breathing heavily and frantically waving your credit card.

            The rest of the exhibit floor contained a pin trading area, the impressive Disney Parks preview area and several small areas designated for additional displays, services and charities. To fill in the gaps were ice cream carts, beverage stations and makeshift restaurants specializing in food from the parks. Upstairs on display were more movie props, art and special items from the Disney family. Panels were held in the conference rooms with appearances by Johnny Depp, X Atencio and Roy Disney Jr. to name a few. Presentations, concerts, and special screenings were shown in the 7500 capacity arena.

            Overall, the D23 Expo was worth checking out. I plan to attend next year and I know it will improve significantly. The ticket prices seemed a bit much for what appeared to be lack of content but I think it was expected to be very crowded, hence the open spaces between exhibits and booths. Next year, expect more content and organization. The Expo appealed to both kids and adults, offering unique activities, souvenirs and backstage glimpses that you would never see at a Disney Park. Disney tends to operate behind the curtain, putting everything on display as a production. It was nice to feel welcomed into the mix of things for once. One thing is for sure, Disney Magic can be created anywhere, Disney fans simply come together, exuding excitement and happiness which becomes impossibly contagious.