Credit: D23The first day of the D23 Expo is in the books, and the secrets we heard and first looks we got were phenomenal! From news about an all-new Star Wars-themed hotel and a new logo for Epcot to a ceremony honoring Disney Legends for their contributions of imagination, creativity and magic, Friday at the Expo was more than exciting.
But Saturday promises to be even more exciting, more magical and more inspiring. We’re looking forward to even more reveals, secrets told and first looks during the day.
Here’s a look at Saturday’s D23 Expo panels and topics. If you’re at the Anaheim Convention Center, these are your can’t-miss Expo experiences, and if you’re attending the Expo virtually from home, these are the times and panels you’ll want to be sure you’re streaming on Saturday. (Make sure your phone is charged!)
The first event of the day is the Disney Animation Giveaway presented by Walt Disney Animation Studios at 9:30 a.m. The giveaway is a coveted Walt Disney Animation Studios pennant. At 10:00 a.m. at Hall D23, join Walt Disney Studios for a behind-the-scenes look at Disney animation, films and especially Star Wars. Disney’s Tsum Tsum Festival takes place at Center Stage at 10:45 a.m., followed by a spotlight on Disney artist Jeff Shelly presented by Sunglass Hut at 11:15 a.m.
At 12:15 p.m. at Center Stage, Mickey’s Disco Dance Party is the place to be. It’s one of four dance parties during the Expo celebrating the 40th anniversary and re-release of the “Mickey Mouse Disco” album. Another dance party is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. on Saturday and two more are scheduled for Sunday.
Not in a dancing mood? How about a “foolish mortal” mood? Head to the D23 Expo Arena at 12:30 p.m. for a celebration of Disney’s Haunted Mansion attraction. Disneyland’s version turned 50 this month, and Disney’s celebrating along with 999 happy haunts.
At the Disney Music Emporium at 1:30 p.m., Guests of the Expo who purchase the “Moana” picture disc can have it signed by Auli’i Cravalho, the voice of Moana from the feature film. Also at 1:30 p.m., the Grand Plaza Fountain is hosting a D23 Expo Cosplay Photo Shoot. The “One Day at Disney” presentation takes place at 1:30 p.m. as well at Stage 28. And at 2:00 p.m. at Talent Central, Artist Eric Tan (the artist responsible for the creation of the Epcot attractions posters) will be on hand, signing copies of the exclusive D23 Expo print he created. From 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Talent Central, artists and designers of the new Disney Parks Designer Collection ears will be available to sign Mickey ears purchased by Expo attendees.
Later in the afternoon, it’s “Disney on Broadway in Concert: a 25th Anniversary Celebration” at Hall D23 at 3:30 p.m. and “Ken Anderson’s Haunted Mansion ’57” at the Walt Disney Archives Stage will be presented at 3:00 p.m.
More presentations and reveals are planned for well into the late afternoon and evening. For a full schedule of events at this year’s D23 Expo, visit the D23 website.