If you enjoyed our convention coverage of Star Wars Celebration 2019, you’ll be happy to know that, later this year, IoMGeek will be attending D23 Expo! Here’s everything we know so far about the biennial event, and what we’re looking forward to.

The Event

D23 Expo will be taking place August 23-25, 2019, at the Anaheim Convention Center, just a stone’s throw away Disneyland itself. The largest Disney fan event in the world, D23 Expo celebrates all the wonderful worlds of The Walt Disney Company under one roof, including the best of Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars across film, television, theme parks, products, online, music, live entertainment, and more. D23 Expo 2019 marks the sixth biennial Expo held in Anaheim.

The Anaheim Convention Center features many dining options, including inside options and an outside food truck area. For more information, check out the below video from D23:

Features

D23 Expo will celebrate the past, present, and future of Disney with signature entertainment, celebrity appearances, panels, presentations, sneak peeks, and immersive experiences. A massive show floor will feature exhibits, shopping, and photo opportunities from all across Disney and its partners. D23 Expo 2019 marks the return of fan favorites, including the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, honoring the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy; an all-new exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives; Talent Central, where fans can meet their favorite Disney stars; and a daily parade on the show floor.

The Mousequerade costume contest is back with actress Yvette Nicole Brown and fashion designer Ashley Eckstein returning as judges for the popular event, which includes dozens of eye-popping creations from fans around the world.

In addition, the D23 Expo 2019 Design Challenge will be themed to the popular Haunted Mansion, which first opened at Disneyland in 1969 and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Fans are encouraged to create ghoulishly delightful designs, from paintings and drawings to sculptures and models, inspired by the beloved attraction and its 999 happy haunts. Twenty-three pieces of finalist artwork will be on display throughout the D23 Expo weekend at a gallery on the show floor. The winning artist will be chosen prior to the start of the D23 Expo and will receive a cash prize of $2,300.

There will, of course, be many celebrities – some specific to panels, some in the daily parade and autograph/photo sessions. For more information, check out the D23 video:

Tickets

Discounted single-day and multi-day tickets for D23 Expo 2019 are available exclusively to D23 Gold Members. General admission tickets are $89 for a one-day adult admission and $69 for children. Three-day money-saving tickets are also available. Discounted hotel and Disneyland Resort park tickets are available to all Expo ticket purchasers. For more information on tickets and the ticket prices for Gold Members and general admission, visit D23expo.com.

Sadly, the VIP Sorcerer Packages sold out quickly. These included a three-day admission ticket with a commemorative Sorcerer credential; reserved seating at presentations; a preview day with a tour of the show floor and advance shopping opportunities; a Haunted Mansion-themed welcome reception; a packed D23 Expo gift pack, including an exclusive bag provided by D23 Expo 2019 sponsor American Tourister, and more.

D23 Gold and Gold Family Members will also be entitled to special benefits throughout the weekend including exclusive discounts and offers at select Disney retail and partner locations; a commemorative gift; and limited priority queueing for Hall D23 and the Expo Arena. Look for announcements about these opportunities in the coming months. To join D23 and enjoy these benefits, visit D23.com/join.

Discounted tickets to Disneyland (including exclusive Twilight tickets, which will allow entry to the park at 4pm and later), will be on sale Friday, April 19.

For the latest news and updates about D23 Expo 2019, visit D23expo.com.