Besides being a frequent cruise traveler, I'm an unabashed super fan of all things Disney and always look forward to that biennial period when the company's D23 Expo is about to take off.
I'll be onsite Friday, June 14 through Sunday, June 16 at the Anaheim Convention Center & Arena for the three-day event dedicated to the full spectrum of the corporation's brands and wares with a full review to follow.
Here's what I'm most jazzed about seeing just across the street from the Disneyland Resort in California.
Disney Legends 30th Anniversary
Disney awards people that are significant to its history, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the honor.
Set to be featured in person are Leonard Maltin (film historian), Bill Farmer (the voice of Goofy and Pluto), Bob Gurr (Imagineering icon), Dave Smith (Walt Disney Archives founder) and Mark Hamill (2017 inductee).
Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films, Hosted by John Lasseter
What makes D23 Expo known as the 'Comic-Con of Disney' is its series of high-profile panels starting with a preview of the company's roster of future animated films.
Presented by none other than John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, will be the likes of "Coco" and "Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2."
Always along for the ride are appearances from celebrity cast members and other fun surprises.
Pirates of the Caribbean: 50 Years of Swashbuckling Adventures in Disney Parks
It's amazing that the Pirates of the Caribbean have been singing "Yo Ho" for five decades now.
Not only will there be a panel celebrating the franchise but so too will be a "Walt Disney Archives Presents--A Pirate's Life for Me: Disney's Rascals, Scoundrels and Really Bad Eggs" exhibit. On display in all their glory will be artwork, ride vehicles, Audio-Animatronics figures and movie props and set pieces.
The Walt Disney Studios Live Action Films
The other big cinematic panel is the live-action one showcasing Disney, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm. Yes, that means we'll likely get sneak peeks at "Mary Poppins Returns," "A Wrinkle In Time," "Thor: Ragnarok," "Avengers: Infinity War," "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" and perhaps even the currently-untiled Han Solo movie, as well as news of the fifth Indiana Jones film.
[READMORE]READ MORE: The D23 Expo: What's Next For Disney Parks and Resorts?[/READMORE]
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Meanwhile, fans of Disney's international theme parks should head to the monster resorts presentation, which usually also includes mentions of the Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney to a lesser degree.
There might be some talk about the next two ships heading to the oceans, but the main focus will be on the "Star Wars" lands coming to both Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios. A huge preview pavilion will also be on the show floor to drool over with lots of new concept art and detailed models expected.
Disney has also hinted some about Marvel franchises having an expanded presence at Disney's California Adventure beyond the new "Guardians of the Galaxy"-Mission: BREAKOUT! ride. It's likely that a bigger announcement about that can be anticipated as well.
[READMORE]READ MORE: 'Guardians of the Galaxy'-Mission: BREAKOUT! Reviewed[/READMORE]
A Whole New World of Alan Menken
Rounding out the convention's major presentations will be two performances of Alan Menken's new one-man show as the eight-time Oscar-winner astounds audiences with his timeless film music.
His credits include "Beauty and the Beast," "The Little Mermaid," "Aladdin," "Pocahontas," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "Tangled," "Enchanted" and more.
Legends of Walt Disney Imagineering
Finally, fellow Disney super fan John Stamos (he famously purchased the original Disneyland sign when it was removed) will host a discussion with some of the talented creators behind the worldwide Disney attractions and experiences. On the panel will be Marty Sklar, Tony Baxter and Wayne Jackson.
Disney fandom is in for quite a treat this weekend!
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