San Diego Comic-Con fans may have returned to their humdrum lives from last month’s gathering, but another group of superfans are about to assemble.

They are the attendees at D23 Expo, the Walt Disney Co. fan club’s biannual convention that will take place Aug. 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, just south of Disneyland. D23 is shorthand for Disney’s founding in 1923.

“We’re expecting tens of thousands of guests,” said company spokesman Jeffrey Epstein. “It’s definitely going to be the largest Disney fan event in history.”

Tickets are $74 for one day and $216 for all three days, with discounts for D23 club members and children. The good news, unlike Comic-Con, is tickets are still available.


There will be movie previews, VIP guest appearances, concerts, panels, autograph sessions and dozens of exhibitors, both company-connected and independent, with Disneyware to sell and trade.

Where Comic-Con’s signature presentations took place in 6,000-seat Hall H at the San Diego Convention Center’s Hall H, Hall D23 offers 7,500 spots in Anaheim.

The convention’s highlight likely will be “Worlds, Galaxies and Universes: Live Action at the Walt Disney Studios” at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Idina Menzel, the voice of Elsa in “Frozen,” belts out “Let It Go” at the Disney Expo in 2013. A reprise of “Frozen” songs is scheduled for the expo this month. ( / Disney)


The previous three D23 Expos drew surprise appearances of the likes of Johnny “Jack Sparrow” Depp and Idina Menzel, the voice of Elsa in “Frozen.”

This year could “Star Wars” Jedis and Marvel Avengers collide at D23 -- not to mention Mickey, Muppets and Mary Poppins?

One “Star Wars” giant confirmed to appear is George Lucas, the originator of the galaxy “far, far away.” He will be one of eight recipients of the Disney Legends award, a 28-year tradition of recognizing people who contributed to Disney entertainment over the years. Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012.

Another recipient will be Susan Lucci, who portrayed Erica Kane on Disney-owned ABC’s “All My Children” for 41 years.


There are also special sessions devoted to upcoming Pixar and Disney animated movies and TV shows; retrospectives on “Toy Story,” “Aladdin,” “Inside Out” and the Muppets; and the secrets to Disney storytelling, as relayed by company oldtimers.

Performances will include “Disney on Broadway ; a 32-piece orchestra accompaniment to “Silly Symphony” cartoons from the 1930s; and “Frozen Fandemonium,” a musical reprise from “Frozen,” hosted by the song-writing team of Kristine Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and Chris Montan, president of Walt Disney Music.

Sixtieth anniversary tributes are scheduled for the Mouseketeers, Disneyland’s “Jungle Cruise” ride, Disney theme park merchandise and Imagineering, the company’s R&D division that oversees theme park ride development.

Disneyland itself turned 60 last month, so Walt Disney Archives is marking the anniversary with an exhibition.


Besides the special events the convention will include several “pavilions” on the exhibition floor devoted to the theme parks, studios, Walt Disney Records, ABC, consumer products and games. Disney animator Eric Goldberg, who drew the Genie in “Aladdin” and is working on the upcoming “Moana” feature, will host a public exhibition of his work. Pixar’s John Lasseter’s film-themed aloha shirts will get their own exhibit, too.

For ultrageeks, there’s Mousequerade, a contest of attendees in costumes. The winner will receive a trip for two to Aulani, Disney’s Hawaiian resort.

“One thing people will love is the evolution of the ‘Star Wars’ storm troopers,” Epstein said.

Attendees will get to try out an Avengers Playmation game and meet and greet TV stars from various shows.


“There’s so much,” Epstein said. “It really speaks to the broadness of the fans that we’ll be reaching.”

Beyond the official Disney offerings, collectors, artists, toy manufacturers and various company licensees will occupy booths where conventioneers can buy original studio artwork, Disney-inspired products and Disneyana in an area called the “Emporium.”

If that’s not enough, there will be three stores in which D23 Expo merchandise and other Disney stuff will be for sale. Previous expos have suffered from long lines of people just waiting to go in and part with their cash. This time attendees can sign up for StorePass tickets to get in ahead of the crowds. A limited number of StagePass tickets will be available to get guaranteed seating at the various shows and presentations.