D23 and TCM to Celebrate The Great Movie Ride One Last Time

D23 and TCM have just announced a complimentary event for D23 Gold and Gold Family and TCM Backlot members that will be held on Saturday August 12, 2017 at 7:15am at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Registration for the event will open on 8/1 at 10 am PT on the official D23 website.
This special event will give the members of both groups a chance to ride The Great Movie Ride one last time before the park opens to the general public. The event will "include a private attraction experience with special guests, a delicious breakfast at The Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant and a one-of-a-kind gift created just for attendees!"
D23 Gold and Gold Family will only be able to register themselves and one guest, all guests must be at least 21 years old. Registered guests will be able to check-in at 7am the day of the event and will be required to show a Photo ID and their D23 Membership Card. Park admission for the rest of the day is not included. Registration for this event will also be open to Turner Classic Backlot members through the TCM site.

Tips For Cosplayer by Rachael K

By Rachael K

Three more days and counting! I figured there are a lot of first time cosplayers out there going to the D23 Expo so I decided to think of a cosplayers guide on what to bring to D23. I've been to many conventions and my first convention, I learned the hard way and was bleeding all over my Elsa shoes and almost fainted in my corset (not fun) so here's some tips that I have learned over the years! Any other cosplayer feel free to add to the list in the comments =]

1. BRING BANDAIDS!!!! Make sure your shoes have comfy in soles and that you have broken them in first! I made that mistake. Also bring socks just in case for heels. If you have a big dress, no one will know.
2. Bring breakfast bars or granola. Sometimes you lose track of time because people are asking your photo and you're having so much fun and whoops it's 2 pm and I haven't eaten anything and I'm in a corset! Make sure you hydrate as well especially in costume.
   
3. Deodorant and perfume are your best friend. No matter what time of year for cosplaying, you'll be sweating. Unless your Maui and shirtless, bring deodorant so you don't feel gross
4. Cosplay cards to hand out to photographers are always handy for you and the photographer. If you don't have time, just print out on regular paper your page info for Facebook or Instagram etc.
5. This is probably the hardest rule but, it is OK say no to photos. I always said yes until I was literally sleeping at Con and this person seriously woke me up from a nap to ask for my photo or while I was stuffing my face with food. Just remember to be polite and tell them I'm sorry. If it's a little child though, I usually say yes. You decide what helps you and remember, you need to rest too. Nobody wants a hangry princess.
   
6. Practice poses beforehand. Find what pose works for you and what is a quick pose in case you're in a rush and someone asks for a photo.
7. Finish spray your makeup and use setting powder. Especially, if you're painting your whole face. Trust me it goes a long way.
8. Make sure you bring a repair kit just in case like Velcro, needle and thread and safety pins. Bobby pins too for your wigs.

I think that's it! Have fun! That's why you're there! Remember you look awesome and tell yourself in the mirror that you are beautiful!

 Photographs by @wallgazer photo on Facebook.
Follow Rachael on Facebook at @Rachael K Cosplay

How To Find us on Facebook!

With the 2017 D23 Expo just a few days away, we wanted to remind everyone to follow us on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/D23ExpoFans )  for up to the minute updated from Expo! And you can join our Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/D23FansAndAttendees )!
When you join the Facebook group please take a moment to fill out the "join questions" so we know your account is real. We have worked very hard to ensure that fake accounts haven't joined the group to help keep our members safe! Also, please know the Facebook group is currently set to admin approval posting  for a few reasons. First to ensure the group isn't spammed by MLM companies and other businesses as we do not allow advertising. It is also set to admin approved posting out of respect for the D23 rep that has been helping us for the last few weeks to get out confirmed and correct information. The admin approved posting option helps us ensure that false and misleading information isn't released in the group!

Here Is A List Of The 2017 D23 Expo Panels Won't Allow Recording And Photos, And Tips For Panels That Do!

Here is the complete list of panels that will not allow recording at this year's D23 Expo.

• Pixar / Feature Animation session Friday in Hall D23
• Studio Live Action Presentation on Saturday in Hall D23
• The Power of the Princess
• World of Pixar
• Olaf's Frozen Adventure
• Evolution of Pixar Characters

For these panels expect to have to put your cell phones and cameras in a opaque plastic bags that have a seal upon entry, the bags are similar to plastic mailing bags. The bag will be given to you prior to your entering the presentation room. D23 started using this option at the 2013 D23 Expo and in our opinion it is a lot easier than them collecting and returning your phone like they do at some events. Please know that D23 security will be walking the aisles during these presentations looking for people that are trying to break the rules, and in the case of Hall D23 panels that don't allow recording, security has been known to use night vision goggles to see devices light up. Here are a few reminders for those that will be sealing your phones up during these panels:

• Remember to silence or turn off your phone before putting it in the bag. The last thing you need is your cell phone playing the Kim Possible alert during a key announcement. (so the drama!!)
• Make sure that you remind your friends and family members you will be without social media, calls etc prior to the panel and during the panel.
• Wear a watch in case you have to keep track of the time if you usually depend on your phone to tell you what time it is. 
• In 2015 they made guests seal their smart watches in the bag with their phones. We aren't sure if they will do that again, so plan for the worst case scenario and hope for the best. But honestly since iWatch and Samsung Gear let you record audio, don't be surprised if they make you seal your smart watch up this year too.

If a panel is not listed above that means you will be able to use your camera or cell phone. But please remember to be considerate of those around you. Here are a few things to remember that people forget in their excitement at Expo:

• Remember during the panels that allow recording to be considerate of others and to use the zoom option instead of the "wave your camera in the air like you just don't care" option that ruins others view. Remember to keep your phone and camera in your "head bubble."
• If you are taking photos on the show floor, take a moment and check your "rear view mirror" before you just stop to take a photo. Your auto insurance won't cover rear end collisions inside on Expo show floor. 
• If you are taking photos of Cosplayers, make sure to ask them first, and if they say no because they need to get some where respect that they have panels they want to attend too! Also if you plan on posting those Cosplayer photos on a social media page that isn't your personal account, make sure you have business cards to hand out so the people you are taking photos of know where to go see the photos you took of them. NEVER sell photos of the Cosplayers you take photos unless you have their approval in writing.

TURN OFF YOUR FLASH!! Don't blind the people around you.

How Will Security And Lanyard Distribution Work For The Thursday Night Queue? (And Other Quick Updates)

With the new changes in security at this year's D23 Expo we have had a few people inquire about how security and lanyard distribution will work for the over night queue on Thursday night. So we once again took a moment to touch base with our contact at D23 to confirm how this would be handled.

Question:
Thursday night over night folks. Will guests go through security before entering to over night? A

Answer:
For overnight folks, they will go through security before they enter the overnight queue so it's a speedier process when we are ready to open doors at 9am.

Question:Will overnight guests receive their ticket "sleeve/lanyard" and Expo guide as they enter to overnight, or as they enter the building in the morning from the queue?


Answer:
While we didn't find out if lanyards would be handed out as you enter the security check for the overnight line,  or as you enter into the building in the morning, but we do know you WILL receive those items :)

Other updates:
We are waiting to hear if there will be a minimum age requirement for minors to be in the overnight queue without an adult.
We also reconfirmed that there will NOT be wristbands issued for Hall D23. The only wristbands/tickets that will be issued are the wristbands/tickets are the ones noted in the Expo schedule for Meet & Greet options, and possibly some Limited Edition item sales.

D23 Expo Meet and Greet Ticket/Wristband Info

Several people noticed that there are 9am ticket/wristband distributions noted in the D23 Expo App and asked how that would work. So we checked in with D23 to see.

Question:
The early AM meet and greet bands (Avengers etc), will those have a special building entry line, or will guests come in on the show floor to the Marvel Studios area and get in line there?

Answer:
Guest will lineup in the general show floor queue in the morning and when doors open at 9am, they can head to the Marvel Studios booth to retrieve their wristband.

For meet and greets that note wristbands but not sign up times, please check with the pavilion/stage in question the day before or morning of to see when and where the line for distribution will form!

D23 Expo App Observations and Updates (And Yes We Know Android Isn't Working And Have Info On That In The Article!)

Last night we shared with you that the 2017 D23 Expo app released iOS last night, and attempted to release on Android. Before I share my observations from the app, let me take a moment to update you on the Android app.. Yes, we know it isn't working,  yes D23 knows it isn't working. More importantly GooglePlay for Android knows it isn't working and they are working on resolving the issue. Hopefully it will be fixed in the next 24-48 hours.  (UPDATE! As of 2:45 ET the Android app is now working!)

Now on to options and interesting things we noticed in the app after we had a few moments to play with it!!

• We can now see this year's full schedule and map.
• The search function is amazing. You can enter show and names, actor and actresses names, etc. and it brings up all references.
• We also noticed a few previously announced meet and greets that were not showing up on the schedule yet. Or so we thought! After entering "Freeform" into the search function we found the missing meet and greet for The Fosters, Shadow Hunters, and Stitchers that we had received some messages on. So make sure when you are looking for an event that may fall under a "Channel" or "Event" that you also try entering that channel or event's name in search.
• Any location offering a special D23 offer or discount is marked with a round gold D23 icon on the Expo map. And when you tap on a "D23 marked"  location to see more information about that location, you can see what the D23 special is at that spot!
• The "Discover" tab has a countdown to Expo!
• The grilled cheese truck will be back on the patio between Halls A/B!!
• There will be a $2 per bag back check near Hall A in the Main Lobby.
• The "Interact" tab will take you to D23's Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 
• You can add your "Favorite" panels etc to your calendar through the Expo app as well as set reminders.
• The notes section on each event is really great. I have already found myself adding little notes to some panels to remind me who I am suppose to meet up with prior to the panel.
• Once again they very clearly note space holding will not be allowed in the "Hours of Operation and Queues" section of the "Things to Know" tab.

When Will Lines For Afternoon Hall D23 Panels Open? We Have The Answer!

I was able to talk to our D23 contact about Hall D23 lines. While we already know how the Overnight Line for Friday and Saturday's morning panels will work, we wanted to double check how Friday and Saturday's afternoon panels, and Sunday's panels, would work.

Question: Do we know when the line should open for Friday's 2:30pm Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Panel, Saturday's 3pm Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Panel, and Sunday's 1:30 and 5:30pm "A Whole New World of Alan Menken" panels in Hall D23?

Answer: Lineups for the afternoon shows on Friday and Saturday will begin as soon as the morning show loads. The first show on Sunday will begin lineups as soon as the Expo opens at 9:00am.

Also remember they will empty each room completely after each panel ends to reset and ensure fair entry to all.

The 2017 D23 App Is Out!

The 2017 D23 Expo app is out. You can download the iTunes version here https://itunes.apple.com/app/id658929476  and the Android version here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.disney.d23expo_goo (be aware that the Android version isn't working properly yet!)  UPDATE as of 2:34pm on 7/7/16 the Android app has been updated and is working.

The app shows the Expo Layout, schedule, vendor info, the unannounced Center Stage offerings, and more.

More 2017 D23 Expo Disney Dream Store Disney Parks Items Revealed

This morning the Disney Parks Blog released more information on items that will be available at the D23 Expo in the Disney Dream Store. Per the Parks Blog "Guests will find jewelry by ALEX AND ANI, Crislu, and Rebecca Hook. We will also have two timepieces by Bulova. Some of these items will be available only to D23 Gold Members, making them wonderful reminders of this ultimate Disney fan event.” Please know that release times, prices and purchase limits were not announced by the Disney Parks Blog.

The newest addition to the Disney Parks Alex and Ani collection is actually a part of the "Through the Years" line we told you about yesterday.  The new bangles, which will be available in gold and silver finishes, will be released at the D23 Expo, but will then be sold at Disneyland and Walt Disney World later this year. There will also be an Oswald the Lucky Rabbit bangle!

Disney Purse fans will be excited to have a chance to purchase the new "The Nightmare Before Christmas" inspired "Pumpkin King" line of Dooney & Bourke bags (available in Crossbody, Tote and Wristlet) before they are available in the Disney Parks this fall. Also available will be Harveys new "Through the Years" collection in coin purse, streamline tote and backpack.

 

Crislu key collectors can rejoice too! There will be a special D23 Gold Member 20" long Mickey Head with D23 logo Crislu key necklace available to D23 Gold Members. D23 Gold Members will also be able to purchase a new Rebecca Hook necklace. This new sterling silver filigree castle necklace features the D23 logo in played yellow gold.

There will be three additional new pieces by Rebecca premiering at the D23 Expo. There will be a "Sterling silver pave castle necklace featuring blue or pink cubic zirconia stones, and a Sterling silver Tinker Bell necklace with clear cubic zirconia pave detailing." These three items will be released in the Disney Parks once Expo has finished.

 

Portable Charger and Overnight Camping Supply Suggestions For the 2017 D23 Expo

Recently I was asked to share some easy to use portable chargers and overnight supplies. Due to a crazy personal life I am just now getting to that, so I do apologize. The items listed below are all "Amazon Prime" items so they should ship to you or your hotel quickly if you decide to order them!

For charging your devices in the Expo, I am a huge fan of Anker products. I have carried them and used them in D23 Expo, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, on Disney Cruise ships, on airplanes, and at Star Wars Celebration.

• Anker AK-A1206012 10000mAh External Battery Power Bank http://amzn.to/2sJYLau
  Charges an iPhone 3.9 times
• Anker PowerCore 20100 - Ultra High Capacity Power Bank http://amzn.to/2tO9x4E
  Charges an iPhone 6s 7.3 times, and the Samsung S6 2.2 times
• Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger http://amzn.to/2uHC7kJ
  Charges an iPhone 6s 9.7 times, and the Samsung S6 6.9 times
• Anker PowerCore+ 26800, Premium Portable Charger http://amzn.to/2tO8IIX
  Charges an iPhone 6s 9.5 times, and the Samsung S6 5.1 times

For charging your devices in your hotel room, especially when hotel rooms have a limited number of plugs the Anker 40W/8A 5-Port USB Charger PowerPort 5, Multi-Port USB Charger will let you charge 5 USB items at once.  http://amzn.to/2sJOsDr

Below are several items that will store in your backpack during the day if you decide to overnight in the Expo Line as D23 has announced you will not be able to leave the building to drop off overnight supplies or leave them lying around when you enter the building. The items listed are lightweight and fold up and most come with a storage bag.

• Live Infinitely Inflatable Air Lounger Chair http://amzn.to/2tJwMMs
  9’ Long and Holds 500 LBS, folded up dimension of 14"x8"x6"
• Air Chair by Treadway http://amzn.to/2tJH0MA
  Holds 220 lbs, folded up dimension of 12 x 7 x 3 inches
   
• OutdoorsmanLab Lightweight Sleeping Bag
  Ultralight at only 1.6 lbs and super compact with compression sack. 
• Rainbow House Sleeping Bag http://amzn.to/2tOt7h0
  Packing Size: 7.68" x 7.68" x 11.42"
   
•  Camping Pillow / Inflatable Air Pillow http://amzn.to/2sDCWOR
  Inflates to 20in x 12in. 5.5in x 6in when fully deflated and rolled into the convenient travel sack. Weighs just 10.5 oz; about the weight of a softball.
   
• Inflatable Camping Pillow http://amzn.to/2tGmLjy
  Easy to pack into the carry pouch (included) and it is smaller than a Coke can.
  
• Folding stool http://amzn.to/2umZ5hv
  Collapsible stool, folds to 3" diameter. Weights less than 1.5 lbs, supports up to 200 lbs
   
• TrekUltra Camping Fold Up Chairs with Bag http://amzn.to/2tO2zfS
  Weighing only 2.6 pounds this chair is made from heavy duty aircraft grade 7075 aluminum and supports up to 350 lbs. This chair packs down to about the size of a loaf of bread.
  
• Moon Lence Ultralight Portable Folding Camping Backpacking Chair http://amzn.to/2sDCyzE
  Chair weighs only 2 pounds which can hold up to 242 pounds/110kg. This portable chair is compact enough to put into your backpack or your carry-on luggage.
   
•  Sunyear Innovative Foldable Camp Chair http://amzn.to/2tJOvDt
  Has a load capacity of up to 260 pounds. Storage Pouch Size 16.1 * 5.8 * 5.9 inches(L*H*W)

American Tourister's Disney Luggage Sale Ends Today Just In Time For D23 Expo!

Just in time for the D23 Expo, American Tourister has a sale on their Disney Luggage that ends today. Through today when you order any of their Disney themed luggage you can get 40% off your luggage and free shipping. To order your Disney (or Marvel and Star Wars) luggage visit https://goo.gl/UTgRtD
The Disney luggage sale pricing is as follows:

• 28" Softside Spinner originally $139.99 on sale for $83.99
  Available in Mickey Mouse Face, Minnie Mouse Red Bow, Minnie Mouse Polka Dot
• 21" Softside Spinner originally $99.99 on sale for $59.99
  Available in Mickey Mouse Pants, Mickey Mouse Face, Minnie Mouse Polka Dot 
• 28" Hardside Spinner originally $199.99 on sale for $119.99
  Available in Donalds Pants, Mickey Mouse Pants, Mickey Mouse Face, Minnie Mouse Red Bow, Minnie Mouse Face
• 21" Hardside Spinner originally $139.99 on sale for $83.99
  Available in Mickey Mouse Pants, Mickey Mouse Face
• 20" Hardside Spinner originally $139.99 on sale for $83.99
  Available in Donald Pants

 Per American Tourister's website, this sale ends tonight (7/4/17) and there are terms and conditions.

 "This special discount offer is valid on select products only - for a limited time. Prices reflect discount, no code required. Terms & Conditions: Offer not available in stores. This offer cannot be combined with any other coupons, discounts and free shipping offers. It is not valid on gift cards, clearance items, holiday specials or previous purchases. Shop.americantourister.com does not offer price and/or promotion matching."

 
 

For those that would rather purchase Star Wars or Marvel luggage, while there is a sale on these designs, it isn't the 40% off you can get on the Disney luggage. BUT!! Select Star Wars and Marvel designs are on sale. All Star Wars and Marvel spinners come in hardside.  And, what many people don't realize is you can stack discount codes on the Marvel and Star Wars designs right now. For example the Marvel 28" Captain American spinner which is regularly $199.99 is on sale for $152.28. When you add coupon code DISNEY15 that brings the total down to $129.44 and when you add coupon code XTRA10 the total comes down to $116.50!

• 28" Star Wars Spinner originally $199.99 on sale for $169.99
  Available in BB8 
• 28" Star Wars Spinner originally $199.99 on sale for $132.29
  Available in Boba Fett 
• 28" Star Wars Spinner originally $199.99 on sale for $139.98
  Available in C3PO and Chewbacca
• 28" Star Wars Spinner originally $199.99 on sale for $129.00
  Available in R2D2, Darth Vader, Storm Trooper
• 28" Marvel Spinner originally $199.99 on sale for $152.28
  Available in Captain America
• 21" Star Wars Spinner originally $139.99 on sale for $104.99
  Available in R2D2, Darth Vader, Storm Trooper
• 21" Star Wars Spinner originally $139.99 on sale for $98.99
  Available in C3PO and Chewbacca
• 21" Marvel Spinner originally $139.99 on sale for $104.99
  Available in Iron Man
• 20" Star Wars Spinner originally $139.99 on sale for $90.00
  Available in Boba Fett 
• 20" Marvel Spinner originally $139.99 on sale for $109.64
  Available in Iron Man, Captain America, and Spiderman
• 20" Star Wars Rogue One Spinner originally $320 on sale for $159
  Available in Rebel and Empire