I went to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event for the first time. I don’t know if I will go again, but it was a great experience.
Considering going to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event? Read our D23 tips and tricks before you go to see if the event is right for you.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event was held in Anaheim, Calif. from Aug. 9-11, 2024. Billed as the event for fans of The Walt Disney Company, I knew I needed to check it out for myself. The stars aligned back in March, and I was able to score tickets. The remaining pieces fell into place, allowing me to travel to Anaheim to see what all the fuss was about.
As I was preparing for the event, I had the fortune of learning from others who had been to past events. I knew to temper my expectations ahead of time and to prepare for lines. I’ll be forever grateful for the D23 tips and tricks I learned from previous attendees, as I could definitely see how going in without any knowledge of the event could lead to a poor experience.
I hope my insights below as a D23 first-timer will help future attendees learn what to do — and what not to do — to make the most of this exciting event.
What is D23? Is it the Fan Expo?
In 2009, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club was launched, and the fan club has been hosting biennial expositions since. These events bring together all the facets of The Walt Disney Company, including animation, live-action, theme parks, and more. When people say “D23,” they may be referring to the fan club, but others may be referring to the “Ultimate Disney Fan Event” (or “D23 Expo,” as it was previously titled). D23 is the name of the fan club, and D23 Expo, or D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, is the biennial event at the Anaheim Convention Center.
D23 tip: When tickets go on sale, they go fast
While the event has seen some changes over the years, its premise remains the same. It is an opportunity for Disney fans to come together in a large community to see what’s new and what’s next for The Walt Disney Company. Just like other similar fan conventions, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event requires a ticket to enter. Whenever ticket sales are announced, if you think you might want to attend, be ready to make a purchase as soon as you can. For 2024’s event, tickets were sold out within days, including the pricy premium ticket packages!
In addition to presentations and activities at the Anaheim Convention Center, new in 2024 was the added ticket cost for attending evening showcases at the nearby Honda Center. Should Disney repeat this process for future D23 events, if you don’t have a ticket for the Anaheim Convention Center or the Honda Center, you will not be allowed to enter either location.
D23 tip: Prepare yourself for lines everywhere
Signs posted outside the Anaheim Convention Center said that queueing was not permitted before 4:30 a.m. The convention center did not open until 9 a.m., so I am not sure what the rush was to get there almost five hours early. That being said, when I arrived a little before 9 a.m. at the convention center each day, the lines to go through security were very long and never appeared to be run very efficiently. One of the best D23 tips and tricks is to pack your patience.
Inside the convention center, lines were long as well, but they seemed to be managed a little better. If you want to be somewhere at a specific time, plan for ample time to go through security. I am hopeful that west coast Disney operations will eventually use the security measures they have in Orlando so that bag checks become a thing of the past.
D23 tip: Prioritize what you want to do each day
There is so much to see and do at the event, it can be overwhelming to manage your time well. Another of my D23 tips and tricks is to look through the schedule ahead of time to see which panels, activities, or talent signings pique your interest.
Personally, the company’s history appeals to me much more than celebrity meet-and-greets or buying tons of merchandise. I made a list of the panels I wanted to attend each day, and when I had time between those panels, I walked around the show floor and chose activities or experiences with the shortest lines.
D23 tip: You can’t do it all, and that’s OK
I could not do everything I wanted to do. If only I could clone myself or slip through time doors at the TVA! Seating and reservations for panels at D23 works a few different ways. I was able to secure a seat at a few panels during the “Random Selection Process” (or RSP) before D23. For the presentation I did not have a reserved seat for, I had to wait in a standby queue. I also managed to score a few virtual queues for some of the shopping experiences like D23 Marketplace and The Walt Disney Company Store. Waiting in lines took up most of my extra time, so there were some things I missed.
D23 tip: Know what you can and can’t bring before you arrive
Outside food and beverages were not allowed at the Anaheim Convention Center or the Honda Center. At the convention center, I was allowed to bring in my refillable water bottle, but I saw many guests throwing away uneaten breakfast food or to-go coffee because it was not allowed. At the Honda Center, I was able to bring in my small wristlet-sized wallet that held money and my cell phone, but I didn’t try to risk anything bigger.
Costumes were allowed, but the D23 app and website had rules that very carefully described what was acceptable and what was not. It may seem trivial to remind everyone to read the rules, but knowing them can help you avoid a lot of disappointment. Paying attention to what is or is not allowed is one of the most important D23 tips and tricks because it will help you move through all of the lines much more quickly.
D23 tip: Plan time for transportation
My hotel was within a 15-minute walk to the convention center, but it was more than double that to walk to the Honda Center. D23 offered a free shuttle to the Honda Center from the convention center and back, and there was also the option of riding public transportation (ART buses) or using ride-share options. The free transportation options were definitely being used by a large number of guests, so I opted to walk when I was able or use ride-share to go to the Honda Center. I felt like it was worth the extra cost to get where I wanted to go when I wanted to get there.
Is D23 worth it?
I’m sure some will want to revoke my Disney fan card when I say this, but I am undecided about D23 being “worth it.” It was not a bad event. However, it was not a cheap event either. While I realize my cost was probably significantly higher than some attendees (since I live across the country and had to spend money on transportation and a hotel), I spoke to several fans who flew all the way from Australia for the event! Cost is relative and truly dependent on your level of commitment.
Next time, I might purchase a one-day pass for the convention center and spend more time at the Honda Center showcases. I may decide not to go to the Honda Center at all, since most of what was revealed was online within 24 hours. I’m glad I attended my first D23 event, and though I have yet to decide if it’s my last, I would recommend every Disney fan to experience it at least once.
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