franandaj
I'm so happy, I could BOUNCE!
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2009
Well here we are again, can you believe it? It has been two years since the last D23 Expo, and it almost feels like I was just there!
If you havent followed along with me before, let me introduce myself. My name is Alison and Im a certified Disney nut! Here I am at the first D23 Expo in 2009.
And this is me with my partner Fran
We also attended the 2011 Expo. We didnt take many self photos and didnt get any of the two of us together. But here we are the 2011 Expo.
Those of you who have followed me before know that we love to shop. At the last Expo, we were introduced to these pictures. We were able to purchase two of them at the Expo (and get that ever popular discount). We have since completed the set of four in the last couple months
I had pre ordered a necklace, I felt rather awkward as when I mentioned that I was there to pick it up, they got really excited. Evidently I was the only one to pre order this necklace. It is now on sale in the parks for 1/3 higher than I paid (less AP discount), so Im glad I got it in advance.
Turns out they had these rings on display and obviously I liked them enough to take a picture of them. We didnt buy them at the Expo, but the last time the Disney Store online had a 25% discount sale, we actually bought ourselves at set. Ill have to remember to wear them at the Expo. I dont wear them around the house or for my normal house refurbishment jobs.
Based on the advance schedule, I put together this hopeful itinerary for us in 2011. Unfortunately due to the crowds and stuff we didnt get to half of the things we wanted to do.
The first morning lines were like this.
We had Premiere passes and still had to wait quite a bit. We missed out on getting into the Sorcerers passes because we were stupid and forgot to register until later in the day. This time we didnt miss a beat, we were both at our computers right at registration time and were pleased to find that we could order two passes from one account. Both of us tried and I was the one who got through first, who knows, faster computer, luck of the draw?
For whatever reason though, we were able to get in. They have streamlined the process a little. Evidently the first few people got right in but our registration went like this, we were placed on a waitlist and then D23 got back to us in order I suppose of when you were put on the waitlist. We had 24 hours to confirm that we wanted the registration and then they billed our credit card. I supposed that they implemented this so that way they dont inadvertently overbook the package.
I understand that this year they have more Sorcerers then last time by about 150% or more, so I imagine that there will be a lot more people to receive glaring looks as we bypass the main queues and enter the theaters. I am glad that Fran is feeling better enough that she will be able to transfer out of her scooter and into a regular seat. That means that I can go reserve us the seats while she parks her chair. I hope that somehow we can accommodate my scooter, because while she has improved in her mobility, I have declined. Hopefully my ability to get us seats will not be hampered by the lack of performance by my knees.
Anyways we have 10 days to go until the Expo begins. It seems that the Sorcerers start their day Thursday morning at 9AM. Originally we had booked the Hilton for Thursday through Monday, but since Fran and I dont do mornings so well, we added Wednesday night to our stay (thank you Hilton Honors points!) so that we can be at the Convention Center bright and early Thursday morning.
The Sorcerer Package includes:
- Three-day admission ticket
- Reserved seating at all presentations in the D23 Arena and Stage 23
- Commemorative Sorcerer credential
- Pre-Expo tour of the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit
- Exclusive shopping time in the D23 Expo Dream Store and the Treasure Trove the day before the Expo is open to guests
- First opportunity to purchase D23 Expo Dream Store merchandise via the Random Selection Process (RSP)*
- Exclusive tour of the D23 Expo show floor the day before the Expo is open to the public
- Private welcome reception
- Special entrance to the Expo each morning
- Hardbound Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives catalog
- Hardbound Disney Legends ceremony commemorative program
- Exclusive D23 Expo 2013 tote bag filled with gifts
- Fond Farewell reception on final day of Expo
- Complimentary light snacks throughout the day with ability to purchase additional food
- Special exhibit created by the Walt Disney Archives
- Dedicated Sorcerer Concierge desk
- Baggage Check area
- Masseur on site (for pay)
- One voucher for 20-minute free massage
I hear via the Sorcerers FB page that they have added reserved seating in Stage 28 in addition to Stage 23 and the Arena. I imagine we will spend Thursday doing our Treasure Trove and Pre Expo Dream store shopping (we did that in the afternoon as Premiere attendees last time), plus our advance tour of the Walk Disney Archives exhibit, the tour of the show floor and our Welcome reception. They will probably keep us busy.
The show opens on Friday, August 9 and they have supposedly released the full schedule. Other Sorcerers received an email from D23 inviting them to select the presentations that they would like to have reserved seating. I have not received such an email, so I have emailed D23 back with no response. Im not expecting one. Supposedly we can make changes up until the Thursday (thats probably Disneys CYA for people like me who didnt get the email.)
Thats all I have for now! Were a little over a week away from the beginning, so let the planning begin!
now must read the intro.
I am a geek! Love the necklace and the rings! Every girls dream! I am lethal in jewellery shops. DW has banned me from Tiffany's and the middle of the World of Disney where the rings etc are lol. 
Thanks for following along!
