Disney's D23 Expo Fan Convention Returns To Anaheim

ANAHEIM, CA — It's back. The three-day D23 Expo begins Friday at the Anaheim Convention Center, a biennial celebration of The Walt Disney Co., including Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars across film, television, theme parks, products, online, music, live entertainment, and more. Hundreds of fans lined up early for the right to be first through the gates.

Inside the Disney Parks Imagining Tomorrow, Today, pavilion, guests will see a new vacation experience coming to Walt Disney World Resort, the Star Wars: Galactic Star cruiser, a one of a kind 2-night adventure on board the starship headed to Walt Disney World Resort in the future (date not shared).

Expect character interaction, immersive storylines and an unforgettable journey. Also, expect big changes at Epcot Center, including a Moana story of water exhibit.

Closer to home, check out what's coming to the "Avengers Campus" coming soon to Disney California Adventure! Guests will be part of the Avengers story at all campus locations, including Paris and Hong Kong, sources say.

A special offer for attendees included entry into the Founders Circle of Disney+, a new streaming service not available to the general public until November. Founders Circle members will get $23 off per year, with a three year commitment to thestreaming service and an exclusive D23 Expo Founders Circle pin, while supplies last.

In connection with the D23 Expo, the Disney+ streaming service and Disney Publishing Worldwide announced "One Day at Disney," a 224-page coffee table book and documentary series, which will both be released Dec. 3.

Original content will stream on Disney+, including the new live-action shelter dog story reboot of "Lady and the Tramp" featuring an all shelter dog motion picture promotes animal adoption, and all of the cast of characters were adopted after filming, a Disney spokesperson said.

The D23 Expo will feature about 50 shows, presentations and panel discussions, including the Disney Legends Ceremony which celebrates Disney creators and business leaders.

Disney Legends to be honored include Robert Downey Jr., who starred in three Iron Man films, singer-actress Bette Midler, actor-filmmaker Jon Favreau, Darth Vader voice James Earl Jones, "Good Morning America" host Robin Roberts, ABC News anchor Diane Sawyer and singer Christina Aguilera.

Fans also participate in the Mousquerade, a costume contest, as they mingle with other enthusiasts and keep a lookout for Disney stars and creators.

The convention will also feature a new exhibit, "Walt Disney Archives Presents Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume," which will showcase more than 70 costumes worn over the past 55 years of Disney movies and TV shows.

Other attractions will include autograph sessions with composers Randy Newman and Tyler Bates.

Fans will also get a chance to meet "The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening at a panel discussion Saturday featuring producers and directors from the long-running Fox animated comedy as well as voice actors Nancy Cartwright and Yeardley Smith.

Nearly 80 photo shoots took place on Feb. 21, including at Shanghai Disneyland, ESPN, Pixar and the sets of `Good Morning America and the ABC comedy "Modern Family" to capture images of The Walt Disney Co. employees at work in a variety of endeavors.

Following the feature-length documentary, more than 50 "One Day at Disney" four- to seven-minute shorts each profiling a Walt Disney Company employee will debut each week.

City News Service contributed to this report.