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Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to Celebrate

60 Years of Imagineering At Disney’s D23 Expo

August 9-11, 2013

In honor of the 60th anniversary of Walt Disney Imagineering and the origins of Disney Parks and Resorts, Imagineering is hosting an “open house” at the D23 Expo, August 9-11, opening the doors of its unique facilities and offering an unprecedented look at its creative processes—all on the floor of the Anaheim Convention Center. In addition, Imagineers past and present will host an entire day of panel discussions on Sunday, August 11, celebrating their 60 magical years of “dreaming and doing.”

Within the “open house” pavilion, D23 Expo guests will get an up close look at an eclectic array of Imagineering’s creative minds—ride engineers, model builders, pre-visualization artists, special effects designers, inventors, and show animators—as they share the skills and talents behind Imagineering’s creative process. In addition, guests will have the chance to glimpse at the “workspaces” of several project teams from around Disney’s global portfolio of parks and resorts, perhaps spotting a few clues into coming attractions along the way.

For the first time at the D23 Expo, Walt Disney Imagineering will be showcasing some of its most historical and revered concept art from its Art Library, including Herb Ryman’s original drawing of Disneyland. Also in the Disney Parks pavilion, D23 Expo guests will again have the chance to explore Mickey’s of Glendale, an outlet of Walt Disney Imagineering’s employee-only store, to shop for unique souvenirs and collectibles and Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise not available anywhere else.

In addition to the Imagineering Open House, D23 Expo attendees will be able to attend 12 unique presentations and panel discussions that will take fans on the incredible journey behind the latest Disney resorts, attractions, and entertainment including:

The Art and Artistry of Aulani – Imagineers Joe Rohde and Jeanette Lomboy will share the authentic tapestry of art and stories found at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa.
Mayhem, Mischief, and Monkeys: The Magic of Mystic Manor – Join Imagineers Joe Lanzisero and others for the strange stories behind Hong Kong Disneyland’s Mystic Manor, the newest and one of the most sophisticated attractions ever built.
Undiscovered Disneyland – Legendary Imagineer Tony Baxter shares rare and never-before-seen footage of the early days of Disneyland, from design and construction through opening day.
Broadcasts from Buena Vista Street – Enjoy the latest ‘soundtrack’ from Disney California Adventure’s Buena Vista Street, featuring a live performance of Scary Symphony from radio station KBVS and a panel discussion led by Imagineers.
Disney Ambassadors – Join current Disney Parks Ambassadors from around the world as they discuss this renowned program and share insights about its rich heritage, current outreach efforts, and the importance of sharing Disney goodwill.
Voices of the Disney Parks – Back by popular demand, this panel of famous Disney voices will gather for an encore panel discussion, including recreations of some unforgettable Disney Parks sayings.
Charles Phoenix Presents – Noted humorist and self-proclaimed “retro daddy” Charles Phoenix shares some of his favorite images from around Disney, featuring classic kitsch, clashing colors schemes, and hairdos that truly defy gravity.

The panels continue on Sunday August 11, with a full day dedicated to the celebration of Walt Disney Imagineering’s 60th anniversary. The presentations in the 2,000-seat Stage 23 with current and former Imagineers will explore a wide range of topics, from working with Walt Disney himself and the exploration of creativity, innovation, and humor in the parks, to a lively discussion of what it’s like to lead one of the world’s most creative organizations. More details on these exciting panels and presenters will be revealed soon.

About D23 Expo 2013

The D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings the entire world of Disney under one roof, providing attendees with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, and theme parks. For the latest D23 Expo 2013 news, visit www.D23Expo.com. To be part of the D23 Expo conversation, make sure to follow @DisneyD23 and tag your tweets with #D23Expo.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com; and member-exclusive discounts and special events for D23 Members throughout the year, highlighted by the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, August 9–11, 2013.

Fans can join D23 at www.D23.com and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow us @DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.

Disney Twenty-Three Summer Issue is now available

exclusively to D23 Memebers

Insider Glimpses of Monsters University, Iron Man 3, The Lone Ranger and Disney’s Planes

Plus an Extensive Feature Saluting 60 Years of Walt Disney Imagineering

The summer issue of Disney twenty-three, the flagship magazine of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, features a mega summer movie preview of Disney’s upcoming theatrical releases. D23 gets readers back in the saddle with filmmakers Jerry Bruckheimer and Gore Verbinski for Johnny Depp’s upcomingThe Lone Ranger; Billy Crystal talks about scaring up big laughs for Monsters University; the masterminds behind Marvel’s newest film, Iron Man 3, offer an inside look at how they’re bringing Iron Man back to basics; and John Lasseter shows us how the upcoming animated film Disney’s Planes will soar.

Disney twenty-three also celebrates 60 years of Walt Disney Imagineering with a special commemorative back cover. Imagineer Tony Baxter discusses his work on some of the world’s most iconic attractions, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, SplashMountain, and Star Tours. “You Do What?” profiles some of the most unusual jobs Imagineers have had over the years, from rock designer to castle architect. “Imagineering Fact? Or Fiction!” debunks some of the long-time myths and legends of the Disney Parks. And there’s much more, including “23 Imagineering Game Changers” and a salute from Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Tom Staggs to the thousands of creative individuals whose contributions have changed the way guests experience Disney around the world.

Beginning with the summer issue, Disney twenty-three, hailed by critics for its superlative fan content and collectability, will be offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members who will continue to receive the magazine as a benefit of their membership. Disney twenty-three is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, and this issue contains a special member gift—a metallic D23 keychain, signifying how members hold the key to unlocking the magic of Disney through D23.

Disney twenty-three’s favorite sections are back with new images and content, too. In this issue:

An image of Walt and Lillian celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary just prior to the opening ofDisneyland in “PHOTOfiles”
“A Walk with Walt” takes readers back to 1946, the year following the end of World War II—a transitional one for Walt and his company
In “D Society,” Ne-Yo, Rod Stewart, and Tina Fey are among the stars shown visiting the parks

The Disney discoveries don’t stop with the end of the summer publication. In conjunction with the summer issue of Disney twenty-three, www.D23.com will feature original and exclusive stories that complement the contents of D23’s glossy magazine. Beginning May 14, only on D23.com you’ll find an exclusive video interview with Imagineer Tony Baxter.

About D23

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates the remarkable past, present, and future of Disney, taking its name from 1923, the year Walt Disney founded his world-famous company. D23 brings its members a host of exclusive benefits, including a weekly e-mail newsletter; an array of discounts and special offers; and exclusive, member-only special events.

Disney fans can join the world’s only Official Disney Fan Club by visiting www.D23.com or www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow “DisneyD23” on Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Facebook.