D23 Expo 2022 – mini roundup
Category: Activities, Performances, & EventsAs ever, the D23 Expo was filled with people, merch, info, and a lot of fun. Here is a roundup of the 2022 expo at the Anaheim Convention Center.
To kick things off, the opening ceremony and Disney Legends awards was everything I expected. This year’s legends are: Anthony Anderson, Kristen Bell, Chadwick Boseman, Rob’t Coltrin, Patrick Dempsey, Robert Foster, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff, Don Hahn, Doris Hardoon, Idina Menzel, Chris Montan, Ellen Pompeo, and Tracee Ellis Ross. Coming from the animation side as well as film and TV, the new legends take their place among some of the giants of Disney history. The ceremony was MC’s by Tamron Hall.
Next, Walt Disney’s iconic airplane, known as “The Mouse” was on display. This is a true historic plane. The plane was used by Walt and his wife to search for land for what is now Walt Disney World, to transport them to the New York World’s Fair, back and forth between Burbank and the East Coast, and overseas.
Disney Parks – well, even though there was a full session about the parks, not much new was discussed. “It’s terrific to be together in person and connect with our fans again at D23 Expo. I love sharing in the excitement with them for what we have ahead of us,” said Josh D’Amaro. “As the world’s greatest storytellers, I’m thrilled to share the new and innovative ways we are bringing next-generation Disney magic to life across Disney parks and experiences.” We know Splash Mountain is being transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in the near future. Now there will be a Palace restaurant, which delighted all the fans. I always thought there would have to be a restaurant in the parks celebrating the world of New Orleans since that was Tiana’s dream.
Star Wars fans were delighted to learn that Grogu will be making personal appearances in Disneyland with the Mandalorian. Also appearing at the Avengers Campus will be Hulk. This guy is huge. DCA (Disney California Adventure) will be expanding and remodeling. The bridge in the park will be reimagined as San Fransokyo from Big Hero 6. And the Pixar Pier Hotel is changing into the Pixar Place Hotel and will immerse guests into the animated world of Pixar.
Other changes in WDW and overseas parks were also discussed.
Merchandise!!
With plenty of panels throughout the three days, most fans were interested in the merchandise, and there was plenty of that. From pins to art to everything Disney, if you wanted it it was probably there.
This year several items that made their debut at the Expo also launched on shopDisney that same day.
- Disney Munchlings
- Disneyland Resort Fantasyland Collection by Shag
- Princess Tiana Collection by Color Me Courtney
- Magic Kingdom Fantasyland Collection by Ashley Taylor
- Star Wars Guided by the Light by Ashley Eckstein
- World of Wakanda
While they were available at the Expo, these items will be available on shopDisney later this Fall
- Avatar
- Aristocats Artist Series Collection by Ann Shen
- Frozen Artist Series Collection by Brittney Lee
- Spider-Man 60th
So, you might be wondering what I purchased. My followers know I always make a big purchase at the Expo. This year was a little different. Although there were plenty of items that caught my eye, I simply purchased some of Duffy’s friends. Duffy is set to make a big return to the parks soon. Duffy and his friends are very popular overseas, and although they did not prove to be as popular in the U.S., they will be coming back. Yes, Duffy and his friends will be starring in their own show next year on Disney+. Let’s face it, these guys are adorable!
So, if you missed the D23 Expo for 2022, here are some moments from the Anaheim Convention Center and remember, 2023 is the 100th anniversary of DISNEY.
This is just a small snippet! And to think, it all started with a mouse!
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.