Lines and more lines at D23 Expo
Funny how we always seem to end up in Anaheim for our anniversary. This year it fell on the last day of the D23 Expo—the huge Disney extravaganza that happens every two years. I went early, Friday morning, and attended a program on the history of Disney merchandise—mostly just a big pimp for soon-to-be-released items—plus a wonderful panel on the early days of Disneyland. Elder Disney statesmen and "legends" Marty Sklar, Richard Sherman, and Orlando Ferrante talked about working with Walt back in the day. I didn't learn anything new, but it's always wonderful to hear the old stories.
Tim took the train to Anaheim, late Friday, and joined me in time for dinner. We spent the night and then returned to Expo the next morning. We saw the presentation on new park attractions—e.g., Star Wars (Disneyland and Orlando), Toy Story (Orlando) and Avatar (Orlando)—and then dashed upstairs for a panel commemorating the 20th anniversary of Toy Story. Director and Pixar head John Lasseter, animator Pete Docter, et al., reminisced about creating the movie that would set the standard for all animation that followed. Needless to say, we're big fans.
7000 people waiting to see the park attractions presentation
The convention was lots of fun, but the lines were obnoxious. After waiting on line outside in the broiling heat for two hours, the first day, I finally left and retreated to the hotel. I returned at noon after everyone else got inside, only to stand on more lines to get into the programs and D23's "Dream Store." In the store, I went crazy buying limited-edition items celebrating Disneyland's 60th anniversary, including a fabulous Harveys seatbelt bag decorated in an old paper-ticket design. A woman, who also grabbed one, asked if I knew how much the bags were.
"Does it matter?" I asked her incredulously.
"No!" she replied, as we both burst into laughter. By then, we were both giddy!
The famous Harveys bag
Surprisingly, not much cosplay this year; but lots of Mary Blair skirts and dresses in evidence. Lots of Star Wars, too, which I could have done without, even though I, of course, love Star Wars. We speculated that if Disney hadn't bought Lucasfilms, half the people wouldn't have gone to Expo and then the lines wouldn't have been so long.
Star Wars art: Imperial Tacos foodtruck ("Bite the darkside")
Me and Storm trooper
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Little Bo Beep (Toy Story)
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