GEEKS Previews the 2017 D23 Expo

Every two years, thousands of pop culture aficionados flock to Southern California to experience the magic of Disney at the D23 Expo.

D23 is the official fan club for Disney and every other year club members gather at the D23 Expo to not only celebrate Walt Disney’s legacy but also reveals the next chapters of various Disney properties.

GEEKS has the inside scoop on what fans can expect from the magical three-day weekend (which starts Friday, July 14 and ends on Sunday, July 16), which celebrities might pop by to say “Hello,” and which of Disney’s classic films will be highlighted through the three days.

Honoring the Disney Legends

On Friday, the D23 Expo will kick off its weekend with a grand ceremony honoring the new class of Disney Legends. The Disney Legends honor individuals who have made significant impacts on the Walt Disney Company’s culture and properties. Over the years, many creators and performers have received this distinguished honor including Sir Elton John, Regis Philbin, Dame Julie Andrews, Susan Lucci, Steve Martin, Dick Van Dyke, Dame Angela Lansbury, Barbara Walters, George Lucas, and the late Jim Henson and Robin Williams. Oprah Winfrey, Stan Lee, Mark Hamill, Julie Taymor, and the late Carrie Fisher, Jack Kirby, and Garry Marshall will be joining this illustrious group at a special two-hour ceremony is expected to take place at Hall D23 at 10 AM.

Pixar and the Walt Disney Animation Studios Present…

What initially put the Walt Disney Company on the map is its excellent animated features. Pixar and the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter will host this presentation at Hall D23 on Friday. While fans may need to leave their cell phones at the door, they can expect teasers of several upcoming films including Coco and Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2. Also, several cast members of the upcoming films might drop by to help Mr. Lasseter with this presentation. The fun is expected to start at 2:30 PM.

Melodies in Walt’s Time

Start your vocal warm-ups! Prepare for a fantastic evening celebrating the music from Walt Disney’s classic live-action films. EGOT icon and The View moderator Whoopi Goldberg will host this magical performance that includes songs from several classic Disney films including Mary Poppins, Summer Magic, The Happiest Millionaire, The Original Family Band, and more. Actresses Lesley Ann Warren and Karen Dotrice are scheduled to join Whoopi, a 20-voice choir, and many live performers at the D23 Expo Arena. The show is expected to start at 6 PM Friday evening.

Disney, Lucasfilm, and Marvel—Oh My!

Want to know everything about what’s going on with the Star Wars franchise or the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Then, you ought to head to Hall D23 at 10 AM on Saturday, July 15 to check out the buzz on Disney Studios, Lucasfilm, and Marvel Studios! Just like the Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios presentation, fans should expect to surrender their phones at the door.

'Olaf’s Frozen Adventure' Makes a Splash

Do you miss Olaf and the rest of the Frozen cast? You can have a chance to reunite with them at D23 when Walt Disney Animation Studios tease the franchise’s latest short film on Saturday at Stage 28. The film is expected to feature many of the voice talents from the 2013 Oscar-winning film and feature new original songs. Fans should start boarding the Arendelle Express at 2:30 PM.

"The Lion King," "Hercules," & "Snow White" celebrate milestones

Three iconic Disney-animated films will celebrate milestone anniversaries on Sunday, July 16 at the D23 Expo Arena. Up first, The Lion King producer Don Hahn, director Rob Minkoff, and animators Tony Bancroft and Mark Henn will celebrate the animated film’s 23rd birthday with surprise guests at 10:30 AM. Next, fans will learn about the behind the scenes process of bringing the 1997 animated film, Hercules, to life at 12:30 PM. Directors John Musker and Ron Clements, animators Eric Goldberg and Kevin Duncan will join voice actors Tate Donovan (Hercules) and Susan Egan (Megara) to share stories about their experiences bringing the Greek demigod to the Silver Screen. Finally, fans can wrap up their D23 Expo experience with a special 80th-anniversary screening of the film that can be described as the “Fairest Disney Film of Them All”: Snow White and The Seven Dwarves. The special screening of Disney's first full-length animated film will start at 3:15 PM.