The D23 Expo 2011 is proud to announce the Arena schedule for The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Expo guests will have exclusive access to presentations from The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Disney Channel, and Marvel Comics—plus they will be able to experience the 2011 Disney Legends Ceremony.
In addition to the spotlight arena presentations, this year's Expo will feature screenings, celebrity panels and autograph signings, eye-popping pavilions, exclusive insights into TV shows, theme parks, animation, Disney history, and more, to be announced in the coming weeks. Arena presentations will include:
Friday, August 19:
2011 Disney Legends Ceremony—11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Hosted by Tom Bergeron. Honorees Regis Philbin; Jim Henson; Disney Princesses Jodi Benson, Paige O'Hara, Lea Salonga, Linda Larkin and Anika Noni Rose; Bo Boyd; Jack and Bonita Wrather; Guy Williams, and Ray Watson will be inducted as Disney Legends for their contribution to the creative legacy of The Walt Disney Company in a special presentation exclusively for D23 Expo guests.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts—3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Join Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, as he gives D23 guests a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into some of the exciting projects currently underway at Disney's parks and resorts around the world.
Saturday, August 20:
The Walt Disney Studios —11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
A fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse at the exciting roster of projects on the horizon at The Walt Disney Studios. From exclusive video clips and live performances to filmmaker discussions and star appearances, this session will be hosted by Rich Ross, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios; Sean Bailey, president, Production, The Walt Disney Studios; John Lasseter, chief creative officer, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; and Kevin Feige, president, Production, Marvel Studios.
The Lion King 3D Exclusive D23 Screening—6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Disney fans will have access to an exclusive advance screening of The Lion King in Disney Digital 3D™, ahead of the film's highly anticipated theatrical and home entertainment releases. "The Circle of Life" takes on a new dimension as Simba, Mufasa, Nala, Timon, and Pumbaa grace the screen once again, this time in breathtaking 3D.
Sunday, August 21:
Marvel Comics —10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
An exclusive and unprecedented experience that will take you through the evolution of Marvel from its first comic book in 1939 to its current position as one of the most important creative forces in the world. During this presentation, which will include interactive Q&A segments, you will not only get an inside glimpse of the history of Marvel and its iconic Super Heroes but also discover why Marvel truly is the House of Ideas. This session will be hosted by Joe Quesada, Marvel's chief creative officer and one of the most respected and sought after writers and artists in the entertainment industry.
Disney Channel —2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fans are invited to experience the excitement of a spectacular live performance, featuring stars of Disney Channel's hit series Shake It Up. From meeting the cast of television's first dance-driven sitcom and learning moves from a Disney Channel dance master to a special panel, autograph session and more, this unforgettable experience awaits Disney fans of all ages.
These presentations add to the already robust schedule of experiences, presentations and pavilions that will make up the D23 Expo 2011, including the Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament presented by Hasbro's Trivial Pursuit, the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit—including the Fan Art Gallery, the D23 Expo Live Auction and the D23 Expo Dream Store.
Additional schedule, pavilion, and talent announcements will be made in the coming weeks.
