THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT
PREPARES TO GREET TENS OF THOUSANDS OF VISITORS

Crews Working Around the Clock to Get Ready
For the Four-Day, First-Ever D23 EXPO, Sept. 10-13

ANAHEIM, Calif. – September 9, 2009 – In Hollywood, it’s “lights, camera, action,” but for crews preparing the first-ever D23 EXPO, the getting-ready checklist goes much deeper, and with just one day before the Anaheim Convention Center opens the doors to the first Expo guests, the “action” part of the classic equation is definitely underway.

Crews are working around the clock on more than 500,000 square feet of Disney excitement, creating a bevy of unique experiences that will greet D23 EXPO guests.  Among their tasks:

• Rolling in the actual Volkswagen Beetle that “played” the role of Herbie in The Love Bug and uncasing the costume worn by Michael Jackson as “Captain EO,” which are part of the 100-pieceTreasures of the Walt Disney Archives
• Creating a “magic beach,” a dazzling, brand-new effect developed by Walt Disney Imagineering that will be seen at the D23 EXPO
• Reviewing digital “prints” of such classic Disney movies as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Tron, Sleeping Beauty and the 3-D versions of Toy Story and Toy Story 2, all of which will be screened for audiences during the four days of the D23 EXPO
• Making plans to host such celebrities as Nicolas Cage, Courteney Cox, Selena Gomez, Kelsey Grammer, Patricia Heaton, Tommy Kirk, Cody Linley, Paige O’Hara, Anika Noni Rose, Betty White and Robin Williams, who are among the luminaries attending the incredible event
• Setting the stage for special announcements about the future of Disney theme parks
• Preparing the Arena for incredible musical events, including performances by members of the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars, including Donny Osmond; and a performance by hot new recording artists Honor Society.

HERBIE AND THE TREASURES OF THE WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES -- In an extraordinary exhibition designed especially for the D23 Expo, an incredible collection of classic and contemporary Disney props, artifacts and costumes will be accessible to the public for the first time ever. Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives brings together such amazing pieces as the fully restored, 11-foot model of the Nautilus from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea; the stunning, jewel-encrusted book used in the opening moments of Sleeping Beauty; Michael Jackson's costume from Captain EO; and other rare surprises from throughout Disney's history. Ranging from the original Mickey Mouse Club and the musical classic Mary Poppins to recent hits like Pirates of the Caribbean and High School Musical, the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives is a never-before-experienced exhibition that's a D23 Expo exclusive. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disney)

All photos below are ©2009 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved

“There’s more to see, do and experience than any one Disney fan could possibly take in during four days,” said Steven Clark, head of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans, which is hosting the D23 EXPO. “There will be something here for Disney fans of every kind, and we’re looking forward to a fantastic four days.”

One-day and four-day tickets to the D23 EXPO can be purchased in advance at http://www.D23Expo.com, and will also be available at the main D23 EXPO entry of the Anaheim Convention Center. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 EXPO, and is $37 for a one-day adult ticket and $27 for children 3-12.  Four-day passes are $111 for adults and $81 for children. Members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans will receive a discount on up to four admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 EXPO for themselves and their guests.

Fans can keep up with all the news by visiting www.D23EXPO.com, as well as by following “Disney D23” at Twitter and on Facebook.