Before we get started, let’s do a full disclosure: One of my three—non-paying—full-time jobs is as the Vice President of Media Relations and Communications for the National Fantasy Fan Club (NFFC). So, much of today’s information is right from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.
Last week, D23 The Official Community For Disney Fans announced “the ultimate Disney fan experience,” the first-ever D23 Expo to be held September 10-13 in the Anaheim Convention Center—more on that in a moment.
Not to brag or anything, but the NFFC has been conducting a variety of “unofficial” Disney fan experiences for more than 25 years.
In fact, registration is now open for the 25th Anniversary NFFC Disneyana Convention and All Disneyana Show and Sale, which will take place July 14 through July 19 at the Anaheim Crowne Plaza Resort, located in Garden Grove, CA.
Of course, the NFFC convention and NFFC All Disneyana Show and Sale will be a lot smaller—I prefer the phrase more intimate—than the D23 Expo, nonetheless, it’s shaping up to be a pretty impressive event.
Among those scheduled to attend are Don Hahn (Disney producer extraordinaire), Paige O’Hara (the voice of Bellein Disney’s Beauty and the Beast), Jodi Benson (the voice of Princess Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid), and Sherri Stoner (reference model for both Ariel and Belle). Don is preparing what promises to be a highly entertaining evening of song and reminiscence with these lovely Disney princesses.
Seminar presenters include Steven Clark, Head of D23 and Editor of the new Disney Twenty Three magazine. Steven’s presentation will include a history of the creation of D23 and a preview of the D23 Expo.
Also scheduled to appear is Rebecca Cline, manager of the Disney Archives. Rebecca will be giving a presentation of rarely seen film footage and items from the Mickey Mouse Club Circus.
On Saturday, July 18, the NFFC will continue its long-standing tradition of honoring those who have helped to carry on Walt Disney’s rich legacy of creativity and imagination with the annual NFFC Disney Legends Luncheon.
The NFFC All Disneyana Show and Sale, which takes place Sunday, July 19 is open to the public. Print this page, along with the Show and Sale coupon (below), bring it with you to the Show and Sale, and you can save $1.00 off the general admission price.
Bring this page and coupon to the NFFC All Disneyana Show and Sale and get a $1.00 the general admission price.
Not an NFFC Member? Not a Problem!
Share your love of Disney history, toys, collectibles, films, theme parks, dining, resorts, cruises, television, music, theatre, and art (whew!) with thousands of Disneyana enthusiasts the world over.
You and your whole family can become NFFC members for an entire year for just $29.
NFFC chapters, Disney news, and funtastic conventions and events are all part of the NFFC Disneyana experience!
Complete 25th Anniversary NFFC Disneyana Convention and NFFC All Disneyana Show and Sale details, registration, and membership information are available at nffc.org.
One More Thing…
The NFFC Special Events and Charities committees will be holding a fund raising event to benefit Ryman Arts:
Dream...An NFFC Silent Auction and Wine Tasting
This event will take place Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sleeping Beauty Pavilion at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California. The event is open to the public—NFFC membership is not required to attend—and is not a part of the 25th Anniversary NFFC Disneyana Convention.
The event will feature some very special guests and exciting surprises. There will be a two-fold silent auction featuring artworks donated by Disney artists and Ryman students and the opportunity to bid on a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience:
A Disneyland ride-along with some of your favorite Disney personalities and Imagineers!
During the Wine Tasting, you will be able to meet and talk with the people responsible for putting the magic in many of Disneyland’s most beloved attractions. After bidding concludes, the lucky winners will join their Disney companions on Friday, July 17 (Disneyland’s 54th Anniversary) at The Happiest Place on Earth for their ride-along.
Among those scheduled to take part in Dream…An NFFC Silent Auction and Wine Tasting are NFFC Disney Legend Tony Baxter; NFFC and Disney Legend Imagineer Bob Gurr; the one the only original Tinker Belle, Margaret Kerry; and the voice of Jiminy Cricket actor, author, comedian Eddie Carroll.
Tickets for Dream.. An NFFC Silent Auction and Wine Tasting are $100 and are available to the general public. A tax-deductible portion of proceeds from ticket sales will directly benefit Ryman Arts (see an event host for details). For tickets, go to:
Dream...An NFFC Silent Auction and Wine Tasting Registration Form
And Now for Something Completely Different
Disney fans will be given unprecedented access to never-before-seen movies, TV shows, park experiences, collectibles, and more from Sept. 10 to Sept. 13 at the Anaheim Convention Center when Disney and D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans present the first-ever D23 EXPO.
Tickets to the D23 EXPO are now on sale. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 EXPO and can be purchased for single days or for the full four days of festivities. The D23 Expo is open to the public with admission discounted for D23 members.
“We hope this will be the ultimate event for the multitude of fans who have been so instrumental in Disney’s success,” said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger. “The D23 Expo represents the finest in Disney entertainment from across our great company and will offer a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience for people of all ages to enjoy.”
During the expo, the Mouse will be previewing several upcoming Disney Studios feature film releases, including The Princess and the Frog, Rapunzel, Disney’s A Christmas Carol, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, TRON, Toy Story 3, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
The D23 EXPO will be home to the 2009 Disney Legends Awards–a 22-year tradition that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to Disney entertainment. This year’s recipients will be honored at a ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 12, marking the first time the prestigious event has been held off Disney property.
Image copyright© Disney. All rights reserved.
Other highlights of the D23 EXPO include Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, fan favorite Disney Channel stars, an ESPN Sports Lounge, live broadcasts from Radio Disney, and a preview of ABC's new fall primetime shows.
And let’s not forget Disney Consumer Products, which will offer myriad shopping opportunities throughout the four days of the D23 EXPO, including the chance to walk through an eight-room “Disney Dream Home,” where you can celebrate the holidays Disney-style, see fine art created before your eyes, learn about Disney Fairy Tale Weddings, experience Disney couture fashion shows, meet and hear from the authors of a dazzling array of Disney books, prepare for trick-or-treating with the latest Disney Store Halloween costumes, and more...all under one roof.
And, if that’s not enough opportunity to help stimulate the economy, there’s the “Disney Dream Store,” where guests will find exclusive D23 EXPO merchandise and collectibles, the Disney pin-trading headquarters, and much more, including the chance to build your own Mouse ears.
In addition to the merchandising and promotional events, there will be panels and celebrity-speaker events, details of which will be announced over the next several weeks.
Fans also will be able to view and even take part in the first-ever Disney Fan Art Gallery, which will include the finalists in the Donald Duck 75th Anniversary Portrait Contest, along with a one-of-a-kind fan art show.
For complete details visit the D23 EXPO website.
It’s going to be a busy three months for Disney fans!
