Disney Parks and Resorts Celebrating 60 Years of Imagineering at D23 Expo

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Walt Disney Imagineering and the origins of Disney Parks and Resorts, and as part of the celebration Imagineering is hosting an open house at the D23 Expo in August, offering guests an unprecedented look at the creative process that happens within Imagineering.

Imagineers from past and present will host an entire day of panel discussions on Sunday, August 11. During this open house, D23 guests will have a chance to get up close and personal with ride engineers, model builders, pre-visualization artists, special effects designers, inventors, and show animators. The Imagineers will share what happens behind the scenes during the creative process and will also give guests a glimpse of some workspaces of several projects.

For the first time at the Expo, Imagineering will be showcasing some historical concept art, including Herb Ryman's original drawing of Disneyland.

Guests at the Expo will have a chance to explore Mickey's of Glendale, an outlet of Walt Disney Imagineering's employee-only store where they can shop for souvenirs, collectibles and merchandise not available anywhere else.

On the schedule are 12 unique presentations and panel discussions that will take fans behind the scenes of the latest Disney resorts, attractions, and entertainment. These include:

• The Art and Artistry of Aulani - Imagineers Joe Rohde and Jeanette Lomboy will share the authentic tapestry of art and stories found at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa.




• Mayhem, Mischief, and Monkeys: The Magic of Mystic Manor - Join Imagineers Joe Lanzisero and others for the strange stories behind Hong Kong Disneyland's Mystic Manor, the newest and one of the most sophisticated attractions ever built.




• Undiscovered Disneyland - Legendary Imagineer Tony Baxter shares rare and never-before-seen footage of the early days of Disneyland, from design and construction through opening day.




• Disney Ambassadors - Join current Disney Parks Ambassadors from around the world as they discuss this renowned program and share insights about its rich heritage, current outreach efforts, and the importance of sharing Disney goodwill.




• Voices of the Disney Parks - Back by popular demand, this panel of famous Disney voices will gather for an encore panel discussion, including recreations of some unforgettable Disney Parks sayings.

The D23 Expo - The Ultimate Disney Fan Event - gives attendees unprecedented access to Disney films, theme parks, and more. The 2013 expo takes place August 9-11 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Tickets for the D23 Expo are $57 for a one-day adult admission and $47 for children 3-12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $50 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit D23Expo.com.

Story by Traci C.