D23 Expo -- Mob Scene? About This Page:

[oysuchaheadache]

(I wasn't sure where to post this -- here was the closest I could get.)

I'm going to the D23 Expo next week. Based on what was written on my e-ticket (not to be confused with an E Ticket), I got the uncomfortable impression that people might be lining up at 5:00 AM to get in. Add to that the fact that the window for exchanging your e-ticket for a real one (so...what's the point of the e-ticket??) opens at 7:00 for an 8:00 extra magic hours kind of opening for D23 members.

Should one really anticipate a mob scene and a freeway trip down to Anaheim in the dark? I'd been figuring I could show up towards the end of the morning and cover most of the Expo's bases in the course of the day.

I realize this is a first time thing for everyone -- I was just wondering what other people were guessing.

[revral]

I have no idea what to expect in terms of crowds etc. I imagine it'll be busy/crowded but for the most part those of us that are big enough fans to join D23 and in alot of cases (including mine) travel to attend are a pretty polite and laid back group. So I think while there may be long lines I don't think it's going to be unruly. Keep in mind that both Disney and the Convention Center staff are experts at crowd control and management and keeping things and people moving along. I'll be staying about a mile away from the 8-15 and getting in some park time as well as going to the Expo.

[wvugrrrl]

I think it depends on what you're wanting - I know from other message boards that a lot of those people planning on lining up so early are doing so because of the merchandise - a lot of it is Limited Edition numbers, and there are certain pieces that people want BAD. So the thing is - if you're not really chomping at the bit to get to the Expo Store, I doubt you're really going to have too many problems with crowd control. I also think you'd be just fine going around the time it opens and then proceeding normally.

Now, if you are one of those people who are wanting the merch, you're probably going to need to pack a sleeping bag.

[bradk]

there's no question folks are lining up at 5 am on Thurs, particularly to ensure entry into the Bob Iger/Legends and Dick Cook presentations. The real question is whether they need to.

I'm guessing the point of your question is that you are commuting each day? I haven't checked very recently but even with a couple of weeks to go, it appeared there was a lot of vacancy in the area hotels. this led to speculation that most that are going to D23 are locals since people didn't want to travel.

based on Disneyland numbers, this could easily be in the thousands.

That said, Thurs/Fri are school days, so potential numbers should be lower and there has been double talk in terms of ticket sales where Disney claims advanced sales are higher than average for an event like this, but on the flip side, they're making attendance very attractive to Disney employees (at least the ones that can physically go) presumably just to get more faces in the crowds.

personally, if you're that worried about it, i'd consider an area hotel and then you won't even need to worry about the commute. i'd personally be more concerned with leaving the event than arriving.

[Williams45]

Have there been any reports from Disney on how many tickets to EXPO have been sold already? I would love to know if it is 2,000 or 20,000. Might change the way I plan my attendance.

[bradk]

no. i can ask, but i don't think i'll get an answer. plus they'll be betting on walk-ups too.