Ep. 729: D23 Ultimate Fan Event report part 1, Aulani tips and tricks
Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast
Deep Dive
What major announcement was made at D23 regarding Disneyland's Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln?
Disney announced that they will introduce a Walt Disney audio animatronic, which will rotate with the existing Abraham Lincoln animatronic in the Opera House. The Walt animatronic will be part of a new exhibit, though specific details about its operation remain limited.
Why is there controversy surrounding the Walt Disney audio animatronic at Disneyland?
The controversy stems from concerns that Walt Disney would not have wanted to be represented as an animatronic in the park. His granddaughter, Joanna Miller, has been vocal against it, and some former Imagineers have echoed similar sentiments, citing Diane Disney Miller's alleged opposition to such representations of her father.
What is the Walt Disney Family Museum's stance on the Walt Disney audio animatronic?
The Walt Disney Family Museum, representing the Miller family, has given tacit approval for the Walt Disney audio animatronic. They acknowledged Diane Disney Miller's potential opposition but confirmed the family's overall support for the project.
How did D23 manage ticket sales and reservations for the Ultimate Fan Event?
D23 used a reservation system where attendees could select multiple activities across different days. However, many attendees were disappointed as they often received only one or two reservations despite selecting numerous options. The system aimed to manage high demand but left some fans feeling shortchanged.
What were the logistics of attending the D23 Expo at the Honda Center?
The Honda Center hosted major presentations, and attendees were transported via buses from the convention center. While some found the process smooth, others experienced delays, with travel times taking up to 45 minutes due to heavy traffic. The setup provided more space but required significant time investment for attendees.
What tips were shared for visiting Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii?
Tips included booking activities like the luau and Auntie's Beach House 180 and 90 days in advance, respectively. Dining reservations should be made 30 days out at midnight Hawaii time. Additionally, renting DVC points through services like DVCRental.com can significantly reduce costs compared to direct bookings.
Why is Aulani considered particularly family-friendly?
Aulani is family-friendly due to its extensive amenities for children, including safe water areas, Auntie's Beach House activities, and child-specific dining options like bento boxes at the luau. The resort also offers a high level of service and safety, with lifeguards present throughout the property.
What was the experience with the autograph lines at D23?
Autograph lines at D23 were challenging, with long wait times and limited availability due to high demand. Some celebrities, like Anika Noni Rose, arrived late, causing delays and frustrations for fans. The reservation system and standby lines were often overwhelmed, leading to mixed experiences for attendees.
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