D23 Ultimate Fan Event-Reflections from a First Timer

October 2, 2024

Hey Main Streeters!

I have been home from California for awhile, so I thought I would share some of my thoughts about the D23 Ultimate Fan Event 2024.

First, getting tickets back in March was an “adventure”. Through much persistence and a little pixie dust, I was able to get us one day convention center only tickets for Friday and Sunday only. We figured, oh well, we’ll still get to experience most of it, and we can just add some more time in Disneyland. 

  

Once the tickets were purchased, the real planning could begin. This year, D23 used a lottery system for the panels at the convention center and some of the major giveaways. You could register yourself and up to eight “guests”. Everyone received an email the week before that listed everything you were assigned to if anything. We got into a few things and figured that since we had never been before, we would just experience anything we could and be happy. (This turned out to be a great strategy!)

Here are my thoughts and reflections:

-This event is a must do at least once for any diehard Disney fan!

-This event is more fun with a group of fellow Disney loving friends. We had the best time!

-If you don’t get the tickets you want right away, keep trying and switch your strategy if you need to.

-If they have preorders for merchandise, go for it! I got us pins and hats and we were glad to have them ahead of time.

-If merchandise is important to you, try to shop as early as you can. Items will sell out. They had virtual line for each of the “bigger” shops.

-Request as many panels as you can. You never know what you will get, and you can always try the standby line if you don’t get into something you really want.

-Take advantage of the “free” activities. We enjoyed collecting the pins from each booth after doing the activities.

-No need to line up outside the convention center super early. We pretty much walked right up after it officially opened.

-Pay attention to the rules about what you can bring into the venues and events. You don’t want to get anything taken away.

-If you’re making the trip to California, you might as well add some park time too. We did three days of park hopping and got to do pretty much everything on our “Must Do” list.

 All in all, I would attend this event again in a heartbeat.  It was everything I hoped it would be and more!

 

Disney, Old vs New… Finding a Balance? #D23

The Main Street Mouse