One Event, Endless Stories: Exploring D23 with Disney Employees | S3E14
ON THIS EPISODE OF LIFE AT DISNEY
In this episode of the Life at Disney Podcast, get a fresh perspective on D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event with a look at the people powering the magic of this year’s event and the projects they’re looking forward to across The Walt Disney Company.
D23 took place from Aug. 14-16 and was packed with announcements, surprises and magical moments.
Whether you’re counting down the days until “Avengers: Doomsday” or dreamed of being an Imagineer growing up, this episode highlights the Walt Disney Company employees who brought fans’ passions to life at D23.
FROM THE EVENT FLOOR
Walt Disney Imagineering
Walt Disney Imagineering started dreaming up its D23 booth almost a year before the big event — according to Assistant Producer Dominic and Project Coordinator Michael.
The booth was designed to celebrate the projects Imagineering has worked on in the two years since last D23 and includes clever references to the 1964 World’s Fair.
“We have more work going on around the world than ever in our history,” Dominic said. “We wanted to pick something that felt like it captured the optimism and joy in the sense of motion and kinetics that we feel in the halls at Imagineering.”
Disney Theatrical Group
Disney Theatrical Group has lit up stages around the world for decades, telling beloved stories through song and dance.
Director of Worldwide Publicity and Communications Michael said the organization’s involvement in D23 was unique this year.
“We have long-running shows,” Michael said. “So, we’re not always able to break news. We really have to peel back the layers of the onion to find stories within the stories.”
Marvel Studios
It’s no secret — Doomsday is coming.
Marvel Studios Sr. Manager of Franchise Events Mikey visited the set of “Avengers: Doomsday,” to gather inspiration for the Marvel Studios D23 booth that could hint at what’s to come in December.
“The Time Variance Authority can take you to any time or place, so you have a natural narrative,” Mikey said. “We can show all these different worlds and characters that jump from place to place.”
Storyliving by Disney
Did you know, you can live the magic of Disney every day in a Storyliving by Disney community?
Marketing Strategy Manager Kathleen explained the Storyliving by Disney booth at D23 combined the aesthetics of both living communities — Cotino in Palm Springs, CA and the upcoming Asteria in Pittsboro, NC.
Kathleen said the Disney programming included in Cotino and Asteria make Storyliving by Disney a unique and exciting offering for Disney fans.
Disney Music Group
Disney Music Group has been the soundtrack to many Disney fans’ lives and honored that with its D23 booth this year.
Senior Manager of Marketing Soundtracks Lisa said the booth was designed to be joyful and interactive for guests — including a station to put on headphones and listen to Disney vinyls.
“It's a reminder of why I come to work every day and do the things that I do,” Lisa said. “There is a great big, beautiful tomorrow; I like to operate in the world and in my work with that idea in mind.”
Employee Communications
Without the hard work of Disney employees, an event as big as D23 wouldn’t be possible.
Senior Specialists Jenna and Izzy wanted to make sure everyone working at D23 would feel represented, which led to backstage employee activations including a photo booth and giveaways.
The Employee Communications team also organized a group photo with employees working the event or attending as fans.
“Just seeing their smiles has really been so incredible and so fulfilling for us,” Izzy said.
Walt Disney Animation Studios
When entering the Walt Disney Animation Studios booth at D23, guests were transported into a world with witches, ice queens and little blue aliens.
Vice President of Franchise Strategy & Creative Resources Mandesa said it was exciting to see the fan reactions to the clips of upcoming films, including “Hexed,” “Frozen III” and more shown at the D23 showcase.
“At Disney Animation, we all had a hand in putting this all together for the fans,” Mandesa said. “I think overall (the highlight) is just being a part of this team that creates magical stories and characters and celebrating it with our biggest Disney fans.”
Pixar Animation Studios
Pixar Animation Studios celebrated its 40th anniversary in February, and the D23 booth paid homage to many of the beloved stories Disney fans have grown up with.
Technical Director Nick was one of those fans and said it was a “pinch me” moment to work on the D23 booth this year. Nick’s role at Pixar includes receiving designs from the art department of props, architecture, terrain, vegetation and more that he brings to life in 3D.
“I take those models and place them in the scenes so we can create the full world and get it all put together,” Nick said. “I think five-year-old me would be very, very happy.”
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