D23 has announced their next Spotlight Series event celebrating the 55th anniversary of Walt Disney World. The event is on Sunday, October 4, a few days after the actual anniversary on October 1, and after D23’s lunch with Joe Rohde on October 2. Our Wayback WED event with former Imagineers is also that weekend.
D23 Spotlight Series: 55 Magical Years of Storytelling
D23 Spotlight Series: 55 Magical Years of Storytelling will take place at Disney’s Contemporary Resort on October 4. The panel will be from 6 p.m. to approximately 7:30 p.m.
Join us in Orlando, Florida, on Sunday, October 4, for our next edition of D23 Spotlight Series—celebrating “55 Magical Years of Storytelling” with the Walt Disney Archives, in honor of Walt Disney: 125 Years of Inspiration and the 55th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort!
The event begins with a special session featuring Disney Legend Joe Rohde, a renowned former Imagineer and master storyteller, who will share insights into the power of storytelling and reflect on highlights from his 40-year legacy with Walt Disney Imagineering.
The Walt Disney Archives will then invite guests on a journey through the history and storytelling evolution of one of Walt’s most beloved (and personal) attractions—the Carousel of Progress. Archivists and Disney Imagineers will unveil fascinating stories and discoveries, as well as newly acquired treasures added to the Archives’ collection during the attraction’s ongoing refurbishment. Imagineers working on the newest additions to the Carousel of Progress will also join to reveal their own storytelling inspirations and share a bit of the magic to come to the attraction!
Tickets for the panel only are $59 plus a $3 processing fee. The VIP ticket is $159 plus a $3 processing fee. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 28 at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET.
All guests will receive a limited-release event pin featuring the classic Walt Disney World Resort logo.
Check-in for VIP guests begins at 4:45 p.m. at the second-floor registration desk. Check-in for panel-only ticket holders begins at 5:15 p.m.
After the panel, VIP ticket holders will be treated to a special dessert reception at the West Rotunda outside of Disney’s Contemporary Resort including two special character meet-and-greet opportunities. VIP guests will also get a coupon package from select partners at Disney Springs. After the dessert reception, they can enjoy fireworks viewing from the resort at 9 p.m.
D23 Gold and General Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and up to three (3) guest(s) for this event. All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must also possess a valid event ticket. This event is open to children thirteen (13) and older due to the nature of the presentation and location. Children under the age of thirteen may not be admitted.
Parking is not available on site at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Please park at the Transportation and Ticket Center and use bus or monorail transportation to reach the venue.
Wayback WED
WDWNT’s Wayback WED event — the largest-ever fan celebration of former Disney Imagineers — takes place at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center October 2 and October 3. Guests include Tony Baxter, Bob Weis, Tom Morris, and more.
This one-of-a-kind event invites you behind the curtain to discover the untold stories behind your favorite parks, attractions, resort hotels, shows, and parades. Hear firsthand from the minds who brought these experiences to life as they share rare insights, creative journeys, and unforgettable moments from Disney history.
Explore never-before-seen artwork, concept designs, and archival video footage that reveal how iconic experiences evolved from imagination to reality, and even discover some that never made it off the drawing board. Plus, enjoy the rare opportunity to meet and connect with the very people who created “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”
This event is exclusive to members of the WDWNT Inner Globe Society, but you can join for FREE at Patreon.com/WDWNT.
Secure your ticket at waybackwed.com.
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