Alrighty. D23. This weekend was a lot. I went into the expo with an understanding that it would be busy and slightly chaotic, but I got there and realized that it was just plain overwhelming. Amazing! But overwhelming.

So let’s go over what I did, what I didn’t do, and what I’ll do differently for the next one.

I am definitely not a “last-minute” or “spontaneous” person. Don’t get me wrong, I’m good for a fun little surprise, but I am, at my core, a Type-A planner. This trip out to D23 was only planned two weeks before the event - and even then, we officially booked our hotel 48 hours before arrival - long story. Was 2 weeks enough for me to really plan out this event? Yes and no. It could’ve been. But I didn’t know what I didn’t know.

Reservations for panels became available the Saturday prior to the event (so 6 days before the expo doors opened to the public), and after being stuck in a queue for nearly 2 hours, I got through, and unfortunately wasn’t able to get a spot at any of the panels for the only day I’d be there. Standby was an option, yes, but at the time, waiting in line for hours on end, or even overnight, was definitely not something I had interest in doing during my brief stay in California.

I’d only purchased a one day expo ticket - mainly because I wasn’t sure entirely how long I’d be in town - but knew I could definitely be there on Friday, the first day. So when the time came, we got there on time - not early. Mistake? Yes and no. Don waited with me for about an hour and a half before we could get into will call (my badge was marked as shipped, but even now, has not arrived, so I needed to get one there, no big deal). After getting my badge and gold member gift, I headed to the expo floor to meet with friends.

I walked the whole floor and stopped in to see a few things, but the lines were…long, even for what seemed to be the simplest things. I did manage to get into the Dream Store via standby line, I got to sign up early for Disney+ (available November 12), and popped in to the Marvel, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and Disney Parks booths. And of course, I got to see friends and some really amazing cosplayers!

But…that was it. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people, amount of things to see, and my body was quick to remind me that I hadn’t had anything to eat or drink in the seven hours I’d been awake and active. Plus, having arrived the morning before from a cross-country flight, the jet lag was hitting me a bit. So I dipped. Don and I went to In-N-Out, then enjoyed the light crowds in the parks - and honestly, I really, really loved just having that time with him.

So here’s what I’ll do differently next time:

• First things first, I’m booking my tickets and accommodations way in advance.

• Make sure to maximize the perks of being a D23 gold member - priority lines, fan lounge, discounts (I did use the discount where applicable), etc.

• One day was not enough for me to take it all in, especially knowing that I’ll have to wait in line - so next time, I’m springing for the 3-day pass.

• Waiting in line for the info I want. I’ve done the whole “camp out overnight” for a product or event before - it’s not something I really enjoy doing, no matter what is on the other side. But with this event, knowing what I know now, I’d be willing to wait in a line or two - just not overnight. I honestly don’t mind getting the information second hand - though obviously it’s way more fun and interesting to get it all live! The truth is, I was only going to be in California for one full day - Friday, and I wanted to maximize the day - which did not include waiting for hours in line. So in order to maximize the things I could do in California - I absolutely did not make the most of my time at the expo. Adding more cushion days around the expo next time will definitely be key.

• Triage, triage, triage - and then have a backup. While yes, when I was initially booking my reservations, I prioritized the panels I wanted most, but when that plan crashed and burned, I just gave up. I think if I’d given it more thought, I would’ve decided to stick around for one of the panels I wanted to see anyway.

At the end of the day, though, it was a great whirlwind of a weekend. Obviously, I spent more time in Disneyland/DCA than at the expo - but as a Disney World passholder, getting some time in Disneyland was fun and exciting for me. Especially seeing their Galaxy’s Edge, as I won’t be back to see Disney World’s for a few months!

Do I wish I’d spent more time at the expo? Of course, in retrospect! But do I regret how things went? Not even in the slightest - if anything, I’m just ready to really make the most out of the the next one and have a great time on the west coast.

Despite not being in the room for the announcements - I am still so excited by the things that came out of this year’s expo! I can’t wait to see the changes implemented in the parks (specifically Walt Disney World) - hello, Tiana getting a restaurant, Moana’s attraction in Epcot, Epcot’s MAJOR GLOW UP - and all the new movies, shows, and specials coming to the big screen and Disney+ soon!