How To Score the BEST Souvenirs at Disney's BIGGEST Fan Event of the Year

We’re getting so excited for this year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event and while we’ve been dreaming of all the announcements, guest speakers, and more to come there’s one more thing that’s absolute MUST while we’re attending — SHOPPING!

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This year’s event has promised to be BIGGER than ever before and if the preview we got a few weeks back is any indication of what’s in store, consider us already at the edge of our seats! If you’ve already grabbed your tickets for this year’s exclusive event, chances are you’ll probably be doing a little retail therapy while you’re there (you know, “been there, done that, got the t-shirt”)! However, if you’re not prepared for how shopping and merchandise browsing will work for the event, you could find yourself a bit overwhelmed!

Unless you’ve attended D23 events in past years (or have been following us for any length of time), you may not realize that JUST having a ticket to attend D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is just that start to get you through the doors of the event!

We can’t WAIT!

Since these events tend to pack hundreds of thousands of Disney fans, it stands to reason that some sort of process is introduced to help eliminate the chaos that could ensue with everyone trying to shop at the same time!

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The first thing you need to know about shopping at the event is that there will be multiple venues to browse and shop.

This year, event attendees will be able to shop in World of Disney: The Product Experience. This shop will be your stop for limited-edition and event-exclusive merchandise from D23 Marketplace, Disney Publishing, and more.

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You can find World of Disney: The Product Experience located on the North Level 200 of the Anaheim Convention Center. In addition to shopping, Disney’s amping up your experience by giving you an opportunity to meet with characters from some of your favorite products and stories like Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.

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Within this expansive shopping district, you’ll also find the returning D23 Marketplace. This 16,000-square-foot retail location will be your one-stop shop for products you can typically find on DisneyStore.com and around Disney Parks. This year they’re teasing offerings of fan-favorite collections including Disney Limited-Edition Dolls, and a few debut collections including the debut of Step into Magic with Disney Lacers – a new vinyl collectible series!

Pin Traders will want to be sure to stop by D23 Marketplace and check out the all-new limited-edition styles as well as a limited-edition capsule that nods to the 25^th Anniversary of Disney Pin Trading.

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Disney Publishing will be your answer for books within World of Disney: The Product Experience. Here you’ll be able to browse an extensive collection of must-reads from notable Disney names including Bob Weis, former President of Walt Disney Imagineering; incoming Disney Legend, Martha Blanding; Pete Docter, Pixar Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer, and many more.

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Now, you can’t have a good book without something to sip on, so stop on by Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea here to pick up a beverage to refuel from shopping or to sip on for when you curl up with your new book.

MORE merchandise fun awaits at the show floor shopping experiences! The Walt Disney Company Store is making its first appearance this year at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event with not one, but TWO locations on the show floor! The Walt Disney Company Main Store, which will be located in Hall D, will feature new branded merchandise from The Walt Disney Studios, The Walt Disney Archives, and of course, The Walt Disney Company. This shop will have it all from collectibles to apparel! This store will also offer official branded merchandise for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event

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The Walt Disney Company Pin Store, which you’ll find in Hall B, will host a large assortment of limited-edition pins! But, you’ll want to keep checking back because a new assortment will be appearing each day of the event.

Mickey’s of Glendale, the ever-popular Walt Disney Imagineering store, returns this year with two stores in Hall C of the Anaheim Convention Center. In Mickey’s of Glendale, you’ll find work from Disney’s talented Imagineers with unique collections including apparel and collectibles “inspired by Disney characters, theme park attractions, and iconic Disney moments.”

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Disney pin enthusiasts will want to stop by the Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store, which will be your stop for limited-edition pins throughout the event weekend. You’ll need to know that Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store will operate cashless and purchasing must be made through the Disneyland app on your mobile device. We’d recommend downloading the app, creating an account, and becoming familiar with it ahead of the event!

And, Disney Studio Store Hollywood will be located in Hall B. This is where you will find newly released limited-edition pins, framed pin sets, and official Disney Studio Store branded apparel.

MERCH!

Alright, you’re on board to gear up for shopping at D23 — here’s what you need to know BEFORE you’re ready to hop in line! The main things you’ll want to look for will be merchandise mobile checkout and virtual queue in place for select merchandise locations. You’ll be able to access both options through a link from the D23 app.

We’ll be live throughout the entire event covering every experience, merchandise spot, and announcement! Be sure you’re following us at Disney Food Blog to stay updated as soon as possible!

Disney Teases 7 HUGE Announcements for D23 — The Biggest Fan Event of the Year

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