Japan’s biggest Disney Fan event, “D23 Expo Japan”, returns to Tokyo in 2018 with a busy program of presentations, exhibitions, screenings, and concerts.

Held at Tokyo Disney Resort, the event runs from Saturday, February 10, 2018, to Monday, February 12, 2018. Ticket information is available below.

2018 is a huge year for Disney; it’s the 95 years since The Walt Disney Company was founded and the 90th anniversary Mickey Mouse’s screen debut, but most importantly for our Explorers, 2018 marks 35 years of Tokyo Disney Resort. With so much to celebrate, D23 Expo Japan has pulled out all the stops in its newly announced program.

All information translated from the official press release and D23 Japan Expo website. Photos from the official website.

Tickets for this event were by lottery only. There is no option to buy them at the venues. There are some D23 items available at select Disney Stores in Japan including Ikspiari at Tokyo Disney Resort. Anyone is able to buy these items and are available now and it’s not specified how long they’re available for.

D23 runs over the weekend and may affect the crowds. It’s also a long weekend so expect crowds Saturday through Monday. Always check the crowd calendar for the latest predictions.

Presentations

©Disney

The Maihama Amphitheater will host the main schedule of Expo presentions, promising a celebration of Disney milestones along with announcements of future projects. Highlights include a special Disney Parks event and 35th-anniversary celebration.

D23 Expo Japan 2015 didn’t offer the presentations in English, so it looks like it’ll be the same this time around.

Saturday, February 10, 2018

• 10:00-11:00 — “D23 Expo Japan 2018” Opening Ceremony
• 14:30-15:30 — Lucas Film and Marvel Studios
  
  • The latest news from Star Wars and Marvel franchises. With the Han Solo movie and the next Avengers movie hitting the cinemas in 2018 this is sure to be an exciting event.
• 19:00-21:00 — Alan Menken Special Concert
  • The long-time Disney composer performs live for the Expo.

Sunday, February 11, 2018

• 10:00-11:00 — Tokyo Disney Resort 35th Anniversary
  • A special Tokyo Disney Resort presentation and show.
• 13:00-14:00 — Tokyo Disney Resort 35th Anniversary
  • A repeat of the morning’s celebration.
• 19:00-20:30 — Walt Disney Studios
  • The latest news from Walt Disney and Pixar, promoting future releases including Toy Story 4 and Wreck it Ralph 2.

Monday, February 12,  2018

• 11:00-12:00 — Disney Park’s Magic
  • Disney talks about their theme parks around the world. With the 35th Anniversary of Tokyo Disney Resort in April 2018, expect a few surprises.
• 16:30-17:30 — The Secret of Disney Dubbing
  • A look at the voice-acting behind your favourite Disney characters.
• 19:30-20:30 — The Secret of Disney Dubbing
  • A second chance to attend the panel.

Special Alan Menken Concert

©Disney

The Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken will perform a special concert only for the D23 Japan Expo. It’ll include songs from across his Disney career, including songs from “Beauty and the Beast”, “Aladdin” and “Tangled”. For tickets see section below.

In addition to the Expo event, Tokyo’s Nippon Budokan will host “The Little Mermaid In Concert”, with a full orchestra performing the film’s score along with the movie. The concert is in Tokyo on February 11 and 12th, 2018, before moving to Osaka-jo Hall, Osaka on February 14, 2018. Tickets go on sale fall 2017.

Disney Magical Theater

©Disney

Ikspiari’s cinema hosts “Disney Magical Theater“, presenting upcoming Disney games and TV series.

Disney and Japanese game developer Square Enix will be previewing “Kingdom Hearts 3”, showing fans whats in store for the franchise and which Disney movie worlds will feature in the much-anticipated game. Mobile gaming juggernaut “LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum” will also be the focus of a special event.

As well as games, fans will be treated to a special feature-length preview of the Disney Channel’s upcoming “Big Hero 6” animated series.

Special Exhibitions

©Disney

The Expo includes two special exhibitions showcasing pieces from the Disney Archives in Japan for the first time.

Hotel MiraCosta will host “From Mickey Mouse to Forever After” a celebration of Mickey’s 90 years on screen. Meanwhile, the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel will house the “Tokyo Disney Resort 35th Anniversary Special Exhibition”, celebrating the happiest moments of Disney in Japan.

As well as the exhibitions, both hotels, as well as other resort shops, will offer unique D23 Expo merchandise to attendees.

Exclusive Merchandise Shops

A number of shops offer exclusive merchandise. These require you to have a ticket for the Expo.

• Disney Ambassador Hotel
  • Magical Store
  • Uniqlo MAGIC FOR ALL POP UP STORE
• Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta
  • Museum Shop
• Maihama Amphitheater
  • Samantha Thavasa Group Shop
• Tokyo Disney Resort
  • Satellite Shop / Disney Store

Ticket Information

In order to buy tickets, you must enter a lottery. Depending on the type of ticket you want, the lottery opens up on different dates. If you’re a member of one of the Japanese services listed on the official website, then you’ll get access to the lottery in advance of everyone else.

• You must have a Disney.co.jp & EMTG account to register for the lottery
  • You need an address in Japan to register
• Check the official website on the day the lottery opens for the tickets you want to enter for
• Each ticket type receives special exclusive goods that are shipped to you
• If you win the lottery and pay for your tickets, you have to download this app and register to receive your e-tickets
• All of the above is done in Japanese only

All information was translated and summarized from the official D23 website.  If you wish to purchase tickets, the easiest way is to have a friend who lives in Japan to go through his process for you.

E-Ticket 3 Day · Fantasia Pass

• Cost: ¥120,000 ($1070USD)
• Access to exhibits & shops
• Access to all presentations (7 slots)
• Lottery Opens: September 8 until September 14, 2017
• Lottery Results: September 21, 2017 (Thursday)
• Includes Alan Menken Concert

Premium Goods for E-Ticket Holders

D-Ticket 3 Day · Resort Pass

• Access to exhibits & shops
• Access to 6 slots for shows and presentations
• Available via Vacation Package (Japanese Residents Only)* starting late September
• Prices vary depending on the vacation package
• This is not done by lottery
• Includes Alan Menken Concert

Premium Goods for D-Ticket Holders

C-Ticket 3 Days & 3 Stage Pass

• Cost: ¥19,000 ($170USD)
• Access to exhibits & shops
• Access to 3 slots for shows and presentations
• Lottery Opens: Mid October 2017
• Lottery Results: Early November 2017

Premium Goods for C-Ticket Holders

C-Ticket 3 Day & 3 Stage Pass with Alan Menken Solo Concert

• Cost: ¥26,500 ($236 USD)
• Access to exhibits & shops
• Access to 3 slots for shows and presentations
• Lottery Opens: Mid October 2017
• Lottery Results: Early November 2017

Premium Goods for C-Ticket Holders

B-Ticket 1 Day & 1 Stage Pass

• Cost: ¥8,000 ($71USD)
• Access to exhibits & shops
• Access to 1 slot for shows and presentations
• Lottery Opens: Early November 2017
• Lottery Results: Mid November 2017

Premium Goods for B-Ticket Holders

B-Ticket 1 Day & 1 Stage Pass with Alan Menken Solo Concert

• Cost: ¥15,500 ($138USD)
• Access to exhibits & shops
• Access to 1 slot for shows and presentations
• Lottery Opens: Early November 2017
• Lottery Results: Mid November 2017

Premium Goods for B-Ticket Holders

A-Ticket – Access to Exhibitions and Shops Only

• Cost: ¥3,500 ($31USD)
• Lottery Opens: Late November 2017
• Lottery Results: Early December 2017

Premium Goods for A-Ticket Holders

* Most vacation packages for Tokyo Disney Resort are only available to residents of Japan. There is one package available to residents outside of Japan, but it’s not clear at this time if D23 Tickets are available through this package. We will update once we know more. For more on Tokyo Disney Resort Vacation Packages read our recent post.

Tickets Summary

Here are the above ticket options summarized

If all these announcements have inspired you to visit Tokyo Disney Resort next year, then start planning your trip with our Ultimate Guide. It covers everything from tickets, hotels, and how to score discounts!

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