The Walt Disney Archives Stage: A Must-Do Tradition
Every D23 Expo attendee has their can’t-miss traditions—and for me, it’s the Walt Disney Archives Stage. It’s the very first schedule I check when the Expo lineup drops. Tucked away from the show floor’s buzz, the Archives Stage delivers a treasure trove of Disney history, personal stories, and behind-the-scenes insights from experts who live and breathe the brand.
The New Disney Store leveraging all of the Disney Brands
In 2017, while many fans packed into the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, I opted for something a little different: The Walt Disney Company’s Celebrated Product Legacy and the Exciting Future Ahead, a Friday morning breakout session hosted by Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media.
A Product Showcase Packed With Surprises
While the session description promised a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars products, what we got was so much more. From a surprise giveaway bag to a sneak preview of the new Disney Store design, this session was a hidden gem of the entire Expo.
Examples of the Classic Walt Disney Collection Merchandise
Experts from Disney Consumer Products shared the backstory and evolution of fan-favorite merchandise—offering context on items you likely saw on store shelves during the 2017 holiday season. It wasn’t just a sales pitch; it was a celebration of Disney’s ability to turn imagination into collectibles that spark joy.
Disney Store Evolution and Holiday Favorites
One of the highlights was a full walkthrough of the redesigned Disney Store, blending nostalgia with innovation. Attendees got a sneak peek at seasonal product lines, exclusive collectibles, and even early reveals of merchandise that would become holiday must-haves.
Early examples of The Disney Merchandise Catalog with Walt
Whether you were a fan of Pixar plush, Marvel Legends figures, or Star Wars action sets, this session had something to capture your attention—and the crowd of collectors and fans left buzzing about what was to come.
A Moment Worth Revisiting
With D23 Expo 2019 announced shortly after, revisiting this moment from 2017 felt especially timely. Yes, you may have already seen many of those products in person or online. But hearing their origin stories and the design philosophy behind them offered a rare perspective that only D23 can deliver.
D23 Expo 2017
The Breakout features Top Secret information on the new Disney stores
The New Disney Store leveraging all of the Disney Brands
The Largest Disney Store in the World
Early Merchandising at Disneyland
Examples of Disney Art and licenses
Examples of Disney Art and licenses
Examples of Disney Art and licenses
Original Disney Art
Original Disney Art
Walt Disney Collection “Sketches” magazine
Disney Figurines
1992 saw the introduction of the Classic Walt Disney Collection Merchandise
Examples of the Classic Walt Disney Collection Merchandise
The Disney Magic Memories Figurine Collector set
Disney Art form 1955
Early examples of The Disney Merchandise Catalog with Walt
Licensed Disney Merchandise examples 1940 and 1955
Walt with Disney Merchandise 1938
Disney Merchandise Cria 1933
Mickey Books from the early 1930s
Mickey Comics from the 1930s
New apps and robotics from Disney Consumer Products
Forces of Destiny Dolls new from Disney Consumer Products.
New Spider-man Web Slinger – new for Christmas 2017
Onto what’s next from Disney Consumer Products… Light Sabers anyone?
A Mickey Wind up from 1934
The Product Legacy Breakout at the D23 Expo 2017 highlights the history of Disney Merchandise. Walt with the the original mickey plush cira 1930
The Product Legacy Breakout at the D23 Expo 2017 highlights the history of Disney Merchandise. Products from 1930
The Product Legacy Breakout at the D23 Expo 2017 highlights the history of Disney Merchandise. Products from 1928
The D23 Product Legacy and Road Ahead breakout featured some never before seen items from Ashley Eckstein’s Her Universe Collection
The D23 Product Legacy and Road Ahead breakout featured some never before seen items from Ashley Eckstein’s Her Universe Collection
The D23 Product Legacy and Road Ahead breakout featured some never before seen items from Ashley Eckstein’s Her Universe Collection
The D23 Product Legacy and Road Ahead breakout featured some never before seen items from Ashley Eckstein’s Her Universe Collection
The D23 Product Legacy and Road Ahead breakout featured some never before seen items from Ashley Eckstein’s Her Universe Collection
The D23 Product Legacy and Road Ahead breakout featured some never before seen items from Ashley Eckstein’s Her Universe Collection
The D23 Product Legacy and Road Ahead breakout featured some never before seen items from Ashley Eckstein’s Her Universe Collection
The Product Legacy Breakout at the D23 Expo 2017 highlights the history of Disney Merchandise. Products from 1955
The Product Legacy Breakout at the D23 Expo 2017 highlights the history of Disney Merchandise. Products from 1937
The Product Legacy Breakout at the D23 Expo 2017 highlights the history of Disney Merchandise. Products from 1934
The Product Legacy Breakout at the D23 Expo 2017 highlights the history of Disney Merchandise. Here is one of the first Mickey Watches from 1933
The D23 Product Legacy and Road Ahead breakout featured some never before seen items from Ashley Eckstein’s Her Universe Collection
The Walt Disney Archive Stage was the setting for the Disney Product Legacy Breakout at the D23 Expo 2017
