Heading to D23 this year? Do not miss these park-related events!

The second of its kind is just on the horizon, but with this follow-up to 2009's successful convention, D23 Expo is already seen as Comic-Con for Disney geeks. The first Expo brought big news for all facets of the Disney Company, including the announcement of "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" (complete with Johnny Depp in Jack Sparrow garb), the first images of Magic Kingdom's New Fantasyland and a video sneak peek at Star Tours: The Adventures Continue.

Friday, August 19

2011 Disney Legends Ceremony
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Arena
D23 Expo kicks off the first day by honoring the latest recipients in Disney's 24-year tradition.

Special Announcement and Storytelling Event
1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Disney Channel Pavilion
Meet authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, and David Arquette for story time. Ridley Pearson is the author of the Kingdom Keepers, a series of fantasy novels about magical adventures that happen after-hours at Walt Disney World.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Arena
This is without a doubt the can't-miss event for fans of the parks. Get a sneak peek at some of the projects currently underway at Disney's parks and resorts. Who knows what surprises are in store for us?

Voices of the Parks
6:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Location: Stage 28
Meet the men and women who provide voices for the Disney parks.

Saturday, August 20

Legends of Walt Disney Imagineering
4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Stage 28
Disney Legend Marty Sklar will lead a celebration of Imagineering careers and accomplishments.

Imagineering's Guide to Creativity and Innovation
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Stage 28
A panel of Imagineers discuss how they use storytelling and technology to make Disney magic.

Sunday, August 21

Radiator Springs Reality
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Stage 23
It's not about Walt Disney World in particular, but you'll surely enjoy this look behind the curtains of Disney California Adventure's Cars Land with Pixar's John Lasseter, Roger Gould and the Imagineers.

The Making of Star Tours — The Adventures Continue
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Stage 23
Imagineering's Tom Fitzgerald hosts this look at how the Imagineers updated this attraction.

MORE of The Wonderful World of Vintage Disneyland and Walt Disney World
5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Location: Stage 23
Film preservationist Ed Hobelman and Imagineer Tony Baxter present vintage footage.

See the full run-down of events at the Official D23 Expo Schedule of Events here.

This information is provided as a courtesy, and is subject to change. Always confirm with your destination before making, changing, or cancelling travel plans.