'All My Children': creator Agnes Nixon to end the iconic soap with a cliffhanger

Agnes Nixon and the cast and crew of "All My Children," wrapped network television production for the show after 42 years on ABC.

Fans of the Emmy winning series have been eager to know how it comes to an end for their favorite characters or not since the show is not ending entirely. Viewers have been wondering how the show will end on Friday, September 23rd. Questions are also rising about whether or not ABC's deal with Prospect Park to produce the show online will effect the story in any way.

Agnes addressed the questions in an interview with Steve Johnson of The Chicago Tribune. She confirms that she will have creative input with the show.

"...I'll be the creative consultant," she shares. "Sometimes there are writers who don't want my help, but for the most part I have the big ideas. We're going to have a hiatus, you know, for three months. And the head of Prospect Park (the production company taking over the shows) said, "We've got to have a big cliffhanger for that three months." And so I came up with one which I can't tell you. But they loved it."

In addition to helping with the ending of the show, the writer will also appear as a patient at Pine Valley Hospital this week. Her character will help several Pine Valley residents in a big way.

"I don't know why they put me in. Just to be nice, I guess," she says of her acting return. She orginated the role of Agnes for the show's 35th anniversary episode.

Agnes appears on "All My Children" on Wednesday, August 31. The final episode on ABC will air on Friday, September 23rd. The show is expected to return with all new episodes via the internet in January, 2012.

Related Articles:

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http://www.examiner.com/daytime-tv-in-national/daytime-tv-news-susan-lucci-offered-a-stay-pine-valley-fan-events-announced

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Continue reading on Examiner.com 'All My Children': creator Agnes Nixon to end the iconic soap with a cliffhanger - National daytime tv | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/daytime-tv-in-national/all-my-children-creator-agnes-nixon-to-end-the-iconic-soap-with-a-cliffhanger#ixzz1Wb1P5RN7

(photo credit: Getty Images)

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'All My Children': JR Martinez heads to 'Dancing With The Stars'

Could another "All My Children" actor be headed to "Dancing With The Stars?" It looks like it. JR Martinez will trade Brot's flat foots for dancing shoes this season on "Dancing With The Stars." The cast for the upcoming season was announced on Bachelor Pad tonight. Also dancing this season are Ricki Lake, Carson Kressley, Ron Artest, Kristin Cavallari, David Arquette, Chynna Phillips, Nancy Grace, Hope Solo, Rob Kardashian, Elisabetta Canalis and Chaz Bono.

JR follows AMC/Dancing alums Susan Lucci, Cameron Mathison and Aiden Turner as he tries for the mirror ball trophy.

The actor joined the show in 2008 when the Emmy winning show announced that they had cast a real life veteran for the role of Army war veteran Brot Monroe.

"We are honored and delighted to welcome JR Martinez to the cast of "All My Children." JR represents the best of the human spirit. His commitment to help his fellow service men and women and their families has inspired us all. JR's challenging journey and resilience will bring a uniquely authentic perspective to the role of Brot Monroe" said executive producer Julie Hanan Carruthers at the time of his hiring.

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In story, the character Brot Monroe served in the U.S. Army in Iraq and was injured in combat. Since starting on the show, JR as Brot, has become a fan favorite, where in addition to sharing the story of veterans everyday onscreen, Brot has become one of Pine Valley's finest and also an honorary Hubbard, helping Jesse deal with the Lucy baby reveal to wife Angie.

Last week, Brot officially joined the Hubbard Family when he became engaged to Jesse's daughter, Natalia. Look for Brot on 'All My Children" weekdays on ABC as the baby storyline comes to a head and also Monday nights beginning September 19th on ABC.

"All My Children's" last network broadcast on ABC will be Friday, September 23rd.

Follow me on Twitter: Phyllis_Thomas and SpotliteOnEnt.

For more Daytime TV Articles, visit: Daytime TV/Phyllis Thomas.

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Continue reading on Examiner.com 'All My Children': JR Martinez heads to 'Dancing With The Stars' - National daytime tv | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/daytime-tv-in-national/all-my-children-jr-martinez-heads-to-dancing-with-the-stars#ixzz1Wb7KGeoH

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'The Bold and The Beautiful': A look ahead -- week of August 29th (Spoilers)

This week, the Logan sisters band together to keep Steffy from trying to wreck Hope's happiness. Donna, Katie and Brooke worry that Steffy will try to seduce Liam as his fiancee' Hope gets called away on a business trip to Paris.

"They think that Liam will be vulnerable to Steffy while Hope is gone," Jennifer Gareis [Donna] tells Soap Opera Weekly. "She went after Bill and when that didn't happen she's now chasing after Liam. She's so desperate to get back at Logan's because she's so angry." Will Steffy succeed in her quest? Read the full story in the September 6th issue of Soap Opera Weekly.

Here's a look at the spoilers for the week of August 29th:

Steffy tries to change Liam's mind about marrying Hope

Hope confronts Steffy about making a play for Liam.

Hope learns she'll be going to Paris to promote her new collection

Steffy confesses to Taylor her frustration about Hope and Liam getting engaged
Liam is disappointed when Hope recommends a potential wedding date.

Brooke's sisters agree to keep their eye on Steffy

Liam confesses his concern about him and Hope waiting until they are married to make love.

Steffy seizes the opportunity with Liam with Hope being out of town

Nick questions Bill's ulterior motive for wanting to buy Jackie M.

Bill is stunned when Liam confesses that Steffy has been pursuing him.

Ridge and Brooke have a heart to heart about their daughters

Sex-starved Liam is frustrated when he learns of Hope's business trip to Paris

Steffy hopes to seduce Liam

Bill shows Jackie and Nick his plans for Jackie M to topple Forrester Creations

The Forrester family arrives in Paris for the debut of Hope’s line

Steffy seizes the opportunity to get under Liam’s skin.

"The Bold and The Beautiful" airs weekdays on CBS.

Continue reading at Examiner.com: The Bold and The Beautiful Spoilers Week of August 29th

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Fireflies in The Garden: Trailer for Ryan Reynolds, Julia Roberts movie (TRAILER)

The trailer for the latest Ryan Reynolds film has been released. Here he takes off his super hero cape and stars with Julia Roberts in this family drama. The movie also stars Willem Dafoe, Shannon Lucio, Emily Watson, Carrie-Anne Moss, Ioan Gruffudd and Hayden Panettiere.

Synopsis:

To an outsider, the Taylors are the very picture of the successful American family: Charles (Willem Dafoe) is a tenured professor on track to become university president, son Michael (Ryan Reynolds) is a prolific and well-known romance novelist, daughter Ryne (Shannon Lucio) is poised to enter a prestigious law school, and on the day we are introduced to them, matriarch Lisa (Julia Roberts) will graduate from college—decades after leaving to raise her children. But when a serious accident interrupts the celebration, the far more nuanced reality of this Midwestern family’s history and relationships come to light.

Check out the trailer:

The movie will be in theaters October 14th.

For info on the movie, visit: http://www.facebook.com/firefliesmovie

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Blackthorn: Trailer for Sam Shepard movie now available (TRAILER)

The trailer for "Blackthorn" starring Sam Shepard has been released:

Synopsis:

It’s been said (but unsubstantiated) that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were killed in a standoff with the Bolivian military in 1908. In BLACKTHORN, Cassidy (Shepard) survived, and is quietly living out his years under the name James Blackthorn in a secluded Bolivian village. Tired of his long exile from the US and hoping to see his family again before he dies, Cassidy sets out on the long journey home. But when an unexpected encounter with an ambitious young criminal (Eduardo Noriega) derails his plans, he is thrust into one last adventure, the likes of which he hasn’t experienced since his glory days with the Sundance Kid.

BLACKTHORN:


"Blackthorn" will be released September 2 via Magnolia On-Demand and opens in theaters on October 7, 2011.

Official Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/blackthornfilm
Official website: http://www.blackthornmovie.com/

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Win a shopping gift bag from Horton Town Square from 'Days of Our Lives'

In celebration of the new Horton Town Square, Days of Our Lives provided a gift bag to giveaway to one lucky reader. It's a great prize for any fan of the soap.

Days of Our Lives shopping bag includes:

- (1) Custom "Horton Town Square" Bag
- (1) Days of Our Lives T-Shirt
- (1) Days of Our Lives 45 Years: A Celebration in Photos Book

If you would like a chance to win, it’s easy, just follow all the simple rules below.

1) Subscribe to the Daytime TV Examiner Page at Examiner.com. Click HERE and then click on the link under the article's title to subscribe.

2) Follow us on Twitter at @spotliteonent

3) Tweet about the giveaway with the hashtag -- #DAYSPRIZE.

4) Send an email to spotlightonentertainment@gmail.com with address to send prize to if you are the winner. Use "Days Prize" in the subject line.

The winner will be notified by email.

The giveaway is open for 1 month and will close on September 19, 2011. Winner's name will be posted on September 26th, the day of "The New Days." Good Luck!

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D23 Expo: Disney Storytelling Event opens the 3-day event with David Arquette and Dave Barry

We’re less than one week away from the D23 Expo now, and Disney has finally announced the event’s final schedule. You can view the complete, up-to-the-minute schedule over at the D23 Expo website.

We’ve been bringing you coverage of what each sector of the Walt Disney Company will be showcasing at the Expo over the past few months, but with so much jam packed into the Expo’s three days, it can get a little bit overwhelming. Here are some highlights of what attendees can expect at the D23 Expo:

Exclusive Screenings and Sneak Peeks: The Expo will give guests the chance to get a first look at some exciting projects and films from Disney. At the Walt Disney Studios presentation on Saturday, August 20, guests can expect to see sneak peeks from The Avengers, Disney’s The Muppets, John Carter, Disney•Pixar’s Brave, , Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie, Oz The Great and Powerful, and more. ABC will hold exclusive screenings of their upcoming show Once Upon a Time and holiday special Prep and Landing: Naughty vs. Nice. Attendees can also see The Lion King in 3D at an exclusive advance screening at the Expo.

Special Presentations and Panels: The Expo will be packed throughout its three days will special presentations and panels that give guests the chance to go “behind the magic” of Disney attractions and films, giver deeper insight into Disney history, and expose guests to some of the great Disney Legends that have been a part of the company’s rich history. There will be a wide variety of presentations by Disney Imagineers, highlighting upcoming and new attractions at the theme parks, and also looking at Imagineering itself and the Legends behind it. There will also be presentations and panels by Disney authors and filmmakers, including five presentations by Pixar Animation Studios that animation fans will definitely want to check out.

D23 Expo Show Floor: While it might seem hard to tear yourself away from the multitude of presentations going on, be sure to check out the Expo’s giant show floor. The show floor will feature a number of different pavilions and interactive areas, including offerings from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Disney Consumer Products, Disney Channel, Walt Disney Studios, Disney Interactive Media Group, and more. There will also be a Collectors Forum, an “ultimate marketplace for fans,” which will offer Disney memorabilia, merchandise, art, and more from various vendors and collectors. You can find a complete list of Collectors Forum vendors here. The Show Floor will be open each day to the public from 10:00 AM-7:00 PM, and D23 members will have access to the floor one hour before the general public each day.

Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives Exhibit: One things at the Expo that Disney fans definitely should not miss is the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit. The 12,000-square-foot exhibition will feature costumes, props, and set pieces from Disney TV shows and films, including LOST, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Tron. The exhibit will also feature the finalists and winner from D23’s Fan Art Contest, as well as vintage Mickey Mouse memorabilia and other important pieces from Disney history. The Expo Show Floor will feature three pieces from the Archives: Walt Disney’s limousine, a 23-foot-long model of the Black Pearl from Pirates of the Caribbean and the Dharma Initiative Volkswagen van from LOST.

Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament Presented by Hasbro® TRIVIAL PURSUIT: Disney For All Edition: Disney fans will be able to showcase their trivia skills in the first-ever Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament, which will feature trivia questions from all areas of the Walt Disney Company, both past and present. The tournament will kick off the day before the Expo begins on Thursday, August 18 at the Anaheim Convention Center at 7:30 AM. On this day, twenty semi-finalists will be chosen, who will then compete at the Convention Center at 6 PM on Friday, August 19. The winner of the contest will be awarded a special preview cruise on the Disney Fantasy.

Arena Presentations: The Expo will include several arena presentations each day, which will be huge presentations that Disney fans will definitely want to check out. On Friday, August 19, the arena will be home to the 2011 Disney Legends ceremony, which will honor such people as Jim Henson, Regis Philbin, and the voices of the Disney Princesses as official Disney Legends. The arena will also feature presentations from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Walt Disney Studios, Disney Channel, Marvel, and more. These major presentations are sure to feature some great guests, exciting sneak peeks, and perhaps even surprise announcements, so be sure to make time for them if you can.

Celebrity Appearances: Attendees at the Expo will have the chance to see, hear from, and even meet some of their favorite celebrities at the Expo. Celebrities currently expected to attend the Expo include Jennifer Garner, Dick Van Dyke, Willem Dafoe, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy,Jason Segel, Marty Sklar, Alice Davis, Michael Giacchino, Tony Baxter, Tom Bergeron, Regis Philbin, Jodi Benson, Lea Salonga, Linda Larkin, Paige O’Hara, Anika Noni Rose, David Arquette, Jason Dolley, Hayley Keyoko, Sterling Knight,Tiffany Thornton, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Kelly MacDonald, Kevin McKidd, Lynn Collins, Taylor Kitsch, Wilmer Valderrama, Sean Astin, Melissa Joan Hart, Sean Astin, Chelsea Kane, Kyle Massey, cast members from Marvel’s The Avengers and many more. Guests will be able to see these stars at such places as the Expo’s official Welcome Center, the Disney Channel Pavilion, and at the Walt Disney Studios arena presentation.

D23 Expo Exclusive Merchandise: Another thing that guests should look out for at the Expo is all the great, exclusive merchandise. Merchandise can be found all around the Expo, but guests should look out especially for the Disney Living Pavilion and their Disney Store area, D23 Dream Store, the Walt Disney Archives Treasure Trove, and Mickey’s of Glendale. Vinylmation collectors can find a listing of what vinylmation will be released at the Expo here, and pin collectors can discover some exclusive Expo pins here.

To help attendees plan their days at the D23 Expo, Disney has released a mobile app/mobile-friendly website that includes maps of the Convention Center, the complete schedule, polls, and more. With so many different things going on, having a way to organize everything in one spot is sure to be extremely helpful. You can find the mobile app at www.d23mobile.com.

The Expo is sure to be a very exciting weekend that Disney fans won’t want to miss, and we hope you’re getting excited for it. I know I am! The Expo will take place August 19-21, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center. To purchase tickets, visit the event’s official website, or stop by the Convention Center box office on the days of the Expo, which will be open from 8:00 AM-7:00 PM on August 19 & 20, and from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM on August 21.

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D23 Expo: Disney Storytelling Event opens the 3-day event with David Arquette and Dave Barry

A special event this Friday, August 19, at the D23 Expo in the Anaheim Convention Center celebrates the power of imagination and the magic of Disney storytelling. Disney will donate $500,000 and 8 million Disney Publishing Worldwide books to First Book, a national nonprofit organization that provides new books to children in need. Disney's enduring commitment to kids, families and communities will be front and center at the event, as Disney Publishing Worldwide and Disney Junior highlight the emotional connection that generations of kids and families have to Disney's iconic stories and beloved characters.

The event features Disney Publishing Worldwide authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson reading excerpts from their new book, The Bridge to Never Land. The duo will be joined by David Arquette and Corey Burton from Disney Junior's No. 1 series, "Jake and the Never Land Pirates." The Never Land Pirate Band will also perform.

"We are pleased that our donation will help millions of kids and families discover the wonder of reading and explore Disney's unparalleled storytelling legacy," said Bob Iger, President and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. Since its founding in 1992, First Book has distributed more than 85 million new books to children from low-income families in thousands of communities throughout the United States and Canada. First Book now distributes an average of more than 25,000 books per day. Disney Publishing Worldwide has worked with First Book since 1999, helping to get books into the hands of kids and their families. Last year First Book distributed a total of 7.5 million books; the donation of 8 million Disney books-including titles for the youngest readers up through teen series-will help First Book double this number. Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have fueled the imaginations of countless readers with their series of Starcatchers books, all prequels to Peter Pan. The Bridge to Never Land, their most recent collaboration, which hit stores August 9, takes readers on a new, contemporary quest involving Peter, Wendy and the Starcatchers. Helping to bring the story to life at Friday's event will be David Arquette, who voices the role of Skully the lookout parrot on Disney Junior's "Jake and the Never Land Pirates," and Corey Burton, the voice of Captain Hook. As part of its ongoing commitment to kids and families, Disney Junior is collaborating with Radio Disney to help with upcoming First Book distribution events in communities around the country.

D23 Expo guests are invited to take part in a fantastic journey into the Disney Story Vault, be captivated by the latest re-imagining of Peter Pan's adventures, and celebrate this special donation with First Book President Kyle Zimmer. Audience members will receive a free book to help bring home the magic of Disney storytelling.

Tickets to the D23 EXPO are available at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 EXPO and can be purchased for single days or for the full three days of festivities. Admission is $42 for a one-day adult ticket and $32 for children 3-12. Three-day passes are $121 for adults and $91 for children. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will receive a discount for up to four admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 EXPO for themselves and their guests.

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Miss Black USA 2011: Miss Black Texas Oceilia crowned in scholarship pageant

Miss Black Texas, Oceilia Gibson, from Dallas, TX was crowned Miss Black USA 2011 on Monday, August 8, 2011 at the Historic Lincoln Theatre in Washington, DC. Calgon, the Presenting Sponsor of the event presented the winner with keys to a brand new car. Fifty of the most beautiful women in the nation competed for more than $20,000 in scholarships and prizes. The theme of this year’s event is “Shades of Africa” celebrating the diversity of Black women in America.

Miss Gibson holds a Bachelors of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and is currently

pursuing a Masters of Art in Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
The event was hosted by comedian Gregory Poole and Deya Smith, Miss Black USA 1994, and featured 15 finalists.

All contestants competed in four areas of competition: Fitness Attire, Talent, Evening Gown and Onstage Question and Answer. The contestants were judged by a Celebrity Panel of Judges which included Roger Bobb, Producer (Bobcatt Films); Demetria McKinney (Actress, House of Payne), Crystal Langhorne, Washington Mystics (WNBA); Edwin Avent, Publisher (Heart & Soul magazine); b michael America (Celebrity Fashion Designer), John Blassingame (Publisher, Today’s Black Man) and Kalilah Allen-Harris, M.D., Former Miss Black USA 2007.

The top five finalists were: Miss Black Delaware (4th Runner Up); Miss Black Pennsylvania (3rd Runner Up); Miss Black Alabama (2nd Runner Up); Miss Black New Jersey (1st Runner Up) and Miss Black Texas (Winner) and the first Texas to capture the national title in the pageants 24-year history.

Sponsors of the event include Calgon, Tyler Perry Studios, VIP Smiles, b michael America, New York Conservatory, School for Television and Film and Heart & Soul magazine

The Miss Black USA Pageant and Scholarship Foundation®, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3, founded in 1986 by Karen Arrington to provide educational opportunities to outstanding young women of color.

For more info: www.missblackusa.org

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'Days of Our Lives': Chatting with Freddie Smith (VIDEO)

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'Days of Our Lives': Sarah Brown praises Josh Duhamel's All My Children return

In a recent interview, Sarah Brown [Madison] praised Transformers star Josh Duhamel for remembering his daytime roots. Josh recently returned for a cameo appearance on the now canceled ABC soap "All My Children" in the role he originated, con man Leo Du Pres.

"It's really generous. It's so nice that he did that.That he stands up for daytime," Sarah said. The three-time Emmy winner also reflected on the recent changes in the soap opera industry with the cancellations of "All My Children" and "One Life To Live," which will last air on September 23rd and in January, respectively.

"This whole idea that there's something less to it [watching or acting in soap operas], that's almost like putting women down, their our shows. We're the ones that started out watching it. It's a way of saying, well you're not important. Well, it's important to us. And now we're running a lot of things. We [women and daytime soap fans] need to stand up for our selves. Thank you Josh for coming back.'

Check back next week for my complete interview with Sarah on video where you'll also get a look at the show's new Horton Town Square set. Sarah debuts as Madison James in September.

"Days of Our Lives" airs weekdays on NBC.

For more Daytime TV Articles, visit: Daytime TV/Phyllis Thomas. For more "Days Of Our Lives" articles, visit: Days of Our Lives Set Visit.

'Days of Our Lives': Chatting with Kate Mansi and Melissa Reeves (VIDEO)

As "Days of Our Lives" heads into a new chapter under head writers Marlene McPherson and Darrell Ray Thomas, Jr, a few of the shows most popular actors met me on the set to preview the new Horton Town Square set. The actors talked about what's in store for their characters futures previewed how returning favorites Carrie, Austin, Jack, John and Marlena will affect the citizens of Salem. McPherson's and Thomas' reign begins, Monday, September 26th.

Kate Mansi [Abigail] and Melissa Reeves [Jennifer] were two of the actors I talked to as the TV mother and daughter sat down to discuss Abigail's and Jennifer's relationship and also how much the two have enjoy working with each other.

Kate talks about how Jack's return affects Abigail's life and what she's learned from working with the veteran actors on the set. Melissa previews the upcoming triangle with Jennifer's two men, Jack [ Matthew Ashford] and Daniel [Shawn Christian]. She even took a little time to talk about the other man in her life, husband Scott Reeves [Steve, General Hospital] and also what it's like to live in a two-soap career household.



"Days of Our Lives" airs weekdays on NBC.

Follow me on Twitter: Phyllis_Thomas and SpotliteOnEnt.
For more Daytime TV Articles, visit: Daytime TV/Phyllis Thomas. For more "Days Of Our Lives" articles, visit: Days of Our Lives Set Visit.

Continue reading on Examiner.com 'Days of Our Lives': Chatting with Kate Mansi and Melissa Reeves (VIDEO) - National daytime tv | Examiner.com

(photo credit: Getty Images)

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D23: Schedule Announced, Celebrity Apperaances include Jennifer Garner, Kevin McKidd, Dick Van Dyke and more.

The D23 Expo will be held on from August 19-21.

D23 Expo Event Highlights:

Exclusive Screenings and Sneak Peeks: The Expo will give guests the chance to get a first look at some exciting projects and films from Disney. At the Walt Disney Studios presentation on Saturday, August 20, guests can expect to see sneak peeks from The Avengers, Disney’s The Muppets, John Carter, Disney•Pixar’s Brave, , Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie, Oz The Great and Powerful, and more. ABC will hold exclusive screenings of their upcoming show Once Upon a Time and holiday special Prep and Landing: Naughty vs. Nice. Attendees can also see The Lion King in 3D at an exclusive advance screening at the Expo.

Special Presentations and Panels: The Expo will be packed throughout its three days will special presentations and panels that give guests the chance to go “behind the magic” of Disney attractions and films, giver deeper insight into Disney history, and expose guests to some of the great Disney Legends that have been a part of the company’s rich history. There will be a wide variety of presentations by Disney Imagineers, highlighting upcoming and new attractions at the theme parks, and also looking at Imagineering itself and the Legends behind it. There will also be presentations and panels by Disney authors and filmmakers, including five presentations by Pixar Animation Studios that animation fans will definitely want to check out.

D23 Expo Show Floor: While it might seem hard to tear yourself away from the multitude of presentations going on, be sure to check out the Expo’s giant show floor. The show floor will feature a number of different pavilions and interactive areas, including offerings from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Disney Consumer Products, Disney Channel, Walt Disney Studios, Disney Interactive Media Group, and more. There will also be a Collectors Forum, an “ultimate marketplace for fans,” which will offer Disney memorabilia, merchandise, art, and more from various vendors and collectors. You can find a complete list of Collectors Forum vendors here. The Show Floor will be open each day to the public from 10:00 AM-7:00 PM, and D23 members will have access to the floor one hour before the general public each day.

Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives Exhibit: One things at the Expo that Disney fans definitely should not miss is the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit. The 12,000-square-foot exhibition will feature costumes, props, and set pieces from Disney TV shows and films, including LOST, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Tron. The exhibit will also feature the finalists and winner from D23’s Fan Art Contest, as well as vintage Mickey Mouse memorabilia and other important pieces from Disney history. The Expo Show Floor will feature three pieces from the Archives: Walt Disney’s limousine, a 23-foot-long model of the Black Pearl from Pirates of the Caribbean and the Dharma Initiative Volkswagen van from LOST.

Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament Presented by Hasbro® TRIVIAL PURSUIT: Disney For All Edition: Disney fans will be able to showcase their trivia skills in the first-ever Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament, which will feature trivia questions from all areas of the Walt Disney Company, both past and present. The tournament will kick off the day before the Expo begins on Thursday, August 18 at the Anaheim Convention Center at 7:30 AM. On this day, twenty semi-finalists will be chosen, who will then compete at the Convention Center at 6 PM on Friday, August 19. The winner of the contest will be awarded a special preview cruise on the Disney Fantasy.

Arena Presentations: The Expo will include several arena presentations each day, which will be huge presentations that Disney fans will definitely want to check out. On Friday, August 19, the arena will be home to the 2011 Disney Legends ceremony, which will honor such people as Jim Henson, Regis Philbin, and the voices of the Disney Princesses as official Disney Legends. The arena will also feature presentations from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Walt Disney Studios, Disney Channel, Marvel, and more. These major presentations are sure to feature some great guests, exciting sneak peeks, and perhaps even surprise announcements, so be sure to make time for them if you can.

Celebrity Appearances: Attendees at the Expo will have the chance to see, hear from, and even meet some of their favorite celebrities at the Expo. Celebrities currently expected to attend the Expo include Jennifer Garner, Dick Van Dyke, Willem Dafoe, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Jason Segel, Marty Sklar, Alice Davis, Michael Giacchino, Tony Baxter, Tom Bergeron, Regis Philbin, Jodi Benson, Lea Salonga, Linda Larkin, Paige O’Hara, Anika Noni Rose, David Arquette, Jason Dolley, Hayley Keyoko, Sterling Knight,Tiffany Thornton, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Kelly MacDonald, Kevin McKidd, Lynn Collins, Taylor Kitsch, Wilmer Valderrama, Sean Astin, Melissa Joan Hart, Chelsea Kane, Kyle Massey, cast members from Marvel’s The Avengers and many more. Guests will be able to see these stars at such places as the Expo’s official Welcome Center, the Disney Channel Pavilion, and at the Walt Disney Studios arena presentation.

D23 Expo Exclusive Merchandise: Another thing that guests should look out for at the Expo is all the great, exclusive merchandise. Merchandise can be found all around the Expo, but guests should look out especially for the Disney Living Pavilion and their Disney Store area, D23 Dream Store, the Walt Disney Archives Treasure Trove, and Mickey’s of Glendale. Vinylmation collectors can find a listing of what vinylmation will be released at the Expo here, and pin collectors can discover some exclusive Expo pins here.

Disney has released a mobile app/mobile-friendly website that includes maps of the Convention Center, the complete schedule, polls, and more. With so many different things going on, having a way to organize everything in one spot is sure to be extremely helpful. You can find the mobile app at www.d23mobile.com.

The Expo will take place August 19-21, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center. To purchase tickets, visit the event’s official website, or stop by the Convention Center box office on the days of the Expo, which will be open from 8:00 AM-7:00 PM on August 19 & 20, and from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM on August 21.

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