D23 Expo, Disney's biennial fan convention in Anaheim, CA, has been delayed until 2022. The convention usually takes place during odd-numbered years, with Destination D, a smaller but similar gathering in Orlando, FL, taking place during even-numbered years. The event usually features sneak peeks at upcoming Disney projects, panels and talks given by celebrities and artists, and exclusive merchandise. It also hosts the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, during which standout contributors to the Disney legacy are honored.
The last D23 Expo was held in 2019, during which Disney promoted its then-upcoming streaming service Disney+. In addition to announcing new Marvel shows Moon Knight, She-Hulk and Ms. Marvel, Disney teased some of their other originals planned for the streamer. Since D23 Expo wasn't expected to be held in 2020, it's unclear what the Mouse House would've teased, but it looks like the next event is getting delayed.
Originally, D23 Expo was supposed to take place in 2021, but Disney announced on Twitter today that it would be delayed until September 9-11, 2022. To help cushion the blow, though, they added a small teaser about what fans can expect from D23 Expo 2022. According to the tweet, "D23 Expo will be a celebration unlike any other, as we give fans a first look at the incredible plans for the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company." Disney's 100th anniversary will take place in 2023, so fans at the convention will get a preview of the undoubtedly huge plans Disney has for the momentous year.
Back in June, Disney announced that Destination D, which was supposed to take place in November 2020, had been delayed to 2021. Given Disney's usual schedule of holding only one convention per year, it makes sense that D23 Expo was pushed back to 2022. Holding both Destination D and D23 Expo in 2021 would have made the two events lackluster since all the content that would usually be reserved for just one convention would be spread out over two instead.
Further, it's unclear exactly how safe it will be to attend events like Destination D and D23 Expo next year, or whether attendees will be willing to venture to a convention center in 2021 or 2022. With the slow reopening of the movie theaters around the country, there seems to be a hesitancy among some to go to potentially crowded indoor areas. It's unclear how much will have changed by 2021 or 2022, but fans are no doubt eager to go see movies again and go back to conventions as soon as it's safe to do so. Ultimately, while D23 Expo being postponed is disappointing, it'll be better for fans in the long run.
Source: Disney/Twitter