D23 Brazil: A magical showcase or a series of unfortunate events?

Attending D23 in Brazil was like being immersed in a dream-like scenario, but it was a dream that occasionally slammed me into reality. When I heard that D23 was coming to São Paulo, I had high expectations. After all, it was the first time that the Disney convention decided to leave the US and land on Brazilian soil. This called for a huge celebration; everyone who grew up with the franchise was ecstatic. However, like any good dream, not everything was perfect.

As soon as I entered Transamérica Expo Center, I felt like I was about to enter a magical world. The queues were full of people in costumes, excited families and young people counting down the seconds to see their favorite heroes, princesses, and even villains they love, and for the very first time, up close. I felt I was in the right place, with people who shared the same love for Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and everything that makes up this gigantic universe. Sadly, little by little, some details began to tear down my fantasy.

The previews that made our hearts race

Disney knows how to stir our hearts. Trailers and announcements were undoubtedly the highlight of the event: Moana 2, Mufasa: The Lion King, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, Daredevil: Born Again, Zootopia 2, Frozen 3, and Toy Story 5 were on the list of upcoming releases. It was a lot to process! Each announcement made the audience scream, cry, throw up! Personally, I was moved to tears at several points. Seeing these trailers and exclusive glimpses made it all worthwhile to face the anxiety of the queue and the confusion of the event.

I think, like many, I was expecting that magical Disney element, that special touch in every detail. And the emotion was genuine. When I saw the first teaser for Percy Jackson, for example, I felt that the young demigod who marked my adolescence was finally being treated with the respect he deserved. For superhero fans, Marvel didn't disappoint either: Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts* promised electrifying scenes and a bolder narrative, taking the franchise to new and unexpected places. And let’s face it, who didn't gasp when they heard that Frozen 3 and Toy Story 5 were in the making as well? They know exactly how to keep our hearts racing!

The less charming side of the experience

Despite the thrilling moments, the event was oddly structured and that affected our experience. I arrived at the venue with a light spirit, willing to enjoy every second, but it wasn't easy. One of the first things I noticed was the overcrowding. And not just the “expected” crowd of a big event, it was uncomfortable and made the cruising of the event rather difficult. The main stands and themed areas were overflowing with attendees, the queues were endless. At times, it seemed that the magic was lost in the organization.

In addition, the lack of clear communication regarding the program took me by surprise. I thought we would know exactly where and when each panel would take place, but there was little to no guidance. And for those who wanted to get a good seat, the instructions were confusing. As a fan who went with an open heart full of hope ready to experience the best Disney had to offer, I felt that they did not take care of us. Overall, it was not an easy event to be part of, especially for a first edition as eagerly awaited as this one.

Another frustrating situation for attendees was the famous megastore. I already had a shopping list in mind, exclusive items and souvenirs that could only be purchased there. However, some products sold out very quickly, and the feeling of competing for a piece of the event was somewhat disappointing. It was as if, at times, the fan experience had taken a back seat to let the capitalist side of the industry take the wheel.

Looking at D23 Brazil as a whole and not just these details is not so simple. Of course, seeing the trailers and hearing the news about the franchises was fulfilling, and I left the event feeling excited about what lies ahead. However, that feeling of “Disney magic” was somewhat compromised by the event's lack of organization and planning. I'm sure many fans felt the same way. I believe we were all hoping for something that would transport us to a more enchanted, less chaotic world.

All in all, D23 Brazil was a milestone, for sure, and I'm proud to have been a part of it. This first edition in Latin America brought an incredible amount of exclusive content and unforgettable moments. However, as a fan who believes in Disney's power to create unforgettable experiences, I hope that in future editions greater care will be taken with the structure and comfort of those who are there to dream a little. After all, Disney knows more than anyone that the experience is just as important as the content.

In the future, I hope that D23 Brazil evolves and learns from this first edition, so that the magic reaches every soul that decides to go to the event. Because, in the end, that's what Disney means to us: an escape into a world where anything is possible.