D23 Expo The D23 Expo is a biennial convention run by The Walt Disney Company , originally billed as " The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience " ( later changed to " The Ultimate Disney Fan Event " ) . The first Expo was held in Anaheim , California , from September 10 - 13 , 2009 . D23 is " The Official Disney Fan Club " , founded in March 2009 . The " D " stands for Disney , and " 23 " represents 1923 , the year that Walt Disney arrived in California and founded what would ultimately become The Walt Disney Company . D23 also holds smaller fan events for its members throughout the year , separate from the expo , and publishes a magazine called " Disney twenty - three " . D23 Expo 2009 . Disney Movie Magic . On Friday , September 11 , made a surprise appearance on the Mark Twain Riverboat ( a smaller replica of the Disneyland attraction ) during the " Disney Movie Magic : Inside the Disney Studios " arena presentation . It was announced that they were working on a new movie , " The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made ! " . It was later set aside in favor of " The Muppets " . Appearing on the riverboat were Kermit the Frog , Fozzie , Pepe , Gonzo , Miss Piggy , Animal , Janice , Floyd , Dr . Teeth , Zoot , Beaker , Dr . Bunsen Honeydew , Scooter , Rizzo the Rat , Lew Zealand , Robin , Penguins , Chickens , with Sweetums standing beside the boat . Statler and Waldorf appeared after the number shouting , " We want Grumpy ! " Johnny Depp , in full costume as " Pirates of the Caribbean " character Captain Jack Sparrow , made a surprise appearance at the end of the presentation . Jack said that he ' d like a snack , and asked where that nice frog was who ' d been on stage earlier - - " he probably tastes like chicken . " Media highlights reel of presentation ; ) The Muppets Presentation . The Muppets were scheduled to appear at a special presentation by The Muppets Studio on Sunday , September 13 . Before entering the venue , each of the attendees received a raffle ticket , and throughout the presentation , various pieces of Muppet merchandise were raffled off . The presentation , hosted by Lylle Breier , detailed some of the future plans for the Muppets . Pepe the King Prawn , Sam the Eagle , Gonzo , Fozzie Bear and the Swedish Chef appeared . ( End of presentation clip : ) Projects announced included : After the presentation , everyone in attendance received a Muppet Myzos bracelet and could wait in line to meet Fozzie , Gonzo , and Pepe , and have their pictures taken with them . Around the Show Floor . Displays on the show floor offered glimpses of upcoming Muppet merchandise as well as some Muppet memorabilia . D23 Expo 2011 . The second D23 Expo was held in Anaheim , California , August 19 - 21 , 2011 . Disney Legends Ceremony . The 2011 Disney Legends Ceremony took place Friday , August 19 , where Jim Henson was named a Disney Legend . A montage of some of Jim Henson ' s work was shown , the walk - around Sweetums helped present his award and Lisa and Brian Henson gave speeches . In addition , Brian and Leslie Carrara - Rudolph performed " Stuffed and Unstrung " ' s version of " I ' ve Grown Accustomed to Your Face . " Kermit the Frog and Rowlf the Dog made a surprise appearance , performing a live rendition of " Rainbow Connection " , inviting the audience to sing along . Inside the Walt Disney Studios . On Saturday , August 20 , Jason Segel , Kermit , and Miss Piggy were scheduled to make an appearance at the Walt Disney Studios arena presentation to promote " The Muppets " . Jason and Kermit were sitting on stage , while Piggy arrived a few moments later on a motorcycle . They then presented two clips from the movie . Media highlights reel of presentation ; ) Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix . Also on August 19 , Dick Van Dyke appeared in a musical presentation and performed songs with The Vantastix . Among their songs was a " Sesame Street " medley , which included the " Sesame Street Theme " , " The People in Your Neighborhood " , " Rubber Duckie " , " Bein ' Green " and " I Love Trash . " D23 ′ s " Muppet - acular Mayhem at D Street " . On November 17 , 2011 , D23 held a " Muppet - acular Mayhem at D Street " event exclusively for D23 members and their guests at Downtown Disney in Anaheim , California for the debut of new Muppet clothing , original artwork , and skate decks . There were light refreshments and a live DJ . D23 ' s " Disney and Dickens " . On December 5 & 6 , 2011 , D23 held their " Disney and Dickens " event for its members at the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank , California . Some of Disney ' s classic Christmas films were screened , including " The Muppet Christmas Carol " . D23 ' s " The Muppets Take Disney Store Manhattan " . On November 27 , 2012 , D23 will hold a " The Muppets Take Disney Store Manhattan " event at the Disney Store in Times Square , New York City . A limited number of D23 members will get the chance to meet and have their photos taken Kermit the Frog and Pepe the King Prawn , and will get a 15 % discount on store merchandise . There will also be some Muppet trivia from the Disney store crew . D23 Expo 2013 . The third D23 Expo was held in Anaheim , California August 9 - 11 , 2013 . " Muppets Most Wanted " actor Ty Burrell , and producer Todd Lieberman were in attendance to promote . During a promotional presentation on August 10 , Burrell drove Le Maximum onto the stage . D23 Expo 2015 . To promote the premiere of " The Muppets " on ABC , D23 hosted a panel with the Muppets consisting of Dave Goelz , Steve Whitmire , Eric Jacobson , Matt Vogel , and Bill Barretta with Kermit , Fozzie , Gonzo , Floyd , Pepe , Rowlf , Uncle Deadly , Animal , Rizzo , Pokey , a bunny , and two Whatnots . Whitmire led a brief puppetry class for four audience members , and the panel fielded questions from a moderator and the audience . ( Transcript )