The Nautilus Docks at D23

I am such a scifi geek that just seeing this picture makes me want to bow down and declare, “I am not worthy!” And that’s what might happen tomorrow when I stand before the actual prop — the real 11-foot Nautilus from Disney’s 1954 film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

It’s just one of a huge collection of classic props and costumes that will be on exhibit at the D23 convention in Anaheim this weekend.

D23 runs from September 10 to September 13 at the Anaheim Convention Center and it’s supposed to top Comic Con in its size and scope. Every aspect of the Disney and ABC family will be there with panels, TV and movie screenings and hundreds of booths with items from all over this Mickey Mouse world.

What I’m most looking forward to is that peek into the Disney archives where  Disney props, artifacts and costumes will be accessible to the public for the first time ever. The “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” will house the fully restored, 11-foot model of the Nautilus; the stunning, jewel-encrusted book used in the opening moments of Sleeping Beauty; Michael Jackson’s costume from Captain EO; Captain Jack’s costume from Pirates of the Caribbean and more.

If you live in Southern California, you can still buy tickets for the D23 Expo by visiting http://www.D23Expo.com, and will also be available at the main D23 EXPO entry of the Anaheim Convention Center. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 EXPO, and is $37 for a one-day adult ticket and $27 for children 3-12. Four-day passes are $111 for adults and $81 for children. Members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans will receive a discount on up to four admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 EXPO for themselves and their guests.

Fans can keep up with all the news by visiting www.D23EXPO.com, as well as by following “Disney D23” at Twitter and on Facebook.

Can’t make it? I’m sure I’ll have more news to share when I come back from the event.

Photos: (Scott Brinegar/Disney)