Disney's D23 expo kicks off with high expectations, high stakes

Disney fans and journalists from around the world this weekend will gather at the Anaheim Convention Center near Disneyland Resort, for D23, billed as "The Ultimate Disney Fan Event."

The biennial event features the company's biggest announcements of the year across its all divisions, including its theme parks and movie production, along with panels and other presentations.

KTLA consumer reporter David Lazarus says this D23 comes at a pivotal moment for the House of Mouse.

”First of all, it needs to rekindle heat for the Disney brand, which has been tarnished by box-office misses and rising theme-park prices,” says Lazarus. “The company needs to demonstrate to its most loyal customers that the magic is still there.”

After a series of box office misfires, including “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” “The Marvels,” and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” Disney’s film division has roared back with summer blockbusters “Inside Out 2” ($1.6 billion globally) and “Deadpool & Wolverine” ($900 million and counting).