San Diego Comic-Con 2023 witnessed a vibrant showcase from Disney Entertainment Television, captivating fans with immersive experiences that went beyond typical promotional tactics. This year’s focus on interactivity and engagement drew in con-goers, transforming the convention landscape into a festival celebrating beloved franchises. One of the standout activations was ABC’s Abbott Elementary, which hosted A.V.A. Fest—a mini carnival extravaganza filled with games, entertainment, and delicious treats. Featuring a carousel that delighted attendees, the event also showcased high-energy performances from the Philadelphia Eagles drumline, successfully energizing the crowd and embodying the festive spirit of Comic-Con.
In a complementary effort, Hulu’s “Animayhem” activation returned to enchant fans of animated shows like Family Guy and Bob’s Burgers. The whimsical setting provided attendees with the opportunity to mingle with their favorite characters, while indulging in thematic snacks, including doughnuts courtesy of the irreverent Bart Simpson. A unique element—a high-tech stress detection machine from Solar Opposites—added a delightful twist, churning out “Goobler” tokens that correlated with participants’ stress levels. This interactive feature, combined with the chance to create dance videos alongside Bob’s Burgers characters, fostered a participatory environment that kept the spirit of nostalgia and modernity intertwined.
FX Hits Come to Life
Not far from these animated festivities, FX capitalized on its critically acclaimed series with dynamic activations that blended realism with fantasy. Featuring iconic elements from shows like The Bear and American Horror Story, the FX hub invited guests to step into the world of culinary excellence with a replica of the upscale Chicago restaurant from The Bear. Aspiring chefs were encouraged to try on aprons and capture the moment, blending the culinary and entertainment worlds seamlessly. Meanwhile, the chilling allure of American Horror Story was embodied in the “Hellevator”—a nerve-wracking experience showcasing pivotal scenes from the series, piquing interest for Ryan Murphy’s upcoming project, Grotesquerie.
Comic-Con 2023 also allowed fans to embark on memorable photo opportunities, from outside Paddy’s Pub, emblematic of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, to a nod to the supernatural with a replication of the vampire’s lair from What We Do in the Shadows. These photogenic settings provided unique backdrops for attendees, encouraging social media sharing while enriching their Comic-Con experience. To top it off, custom sunshades helped participants beat the Southern California heat, embodying the spirit of fun and playfulness that Disney’s activations radiated throughout the weekend.
Overall, Disney Entertainment Television’s bold activations at San Diego Comic-Con 2023 successfully amalgamated elements of creativity, nostalgia, and interactive engagement, setting a high bar for future conventions. By invoking beloved characters and engaging fans through multi-sensory experiences, Disney ensured that their presence was not just an advertisement, but a fully realized celebration of entertainment.
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