Disney mania comes alive at D23 (pictures)

ANAHEIM, Calif.--They say that Disneyland, a block away from here, is the happiest place on Earth. But for hard-core Disney fans, being at the D23 Expo might be true nirvana.

Thousands made their way to the Anaheim Convention Center to hear the latest Disney news -- such as the first real plot points to be released on three forthcoming Pixar films -- and see the latest and greatest (or most historical) Disney art.

An exhibition at D23 called "Steamboat Willie Redux" tasked various artists with re-imagining scenes from "Steamboat Willie," the first Mickey Mouse cartoon.

This is the original title screen from "Steamboat Willie."

This is artist Tiffany Quon's re-imagining of that same "Steamboat Willie" title screen.

The original scene 21 from "Steamboat Willie."

A much more abstract version of Scene 21 from "Steamboat Willie," by artist Dan Thompson

The original Scene 3 from "Steamboat Willie."

This is artist Sharon Aks' version of Scene 3.

Artist John T. Quinn also re-imagined Scene 3 from "Steamboat Willie."

And artist Jeff Shelly also re-interpreted Scene 3.

Artist Tennessee Loveless works on a print in an exhibition of Disney-related art at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, Calif.

Loveless used nails to make this Mickey Mouse art.

Artist Mike Kungl does some touch-up work on his painting, "Mick Racer," at the D23 Expo.

A series of artistic Disney-related prints by Collector's Editions.

A stormtrooper and a man who may or may not be pretending to be George Lucas, at D23 Expo Friday.

Disney costumes of all kinds were everywhere at D23 Expo in Anaheim, Calif., on Friday.

Part of a silent auction at the D23 Expo, this replica of Flo's V8 Cafe sign (from "Cars") was originally on display at Disney Interactive Media Group in North Hollywood, Calif.

This is the first D23 Expo since Disney purchased Lucasfilm, so this light saber battle fit right in.

This is Tik-Tok from 1985's "Return to Oz," part of an exhibition of Disney artifacts at D23 Expo.

During a presentation about Disney Animation's latest projects, the audience was treated to the first showing of "Get a Horse," which was at first presented as a recovered original Mickey Mouse cartoon, but which was then revealed as an all-new cartoon that happens to feature Walt Disney's actual voice. The cartoon will be presented as a short before Disney's "Frozen."

You never know what you'll see at the D23 Expo.