Disney annouces D23, the official Disney fan club.
In recent weeks, Disney has been teasing the heck out of something called D23, which rumors reported was a Disney “fan club” so to speak. Well, yesterday, many an inbox finally lit up with details of this much anticipated new program. Check out Disney’s official D23 FAQ page for details.
To thank all of our fans, we have created D23 with its one-of-a-kind experiences, special events, collectibles, quarterly publication, Web site, and opportunities to meet others who share the same affection and fascination for Disney. D23 offers fans an insider peek at every corner of Disney, from the Parks, animation and stage shows to television and film to the treasures of the legendary Walt Disney Archives.
So what exactly is D23 and what do members receive? For $74.99 Disney explains the benefits as follows…
-One year subscription (four issues) to “Disney twenty-three” publication. D23’s exquisite collectible magazine is filled with stunning photography, dazzling illustrations and Disney insider perspective. It’s an all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney’s past, present and future!
-Membership Card and Certificate. The membership card and personalized, suitable-for-framing charter member certificate feature many of Disney’s most beloved characters as drawn by Disney Master Artist Dave Pacheco.
-Surprise Collectible Gift. Just for D23 members, an exclusive Charter Year collectible gift from the new Walt Disney Archives Collection.
-Exclusive Special Events and Merchandise. D23 offers its members unique special-event opportunities throughout the year, as well as access to member-exclusive, limited-edition merchandise and collectibles.
-Discounted admission to the D23 Expo
-FanFare E-Newsletters. Subscription to bi-weekly D23 FanFare e-newsletter with breaking news and special offers. (You may opt out of receiving FanFare upon receipt of each e-newsletter.)
During the build-up to the release of D23, I was excited about what this could be. Being a Disney addict myself, a “fan club” sure sounded like something I would be interested in. But this information leaves me wondering if I will in fact buy in. At $74.99 for a one-year membership, it is certainly not cheap.
And I am not totally sure you get a decent value for your money. The key is in the surprise gift, and the quality of the FanFare email, because four magazines and a membership card are certainly not worth 75 bucks. The rest of the benefits seem to be nothing more than the opportunity to spend even more money. If the gift is unimpressive, and FanFare is nothing exceptional, doesn’t it seem like a lot of money for little return?
Though it may seem on the surface to be disappointing, I do really like the idea. And I may just give it a try regardless of my questions. So what do you think of D23? Will you plug down the 75 bucks for this list of benefits?
Mike said,
March 11, 2009 @ 7:26 pm
as to the mag, why get that when you can get Celebration much cheaper and more often. I suspect the d23 thing will be heavy on promotion
Brett Bennett said,
March 12, 2009 @ 2:38 pm
As with any other corporation in America, Disney is all about the profit, catering to it’s shareholders. Don’t get me wrong, it is by far the most exceptional vacation spot I’ve been to, but this “club” along with the DVC only shows how their support of the all mighty dollar. When raising ticket prices doesn’t bring profits fast enough (they are still making out even in this economy), the reduction of festivities has benn next. Last year they raised ticket prices and eliminated multiple shows.
Your comment “doesn’t it seem like a lot of money for little return” pretty much sums up the entire philosophy of Disney. I feel bad for poor Walt, as I’m sure he is turning in his grave. While the premise of Disney is on track, the greed goes 100% against all of his wishes.
Eric said,
March 14, 2009 @ 3:02 pm
I would encourage everyone to check out show # 190 of Mouse Guest Weekly to be released Sunday, March 15th. On the show we will talk with Disney Legend Dave Smith, Archives Manager Becky Cline and Head of D23 Steven Clark. I think many concerns and questions Disney fans have will be answered in the interview.
http://mouseguest.com/podcast/index.php
Mike said,
March 17, 2009 @ 1:40 am
Nice “get” Eric