I was very excited about the idea of D23, Disney’s new official “fan club”, when I first heard of the concept. I was one who made sure on March 10 to check the website first thing in the morning. But my excitement has certainly deflated into disappointment and now I think I will pass on D23 at least for the time being.
I know this topic has been burning up discussion forums and blogs throughout the Disney internet community. I heard all sorts of things in support of D23 and those who are very, very critical of it. I must admit that didn’t like it at first glance, as I thought the pricing just didn’t make any sense at all. But I reserved judgment and waited to hear more.
For those on the fence, I would really suggest you listen to Mouse Guest Weekly’s March 15 episode. (Click here for the show archives.) Eric and his team interviewed three of Disney’s people who were directly involved in the making of D23, including Dave Smith of the Disney Archives. It was a great interview and these folks are fascinating people, but it did nothing to convince me to join. However, it may convince you so take a listen.
What you will learn is that D23, for $75 plus tax, gives you four magazines, a special gift lithograph, a membership certificate and card, the ability to purchase member-exclusive collectibles, and the chance to save on entrance to what sounds like a fascinating expo in Anaheim this year. Plus they claim to have plans for more events but didn’t want to give any hint as to what they are or when and where they will take place. The tone made it sound like they are some ways off yet. Now, I can’t attend that expo. It is only a few months away and I already have my vacation plans for this year, so that is worthless to me and I would imagine to many others as well. These “upcoming events” they mentioned can’t be factored into my decision to buy in because they can’t be qualified at all. Also, the certificate and card are essentially throw-aways in my book, and expensive collectibles are not in my budget and you don’t need to be a D23 member to find great Disney collectibles of which there certainly is no shortage available. So that leaves me with $75 plus tax for a quarterly magazine and a lithograph.
Perhaps I too often think of things in a cynical way, but during the interview it was noted that the Disney 23 Magazine, which is truly the centerpiece of this program, was selling on the newsstand for $15.95. The Disney folks said there were no advertisements as they wanted a “seamless experience” or some other silly phrase like that. So what that essentially means, when compared to other non-seamless magazine experiences is that we the reader get to shoulder the entire cost of production and profit. It is apparently a gorgeous piece, but for $16 bucks it better be. But the real issue here is that you get absolutely no discount by subscribing! In fact, you pay more.
But what bothers me the most is when people complain about D23 and get the standard and completely inane response from fans of “well if you don’t like it then don’t join!” How ridiculous can that be? That’s the entire frustration! Of course we won’t join, but we all REALLY wanted to. We wanted a great club. We wanted something that presented a value for our dollars spent. And what we got is $75 for 4 magazines and a lithograph! (Oh, and the chance to spend a small fortune on flying to Anaheim for an expo or buying exclusive collectibles.)
I respect those who have decided to join D23. But I wonder if when you heard the details was your first reaction really complete satisfaction and excitement? Or did you have to do some internal convincing? The possibility remains that D23 will grow into something really great. Perhaps in the coming months we will hear about great member programs at Walt Disney World, or even in other cities throughout the country that will make it worthwhile to be a member. But until that time comes, unless you live in the greater Anaheim area or are a collector with loads of cash, I can not suggest paying for D23.