D23 GENERAL | D23 MEMBERSHIP | D23 EVENTS | D23 MERCHANDISE | D23 EXPO | D23 WEBSITE
What is D23?
D23 is “The Official Disney Fan Club” — established on March 10, 2009, as the first-ever “official” club of its kind in the 89-year history of The Walt Disney Company. From our beloved Disney Parks to the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney is known for having a deep-rooted respect for the wonderful legacy we’ve built through the years and the creativity that continues to take us to new heights.
One of the most important parts of that fantastic legacy are the Disney fans, perhaps the most loyal, passionate, and enthusiastic in the world. D23 was established to bring Disney fans closer to the “magic” through one-of-a-kind experiences, special events, benefits, unique merchandise offerings, quarterly publication, website, and opportunities to meet others who share the same affection and fascination for Disney. D23 offers fans an insider’s 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.
What does D23 mean?
The “D” stands for Disney, and “23″ represents 1923, the year that Walt Disney arrived in California and founded what was to ultimately become The Walt Disney Company.
D23 MEMBERSHIP
D23 offers two levels of membership: D23 Gold Membership and D23 Silver Membership.
What do I receive with D23 Gold Membership ($74.99)
—One-year subscription (four issues) to the award-winning Disney twenty-three publication. D23′s exquisite collectible magazine is filled with stunning photography, dazzling illustrations, and Disney insider perspectives. It’s an all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney’s past, present, and future!
—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.
—Collectible Walt Disney Archives Collection Gift. D23 Members who sign up or renew their memberships in 2012 will receive “From Concept to Classic,” a 23-month calendar that pays tribute to 75 years of Disney feature animation and celebrates this legacy of magic and enchantment by showcasing dozens of examples of Disney concept art through the years—many shared publicly for the first time.
—Membership Card and Certificate. A D23 membership card and personalized, suitable-for-framing member certificate.
—”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.)
—Special benefits, promotional offers and discounts throughout the year. More details available here.
What do I receive with D23 Silver Membership ($34.99)?
—Access to Exclusive Special Events and Merchandise.
—Collectible Walt Disney Archives Collection Gift.
—Membership Card and Certificate.
—”FanFare” E-Newsletters.
—Special benefits, promotional offers and discounts throughout the year. More details available here.
How can I join?
Anyone can join online at Disney.com/D23 or DisneyStore.com/D23. Gift memberships for friends and family can be purchased via these links as well. Gift “membership redemption cards” are currently available at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. D23 gift membership recipients must redeem their cards by registering online and paying any applicable state tax.
What if I don’t have Internet access?
Unfortunately, at this time, D23 Membership registration is available only online at Disney.com/D23 or Disneystore.com.
Are family memberships available?
At this time family memberships are not available, but D23 Silver Memberships, which offer many of the same benefits as D23 Gold Memberships, might be worth considering if multiple people in your household wish to join.
I live outside the United States. Can I be a D23 member?
Yes. International shipping charges will apply.
Can I buy a D23 Membership as a gift for someone else?
Yes. When you visit Disney.com/D23, click “Join D23″ and then select “Gift Membership.”
How old do you have to be to purchase a D23 membership?
You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase a D23 Membership or any D23 merchandise. However, adults can purchase gift memberships for those under 18, and most member events are suitable for the whole family.
Will I get a confirmation of my order?
Yes. You will receive an email confirmation of your order sent to the email address you entered at the time of your purchase. Your membership number will be included in your confirmation.
How long will it take before I receive my membership kit?
For domestic purchases, your membership card will arrive within 7-10 business days after the end of the month. The rest of the renewal packet will arrive within 3-4 weeks after the end of the month.
Why won’t all the items in my membership kit arrive at once?
Shipping items separately ensures members receive items as soon as possible, providing the best guest service for our members.
Is membership automatically renewed?
No. You will receive notification when your membership is close to expiration and, at that time, you may renew your membership without missing any publications, events, or limited-edition merchandise.
How will I hear about events and special merchandise?
There are a variety of D23 member-only events throughout the year. Check online at Disney.com/D23 to find out about upcoming events. Special promotional codes and information for some events will be sent out via email and e-newsletters, so once D23 Members start receiving D23 emails and newsletters, they may not wish to “opt out” of receiving that correspondence.
I took myself off the email/e-newsletter list (or, I stopped receiving D23 emails and e-newsletters). How do I get myself back on so I can receive information about new merchandise and participating in D23 events?
Please contact guest.services@disneystore.com to start the process of adding your name back to the email list.
What is my “D23 Member Log In”?
Your D23 Member Log In is the information you used when you purchased or activated your D23 membership. If you already had an account with DisneyStore.com or a member name and password from another Disney family of companies’ websites, it will be the same.
How many memberships can I purchase for myself?
Members are limited to a single membership per calendar year.
What if I have a question about my membership or need to change my address?
Please contact d23.guestservices@disneystore.com for changes to your contact information and any questions about your membership.
How can I check when my membership will expire?
Your expiration date is on the back of your membership card, or you can contact d23.guestservices@disneystore.com to find out when your membership is set to expire.
Can I cancel my membership?
No. D23 Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.
What happens if I haven’t received my Membership Kit, if I do not receive an issue of Disney twenty-three of if I have other questions about my membership?
If you have additional questions regarding your membership, please write to d23.guestservices@disneystore.com.
If I let my Charter Membership lapse, can I renew next year and still be considered a Charter Member?
No. If you let your Charter Membership lapse and wish to become a D23 Member at a later date, you will need to purchase a new D23 Membership and you will no longer be considered a Charter Member.
Are D23 events only held in Anaheim, Burbank, and Orlando?
No. We make a concerted effort to have events throughout the U.S. In 2012 we are presenting our D23 Fanniversary events, celebrating 40 key Disney milestone anniversaries that are occurring in 2012. These events will be held in New York, Boston, Chicago, Orlando, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. We will also be having a first-ever event in Walt Disney’s boyhood hometown of Marceline, Missouri. Other events and cities will be announced throughout 2012.
How do I purchase tickets/when will tickets be available?
When ticketing information is available it will be listed on the event listing page. To purchase tickets, you will need to visit the event page at the date and time listed, when either a phone number or web link to the event ticketing website will be posted for access to purchase or reserve tickets.
How many tickets are available for D23 events?
Space varies for each D23 event, in order to assure the best possible experience for our D23 Members. Some events, like the popular tours of the Walt Disney Archives and the Walt Disney Studios, are more intimate. Others, like Magic and Merriment at Walt Disney World Resort, can accommodate a couple hundred people. Still others, like our equally popular “Destination D” events (such as the upcoming “Destination D” 75 Years of Disney Feature Animation” – August 11-12, 2012) have space for well over one thousand D23 Members and their guests.
Why do tickets sometimes sell out so quickly?
In our first year we learned which D23 events held the greatest appeal to our Members. We are truly sorry if you didn’t get tickets to an event you had your eyes on, but please know we have since doubled the capacity for some of our most popular events such as the Walt Disney Studios Tours, Disney and Dickens, and Magic and Merriment. We want as many people as possible to experience these memorable D23 events in 2012.
If the event is listed as “sold out,” can I still be added to the waitlist?
If an event is listed as “sold out,” it means that the waitlist for the event has also been closed. We add as many names as possible to the waitlist, but cut it off to make sure we don’t create false expectations for our Members.
If I am waitlisted for the event, how will I know if I have been cleared?
You will be notified via email if you clear the event waitlist.
How long does it take to clear the waitlist?
A number of variables are involved in clearing an event waitlist and timing varies accordingly. We will do everything possible to move as many guests from the waitlist into the event, but due to capacity issues, we will not be able to accommodate everyone.
Can I show up at the event and see if someone doesn’t check in?
No. Please do not come to an event until you are confirmed to attend. We will not have a waitlist at the door for any events. Additionally, please do not show up at an event with more guests than you have confirmed as we cannot accommodate additional, unconfirmed guests.
If I buy a ticket to an event that is happening after my membership expires, can I still attend that event if I don’t renew my membership?
No. All D23 Member-exclusive events are only open to D23 Members in good standing and you must bring your current D23 Membership card and valid photo ID in order to be able to attend a D23 event.
If I’m an annual passholder at one of the Disney Parks and don’t need a ticket to the park, can I get a discount on events where park tickets are included?
Our friends at Disney Parks recognize the importance of Disney’s official fan club and D23 Members and their guests are provided complimentary park tickets for select D23 special events. Because of this, we only offer one ticket price for these events.
Who decides the prices for D23 events?
The prices for D23 Member events are determined by event production costs and guest offerings. We want to be able to provide extraordinary experiences to our members. In some cases, we are able to offer these experiences for free or little cost; in other cases, higher ticket prices are required.
We are attending a D23 event that offers a meal. If someone in my party has special dietary needs, can they be met?
We will do everything possible to make sure options are available for guests with special dietary needs. Please alert us at d23.guestservices@disneystore.com with as much specific information as possible. Please note, this applies only to events at which full meals are being served.
Does my membership entitle me to admission to events?
D23 Membership includes the opportunity to attend special D23 Member events. Because some events have very limited capacities, we can not guarantee that being a D23 Member will mean you get into the special D23 Member event of your choice.
How soon can I sign up for an event after I purchase a membership?
Please allow 2-3 business days after purchase for your membership to process on the events registration website.
Whom do I contact if I need assistance with my event ticket request?
Please write to the D23 Guest Services Team at d23.guestservices@disneystore.com with as much specific information as possible.
Are sign language interpreting services available at D23 Member events?
Yes. If you wish to request for sign language interpreting services for an event, please submit your request to d23.guestservices@disneystore.com at least two weeks prior to the event date.
Will you continue to have free events next year?
Yes, we will continue to offer a mix of free and paid events for D23 Members.
What kind of merchandise is associated with D23?
A variety of exclusive merchandise and collectible opportunities are available for D23 Members, including logo merchandise, unique pins, sculptures, limited-edition giclee prints, and more. The ever-growing assortment is featured on the D23 website in Boutique 23. Some of these collectibles are D23 Member-exclusive, limited-edition items from the new Walt Disney Archives Collection.
What is the Walt Disney Archives Collection?
The Walt Disney Archives Collection features painstakingly detailed reproductions and interpretations of pieces from the vast Walt Disney Archives. From animation cels and photographs to three-dimensional pieces and objets d’art, the Collection features a wonderful assortment of must-have Disney collectibles.
Is D23 Merchandise available at D23 Member-only events?
Absolutely. Many of our events feature exclusive merchandise created just for that particular event such as items from our “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” Store presented at the 2011 D23 Expo or the really fun Walt Disney World Resort 40th anniversary merchandise created for our 2011 Destination D event in Florida.
If I buy the publication (Disney twenty-three) and then purchase a membership, will I get the same issue?
Based on Disney twenty-three‘s publishing cycle (with issues debuting in February, May, August, and November), there is a chance D23 Members will get the same issue if they buy a membership shortly after purchasing a copy of Disney twenty-three. An extra copy of the publication would make a wonderful gift for any Disney fan.
Can I buy additional copies of the Disney twenty-three quarterly publication?
Yes. Anyone can purchase additional copies of the current Disney twenty-three issue in Boutique 23, which features a vast array of D23 merchandise. Only D23 Members may purchase back issues of the publication.
What is the D23 Expo?
The D23 Expo is the ultimate Disney fan experience. The inaugural D23 Expo took place at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California (across the street from Disneyland Resort) in 2009 followed by an equally popular event in August 2011. The event features incredible speakers, celebrity appearances, breathtaking exhibitions, sneak peeks, film screenings, one-of-a-kind merchandise, and much more.
When is the next D23 Expo?
Stay tuned for D23 Expo news in the near future.
What’s on the D23 website?
Disney.com/D23 features breaking news, insider info, and exclusive feature stories from every part of Disney, as well as rare classic articles and other treasures from the Walt Disney Archives. The site also includes regular items like vintage daily comics, “D Society,” and “This Day in Disney.” The website is updated regularly with fresh content.
Is D23 on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube?
Yes. On YouTube we present two popular video shows—”Disney Geek” (with up-to-the-minute Disney news) and “Armchair Archivist” (with feature stories from the Walt Disney Archives). Be sure to join us on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and fun and interesting Disney content.
Is the D23 Web site for D23 Members only?
No. All Disney fans have access to Disney.com/D23, but only D23 Members can access member-exclusive merchandise and special event opportunities. More web-based exclusives will be announced in 2012.
