D23 (Disney)
D23 is a Disney merchandising and event program based on building a fan community of Disney enthusiasts. D23 is the first official community for Disney fans.
History
D23 was introduced on March 10, 2009 by Robert Iger during The Walt Disney Company annual meeting in Oakland, California. The name "D23" refers to two things. The "D" refers to Disney. The "23" refers to 1923, the year The Walt Disney Company was founded by Walt Disney and his brother Roy O. Disney. The purpose of D23 is to give Disney fans everywhere a better connection to the entire world of Disney by "placing them in the middle of the magic."[1]
Components of D23 include a free Web site, Disney twenty-three (a quarterly publication) and the D23 Expo, a Disney fan convention.
The charter membership includes: A year long subscription to Disney twenty-three (four issues), a personalized membership card and certificate, a surprise collectible gift from the Walt Disney archives collection, access to exclusive special events and merchandise, discounted admission to the D23 expo, and a subscription to the bi-weekly D23 FanFare e-newsletter.[2] A charter membership currently costs $74.99. Gift cards which are redeemable online, are available at some Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort gift shops for $74.99. [3]
The D23 website features comic strips, breaking Disney news stories, event information, "This Day in Disney", and a "Walt Disney Archives" section, where visitors can view some rare pieces of Disneyana. [4]
D23 Member Exclusives
Events
On May 28th 2009, there was an exclusive members only screening of Disney-Pixar's Up at the El Capitan Theatre. [5]
In 2009, D23 members will be able to receive discounts to the Newport Beach Film Festival. [6]
Merchandise
D23 member exclusive merchandise has included apparel, collectibles, and pins.
Disney Twenty-Three Magazine
Premiere Issue/Spring 2009 Issue
The premiere issue dated "Spring 2009" of Disney Twenty-Three included articles on: Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, Disney-Pixar's Up, and the Cinderella Castle Suite.
Summer 2009 Issue
The summer 2009 issue of Disney Twenty-Three included articles on Donald Duck to celebrate his 75th anniversary.
References
- ^ http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/disney/37333/
- ^ http://www.disneystore.com/d23/faq/c/66538/
- ^ http://www.mouseplanet.com/8863/Disneyland_Resort_Update#news9
- ^ http://www.disney.go.com/d23/
- ^ http://d23.disney.go.com/expo/031009_EE_EVENT_Up.html
- ^ http://d23.disney.go.com/expo/041709_EE_NewportFilmFest.html