What Do You Get for Joining D-23?
Did you know that Disney runs a club for its most devoted members?
Did you know that you can join this club and thereby attend special events?
Oh, and I haven’t mentioned the best part yet! Disney will send you an incredible loot crate just for signing up each year!
The program is D23, and I’m going to tell you all about it! Then, I’m going to show you what you get for joining!
About D23
Have you ever visited the D23 website? It’s a loving tribute to the collective works of The Walt Disney Company, especially its founder.
The name refers to the fact that Uncle Walt formed Disney in 1923. So, it’s D for Disney and 23 for 1923. Yes, Disney’s two years away from turning 100!
D23 celebrates the company’s history in numerous ways. Here’s a description from the official website:
“D23 was established to bring Disney fans closer to the “magic” through one-of-a-kind experiences, special events, unique merchandise offerings, quarterly publications, exclusive online content, and opportunities to meet others who share the same affection for Disney.
D23 offers fans an insider look at every corner of Disney, from the parks, animation, television and film to the treasures of the legendary Walt Disney Archives.”
This description isn’t an exaggeration. I play around with this a lot, as it’s a treasure trove for Disney historians.
Some of the stuff archived here has evolved into the basis for many Disney articles. So, if nothing else, you should read this bit of Disney history.
In fact, I’m kicking myself because I just wrote an Important Dates in Disney History article without noticing the bottom of that page. I’m an idiot.
When you join D23, you should demonstrate your support for the company you love. You also gain access to some unique experiences.
You’ve likely heard of the most recognizable one, the D23 Expo held every other year at the Anaheim Convention Center. So, let’s talk about that.
What Are D23 Events?
Disney hosts any number of D23 events during normal times, i.e., when there’s not a pandemic.
The D23 Expo in 2021 got canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. However, Walt Disney World will host a major event this fall.
From November 19th through November 21st, D23 members may attend the event at one of the ballrooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
At these exhibitions, company executives often reveal exciting plans for future theme park attractions.
To wit, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure opens on October 1st. Disney officially announced the ride at D23 2017.
As such, D23 members love attending these events. I should add that the basic level of membership is free.
However, D23 Gold members receive early access to buy tickets. That’s an essential amenity since tickets do sell out.
These giant expos don’t represent the totality of D23 events, though. In addition, the organization hosts Fanniversary screenings of popular Disney movies.
Sometimes, filmmakers, actors, and Imagineers hold get-togethers to discuss seminal Disney projects, too.
D23 announces these events well ahead of time, allowing you to plan a quick trip to the host city.
These smaller showings often come with a modest charge, but they’re well worth it for the experience.
Is D23 Gold Worth the Money?
D23 recently altered its longstanding membership program. Historically, the main two paying tiers were Gold and Gold Family.
Now, you can buy the Gold Individual Plan for $99.99 or the Gold Duo Plan for $129.99.
The difference is just what you’d expect. The Gold Individual Plan provides:
- One Gold member card and certificate
- Access for one member to virtual and in-person events
- Access for one to special D23 Gold offers
- One annual Gold Member Collector Set
- One annual subscription (four issues) of Disney twenty-three, a magazine
The Gold Duo Plan doubles everything except for the Gold Member Collector Set. You only get one of those, which could lead to some fights.
What’s the Gold Member Collector Set?
I previously described it as a loot crate, and I stand behind that.
Whenever you subscribe to D23 or renew your membership, Disney will send you a giant box overflowing with stuff.
Starting today, all new or renewed D23 Gold Members will receive the 2021 Gold Member Collector Set, Celebrating 50 Most Magical Years of the @WaltDisneyWorld Resort: https://t.co/je5hnQpyLY #D23CelebratesWDW pic.twitter.com/RBwKcfkXMp
— Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) January 1, 2021
For Disney fans, this box embodies everything good and pure in the world. It’s like Christmas and your birthday all rolled into one package.
Seriously, I’ve received a few of these over the years. I know what to expect from them and have loved each and every crate.
Having said that, the one for 2021 redefines greatness. I recommend it for EVERYONE because it’s such a big box of joy.
The 2021 Gold gift comes in packaging that reflects the early colors of Walt Disney World. That’s because it’s a celebration of the park’s 50th anniversary.
I’m not going to do the description justice. So, please watch this official D23 of an unboxing:
Isn’t that box gorgeous? Inside, you’ll find your official D23 membership card, which includes lots of Mickey Mouse illustrations.
The package also includes a playable (!) vinyl record called Walt Disney World: Then and Now. I’m going to have to buy a record player just for this item!
For me, the real star is the lunchbox, though. It’s an old-school tin lunchbox brimming with Disney characters.
After we opened this, my wife would randomly bring it over to me to point out other characters she noticed. I mean, the Operatic Viking Ghost is on there!
Disney has stylized this document for the 50th anniversary, and it’s terrific! I’ve got it sitting in a special place. Every time I see this thing, it makes me happy!
Final Thoughts
Gold Membership costs $99.99, which I know isn’t cheap. However, I honestly believe that this year’s package more than justifies the cost.
Even if you don’t plan to do anything D23-related, you want this loot crate!
PS: If you’re a Disney Visa owner and use the code D23DRVC, you’ll get 23 percent off from now through August 31st!