Update: Many more details revealed at Disney Online.
When I heard that a magazine related to the D23 “are you 23” club promotion had been released early by a few bookstores, I made a few calls but was unable to find a copy in my area. I’ll definitely be checking around tomorrow.
Others were more lucky than I. Turns out it’s not so much a magazine as a 62-page coffee book quality quarterly edition. Here are some of the clubs details revealed inside:
An inset details membership into D23 and implies an annual fee, but money is not something needed to be discussed here. Membership includes a year’s subscription to the publication, membership card and certificate designed by Disney Master Artist Dave Pacheco, a ’surprise’ collectible gift from ‘the new Walt Disney Archives Collection’ (no doubt, these are the pins that were initially displayed on DisneyShopping.com), exclusive special events and merchandise opportunities and discounted admission to D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience in Anaheim, September 10-13. Potential members can sign up at disney.com/D23, the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts and DisneyShopping.com as well as the Disney Store.
Still no word on exactly what that annual fee is or if it covers an individual or a family unit.
A more extensive look at the club and magazine, including photos and page layouts, at Stitch Kingdom.
I’m sure I’ll have more to say later. But so far, I’d be a bit worried if I was a group like the NFFC or one of the recent Disney fan run magazines that filled the void in the absence of an official Disney magazine. They’ll have to work harder to differentiate themselves and struggle against internal pressure on Disney’s part to give the best stories to their on vehicle.
So far, I haven’t seen any social networking or social media aspect of D23. But we’re still just getting some leaked details, so who knows. Us blogs and websites may have to watch out too. Who knows.
Disney Twenty-Three, the D23 magazine, hit the stands a few days early – http://is.gd/m2qm – Now we have more details to chew on. So I do
You probably had a hard time finding a copy b/c it isn’t supposed to be on newstands until 3/11. I work at B&N and we received notification in advance not to shelf it.
This is a TERRIBLE idea, one that ignores the economic realities of our world and crassly, cynically tries to wring more money out of fans who should rightly be sick of giving Disney so much of their income and getting so little in return. I might look at this at the bookstore. I will absolutely not buy it, become a member, or attend the “convention.” I still remember when Disney used to have a FREE “fan club” called The Magic Kingdom Club, which provided discounts on theme-park admission, a low-cost magazine and a genuine feeling of connectedness with Disney. This D23 (what the heck does that even MEAN) concept is a stupid attempt to get more money out of fans at a time when many of us have to decide whether to spend $16 on gas or $16 on a new shirt for a job interview … not $16 for a glossy magazine.
It is of my opinion and the idea coming from the recesses of my mind that loves to ponder the various conspiracy theories of the world, that the D23 club is a direct marketing concept to the people of this world that aren’t impacted by this economic downturn to the severity that prevents them from living their life like they did prior to the crash.
There are many of them out there and for years they have been neglected. May, just maybe, they’ll have some sort of exclusive club to join where they can get first dips on limited edition merchandise and fan gatherings.
It’s of my opinion that the locals and the deep pockets are going to keep WDW afloat, not the people who are trying to dig themselves out of this disaster
Disney making money? What a horrific idea! Disney trying a new tactic to keep their head above water in challenging economic times… oh shame on them! Hey – if you don’t have the cash to spend on the magazine/book/club – or whatever the D23 turns out to be – then don’t! It’s as simple as that. But don’t blame a corporation for trying to find a niche that people are willing to pay for. If you have to decide whether your $16 will buy you a shirt or gas or a MAGAZINE – you probably shouldn’t be worried about what disney does anyway. Sounds like you need to find a 2nd job and keep your butt out of the parks!
I’ve heard of a place where you can read things for free… it’s called a LIBRARY. Hell, you can even read it at Barnes & Noble while you drink your coffee (or club soda) and then put it back on the shelf.
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