Disney President and CEO Bob Iger Announces the Launch of D23!

[Figment!]

Disney President and CEO Bob Iger Announces the Launch of D23!

Walt Disney Company Press Release
March 10, 2009

Oakland and Burbank, CALIF. – Disney today announced the launch of D23 (Disney.com/D23), the first official community for Disney fans in the Company’s 85-year history. Through D23, fans will go backstage and behind closed doors to get the inside scoop from every part of Disney, while experiencing the nostalgia, adventure and fantasy of Disney as never before.

“We have a fantastic legacy that started in 1923 and is based on timeless stories, beloved characters and unforgettable experiences, but it’s our fans that keep the spirit of Disney alive year after year, generation after generation,” said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger at the Company’s annual shareholder’s meeting. “D23 is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and celebrating our fans, who bring the magic of Disney to life every day in every corner of the world.”

As a part of this new Disney fan experience, today also marks the launch of D23’s new quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; the all-new D23 Web site at Disney.com/D23; and a new collectibles line, The Walt Disney Archives Collection, which was created specifically with D23 members in mind. D23 also will host special events for its members throughout the year, highlighted by the organization’s signature event, the D23 Expo, which will be held in Anaheim this September 10-13.

A one-year D23 membership ($74.99) includes:

• Disney twenty-three quarterly publication: A one-year subscription (four issues)
to D23’s new collectible magazine filled with stunning photography, dazzling
illustrations and the ultimate Disney insider perspective. This advertising-free
keepsake is the all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney’s past, present
and future.

• Membership Certificate and Card: The D23 membership card and suitable-forframing
member certificate – both specially created for D23’s Charter Year --
feature many of Disney’s most beloved characters.

• Surprise Collectible Gift and Member Merchandise: Each member who joins
D23 will receive an exclusive collectible gift from the new Walt Disney Archives
Collection. This merchandise line was created specifically with D23 members in
mind, and each piece is authorized by the Walt Disney Archives. D23 members
will have exclusive or early access to a wide assortment of Walt Disney Archives
Collection pieces.

• D23 Expo and Member Special Events: The D23 Expo – to be held at the
Anaheim Convention Center from September 10-13, 2009 -- will be “The
Ultimate Disney Fan Experience,” featuring incredible speakers, celebrity
appearances, breathtaking exhibitions, interactive experiences, sneak peeks, film
screenings, one-of-a-kind merchandise, and much more. All Disney fans are
welcome, but D23 members will receive a discount on Expo admissions and early
access to the show daily. D23 also offers unique members-only special event
opportunities throughout the year.

• Disney.com/D23: All fans can stay connected to Disney every day through D23’s
new Web site, featuring up-to-the-minute Disney news, feature stories, event info
and more, but only D23 members will receive regular email updates on special
event and merchandise opportunities exclusive to them.

Disney twenty-three quarterly publication

Disney today launches its new quarterly publication Disney twenty-three, a hybrid
entertainment and lifestyle magazine that is the all-access pass to discovering the magic
of Disney’s past, present and future. Its name pays homage to 1923, the year The Walt Disney Company was founded.

The premiere issue of Disney twenty-three includes exclusive features such as:

• Interviews with Tim Burton, Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens
• Inside look at the new Disney/Pixar animated film Up, featuring interviews with
Director Pete Docter and Producer Jonas Rivera, concept and production art, and
a look at the new animated short Partly Cloudy.
• A rare look inside Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California. Meet the
Pixar team and learn the secrets behind the success of their films.
• The doors open for two of the most exclusive, magical suites in the world: the
Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Dream Suite
overlooking New Orleans Square and the Rivers of America at the Disneyland
Resort.

Disney twenty-three’s regular featured departments include:

• A Walk with Walt: A look back at the trials and triumphs of the man who made
dreams come true and whose imagination started it all.

• D Society: From gala movie premieres and grand openings to candid Disney
moments and memories, D Society takes readers backstage and onto the red
carpet.

• PHOTOfiles: The legendary Walt Disney Archives Photo Library houses millions
of Disney’s most cherished photographic memories, and the Archives team shares
its Top 100, five in every issue. Let the countdown begin!

• Where in D?: Try to identify where in the world of Disney each issue’s mystery
photo was taken.

• The Funny Pages: For the first time in decades, enjoy the vintage newspaper
comic strips that helped make many of Disney’s most popular characters famous.

• Making Magic: Crafts for children of all ages, inspired by Disney’s favorite
stories and experiences.

• Recipes from Disney’s most popular restaurants and eateries, past and present.

Disney twenty-three subscriptions are available only by becoming a member of D23 The Official Community for Disney Fans. Individual issues of Disney twenty-three retail for $15.95 and are available exclusively at all U.S. Barnes & Noble booksellers, all domestic Disney Stores, Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, and Disneyshopping.com.

DISNEY.COM/D23

The D23 site on Disney.com will serve as the premier online destination for Disney fans, highlighted by breaking Disney news, exclusive feature stories, blogs, historical retrospectives, a collectibles boutique, special event information, and other content. The D23 online experience includes News & Features, Walt Disney Archives, Disney twentythree, Expo & Events, and Boutique23.

Highlights include:

NEWS & FEATURES
• Late-breaking news, press releases, and photos of interest to fans from every part
of Disney.
• “Twilight Bark” – inspired by the Disney animated feature 101 Dalmatians –
offers up the latest tidbits and news “bites” from all around the world of Disney.
• Feature articles and interviews on current Disney topics from theme parks and
animation to television and motion pictures, as well as historical retrospectives.
• Official Disney Bloggers – Get regular updates on films in production at Walt
Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, current Walt Disney Imagineering projects,
and the Walt Disney Archives.

WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES
• “This Day in Disney” – A daily walk down memory lane.
• “What’s Old Is News” – Go back in time and enjoy rare, vintage and classic
articles, stories, interviews, press materials and other highlights from deep within
the Disney Archives.
• “Ask Dave” – Disney Legend and Chief Archivist Dave Smith answers your
questions about Disney history.
• “Archives Library” – helpful Disney reference tools including biographies,
filmographies, award chronologies, Disney A to Z updates, historical profiles and
other archival information.

DISNEY TWENTY-THREE
• The online home of Disney twenty-three, D23’s quarterly publication.
• Expanded stories, interviews and imagery.
• “D Society: Online Edition” – regularly updated photo gallery.
• “The Funny Page: Daily Edition” – a delightful daily dose of vintage Disney
comics that haven’t been seen outside the Disney Archives in decades.
• “Making Magic” – An archive of the unique crafts featured in Disney twentythree.
• “Disney Dish” – Always be able to find your favorite recipes from Disney twentythree.

EXPO & EVENTS
• “D23 Expo” – The official Web site for everything you need to know about “The
Ultimate Disney Fan Experience” September 10–13, at the Anaheim Convention
Center, including programming, show hours, celebrity appearances, keynote
speakers, ticket information, vacation packages, and more.
• “D23 Member Special Events” – Throughout the year, D23 hosts special events
created just for its members. Members can find out which ones they want to
attend and how to register.

BOUTIQUE 23
• D23 merchandise and collectibles, including D23 member-only offerings from the Walt Disney Archives Collection
• Hosted by Disneyshopping.com

D23 membership

D23 membership is not required to visit Disney.com/D23, but some merchandise and special event opportunities are exclusive to D23 members.

Fans can join D23 at Disney.com/D23, all Disney Store locations within the United States, select shops at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, and DisneyShopping.com/D23.


About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when
Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. Through the years, Disney has
captured the imagination of millions around the world, and, as requested by Disney fans
everywhere, D23 gives them a greater, richer connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic.


See the Official Website for more details.

[iDisney]

I've already bought my membership! I went and got the magazine in between my classes and it looks amazing! Well worth the price tag. I can't wait until I have time to actually look at it in detail!

[quicksand]

Very cool, but at 75 bucks, I'm not joining.

[seanyred]

I'd like to join but it's a bit much for me right now. I wish they had different levels of membership to make it more affordable. But if you purchased all four issues of magazine at the news stand it would cost you $60. Still thinking about it.....

[Ian]

I'll join, just cause I can, but I'm underwhelmed.

You don't get very much for your 75 bucks and, in this economy, it sort of seems ill-timed.

[Tekneek]

I'll join, just cause I can, but I'm underwhelmed.

You don't get very much for your 75 bucks and, in this economy, it sort of seems ill-timed.

Echoes my thoughts. I would rather put that 75 bucks toward a Disney vacation, or something that we might actually need. Given the amount of free Disney news and information available, I don't see a reason to throw money at them. Of course, as Disney enters into the online information market with a membership/subscription service, I am slightly concerned that they may become interested in targeting existing podcasts, forums, fan web sites, etc.

[DizneyRox]

$75?!?!?! Pass...

And that's PER YEAR!

[Stu29573]

I agree that the price is a bit...well...pricey. The only thing that I would probably care about is the magazine (I don't really have the funds to shell out for nick-nacks and trips to CA) so there really is limited appeal there. I would have liked to see discouts and freebees (other than the one) for 75 bucks... Oh well, I guess I'll think about it...

[Lynn J Mc]

do you have to pay to access the website? I'm confused.

[caryrae]

Yeah $75 per year is a bit much unless they add like discounts for Disney vacations and/or Merchandise in the Parks and DtD or something.

[dudeman1975]

I joined the club, as I am excited to see what they have in store. My parents were a member of the Magic Kingdom Club. I hope they give good discounts to vacation packages. I also am a member of the Castaway Club for the Cruise Line. Time will tell if the club is worth the price.

[elmjimmlm]

I don't think that I will get it for the fact that I spend plenty on my yearly trips and I don't want to pay 75.00 for a few magazines? If I wanted that then I would buy them from my kids school...
How many of these will be on Ebay selling for big bucks?

[kbean]

This is WEAK. A weak attempt to rebound from poor sales. I doubt this was in a plan for years. Sounds like a half-axx scheme. From what I read, I can get the same info here on intercot....only thing with the club is maybe I would get to see some behind the scene pics. Other than that....weak. If they want people, offer a free 30 day trail.

[big blue and hairy]

After looking around the website, I understand this even less! The only thing I don't seem to be able to do is buy an $1885 figurine! Really, I was going to do that!

Like I said before, when you subscribe to a magazine, you get it cheaper. ESPN The Magazine is a buck an issue by subscription.

Really, please enlighten me, what the heck are you paying for?

[lockedoutlogic]

After looking around the website, I understand this even less! The only thing I don't seem to be able to do is buy an $1885 figurine! Really, I was going to do that!

Like I said before, when you subscribe to a magazine, you get it cheaper. ESPN The Magazine is a buck an issue by subscription.

Really, please enlighten me, what the heck are you paying for?

like most things disney has done for the past 50 years.....

for 75 bucks you get the privilege of "feeling like you are a member of the club"

Think about it....it started with Mickey Mouse Club......then progressed through the parks....they were the first to have annual passes.....one of the first to have all inclusive gate charges.....and have done hundreds of different "clubs, memberships, passholders, gold keys...etc etc etc".....then they rolled on through the "Vacation Club"....for when little purchases no longer cut it.

Disney has played the exclusive card for 50+ years....everything designed to make you a member or not.....on the inside or out....a have or a have not....

It's an effective strategy....and it has served them well.

[caryrae]

Can't wait to hear what the "Suprise Collectible Gift" you get for joining is, maybe it will be something good and worth the membership.

[big blue and hairy]

like most things disney has done for the past 50 years.....

for 75 bucks you get the privilege of "feeling like you are a member of the club"

Think about it....it started with Mickey Mouse Club......then progressed through the parks....they were the first to have annual passes.....one of the first to have all inclusive gate charges.....and have done hundreds of different "clubs, memberships, passholders, gold keys...etc etc etc".....then they rolled on through the "Vacation Club"....for when little purchases no longer cut it.

Disney has played the exclusive card for 50+ years....everything designed to make you a member or not.....on the inside or out....a have or a have not....

It's an effective strategy....and it has served them well.

I understand the exclusive bit. I am an annual passholder, and I'm a Tables in Wonderland member. The difference is, those two things actually make my WDW experience less expensive.

I think your analogy is a little off, usually these things give repeat customers a discount, as long as they keep being repeat customers, like me. D23 memberships gives me the opportunity to buy ridiculously priced collectibles buy paying a $75 entrance fee. It doesn't give me a discount, except for the expo, which is once a year in California. I am interested to see what kind of discount you get.

It seems like a bad idea. The membership, I mean, the website's not bad.

[Ian]

But the truth is, if it works for them and makes them cash, no one should really fault them for doing it.

I mean that is what they're in business for.

If anyone is at fault, it's us ... the consumers ... we keep lining up to get fleeced.

And I include myself in that.

[lockedoutlogic]

I understand the exclusive bit. I am an annual passholder, and I'm a Tables in Wonderland member. The difference is, those two things actually make my WDW experience less expensive.

I think your analogy is a little off, usually these things give repeat customers a discount, as long as they keep being repeat customers, like me. D23 memberships gives me the opportunity to buy ridiculously priced collectibles buy paying a $75 entrance fee. It doesn't give me a discount, except for the expo, which is once a year in California. I am interested to see what kind of discount you get.

It seems like a bad idea. The membership, I mean, the website's not bad.

whether or not people use these memberships to their advantage and receive a discount in the end is irrelevant.....

The sale of things like annual passes and tables in wonderland (which i buy as well) is a guaranteed fee up front. which is what disney is going for. Whether or not you purchase $425 dollars worth of food or drinks to get your 85 dollar fee for TIW back is kinda irrelevant...because in the end, they still have your $425 dollars. Just like a $100 discount off a 450 DVC annual pass still means they have 350 dollars of your money....whether you go once or 50 times.

Now in the end....you can certainly maximize the benefits and get a good return on your upfront costs....or DDE is due to expire on April 30th and we will have been there 4 trips and probably racked up 1500-2000 in charges when it's all said and done.....just like our annuals are used enough to make the per day costs comparitively small as compared to gate.....

But i'm an extreme case abuser.....far more people get far less return off these things.....

And knowing that, the upfront fees and renewals are enough to generate large sums of cash for the Walt Disney Company....

Just like DVC.....sure you will get longterm value....but the upfront, maintenance deferrals, and secondary revenue generated from each 'membership' far outweighs what they'll "lose" on giving you a 14 point a night studio in 20 years.....

[luvsdisney24]

I have applied for membership and I am very happy thus far! I love the magazine, even though I wish it was published more often!! I received my membership card, gift, and magazine in no time at all. I also purchased a D23 polo shirt and really like the fit and quality.

I think the web site is very well done and like the fact that there are so many things to do on the site, like looking at pictures from the disney archives, comics, and viewing this day in disney history.

I am trying to find a way to go to expo as I have already booked a trip to wdw in october....I don't know if I can go to expo though