D23 and D23 Expo Questions: Is it worth it?

[mysteriouspnai]

First of all, I apologize if this is in the wrong spot. Please move as necessary.

I've done the search through the DIS forums, and I still have a few questions. I'm interested in joining D23, and I live about 3 hours away. There are a few events I already have my eye on (including the Expo) but googling "Is it worth it to join D23?" hasn't been as helpful as I would like.

There were a number of comments that stated it is near darn impossible to get into the events. People say it's very difficult to preregister as tickets sell out within minutes, even seconds. I'm interested in going to the Mickey's Glendale shopping day as well as the Walt Disney Studios tour. The membership isn't worth it to me if I can't get into these events. Does anyone have any experience in this? How hard is it really to get into the events?

Also, is it worth it to buy 2 memberships? Many of the events allow for a D23 member to bring along one guest. We're not interested in the magazine; just the Silver membership would do.

Finally, how crowded is Expo? Should I be expecting DCA 2.0 crowded, i.e. wall-to-wall? When is the schedule posted? I'd want to know of the talks in advance to see if I should just go for one day or all three.

TLDR; How hard is it to prereg for D23 events such as Mickey's Glendale shopping day? Is it worth buying 2 memberships? How crowded is expo?

Thanks in advance!

 

[jennameowse]

I'm interested unknowing all of this too. The Mickey's of Glendale shopping is really the main reason is shell out this much money.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Sounds like you actually DID find answers, just maybe not answers you were hoping for. Some of the events sell out so fast it literally is a fastest click contest.

The Expo is cool and there is a lot to see and do, but you will not get in to every session you want due to overall attendance being WAY more than the halls can hold.

Last Expo involved waiting in lines for hours upon hours to get in to a presentation and that aspect was awful. The organizers say they have a fastpass-like solution, but keep in mind you won't get in to everything.

The MoG shopping was cool, but again, quite a line because everyone wants to shop in there.

HTH some,
Dreams

 

[HydroGuy]

The only event I have gone to was the Expo in 2011. And I will go again this year.

The Expo is way crowded but a Disney fan's dream. You do not have to be in D23 to go to the Expo, but it is a really good idea if you want to have first shot at the events.

Also the quarterly magazines are also worthwhile.

To me D23 is worth it. I can't comment on the other events you are talking about. Never tried them. Might if they were closer.

If there are two of you in the same household I do not think you both need a membership. You can share the magazine and you are allowed to bring up to three guests to the Expo.

HTH

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

The Mickey's of Glendale shopping day doesn't sell out....in fact you just show up. There's always a line, but I've never had trouble getting in.

I also don't think the Studio tours have sold out as quickly as they did the first year when they were free. Plus they've increased the number of tours each time they do it.

 

[mysteriouspnai]

If there are two of you in the same household I do not think you both need a membership. You can share the magazine and you are allowed to bring up to three guests to the Expo.

HTH

Are you allowed to bring 3 guests with the D23 member discount?

 

[HydroGuy]

Are you allowed to bring 3 guests with the D23 member discount?

Yes. I am bringing DS17 with me to the Expo and just got him a ticket a couple weeks ago.

 

[mysteriouspnai]

Thanks everyone for your help. I have a few followup questions. How far in advance are event tickets available for the Studio tour? How much does it cost?

I am also considering just purchasing one membership as opposed to two. Will I be allowed to have a guest during MoG shopping day?

Thanks again for your quick and speedy replies

 

[tinkcollector]

Hi, I am a Charter Member, and do not regret it at all. I love D23.
Yes, tickets sell out in minutes. Not all events have a fee. I just attended an advance screening of Oz The Power And Great without a fee. You are allowed onto the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, fed popcorn and bottled water and an advance screening? Where do you say not worth it? We went on Valentines Day, and ate at the Tam OShanter.
As for your 3 guest question, I am confused. I think you were allowed three guests at the convention, but I do not see that in any disclaimers to date. So really not sure.
As for Mickeys of Glendale yes you can bring a guest. It is first come first serve, so expect to wait in a line. Lol, all Disney Fans understand waiting in lines. And the bennie is meeting really nice Disney Fans!!

The Walt Disney Studio Tour is for you and one guest. You can book once a year and the cost is $60/per member I believe someone correct me, and $60/per guest.
I have yet to go to a 50 and Fabulous viewing, but they are free with a $5.00 processing fee.
Events come up with different advance notice. The Tours I think come up with a 3 month+ notice, as the advance screening had like 2 weeks.

As with any on-line advance purchase you have to be on-line and ready to click at the moment the event is up for sale. Sometime you win sometimes you loss.
I am very rural, and rely on a super slow satellite internet. I have got in, and I have seen the dreaded sold out within minutes of logging in. Thats life; you cant always be a winner.
The D23 Expo schedule is not posted until a week or so before the event. I have attended the last two and they have not disappointed. I expect this one to WOW as much as the last two. Yes, expect lines. Just like being at the parks you have to pick and choose what you really want to see, and go for it. There is just so much time. So be realistic about your time and you wont be disappointed.
The D23 staff have talked about a FP system this time. But, expect that to come with a price, as the ticket system is tiered (has been tiered in the past). If you are truly a Disney Fan/Nut you wont be disappointed the Expo feds so many of your senses.
I hope that answers your questions. I have not regretted my membership.

 

[nunzia]

Also a Charter/First Day member and no regrets! Have seen so much and the whole experience has been amazing. Yes, there were a lot of gliches with crowds at the last Expo, but the staff have plans in place this time to help make it a better experience. I'm not local so don't make many events, but have gone to both Expos, both Destination Ds at DLR and the CarsLand dinner with John Lasseter. Just amazing experiences and worth every penny! The magazine is gorgeous and well worth getting also.

 

[mysteriouspnai]

Thanks!

I thought of another question: How far in advance do I need to purchase the membership before I will be allowed to sign up for events? Registration for the Walt Disney Studios tour is 2 days from now, Tuesday the 26th, and I haven't purchased the membership yet because I want to make sure I'll still be able to sign up for the tour. Thanks in advance!

 

[mysteriouspnai]

Bumpity bump bump bump

 

[JasonShannon76]

They will email you your membership number as soon as you order. However, it takes a few weeks to get your membership card.

 

[ethanwa]

Just the magazines with the free gifts alone make it worth it. The magazines are VERY high quality.

I love D23 and even have a website dedicated to some of the collectables from it at http://www.d23patch.com/

If you are a big Disney fan, join! After all, it's a fan club!

Ethan

 

[mysteriouspnai]

DBF and I decided to get one membership without the magazine. We figured if we REALLY wanted the magazine, we would buy it at DLR or we would go to B&N. It was also more cost effective for us to get one silver membership instead of 2 since you can bring along one guest. Getting one gold membership would be pricier than 2 silver memberships ($35 for each silver, $75 for one gold).

We also were successfully able to sign up for the May 4th tour, going at 9 AM, but in the process of trying to switch to 2:30 PM.

Thank you, everyone for your help!