D23 Conference Call Today

[WebmasterJohn]

I had a chance to participate in the D23 conference call this afternoon and wanted to share some of what I heard today.

D23 = Official Community for Disney Fans

Steven Clark (head of D23 & Executive Editor Disney twenty-three) – Origin of name D23 – 1923 is a homage to year Walt Disney Company founded. This initiative celebrates the roots, creativity and future of Walt Disney Company. The Disney company recognizes that the fans are important to the Disney legacy. This is a corporate wide reach-out to fans and best guests.

D23 was inspired by the Disney archives – desire to share those treasures with fans – celebration of amazing past – ultimate Disney insider experience – sharing a large amount of backstage information. (Watch The View tomorrow for sneak into archives. Whoopi Goldberg takes tour of Disney Archives in Anaheim.)

Disney.com/d23 – premier online destination for fans – free to everyone.

D23 membership - $74.95 – includes a magazine, surprise gift, commemorative certificate, access to merchandise, D23 fanfare weekly newsletter, discount admission and early entry to D23 expo. Magazine – available only to members with the exception of being available at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Stores, Barnes and Noble stores (wow, that is exclusive ).

D23 expo – will be at the Anaheim convention center - 9/10 – 9/13 – keynote speakers, pavilions, sneak peaks, screening of upcoming films, fashion shows, celebrity events – hinted at the possibility of a ‘big’ wedding – everyone can attend – D23 members will get a discount and early entry into the event.

Marty Sklar (EVP & Walt Disney Imagineering Ambassador) – will write for magazine sharing historical perspective and stories and have input into expo.

Davie Smith (Chief Archivist, Walt Disney Archives) – talked to history of Disney fandom – archives heavily involved in D23.

They then took questions from the attendees. Unfortunately they never got to me in the queue of questions - (perhaps they didn't want me to ask "RU &@!%*# Kidding Us with This?)

Topics touched on:

• No plan on a lower price point offering.
• Does not plan to be like all the other fan sites – there’s room for everyone in the fan community.
• Additional community and interactive elements will be added to the D23 website in the future.
• D23 Expo will take place in Anaheim for the first 4 years – likely to go to WDW and international destinations in the future.
• Will fans be involved in D23? They will consider it.
• Staffing – small core group but support of entire corporation.
• Possibility for special opportunities at the theme parks (preview attractions, special events).
• Expo – collectible/fans forums – future details on D23expo.com
• Collectibles for D23 members – inspired by archives. Tons of ideas
• May work with other areas – AP, DVC - for special events and opportunities
• Vacation packages will be available to attendees of the Expo.

Marty Sklar ended with a very nice sentiment. This is not meant to be another means for Disney to sell merchandise. It is intended for Disney fans to feel connected to the company and each other.

While I believe Marty was being sincere in that he believed this to be true - from listening 'between the lines' it sounds like another way to sell merchandise to Disney fans.

 

[Annette_VA]

It's so sad to think of all the awesome things this could have been and then to see what it became. It's just another money-maker for them. They don't care about the fans.

 

[newmouse2008]

they kept hinting that there is alot more to come. I think this is still evolving and they don't even know what will be added in the future. We need to tell them what to include. Just my thought. If we all keep screaming together, maybe they will hear us.

 

[crazytp93]

I expected to be jumping out of my seat.


...I am not.

I guess the way they hyped this I thought it would be something more.

 

[DUHgreg]

Thanks John,
Maybe I'll run out tomorrow and get that 'double secret probation' exclusive magazine at B&N. Gee, will I get a discount with my member card (thereby ruining the price integrity)?

 

[Matt@WDWR]

I can imagine Pete right now diving over the boat, swimming toward Florida while yelling, "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, I MUST RANT! "

 

[NWOhioAngela]

I expected to be jumping out of my seat.


...I am not.

I guess the way they hyped this I thought it would be something more.

Well, I'm jumping out of my seat, but not for joy. I'm on a bit of a rant myself.
As much as we love Disney, this just may be the last straw for us. Cuts in hours, cuts in services, and downright Disney greed (and/or stupidity!) have left a real sour taste for us.

I think we're done with Disney for awhile.

 

[Kimberle]

I can imagine Pete right now diving over the boat, swimming toward Florida while yelling, "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, I MUST RANT! "

He BLOGGED!!!!

 

[Geef]

In time we will see that $800 pen at www.Disneyoutlet.com for $18.99.

 

[saturday97]

Annette, you put it best: this could have been so cool. So much opportunity lost.

Saddest thing to me is point from the conference call about fan involvement. You can't create a fan community without the fans.

The DIS is a fan community-- D23 is a merchandise club. There are so many exciting Web 2.0 things going on that they could have taken advantage of to truly create a hub for fans. A Facebook for fans, etc. Instead of innovating, they are coming out with something that is already dated.

They've left themselves some room to make changes-- let's hope they can listen to fans and make this something wonderful.

 

[Matt@WDWR]

He BLOGGED!!!!

God bless blogs! LMAO I just saw that for the first time. I love Pete. lol

 

[dpic]

There has been an intimate connection between Disney and my wallet for a long time. Why pay to make it closer?