D23 - is it just me?!

[MommyLove]

I posted this in the thread about D23 but realized it might just get burried under the six pages worth of posts and wanted to see what people were thinking...


I was bitterly disappointed to find out you have to pay $75 to join "the OFFICIAL Community for Disney fans". Where's the magic?! I'm a sincere Disney fan, but because I can't afford it right now (or probably any time soon) I can't join and be a member of the OFFICIAL Community for Disney fans.

I think they made a mistake by not getting people in the door registered for free or perhaps a nominal fee of $5 and perhaps having a message board for that level of membership but then offering, say, a "premium" membership where you pay the money to get the mags, perks, etc.

Big mistake.


Your thoughts?

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

I think the Disney website has a lot of magic and free fun things. This particular promotion offered a year's subscription to what has been described on other sites as almost a book from the quality of printing and the thickness. At $15 x4, that's $60 plus tx at the bookstore anyway. So for $15 more, there's some free perk (pin?) and the certificate, discounts on Expo, invite to Up, and the ability to buy exclusives.

Disney has collector events where you pay anywhere from $40-$185 and outside of snacks, the biggest draw is the ability to purchase limited edition collectibles (like the 09/09/09 event). So I can see that Disney exes must have thought how can we generate revenue by offering that kind of experience to people who can't afford (or don't want to) come all the way to one of the parks?

Attendance over the last year has been down in the parks due to the economy, so I think it was pretty smart of them to come up with this for the hard-core Disney collectors. By ordering yesterday, you got the official launch date on the shirts. That's the kind of thing that attracts adult collectors to spend their money on. And I really want Disney to succeed and not go the way of Circuit City or Albertsons or the next bank that closes.

What I wonder is what limit the site put on orders. By the evening, there were no large or xl left in the Mickey t-shirt! So there had to be a lot of interested parties...

It will be interesting to see what is offered next year and as someone suggested, whether they discount the renewals.

 

[MickeyNikiNaka]

I was pretty choked as well. I mean firstly EXCLUSIVE what's that about? And secondly, I'm not exactly impressed with the options I'm given for my "free stuff" I'm interested to see what others have to say.

Also, I really enjoy how I didn't get an email about it until 6am this morning. "Be the first to know" LOL

 

[Krissy Marissy]

I was pretty choked as well. I mean firstly EXCLUSIVE what's that about? And secondly, I'm not exactly impressed with the options I'm given for my "free stuff" I'm interested to see what others have to say.

Also, I really enjoy how I didn't get an email about it until 6am this morning. "Be the first to know" LOL

I agree with you completely. I am a HUGE disney fan! We have like every disney movie, I have park cd's up the wazoo (sp), half of my wardrobe is disney-ish, and we travel to both wdw and dlr at least once a year. This year we'll be making a total of 7 (8 if we go this fall). So why do I need to pay 75$ to be an official fan? I think I am helping disney out quite a bit thank you very much.

Having said that...I do like the look of the red polo with the D23 on it so I might talk one of my sisters into joining and then use their number to get me that shirt we'll see

 

[got2travel]

This club does nothing for me. I'm not a collector, so maybe that's why. But they don't say it's the official collector's club, they say it's the official community for fans.

I will buy the first issue magazine, but at Barnes and Noble. I'm not paying the membership for privileges I will not use.

Bring back the Kingdom Club with park discounts and I'd probably pay $50-75 for it.

 

[tripletlyblessed]

I said it in the other thread, but i feel it bears repeating. I have a premium AP and my dh has a deluxe and in a month (when my girls turn 3) they'll have deluxe APs, too. That is $1465 for our family to visit (a lot, but we spend money when there, too) and D23 doesn't really offer anything for someone in my situation. I'm not dragging 3 yo triplets to the Expo nor am I going to pay a lot for babysitters. I don't do things on Friday nights and Saturdays so, the signing they have coming up is out, too. The Up showing seems fun, but I think I'd rather wait and go with a mom's group during the day with the kids instead of arranging sitters. I like a couple tees and the Plane Crazy pin but I'm sure they will show up on ebay soon.

That said, I would have joined if the Bambi dishes weren't melamine. I've been shopping for new dishes but we don't use plastic in the house.

I do hope it will be successful, but I think there are other inexpensive things Disney can do to boost sales.

 

[AmericanItGirl]

Even though you have to pay to be a member, I do appreciate that they are selling the mags at retail outlets and they are keeping the main D23 website free for those of us who don't want to shell out the money/don't want more "free" crap filling up our houses (if I bought the membership, the "free" gifts and the certificate would most likely get shoved somewhere and never see the light of day ever again).

 

[prncssmel]

I think the Disney website has a lot of magic and free fun things. This particular promotion offered a year's subscription to what has been described on other sites as almost a book from the quality of printing and the thickness. At $15 x4, that's $60 plus tx at the bookstore anyway. So for $15 more, there's some free perk (pin?) and the certificate, discounts on Expo, invite to Up, and the ability to buy exclusives.

Disney has collector events where you pay anywhere from $40-$185 and outside of snacks, the biggest draw is the ability to purchase limited edition collectibles (like the 09/09/09 event). So I can see that Disney exes must have thought how can we generate revenue by offering that kind of experience to people who can't afford (or don't want to) come all the way to one of the parks?

Attendance over the last year has been down in the parks due to the economy, so I think it was pretty smart of them to come up with this for the hard-core Disney collectors. By ordering yesterday, you got the official launch date on the shirts. That's the kind of thing that attracts adult collectors to spend their money on. And I really want Disney to succeed and not go the way of Circuit City or Albertsons or the next bank that closes.

What I wonder is what limit the site put on orders. By the evening, there were no large or xl left in the Mickey t-shirt! So there had to be a lot of interested parties...

It will be interesting to see what is offered next year and as someone suggested, whether they discount the renewals.

I think $75 is actually pretty cheap, considering the magazine cost is $60+. I think their target audience is collectors, which makes this actually a brilliant pr/marketing move. Plus, the Expo is much cheaper than I would have expected. $30/day is fantastic compared to the $100+ normally for merchandise events. I didn't join yesterday because I want to wait until after our trip next week; if I think I can make the convention this year, though, I will definitely join.

 

[Disney_Villain]

Tack on another $50 for shipping for us, as we are in Canada. We were disappointed. Its not as if we live in Australia - there is surface post from the USA to Canada.

I was bitterly disappointed to find out you have to pay $75 to join "the OFFICIAL Community for Disney fans".

 

[DizneyDogs]

I think $75 is actually pretty cheap, considering the magazine cost is $60+. I think their target audience is collectors, which makes this actually a brilliant pr/marketing move. Plus, the Expo is much cheaper than I would have expected. $30/day is fantastic compared to the $100+ normally for merchandise events. I didn't join yesterday because I want to wait until after our trip next week; if I think I can make the convention this year, though, I will definitely join.

Where did you find the info about the $30 a day price?

 

[Triz]

Where did you find the info about the $30 a day price?

its on the 23 website under expo.

 

[prncssmel]

its on the 23 website under expo.

Yup. It lists $30/day with the day free. $90 for a 4 day convention- sounds like a great deal to me. It is only $21 more if you aren't a member, but I am assuming they will be offering members only merchandise there. It also says tickets will go on sale this spring.

 

[fairycat]

I am so happy the magazine is going to be available at retail outlets!!!!! I am unsure if it's actually practical for me to join since I mostly just want this issue and might not care about future issues (Alice and the Suite are musts for me!!) I also doubt I will be able to make the convention this year and unless they bring in some specific character pieces I am not a big collecter of Park or Mickey pieces. So as of right now I think I have talked myself out of this deal.

 

[lntsmom]

with him! Pay $75 for the chance to buy more overpriced stuff from them? No thanks! I hope RU23 is greeted by resounding silence! Why would Disney think their average fan would want to pay that kind of money for bragging rights? As if anyone would say, "Wow...she's so lucky! She's a member of RU23!"

I saw this turn coming when they went down the "Pirate and Princess Party" road. "Hey! We can get people to pay EXTRA for stuff that we've been giving them for free for years! What else could we possible charge more for? The right to buy t-shirts and watches? SCORE!"

I wouldn't be surprised if the face going up on the Sunwheel is P.T. Barnum's instead of Mickey's. Yes, there is a sucker born every minute. Disney is counting on that to make this program a success!

 

[katy621]

I thought I read on another blog you can buy the magazine at Barnes and Noble? Is it true?

 

[julw]

I think it is a complete waste of $$. But, like someone posted, I am not their target audience I guess. We are AP holders and go to the parks about 4 times a year, but not into collectibles. I was so hoping it would have some park benefits/perks with it also, and then we would have considered joining. Oh well.

 

[nunzia]

I think it is OK for the price. The mags are neat and who knows what the future offers will (or won't) be? It's not like anyone is 'special' for joining, but the little perks might appeal to some. I joined, just because who knows..it may be great and I'd buy the mags anyway..at least at first. The future will tell if it's going to be a worthwhile on going thing. I also got the Walt sculpture because I'm a Walt fan and have been looking for a decent Walt thing. I'm not a 'big' collector, so this is prbably the only thing I'll ever buy.
Come on..everything Disney does is to generate money..no biggie there..
So yea..I joined and will wait and see if I'll like it enough to be a yearly thing when the time comes.

 

[prncssmel]

I think it is OK for the price. The mags are neat and who knows what the future offers will (or won't) be? It's not like anyone is 'special' for joining, but the little perks might appeal to some. I joined, just because who knows..it may be great and I'd buy the mags anyway..at least at first. The future will tell if it's going to be a worthwhile on going thing. I also got the Walt sculpture because I'm a Walt fan and have been looking for a decent Walt thing. I'm not a 'big' collector, so this is prbably the only thing I'll ever buy.
Come on..everything Disney does is to generate money..no biggie there..
So yea..I joined and will wait and see if I'll like it enough to be a yearly thing when the time comes.

Totally agree. I don't get why people are so upset by it. Maybe it's not what you wanted it to be, but I am sure they will have a ton of people join. And not because they are "suckers," but because they want exclusive merchandise. Disney is a business, and they found a good market to tap into. Seriously, if people will pay tens of thousands to eat in Club 33, $75 to get some merchandise seems very cheap.

 

[pycees312]

I think the Disney website has a lot of magic and free fun things. This particular promotion offered a year's subscription to what has been described on other sites as almost a book from the quality of printing and the thickness. At $15 x4, that's $60 plus tx at the bookstore anyway. So for $15 more, there's some free perk (pin?) and the certificate, discounts on Expo, invite to Up, and the ability to buy exclusives.

Disney has collector events where you pay anywhere from $40-$185 and outside of snacks, the biggest draw is the ability to purchase limited edition collectibles (like the 09/09/09 event). So I can see that Disney exes must have thought how can we generate revenue by offering that kind of experience to people who can't afford (or don't want to) come all the way to one of the parks?

Attendance over the last year has been down in the parks due to the economy, so I think it was pretty smart of them to come up with this for the hard-core Disney collectors. By ordering yesterday, you got the official launch date on the shirts. That's the kind of thing that attracts adult collectors to spend their money on. And I really want Disney to succeed and not go the way of Circuit City or Albertsons or the next bank that closes.

What I wonder is what limit the site put on orders. By the evening, there were no large or xl left in the Mickey t-shirt! So there had to be a lot of interested parties...

It will be interesting to see what is offered next year and as someone suggested, whether they discount the renewals.

I'm in Disneyland right now and D23 is popular beleive it or not. It's selling. I saw the magazine at the Disneyana shop and it is quality... i know some thought it may not be but from what i saw it was cool. I got some free pins today as well. I will get my subcription tomorrow when i get my birthday gift card. All in all i think if by next year i don't like it i won't renew however at the moment i'm all for it!

 

[austinosphere]

I was surprised that it was ONLY $75.

I thought it was priced right, although I'm not decided on signing up for it. I could buy 5 shares at that price! Well, nearly!

It is fun to be a fan of the Disney story, from start to present day.