D23

[ocean134]

I'm not sure if a thread exists for D23, however, I am curious to hear from people who are members whether this is a membership worth having.

I think for the cost of membership, there should be more perks included, for example - discounts are WDW stores, restaurants, etc.

I appreciate any thoughts the D23 members can share.

 

[BradyBz12]

The magazines are terrific, but I've not been impressed with the amount of "stuff" offered to on this coast. Most of the events and discounts seem to apply to DL only. They've been adding a few more events at WDW, but still not many.

I'm on the fence about renewing this year. I might just buy the magazine.

 

[selina4disney]

I like the magazine, but as for perks, there aren't any really, more like it is an opportunity to give Disney more $$$ and they label whatever you paid more money for as exclusive...the only event we could have attended was nearly $200 each and was sold out before we even heard about it (Disney seems to only remember my email address when I book a trip. They never have sent any of the passholder emails or anything else I should have gotten).

And of course they constantly have special D23 merchandise you can buy from the Disney Store, but that's not really a perk to me...I have seen no discounts on merchandise or anything like that you would think they'd offer. Therefore when my membership runs out in September, I am not renewing. Maybe if I lived closer to DL (where most events seem to take place) I would, but I am about 1500 miles from both DL and WDW, so it is a major expense for airfare and hotel to go there, plus whatever the event would cost (and so far they've not been cheap.)

So personally for me...no, it wasn't worth it.

 

[ocean134]

Thank you both for your responses. You confirmed my thoughts. I noticed that the shopping discounts were only offered in DL...I assumed that WDW would be included too. It makes sense to me and I wonder if/when WDW shops and restaurants will be included.

I will continue to check in on the program to see if it gets better. In my opinion, it seems that members (not close to DL) are paying $75.00 a year to receive 4 magazine issues. Not good enough.

Sounds like the events' e-mails are not very timely. I live on the east coast and noticed that most of the events are taking place in CA. I don't think I would pay for the D23 conference and a hotel room and plane tickets. What's the point really?

I wasn't hyped up about this club when it was introduced and I am still confused as to its purpose. Very interesting to note that you may not renew your subscription.

Thanks for your insight!

 

[nytimez]

I look at it as an opportunity to pay money for the option to spend more money! I haven't joined, I think D23 is one more example of the company trying to soak its most loyal fans.

 

[ocean134]

I look at it as an opportunity to pay money for the option to spend more money! I haven't joined, I think D23 is one more example of the company trying to soak its most loyal fans.

Yup, agreed. I am really disappointed in the perks to the program. Disney can do better than that. We all know it!

 

[LilGMom]

I joined the first year but didn't renew this year. While I really enjoyed the magazines and would say that they are more like coffee table books as opposed to a regular magazine there really don't seem to be any other perks, especially for East Coast people. Most of the events have been at DL and even though they have had a few more at WDW recently they haven't been at times when we'd be heading to WDW nor is a lot of notice given prior to the events. Not to mention the cost of some of the D23 events - yowzers. If being a D23 member offered discounts on dining, special parking spots (like the AAA spots), complimentary rain poncho, or some extra little goodie for WDW visitors regardless of when you are in WDW than maybe I would have renewed my membership.

 

[disney_mommy]

I was a member charter year and will not be renewing. Great magazine, but just not worth it to me.

 

[laughinplace2]

If you live on the East Coast, DON'T get it...that's my opinion. I bought it and have not used it once. I do love the magazine but its just not worth it. Every perk they give is for Disneyland, with the exception of maybe one thing the entire year so far. We definitely should get some kind of discount on Disneystore.com or in the parks...SOMETHING. haha sorry, just had to vent. I will not be renewing. I am a diehard Disney fan but I agree with the posters above that this is truly an example of Disney just ripping of its most loyal fans. I'd rather just put the 80 dollars towards my next WDW trip.

 

[selina4disney]

I think there will be a lot of us that don't fork over the cash for a second year. Disney may be surprised how many current subscribers do not renew.

 

[ChocoKat]

I am a charter member and I am due to renew in November... I haven't been able to attend any of the big events on the East coast due to schedule or prize, I thought of attending the first year anniversary, I was just a day shy of going, but I couldn't get myself to fork so much cash for the party. After I saw how many more stars and cool stuff they had at the same party in the West Coast I was glad I didn't do it.

As a passholder I get invites to cool events that are actually free and more frequent at WDW than as a D23 member. I can buy the magazines from Borders, so I am really having a hard time thinking I will be renewing.

I can get better discounts at shops with my AP than the D23 card most of the time anyway, so I really don't see the point of having both.

 

[Micca]

DDs gave me a subscription last year for my birthday and I've enjoyed the magazine. That said, I too am more east than west, and while I'd love to fly to DLR for some events, it isn't too feasible. The other thing is that I'm a long-time Disney fan and have quite a lot of "paper" material. I don't feel like I really need anymore, nice as it may be.

 

[luvthemouse71]

I think there will be a lot of us that don't fork over the cash for a second year. Disney may be surprised how many current subscribers do not renew.

I agree, I didn't renew mine..I was shocked by the fact that there is almost zero benefit. I was also one of the ones championing D23 when it first came out. I even brought my card last trip, thinking that they'd have at least something for members in the parks..

 

[selina4disney]

I agree, I didn't renew mine..I was shocked by the fact that there is almost zero benefit. I was also one of the ones championing D23 when it first came out. I even brought my card last trip, thinking that they'd have at least something for members in the parks..

I took my card too! I was very surprised there weren't benefits in the parks, especially since before they finally announced it you couldn't turn around on Disney property without bumping into one of those "Are you 23?" signs!

 

[Tinkerbell58]

I'm not sure if a thread exists for D23, however, I am curious to hear from people who are members whether this is a membership worth having.

I think for the cost of membership, there should be more perks included, for example - discounts are WDW stores, restaurants, etc.

I appreciate any thoughts the D23 members can share.

Thanks for starting this thread. I, too, was curious if D23 was worth the price. They are offering DVC members a discount on membership if we sign up before September 30. But, based on these reponses, I think I'll pass.

 

[connie1042]

If I can not get tickets to Magic and Merriment this year, I will not join again. There should be somewhere in WDW that members could go to relax, maybe get a bottle of water. We should get discounts. If I do get a ticket for M & M, I will go, then not renew next year. So I guess either way, I am done.

 

[mjbradeis]

I also was a Charter Member and felt it was a waste, and did not renew.

 

[Atchley]

I will not be renewing. My husband and kids bought me a membership for Christmas last year. I bought each of my kids a gift membership for Easter. (silver membership) There are absolutely no benefits of having this card. I like how they say that they cannot replace lost or stolen cards. Big Deal. I can't hop a plane to California during one of the events. I am in WDW every year, but there are little to no perks there. Not that there are many perks on the west coast either.
I'll save my money this year and put it towards my DVC. They offer discounts.

 

[brandip22]

My DH got me a membership last year for my BD. I did not renew this year. I also think it was a waste and quite expensive for just some magazines and a card that does nothing! lol I so wish they'd come out with something like they had year back- I can't remember the name of it now, but I know I had some type of membership where I got extra discount and perks. That's been a LONG time, though!

 

[Mitzicat]

I am a charter member and I did renew with the hopes of something coming out. And I agree with the lack of benefits and East Coast events.

I wonder if folks sent a note to D23 if they would listen to us about the lack of stuff for East Coasters! Would it hurt them to give us a discount in the shops or one of the other posters stated a special area where we could get a bottle of water or relax for a little bit.