Is D23 worth it?

[mrsfascinating]

I have been kicking around the idea of joining since it started, but haven't yet. Now the holidays are coming and I don't have alot of other ideas so I thought of telling my parents to get me this membership. So those who are members or were members do you feel you get your moneies worth even if you can't attend meetings? What kind of thing do you get quarterly with the magazine?

 

[DeeCee735]

I just joined and I'm wondering the same thing, will it be worth it? I most likely will not be able to attend any of the events, and I haven't yet received my packet (and watch . I decided to give it a try, see if I like it...

 

[CMOORE185]

It seems that the majority of events and discounts are on the west coast.

 

[Rob S.]

I joined just to be able to attend some of the events. I do not get the magazine. I went the the WDW 40th anniversary celebration in May this year. The concert by Richard Sherman on the final night was well worth what I paid. I'm also really looking forward to the Magic & Merriment event this year in December. It includes a tour of the Cinderella Castle Dream Suite.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

I really do enjoy the magazines. They're very high quality, and have become coffee table books in our house.

If you put them on your Christmas list, be sure to include the DVC Member discount code for Santa so he doesn't have to pay full price for the membership.

 

[JWG]

I'm a charter member and other than holding that less than valuable claim, I'm not sure it is worth it. The magazine is very well done. Best of the 3 we get (AP, DVC and D23). That being said, we don't get anything else out of it. We don't live near the parks so events are a no can do, we book our travel 6 or more months out, usually 10 or more, so special events aren't possible.

Wish theyndid more form those of us who can't stop by a park on a whim.

 

[barbarabee]

I've been a member from the beginning, and I love the magazine. Plus getting an extra treat with each issue is always fun and unexpected. I've attended both D23 expos, and while there was plenty to complain about, they were both worth attending and I'd go again.

I'm looking forward to going to the Magic and Merriment at WDW this year. It just happened to correspond with an already scheduled vacation, but it sounds very cool.

It's not that much money to join (the price of half a dozen pins), and while it may not offer that much in benefits, I think it is a nice little disney extra.

 

[kurlyred]

I, too, am a charter member. I have seen the benefits dwindle. I LOVE my magazines, though, so I will continue to be a D23 member. In my book, they alone, are worth the price!

 

[Brian Noble]

It's not "worth it" in any traditional sense of the word. It's a quarterly magazine, for which subscribers pay an extra 20-25% over newsstand price, but in exchange get a little tchotchke or two with each issue. There are some events, but the vast majority of D23 members probably do not take advantage of them. I know I haven't even considered one seriously.

That said, I do enjoy the magazine, and the token gifts are often cute and bring a smile to my face. For $75ish, it's not a bad little luxury.

 

[wvulion]

I've really enjoyed the membership, and the little gifts that come with it. I think the magazine is well written and researched and gives you that "something extra" that DVC doesn't. That said, use the discount to join and go through "Goodshop" at "Goodsearch" and your favorite charity will get a little kickback for Christmas!

 

[wildernessDad]

I am a charter member and I keep renewing my membership every year because I am a charter member.

If D23 planned their events with a long enough lead time, then it might be worth it. But with 11 month vacation reservations, the D23 membership comes up short imo.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

We are also Charter members, but I would probably not stay a member if I could never go to an event. We live about 4 hours from Anaheim, and have been able attend both Expos, Destination D at DL, Destination D at WDW, Magic & Merriment at WDW and a tour of the Disney Studios.

D23 is getting better at giving longer lead times and adding capacity to make booking easier. Last year M&M sold out in about a nanosecond but they added a second date this year and I heard tickets were easy to get. -- Suzanne

 

[3 Hobbits 2 Disney]

We joined D23 last year because there was an art piece that we wanted to buy. We enjoyed the magazines, but living in NoVa we could not attend any of the events (which made us sad) and the web site is not that well organized. We decided not to renew this year because we haven't seen the value.

If things were to change (member benefits, discounts, etc.) we would consider rejoining.

 

[Dizny Dad]

I am a charter member and I keep renewing my membership every year because I am a charter member.

If D23 planned their events with a long enough lead time, then it might be worth it. But with 11 month vacation reservations, the D23 membership comes up short imo.

Right there with you, Dad.

 

[nunzia]

I'm a charter 1st day member and will stay a member as long as there is a D23..I live 12 hours away from DLR and since I don't like to fly, a world away from WDW. I've been to both Expos and Destination D Disneyland and they have all been great experiences. I'd love to do some of the smaller events and maybe one day I can. The magazine is really gorgeous and I love the little extras. No complaints from me

 

[karrit2000]

I am a charter member and I keep renewing my membership every year because I am a charter member.

If D23 planned their events with a long enough lead time, then it might be worth it. But with 11 month vacation reservations, the D23 membership comes up short imo.

I totally agree with you. I have been able to attend some of the WDW events and both Expos in CA but other than Magic & Merriment last year I haven't been impressed with how D23 runs either their events or their "club". Disneyana was so much better organized and run by the WDW special events team.