D23, That's Just Dumb, Disney--Motley Fool

[The Interpreter]

http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2009...umb-disney.aspx

[Avatar]

I would agree too but the author of the article left out the biggest perk which if added up in full retail price would cost $63.96. So that would make the club and the benefits he listed to cost only $11.04 plus a undisclosed surprise gift at some point. Many are talking about the cost and membership, but i wish published reports would check their facts better as this makes me doubt future articles from them.

[CedarPointer]

That's an... odd... move...

[XGatorHead 8904]

I just got an email yesterday about D23, but didn't read it until I saw this. It sounded good, until I saw the price at the very end of the email. I agree with the Motley Fool author. As a Disney fan, I'd sign up if it was free, or maybe even under $20. But $74.99 is too much for:

a one-year subscription to "Disney twenty-three," a surprise gift from the Walt Disney Archives Collection, a personalized Membership certificate and card, access to exclusive D23 merchandise and special-event opportunities, and a discount and early admission to the D23 Expo.

Here is the link to the article that was linked in the email I received: http://disney.go.com/inside/mainattraction/090311/index.html

[RailRider]

I received the same email and deleted the same email once I saw the price as well.

[DeLorean Rider]

Alright just because some article says that this is a stupid idea doesn't mean it's true. Apparently nobody on here is an avid Disney fan. Well believe me there are plenty out there.

Time to start getting some facts straight. First of all just so we're clear, the magazine that is included with membership is quartly and cost's ~$16 to purchase at Barns and Noble. Multiply that by 4 and you'll see where most of your membership goes. However to use the word magazine is a severe understatement, it's more of a book.

Did we have to start this topic with an article that was so incredibly bias? We couldn't start with one that actually stated the facts with an objective opinion?

HERE are the real facts:

A one-year D23 membership ($74.99) includes:

• Disney twenty-three quarterly publication: A one-year subscription (four issues) to D23’s new collectible magazine filled with stunning photography, dazzling illustrations and the ultimate Disney insider perspective. This advertising-free keepsake is the all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney’s past, present and future.

• Membership Certificate and Card: The D23 membership card and suitable-forframing member certificate – both specially created for D23’s Charter Year -- feature many of Disney’s most beloved characters.

• Surprise Collectible Gift and Member Merchandise: Each member who joins D23 will receive an exclusive collectible gift from the new Walt Disney Archives Collection. This merchandise line was created specifically with D23 members in mind, and each piece is authorized by the Walt Disney Archives. D23 members will have exclusive or early access to a wide assortment of Walt Disney Archives Collection pieces.

• D23 Expo and Member Special Events: The D23 Expo – to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center from September 10-13, 2009 -- will be “The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience,” featuring incredible speakers, celebrity appearances, breathtaking exhibitions, interactive experiences, sneak peeks, film screenings, one-of-a-kind merchandise, and much more. All Disney fans are welcome, but D23 members will receive a discount on Expo admissions and early access to the show daily. D23 also offers unique members-only special event opportunities throughout the year.

• Disney.com/D23: All fans can stay connected to Disney every day through D23’s new Web site, featuring up-to-the-minute Disney news, feature stories, event info and more, but only D23 members will receive regular email updates on special event and merchandise opportunities exclusive to them.

Disney twenty-three quarterly publication Disney today launches its new quarterly publication Disney twenty-three, a hybrid entertainment and lifestyle magazine that is the all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney’s past, present and future. Its name pays homage to 1923, the year The Walt Disney Company was founded.

The premiere issue of Disney twenty-three includes exclusive features such as:

• Interviews with Tim Burton, Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens

• Inside look at the new Disney/Pixar animated film Up, featuring interviews with Director Pete Docter and Producer Jonas Rivera, concept and production art, and a look at the new animated short Partly Cloudy.

• A rare look inside Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California. Meet the Pixar team and learn the secrets behind the success of their films.

• The doors open for two of the most exclusive, magical suites in the world: the Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Dream Suite overlooking New Orleans Square and the Rivers of America at the Disneyland Resort.

Disney twenty-three’s regular featured departments include:

• A Walk with Walt: A look back at the trials and triumphs of the man who made dreams come true and whose imagination started it all.

• D Society: From gala movie premieres and grand openings to candid Disney moments and memories, D Society takes readers backstage and onto the red carpet.

• PHOTOfiles: The legendary Walt Disney Archives Photo Library houses millions of Disney’s most cherished photographic memories, and the Archives team shares its Top 100, five in every issue. Let the countdown begin!

• Where in D?: Try to identify where in the world of Disney each issue’s mystery photo was taken.

• The Funny Pages: For the first time in decades, enjoy the vintage newspaper comic strips that helped make many of Disney’s most popular characters famous.

• Making Magic: Crafts for children of all ages, inspired by Disney’s favorite stories and experiences.

• Recipes from Disney’s most popular restaurants and eateries, past and present. Disney twenty-three subscriptions are available only by becoming a member of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans. Individual issues of Disney twenty-three retail for $15.95 and are available exclusively at all U.S. Barnes & Noble booksellers, all domestic Disney Stores, Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, and Disneyshopping.com.

DISNEY.COM/D23

The D23 site on Disney.com will serve as the premier online destination for Disney fans, highlighted by breaking Disney news, exclusive feature stories, blogs, historical

retrospectives, a collectibles boutique, special event information, and other content. The D23 online experience includes News & Features, Walt Disney Archives, Disney twentythree, Expo & Events, and Boutique23.

Highlights include:

NEWS & FEATURES

• Late-breaking news, press releases, and photos of interest to fans from every part of Disney.

• “Twilight Bark” – inspired by the Disney animated feature 101 Dalmatians – offers up the latest tidbits and news “bites” from all around the world of Disney.

• Feature articles and interviews on current Disney topics from theme parks and animation to television and motion pictures, as well as historical retrospectives.

• Official Disney Bloggers – Get regular updates on films in production at Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, current Walt Disney Imagineering projects, and the Walt Disney Archives.

WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES

• “This Day in Disney” – A daily walk down memory lane.

• “What’s Old Is News” – Go back in time and enjoy rare, vintage and classic articles, stories, interviews, press materials and other highlights from deep within the Disney Archives.

• “Ask Dave” – Disney Legend and Chief Archivist Dave Smith answers your questions about Disney history.

• “Archives Library” – helpful Disney reference tools including biographies, filmographies, award chronologies, Disney A to Z updates, historical profiles and other archival information.

DISNEY TWENTY-THREE

• The online home of Disney twenty-three, D23’s quarterly publication.

• Expanded stories, interviews and imagery.

• “D Society: Online Edition” – regularly updated photo gallery.

• “The Funny Page: Daily Edition” – a delightful daily dose of vintage Disney comics that haven’t been seen outside the Disney Archives in decades.

• “Making Magic” – An archive of the unique crafts featured in Disney twentythree.

• “Disney Dish” – Always be able to find your favorite recipes from Disney twentythree.

EXPO & EVENTS

• “D23 Expo” – The official Web site for everything you need to know about “The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience” September 10–13, at the Anaheim Convention Center, including programming, show hours, celebrity appearances, keynote speakers, ticket information, vacation packages, and more.

• “D23 Member Special Events” – Throughout the year, D23 hosts special events created just for its members. Members can find out which ones they want to attend and how to register.

BOUTIQUE 23

• D23 merchandise and collectibles, including D23 member-only offerings from the Walt Disney Archives Collection

• Hosted by Disneyshopping.com

D23 membership

D23 membership is not required to visit Disney.com/D23, but some merchandise and special event opportunities are exclusive to D23 members.

Fans can join D23 at www.Disney.com/D23, all Disney Store locations within the United States, select shops at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, and

www.DisneyShopping.com/D23.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. Through the years, Disney has captured the imagination of millions around the world, and, as requested by Disney fans everywhere, D23 gives them a greater, richer

http://wdwmagic.com/Other/D23/News/10Mar20...the-details.htm

http://d23.disney.go.com/index.html?int_cm...hmpg_0310__Intl

Now to put this in perspective, ACE is $50 a year and how much has ACE done for you lately besides send you magazines and loose your walkback? I've attended more than my share of ACE events and never found the price overly justifyable.

I'm not going to lie, being able to experience the Disney Archives is one of my all time greatest dreams. So we're clear the Disney Archives are NOT open to the public. This is the first time Disney has opened the Archives to a select group.

[marlfox_21]

Too much for Disney Junkies? What? Has the writer actually met some of these people?

[Avatar]

I am going to offer another over looked Reason why this may be a great deal to Disney fans and to Disney Corporation. Stay with me though.

I think Cedar Fair and individual Parks would find a lot of interest if they offered some gimmick knickknacks, special park opportunities, exclusive merchandise and Inside information from a variety of sources and subjects, all for $11.00 per year. That is in essence what Disney is offering and what a lot of Disney fans have been begging for. A quick Google search will show ones how many dedicated sites and forums there is out there and the age and demographic groups is one that spends a lot not even counting the thousands and thousands who have bought time share vacations from Disney. In short Disney as a huge audience who is begging for more and want to be a part of it in some way. Disney has just started to put out a quarterly magazine which is offered to the general public through their stores as well as local community book stores. It is a well done magazine which offers a lot of information and some breath taking pictures and the ones who have one say it is more like a coffee table book than an magazine. We all know to keep something like that coming out quarterly they will need a base of subscribers. Well this is where Disney may be onto something because they are offering a fan club type membership which includes this new venture for them, which in turn will help that magazine to build membership to sustain itself. Most Disney fans stay on site and frequent the parks often and will look at the whole package of benefits to see if it fits their desires but most would be able to afford to fork over their $75.00 and many will do it just for the bragging rights.

This actually may be a great thing for Disney and unlike the author I did not need to leave out perks to get my point across.

DeLorean Rider – Don't be fooled there are a lot of Disney Fans on here, your not alone.

[XGatorHead 8904]

Then call me a casual Disney fan, rather than an avid one. I love the parks, I love the movies, but at the same time I don't feel the need for me to spend $74.99 for this (or $50 for ACE for that matter). As far as the Motley Fool article being biased, it sure is, you can tell just from the title. But that's why I also posted the link to the Disney article I received by email, to give both sides of the story and let people decide for themselves. There will be plenty of people who will go for this (some of the other websites I frequent are full of them)... I'm just not one of them.

[RailRider]

I enjoy Disney, but I also enjoy amusement parks and coasters as well. Never have I had the urge to pay for an ACE membership, not worth the money and I dont see the benefit to spending $75 for a quarterly publication and a discount admission to the expo. I guess I just dont live the Disney Lifestyle.

[Avatar]

You guys are right gosh I have not joined either and it is not for everybody but I do know my way around the Disney sites enough to know they will have more than enough members to call it a success. Kings Island does not need ace like Disney will not need Club 23 but unlike Kings Island Disney will be able to control and make some money from it's fan group.

[CedarPointer]

Anything Disney does will be successful. Just look at High School Musical... being successful ≠ being good.

[gigacoaster2k]

I'm guessing I won't be seeing any of you at CoasterMania! or Holiwood Nights then.

Angie, who recently joined ACE only for the coaster events (and the purty calendar up on her wall which I got for Christmas after I "accidentally" left the order form on the dining room table .. this month's rollie is the almighty Goliath!).

[DeLorean Rider]

I enjoy Disney, but I also enjoy amusement parks and coasters as well. Never have I had the urge to pay for an ACE membership, not worth the money and I dont see the benefit to spending $75 for a quarterly publication and a discount admission to the expo. I guess I just dont live the Disney Lifestyle.

Well then D23 is not meant for you.

Anybody try working at Disney World and you'll quickly see exactly who D23 is geared toward. You'll met more obsessed guests and cast members than you could ever have dreamed.

D23 is not for those people that go to Disney World just to ride Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Expedition Everest, and Rock n' Roller coaster.

D23 is for the people that when they go to the Hollywood Studios, they spend 2 hours in One Man's Dream and stay for the movie afterward. D23 is for the people that understand every subtle refrence in the Jungle Cruise Queue Loop. D23 is for people that know, that at Disneyland in New Orleans Square, when you go into the telegraph office, the Morse Code loop that you hear, is Walt Disney's opening day loop. They can tell you exactly where the one piece that makes the right mosaic going into the land pavillion different than the one the left. They can show you where the footers are for the monorail to run to the Hollywood Studios. Outside of the parks, D23 is for those people that own every Disney Treasures Album. For those people that know that NO Steamboat Willie was NOT the first Mickey Mouse cartoon but rather Plane Crazy was; Steamboat Willie was the third. For people that know that Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901 even though his birth certificate says December 5, 1900. For people that want to go to the Disney Archives so badly, because they want to see the books used in the opening scenes of movies like Snow White.

These are not your average park goers. Not your average amusement park enthusiasts. What Disney has is something that VERY few companys in the world have, Tradition, History, etc. Many people enjoy it world wide. D23 is definitely going to take off.

[XGatorHead 8904]

I'm guessing I won't be seeing any of you at CoasterMania! or Holiwood Nights then.

Angie, who recently joined ACE only for the coaster events (and the purty calendar up on her wall which I got for Christmas after I "accidentally" left the order form on the dining room table .. this month's rollie is the almighty Goliath!).

I have that same ACE calendar hanging up here at work...but I just went to ACE's website to print off the order form and didn't join. This was only after the coaster calendar I've gotten for the past two years from ecoolsites.com was sold out. I always wait until January 1st or 2nd to get calendars, 2007 & 08 I was able to find the calendar in stores but not this year, and they were sold out on their website by that time too. So, hence the ACE calendar... the only time I've given money to them.

[jzarley]

^^ I have to agree with DeLorean Rider. To a hardcore Disney-phile, $75 to feel like you have a special piece of the "magic" is nothing.

To disagree with the Motley Fool's point (which I don't think I ever have before! ), Disney may not have grandiose expectations for signing up millions of people of this program...it may be perfectly profitable and acceptable to them to sign up a few thousand hard core fans and leave it at that. It's not like this program represents a big financial investment for them...the main benefit is a quarterly magazine that was already being published anyway.

[The Interpreter]

ACE isn't $50 a year.

Hasn't been for quite some time now.