Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a D23 Gold Member (2024)

Is the D23 Gold Membership worth the investment?(And is it worth it if I don’t live in CA or FL?) In short, YES! Disney Adulting joined D23 a year ago (and we live in Phoenix, AZ) and here are a few of the benefits and a few of the challenges you’ll want to know BEFORE you invest in a new Gold Membership or Gold Family Plan.

D23 Membership Common Q&A

However, before we dive into the details, let’s get some solid Q&A out of the way, shall we? Here are the answers to all the common questions we get on D23 Gold Membership:

What is D23?

D23 is The Official Disney Fan Club (established on March 10, 2009) and is the first-ever “official” club of its kind in the history of The Walt Disney Company. It was established to bring Disney fans closer to the “magic” through one-of-a-kind experiences, special events, unique merchandise offerings, quarterly publications, exclusive online content, and opportunities to meet others who share the same affection for Disney.

What does D23 stand for?

The “D” stands for Disney, and “23” represents 1923, the year that Walt Disney arrived in California and founded what was to ultimately become The Walt Disney Company.

Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a D23 Gold Member (2)

How do I become a D23 Member?

Visit the Membership Information page orshopDisney.com/D23and select a General, Gold, or Gold Family Membership level.

Is there a cost to become a D23 Member?

There are 3 levels of D23 Membership:

Can I become a D23 Member if I live outside the US?

Effective August 15, 2018, D23 will no longer be able to allow members outside of the United States to sign up, renew or upgrade.

D23 Gold Membership Benefits

On to the good stuff – there are many reasons why becoming a D23 Gold Member has its perks. Disney Adulting has enjoyed our membership over the last year along with some of the following benefits:

D23 Membership Website

This is our favorite perk! Seriously, there more packed into this website than you can even explore! A few of our favorite things include recipes, video interviews with Disney legends, insider exclusives and history from the Walt Disney Archives.

Gold Member Gift

Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a D23 Gold Member (3)

ID23 Gold Members are sent a welcome gift that’s unique and thoughtfully designed every year. For example, D23 Gold Members received the full collection chronicling the career of everyone’s favorite mouse in 2018. From Steamboat Willie to Shanghai Disneyland, Mickey’s tale is told through 23 milestone mementos, each beautifully reproduced under the supervision of the Walt Disney Archives.

D23 Expo Perks

Becoming a Gold Member comes with added perks (just as becoming an annual passholder or VISA cardholder) but these benefits are pretty spicy if you ask us. Only D23 members can purchase the VIP Sorcerer’s Package and membership will also get you early access to the D23 ticket sales news and updates. If D23 is on your bucket list, don’t do it without a D23 Gold Membership!

Discounts

Gold Members have discounts at places like the Disney Store, Ghirardelli’s, ESPN Zone, House of Blues, UVA Bar, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, and the Walt Disney Family Museum to name only a few. Discounts are always being updated and added, so it’s key to check the membership website often.

Disney Twenty-Three Quarterly Publication

Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a D23 Gold Member (4)

If you follow Disney Adulting on Instagram, then you’ve likely seen us posting some of these issues – but they are so-much-more than a magazine! Gold membership gets you a 1-year subscription (four issues) to the award-winning Disney twenty-three publication. Each one is filled with stunning photography, dazzling illustrations, and Disney insider perspectives. They are literally pretty enough to frame and hang on your wall. (Heck, we did it!)

Exclusive Gold Membership Events

Disney fans are everywhere, and so are D23 events! Over the past few years, D23 has held events in Boston, Chicago, New York City, Newark, Miami, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C. Because of the rich Disney history in Florida and California, many events are held in these states as well. There are so many great opportunities and while they do cost more money (no way to avoid this one), they are worth it if you can go. We attended several events hosted in Phoenix (including a few movie premieres) and love the D23 community of Gold Members you’ll meet when you attend.

D23 Gold Membership Challenges

There are a few things to note about becoming a D23 Gold Member, however, we feel that the benefits are far greater than any challenges, it’s always good to know about them before you make the investment. So, here’s a few things you should know:

Events Often Location Specific

If you don’t travel to CA or FL often, then yes, you’ll miss out on many of the amazing events that D23 has to offer. Granted, these are location specific such as backlot tours and simply can’t be replicated outside of the location. If you live outside of CA or FL (or in a very remote location), then you might want to review the event calendar before joining to see what’s located in your area. Disney Adulting is located in Phoenix, AZ and travels to the parks multiple times a year, therefore, we were able to take advantage of events locally as well as at the parks. Research first so you aren’t disappointed.

Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a D23 Gold Member (5)

Investment Required

While the D23 General Membership is free, you won’t have access to all the perks allotted to Gold Members. The investment that D23 Gold Members pay might seem like a big leap, but if you take advantage of the perks and discounts, it’s certainly well worth it.

Event Tickets Not Always Free

There are some events that are free (movie screenings we attended) but most of the D23 Gold Member events will have an additional ticket cost. If this additional investment bothers you, it might not be worth it, but to us the cost is excellent since you’ll get access to a Disney experience that no one outside of that event will be invited to participate in – like 1:1 time with Disney legends.

Is D23 Gold Membership Worth It?

You can do the research and decide for yourself, but I can happily tell you that Disney Adulting just renewed our Gold Membership for another year!

Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a D23 Gold Member (2024)

FAQs

Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a D23 Gold Member? ›

Accordingly, you must be at least 18 years old to purchase an individual D23 Gold Membership for yourself or as a gift for another person (who also must be at least 18 years old), to purchase a D23 Gold Duo Plan for yourself, as the primary member, and a second person, as the affiliate member (who must also be at least ...

What does a D23 Gold membership get you? ›

Get More Disney With D23 Gold Membership

Enjoy exclusive discounts and access to special events and merch. Also includes our quarterly publication and annual Collector Set. All discounts subject to change and/or cancellation without notice.

How long does D23 gold membership last? ›

Note: this 1-Year Plan will need to be manually renewed every year to continue your Gold Member benefits. You have 30 days prior to your membership expiration date to renew your membership without a lapse in benefits.

Is D23 Gold Duo worth it? ›

Gold Membership, Duo ($129.99/year + shipping and handling) includes two personalized D23 Gold Member cards and certificates, access to D23 events of your choice for two people (subject to availability; they go fast!), exclusive discounts, including D3 Expo ticket discounts, and 10% off Shop Disney orders over $50, a ...

Do D23 members get park discounts? ›

D23 is the official Disney Fan Club that offers paid Gold and free memberships. Perks include discounts at Walt Disney World & Disneyland, access to special events including D23 Expo tickets, an annual gift, and more.

How much does D23 cost per year? ›

Please see the D23 website (D23.com) (“D23 Website”) for more information, found here . The membership enrollment fees for the Program are US $99.99/year for a Gold Membership Individual Plan or US $129.99/year for a Gold Membership Duo Plan, plus shipping/handling and applicable taxes.

How much are D23 tickets in 2024? ›

2024 D23 Ticket Pricing. D23 Ultimate Fan Pass 3-Day Ticket includes a 3-day assigned seat for evening shows at the Honda Center and 3-day access to all experiences at the Anaheim Convention Center—starting at $297/ticket.

Is D23 every two years? ›

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also known as Disney D23 or simply D23, is the official fan club for The Walt Disney Company. Founded in 2009, the organization is known mainly for its biennial exposition event, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event (previously known as the D23 Expo).

How many hours is D23? ›

Anaheim Convention Center show hours for all guests are 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. For the safety of all guests, there will be security screening at all event entrances—including bag check and metal detection.

Is D23 only one day? ›

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is finally here! This year, the event will feature three days of marquee showcases and presentations, an expanded show floor with the latest from Disney brands and partners, increased shopping opportunities, and a week-long celebration of Disney fandom leading up to the event.

Can you bring water to D23? ›

However, this year, no food of any kind was allowed unless you had dietary needs that required you bring your own food. And although the D23 app stated that the convention center policy only allowed empty bottles into the convention center, water was allowed.

Do celebrities go to D23? ›

This weekend, various celebrities are descending upon Anaheim, California, to celebrate D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, where "all the worlds of Disney, including Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more, will come together and provide the ultimate fans a weekend full of presentations, panels, experiences, performances, ...

What to expect from Disney D23? ›

D23 Expo presents three full days of “inside-the-magic” experiences you won't find anywhere else, including exclusive sneak peeks at upcoming films from The Walt Disney Studios, dazzling celebrity appearances, unforgettable presentations given by Disney luminaries, a look at what's coming from Disney Parks and Resorts ...

Does D23 include Disney plus? ›

Get access to exclusive D23 events, offers, and discounts when your active Disney+ subscription is linked to your D23 Membership. Select an option below for more details about linking your account with your subscription: Disney+ subscription and D23 Membership with the same email address.

Is D23 owned by Disney? ›

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also known as Disney D23 or simply D23, is The Walt Disney Company's official fan club.

Do Disney employees get free park admission? ›

Theme Park Experiences

Complimentary theme park admission for full-time and part-time positions after two weeks of employment.

What is the difference between D23 and destination D23? ›

Every two years D23 has an expo that takes place in California. “Destination D23” is the smaller D23 expo that happens the year between D23 expos at a Walt Disney World Resort. This one is smaller and limited to roughly 3,000 or so guests and caters more towards park news and around a certain theme.

How do you get into Club 33? ›

How to Join Disneyland Club 33
  1. Paying for Membership.
  2. Dining with a Corporate Pass.
  3. Using a Member's Pass.
  4. Experiencing Other Disney Magic.

How much do D23 Expo tickets cost? ›

The ticket tiers present a dizzying array of price points and options, starting at $79 for a single-day entry and running to $2,599 for the 3-Day Ultimate Preferred Pass with premium seating.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Greg Kuvalis

Last Updated:

Views: 5866

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg Kuvalis

Birthday: 1996-12-20

Address: 53157 Trantow Inlet, Townemouth, FL 92564-0267

Phone: +68218650356656

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Knitting, Amateur radio, Skiing, Running, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.