I was a D23 Charter Member and always will be. I have not renewed my membership, however. There are several reasons for this, but it mostly boils down to a simple lack of what's in it for me.
The best thing, by far, is the quarterly subscription to the D23 magazine that comes with a membership. The magazine is gorgeous and full of useful and interesting information, but it isn't something that I have to own. It's not the type of magazine I want to keep as a piece of memorabilia, and I can get all of the information out of it that I'll ever need by flipping through it at the bookstore. While it is a wonderful magazine, it really isn't worth purchasing.
Another huge feature of being a D23 member is having access to a ton of "special events" all about Disney. Well, these events might be nice, but, living in Golden, Colorado, I wouldn't know. I make it to California once a year for my annual trip to Disneyland, but that's it. If you don't live near Anaheim or New York, there are virtually no D23 events open to you, unless you are willing to pay 2 memberships' worth for a plane ticket.
Now, I will concede that the D23 Expo is a special special event, but it's still not worth the membership+plane tickets+a hotel room. The expo might be that great in 5-10 years, but they're still working out the kinks. The expo will constantly improve, and I'd be a fool to go this early (although there are some really great seminars and things...but it's just too much money).
The one thing that had me on the fence were the nice little pieces of Disney memorabilia that D23 sent out. Not because they had to, but because they wanted to. I loved getting them--the Matterhorn patch, the Christmas card reprint, etc. Those were great, but I figured I could pick one up on eBay if they sent out something really great. Nevertheless, it really was a nice touch that made being a part of D23 a bit more special and exclusive.
So, I am no longer a member of D23. If I move to California and become closer to these events they offer, or if they make the magazine twice as long, I'll consider rejoining the ranks of D23, but, for now, I'm staying out of it.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Why I'm Not Renewing My D23 Membership
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
That pretty much sums up my feelings as well. And I live in California. If another event comes along that is spectacular, I figure I could just buy my membership, get the number, and spend away. All of the discounts are equal to those for Annual Passholders. Although the Expo had its moments, I am not sure we will see another one.
I live only about an hour and a half away from Disney World; the reason I joined D23 was because I figured I would be able to attend some of the many events that they would surely have there. Yeah, no. Basically they consisted of a special viewing event for IllumiNations, and a $200 backstage Christmas tour, that sold out so quickly even if I could afford it I couldn't have made it. Not only am I not renewing my membership, I am downright pissed at it.
A great deal of effective info for me!
I agree with the above. I am a charter member and have renewed until not but I decided to stop. I live 10 minutes from Disney World but only could go to one event because of the price. I love the gifts but that no longer seems to be enough. There does not even seem to be basic perks because I have said to Disney World Employees that I am a member and the response usually is what is that. Not exactly a big deal if the park employees do not recognize it (especially laughed when I got that response from an employee standing under a sign that says "D23Presents!). I may rejoin again in the future but for now I would rather spend the fee on going to the park.
Post a Comment