D23 was introduced in 2009 as Disney’s official fan club. Membership comes with a year gift, and can be renewed yearly.
“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.”
2009 – Charter Year for D23
Gold Membership was $74.99. The 2009 D23 Charter Membership included “a one year subscription to the stunning quarterly publication Disney twenty three (which has a retail cover price of $15.95 an issue); a personalized membership card and certificate; access to special merchandise; and the chance to take part in amazing Disney events and experiences available only to D23 members. In addition, D23 members receive the bi-weekly D23 FanFare e-newsletter, as well as a special gift from the Walt Disney Archives Collection—a limited edition lithograph of Mickey Mouse’s 80th anniversary portrait.”
Artist Paul Felix focused on Mickey’s global reach, showing him as playfully painting a smile on the world.
2010
In 2010 The Silver Membership level was introduced. Gold was $74.99, and Silver, which doesn’t include the magazine, was $34.9. The 2010 Membership gift was a “23-month calendar highlighting Disney’s unrealized masterpieces for example Disneyland’s Rock Candy Mountain (1957), Walt Disney World’s Enchanted Snow Palace (1977).”
2011
Gold was $74.99, and Silver was $34.99 a year. The 2011 gift was an analog watch featuring “Bandleader Mickey Mouse with a black leather strap that wasn’t available anywhere else.”
2012
Gold membership renewals were $74.99, and Silver membership renewals were $34.99. In 2012, D23 introduced a membership renewal discount: Gold membership renewals were $64.99, and Silver membership renewals were $29.99.
The 2012 membership gift was “a 23-month calendar highlighting 75 years of Disney feature animation, celebrating the art of Mary Blair, Tim Burton, Albert Hurter and others. The concept art, not all of which had ever been shown publicly before, celebrated old and new films like Pinocchio, Dumbo, The Artistocats, Robin Hood, Pocahontas and Tangled.”
2013
Gold was $74.99 and Silver was $34.99. In 2013, D23 updated their website, putting certain items behind a login required wall, and created the free General Membership option.
The 2013 Member Gift was a “stylish pen, featuring the likeness of one of Walt Disney’s early signatures. It was similar to the one he and Roy Disney used to sign a contract with film distributor Margaret J. Winkler, marking the beginning of The Walt Disney Company 90 years before.”
2014
Gold was $74.99, Silver was $34.99. The membership gift was “the Disney Fan-niversary 23-Month Calendar featured amazing artwork and fun facts from Disney attractions (e.g. Space Mountain, 1975), films (e.g. Pinocchio, 1940), and theme parks (e.g. Hong Kong Disneyland, 2005), celebrating landmark anniversaries through 2014 and 2015.”
2015
In 2015, D23 ended the Silver Membership option, and introduced the Gold Family Membership. The Family Membership allowed members to “bring up to three additional guests to select D23 events.”
Gold was $74.99, Gold Family was $99.99. Both Membership types came with one membership card, certificate, and gift.
The 2015 Membership gift celebrated “the 60th anniversary of Disneyland Park, members were mailed an exclusive reproduction of the pitch portfolio used to sell the park to prospective licensees on the East Coast. More than 20 pieces of concept artwork from Bruce Bushman, Peter Ellenshaw, Harper Goff and Herb Ryman were recreated from the Walt Disney Archives collection—and, as an added surprise, select members also got their hands on an autographed card from Disney Legend Dave Smith, founder, Walt Disney Archives.”
2016
Gold was $74.99, Gold Family was $99.99. Both Membership types came with one membership card, certificate, and gift.
The gift was a “first-of-its-kind collection, “From the Office of Walt Disney” commemorated the restoration of Walt Disney’s office suite to Disney’s Burbank studio lot. Among the 23 mementos, members received replicas of a Laugh-O-gram Films Inc. Business Card (1923), “Minnie’s Yoo Hoo” Sheet Music (1930), a Disneyland Press Preview Pass (1955), an Inter-Office Memo to Ward Kimball (1955), a Postcard of Walt’s Plane (ca. 1964) and Walt’s Notes on the EPCOT Film Script (1966).”
2017
Gold was $79.99, and Gold Family was $104.99. In 2017 “members received a tribute to some of the most creative artists in filmmaking history: Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men. The collection was created in partnership with Walt Disney Archives and Disney’s Animation Research Library, and filled with reproductions of 23 unique treasures, like a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Premiere Police Pass, a Peter Pan “Fan Card,” The Artistocats Promotional Handbill, Eric Larson’s 50th Anniversary Pinback Button, a Disney Animation Recruitment Brochure and a Disney Legends Award Ceremony Program (1989).”
2018
Gold was $79.99, and Gold Family was $104.99. The gift chronicled “the 90-year career of Mickey Mouse, this collection contained 23 reproduced archival treasures, like a mini-animation cel representing his first color appearance, a 1978 “Happy Birthday, Mickey” button, and a souvenir gift bag from Tokyo Disneyland’s early days.”
2019
Gold was $99.99, and Gold Family was $129.99. In 2019, membership auto renewal was introduced. With this introduction, membership renewal discounts ended.
The gift was a pin set with art by “Disney artist Ricky De Los Angeles has designed an exclusive collection of gold-finish pins spanning 90 years of Disney history. The pins represent 10 significant company anniversaries, starting with The Skeleton Dance, the first “Silly Symphony” (90 years) and ending with Pixar Animation Studios’ Up (10 years).”
2020
Gold was $99.99, and Gold Family was $129.99. The Gift was the “D23 Fantastic Worlds Adventure Kit” which D23 said would “whisk you away to the many magical worlds of Disney—from a galaxy far, far away to Asgard and Treasure Island, to the Happiest Place on Earth and more! Take a closer look at the exclusive box collection, featuring all six of the travel-inspired pins and the seven Fantastic Worlds postcards and more designed by Disney artist Sofia Ouhri.”
2021
The Gold Membership was $99.99, and the Gold Duo was $129.99.
In 2021, the Gold Family Membership was discontinued and the Gold Duo plan was introduced. With the Gold Duo Plan there were two members on the account, a Main Member and an Affiliate Member. The Affiliate Member had all of the privileges as the Main Member, except they did not receive the magazine subscription or the free gift 2021 Gold Member Collector Set. But they did receive a membership card and certificate. The “D23 Gold Member Collector Set” gift was created to celebrate Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. The set included:
- Souvenir Lunchbox – A fan-favorite souvenir from early in the resort’s history, the 1973 Walt Disney World lunchbox was a natural inspiration for the centerpiece of our collector set. The original lunchbox features Mickey, Donald, and Goofy on the front, with vignettes from around Magic Kingdom park on the sides. Our updated version for the 50th anniversary, designed by Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily, features Mickey, Donald, Chip, and Dale (carrying a Pluto hat as a nod to the original lunchbox); 48 years after the original lunchbox debuted, the resort now has four fabulous parks, and icons from all four them appear in the background. The vignettes on the sides of the lunchbox feature updated scenes from Typhoon Lagoon, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and more!
- Walt Disney World News – Extra, extra! Fifty years after “The Vacation Kingdom of the World” first opened, Walt Disney World is still making headlines. The Collector Set features a 2021 tribute to an original publication, the Walt Disney World News, which was released in 1971. In the excitement leading up to the opening of Walt Disney World, the original Walt Disney World News featured stories on the first family to enter the park; guides to dining and shopping; and more information teasing at what was in store for all the fans eagerly awaiting opening day. The 2021 edition of the Walt Disney World News features a welcome letter from head of D23 Michael Vargo, a retrospective on the origins of Walt Disney’s “Florida Project,” and a tribute to “50 Favorite Things” found at Walt Disney World—written by the staff of D23 and the Walt Disney Archives to inspire adventures of your own.
- Vinyl Record – The music of Walt Disney World Resort has appeared on vinyl many times, including The Official Album of Walt Disney World pictured above. Our mini-version of this souvenir, made in partnership with Walt Disney Records, features the 1971 classic “Bear Band Serenade” from Country Bear Jamboree on one side, and the modern classic “Nothing Can Stop Us Now” from Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway on the other. While the toe-tapping tunes of Country Bear Jamboree have their own vinyl record (pictured above, right) “Nothing Can Stop Us Now” makes its vinyl debut on this retro-inspired disk.
- Pennant – While pennants typically commemorate favorite sports teams, nothing makes us cheer like a fun-filled trip to Walt Disney World Resort! Inspired by this classic souvenir, the 2021 D23 Gold Member collector set features a pennant commemorating a different “team,” so to speak: The Official Disney Fan Club! The full-sized D23 pennant was designed by artist and the Official Voice of Mickey Mouse, Bret Iwan, and features a nod to classic pennants with the iconic Cinderella castle sparkling in the distance.
2022
The Gold Membership was $99.99, and the Gold Duo was $129.99. In 2022, the membership gift was the “Around the Worlds of Disney Parks” box which included:
- D23 Disney Parks Passport – Your global tour of the Disney Parks begins with this elegant Passport packet, which opens with a welcome letter from Head of D23 Michael Vargo and a guide to the world of Disney’s parks, including some fabulous history and fascinating facts to inspire your own dreams of traveling around the world with the Disney Parks. The passport also includes your unique Gold Member swag to guide you on your own adventures—an aviation pin and a luggage tag!
- Mickey Mouse Aviation Pin– You’ve earned your wings (and your ears) with this exclusive aviation pin. Fashioned solely for D23 Gold Members by Disney, this retro-styled medal is inspired by classic airline “wings” badges, complemented by Mickey Mouse depicted in classic style and with his famous smile—with a gold finish.
- Jetsetting Luggage Tag– This classically styled metal tag is elegantly etched with the D23 logo and the official and delightfully designed Mickey-and-airplane-tail emblem from the logo that adorned Walt Disney’s legendary Gulfstream company plane. This retro-inspired flight accessory will make any trip first class all the way.
- Disney Parks Around the World Pin Set– Designed expressly for D23 Gold Members, this set includes seven deluxe-sized, gold-toned hard-enamel pins, designed by Disney artist Alex Riegert-Waters. Each features whimsical art depicting unforgettable icons from each of the Disney resorts: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and Shanghai Disneyland Resort. The Disney Cruise Line pin celebrates the launch of the fleet’s latest ship, the Disney Wish, setting sail in Summer 2022, featuring Captain Minnie and, as her crew, Sailor Chip ’n’ Sailor Dale. The pins themselves are set on a map of the world, complete with charming Disney art by Disney artist Bryan Mon, depicting international landmarks while also serving as a showcase for your Disney Parks pin set—and a fascinating reminder that the sun never sets on the Disney empire of magical kingdoms and happy experiences.
2023
The Gold Membership was $99.99, and the Gold Duo was $129.99.In 2023, the member gift was the “Gold Member Collector Set” which celebrated Disney’s 100th anniversary and included “the Mickey Mouse “Leader of the Club” Milestone Statue, designed with platinum panache for D23 Gold Members by artist James Fauntleroy.” Unlike past years, the 2023 D23 Gold/Gold Duo Membership card and gift did ship at the same time. The D23 Member Card and Certificate shipped 2-4 weeks following enrollment or renewal, and the Statue began shipping in Spring 2023. For those with Duo Memberships, only Primary Gold Duo members received the statue.
In 2023, D23 Members could choose their membership card pattern for the first time. The four membership card patterns were:
- Disney – Get ready for a trip to where it all started 100 years ago. For the Ultimate Disney Fans, our signature D23 Gold Member Card for 2023 recounts some of the most iconic characters of the past 100 years: Tiana, Baymax, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Stitch, Tinker Bell, Mirabel Madrigal, Maleficent, and Mickey Mouse: The Leader of the Club
- Pixar – You’ve got a friend in D23! And for our friends who are the Ultimate Pixar Fans, a kaleidoscopic collection of inspiring Pixar Pals is here for you—to infinity and beyond. D23 is overjoyed to feature beloved characters who always seize their moment: Joy, Buzz Lightyear, WALL-E, Miguel Rivera, Meilin Lee, Kevin, Remy, and Mike Wazowski.
- Star Wars – A galaxy far, far away is just within reach… and if you are the Ultimate Star Wars Fan, you are sure to be strong in the Force with this card! D23 is excited to feature friends and foes from the outer rim and beyond: Rey Skywalker, BB-8, Darth Vader, C-3P0, Chewbacca, Boba Fett, Ahsoka Tano, and Grogu.
- Marvel – Prepare to assemble with an epic set of heroes. For the Ultimate Marvel Fans, an endless expanse of possibilities has opened for you to have your very own super team! D23 is excited to feature heroes (and villains) from across the multiverse: Captain Marvel, Loki, Groot, The Wasp, Iron Man, Thor, and Black Panther.
The preferred card design had to be made at least two (2) days before a D23 Gold Membership plan renewal date. Members who did not select a design by this deadline received the Disney-themed D23 Membership Card.
In 2023, D23 also introduced the Digital Membership card as part of the official D23 app. To access the card, members had to download the app and login with their D23 Membership credentials.
2024
The Gold Membership was $99.99, and the Gold Duo was $129.99. In 2024, D23 went back to one membership card design for all members. To celebrate 15 year of D23, the 2024 gift was the “D23 Magic & Mystery Box Collector Set.” The set celebrated “the stories that foster classic Disney magic and paying tribute to magician kits of yesteryear, the set boasts an illustrious lineup with a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse collectible figurine, a mystery companion collectible figurine, a deck of playing cards, and a mystery pair of beautifully sculpted pins, as well as a Membership Card and Certificate—which will be available to all new and renewing D23 Gold Members in 2024! Delight in magical companions and enchanted objects from beloved Disney films including The Sword in the Stone (1963), The Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), The Princess and the Frog (2009), Coco (2017), Encanto (2021), and more. The 2024 Gold Member Collector Set will begin shipping this spring.”
2025
In 2025 D23 ended the Gold Duo membership, and released three versions of Gold Membership. All three plans come with the same 2025 Essential Membership Gift which included “a membership certificate and card, a Savings Passport (providing discounts with Disney and Friends of Disney), collectible Stitch pin, Goofy and Max car magnet, plus a special D23 Disney Lorcana trading card featuring Iago from the Disney classic Aladdin (1992),
For the first time since 2009, D23 changed its quarterly magazine, “beginning with the Spring 2025 issue, the Disney twenty-three publication will come in a visually stunning digital and interactive version.“
Gold Member Essential Plan – $49.99
Gold Choice Plan – $99.99 – which included one of four new D23 Gold Member Exclusive Premium Items to be selected by the Member:
- A one-of-a-kind, fashionable D23 Gold Member Spirit Jersey;
- A limited-release collectible D23 Gold Member Pin Box Set, featuring 10 pins with original character designs;
- A D23 Gold Member Fan Pack complete with a D23 Gold Member-embroidered crossbody bag, water bottle, and chino twill cap; or
- An enchanting replica of the Disneyland Park Entrance plaque (measuring 12 inches by 7 inches), a reproduction of the original plaque text draft with Walt Disney’s annotations from 1955, along with a first-to-market exclusive edition of the brand-new Disneyland 70th anniversary book, The Happiest Place on Earth, written by Disney Legend Don Hahn and former Disney Imagineer Christopher Merritt.
Gold Complete Plan – $299.99 includes everything in the Essential Plan and all four D23 Gold Member Premium items.
In 2025 D23 also introduced the option to gift someone a D23 Membership.
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