D23 Reveals 2016 Member Gift – Offers A Rare Glimpse Into Disney’s Rich Legacy
D23: The Official Disney Fan Club didn’t have to look far for inspiration for its 2016 Gold Member gift, “From the Office of Walt Disney.” To celebrate the restoration of Walt Disney’s office suite on the Studios’ Burbank lot, the Walt Disney Archives worked with D23 to meticulously reproduce 23 unique pieces from Walt’s career that trace his path from America’s heartland to the world stage.
Included in the assortment are items from Walt’s early years in business such as his 1923 Laugh-O-gram Films Inc. business card and the famous 1928 “Everything OK” telegram, which Walt cryptically wired his brother Roy when he lost the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Also in the collection are the 1955 Disneyland invitational press preview pass and Walt’s notes on pages from the “EPCOT Film” script from 1966. Pieces representing animation, live action, television, and theme parks—as well as Walt’s own personal life—make up this one-of-a-kind set.
Laugh-O-gram Films Inc. Business Card (1923) Madcap takes on classic tales give Walt his first screen success. Pen-and-ink Goldie Locks, Red Riding Hood, and Cinderella pave the way for a live-action Alice, whose comedic adventures in a cartoon wonderland click with audiences and spawn a series.
“Everything OK” Telegram (1928) Following the devastating loss of Oswald to his New York distributor, Walt cryptically wires his brother that all is well. Ever the optimist, as his train speeds west, Walt plans his next act… and the mouse who will be its headliner.
Disneyland Press Preview Pass (1955) While the nation watches on live television, Walt hosts the invitational opening of his original Magic Kingdom on July 17, 1955. Disneyland becomes every child’s vacation goal—and welcomes its one-millionth guest in less than two months.
Walt’s Notes on EPCOT Film Script (1966) Walt annotates writer Marty Sklar’s script introducing the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Executive Card Walker will see both this film and the EPCOT project through to completion.
The gift comes in a “book” designed specifically to hold all the items and will be sent to all D23 Gold and Gold Family Members who join or renew from January 1 through December 31, 2016. Guests can see images from the gift—and learn more about the 23 rare items—at D23.com/OfficeOfWaltDisney. As previously announced, D23 Gold Members will have the opportunity to tour Walt Disney’s restored office during tours and select special events throughout 2016.
Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99), Gold Family Membership ($99.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. D23 Members save when renewing their membership and may renew up to 90 days prior to their membership expiration.
