D23 Announces 2017 Events including Epcot 35th

WDWNT on November 29, 2016

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From exclusive tours to cinematic surprises, Disney’s official fan club serves up something for fans both young and young-at-heart.

In 2017, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club brings a new roster of events for fans around the country to enjoy.

SCREENINGS ON THE DISNEY STUDIO LOT AND AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT: Throughout the year, D23 will once again offer special screenings on both coasts of classic Disney favorites, including Tangled, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, and more. D23 will also screen The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh exclusively for members in Orlando. Just in time for back-to-school, D23 will celebrate Disney Afternoon favorites such as DuckTales, Gummi Bears, and Chip ’n Dale Rescue Rangers, holding a screening event on the Studio lot with special guests, picture spots, and more surprises. And D23 Members will be invited to the lot for a spook-tacular Halloween screening event that will include a special exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives.

THE OFFICIAL WALT DISNEY STUDIOS TOUR—PRESENTED BY D23: D23 Gold Member-exclusive tours of the historic Studio lot return, including a look inside the Walt Disney Archives and a tour of Walt Disney’s office suite. The 2.5-hour tours offer fans a unique perspective on historic moments from Disney films, television shows, and theme parks.

D23 BEHIND-THE-SCENES EXPERIENCES: In January, D23 will host the first of several behind-the-scenes events at unique Disney locations, featuring special guests and gifts tailored to each experience. Following a year where members explored the Ink & Paint Department on The Walt Disney Studios lot and took an after-hours tour of the Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World Resort, there will be more surprises in store for members in 2017.

D23’S LUNCH WITH A DISNEY LEGEND: Beginning in February, D23 brings back these exclusive luncheons with Disney luminaries, where members will meet Disney Legends and hear their fascinating stories. The events return to both Walt Disney World Resort and The Walt Disney Studios, where members have already dined with Legends such as animator Glen Keane, Imagineering Ambassador Marty Sklar, and voice talent Kathryn Beaumont.

ADVANCE SCREENINGS: Members can expect a host of exclusive, advance screenings of what are sure to be some of 2017’s most popular releases from The Walt Disney Studios. This year, D23 Members saw previews of Zootopia, The Jungle Book, and Finding Dory in cities across the county, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland, and Seattle. Plus, D23 Members in Los Angeles attended the red carpet premieres of Moana and Pete’s Dragon. For those guests who don’t live in the cities where movies are screened, D23 Gold Members across the country will be selected at random to receive complimentary movie passes, which will be included in issues of Disney twenty-three, D23’s quarterly publication.

D23 DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION—EPCOT 35: D23 heads to the parks in honor of Epcot’s 35th anniversary. Epcot, originally announced as the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow by Walt Disney in 1966, has continued to grow and evolve over the years. D23 Members can look forward to a treasure trove of video, illustrations, and photographs to complement a host of stories, both new and old, in honor of this landmark. Plus, D23 will hold a special member event at Walt Disney World Resort in honor of the anniversary. 

SIGNATURE EVENTS: D23 will bring back foodie favorite Sip & Stroll during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and members on the West Coast will get to join the fun, as D23 debuts a new event in conjunction with Disneyland Resort’s culinary festivities. And after giving members a look inside the Walt Disney Birthplace in Chicago in 2016, D23 will return to the Windy City next year to see the tremendous progress made on the home’s restoration. Expect special holiday events on both the East and West Coasts to make the season bright.

MEMBER MIXERS AROUND THE COUNTRY: After mixing and mingling at complimentary gatherings in Seattle, Chicago, Bridgewater, N.J., and even at San Diego Comic-Con, D23 will bring more mixers to cities around the country in 2017. 

D23 EXPO 2017: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event returns. It’s D23’s biggest event of the year, as all of Disney’s wonderful worlds come together once again July 14–16, 2017, at the Anaheim Convention Center for three magical days of once-in-a-lifetime live performances, star-studded presentations, exclusive collectibles, and more.

Dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events will be announced throughout the year. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2017 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at www.D23.com/events. All events and dates are subject to change.

Current event calendar:

  • January 14: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
  • January: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA
  • February 4: Tangled, Burbank, Calif.
  • February 11: Tangled, Walt Disney World Resort
  • February: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Walt Disney World Resort
  • April 8: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
  • April: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
  • April: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA
  • May 13: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Burbank, Calif.
  • May 13: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Walt Disney World Resort
  • May: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Walt Disney World Resort
  • Spring: Behind-the-Scenes Experience, Walt Disney Birthplace, Chicago
  • July 14–16: D23 Expo 2017, Anaheim, Calif.
  • August 19: “Disney Afternoon” on the Lot, Burbank, Calif.
  • August: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
  • September 9: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
  • September: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA
  • Fall: D23’s Disney Fanniversary: Celebrating 35 Years of Epcot (more info coming in 2017)
  • Fall: Sip & Stroll, Walt Disney World Resort
  • October 29: Halloween on the Disney Lot, Burbank, Calif.
  • November 18: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Walt Disney World Resort
  • November: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
  • December: Light Up the Season with D23, Burbank, Calif.
  • December: D23 Holiday Event at Walt Disney World Resort

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

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. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Steals Cover of the Next D23 Issue

WDWNT on November 8, 2016

DISNEY TWENTY-THREE JOINS THE REBELLION TO CELEBRATE THE ARRIVAL OF ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH STARS FELICITY JONES AND ALAN TUDYK, DIRECTOR GARETH EDWARDS, AND PRODUCER KATHLEEN KENNEDY GIVE FANS A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THE MAKING OF THE NEW FILM.

PLUS, A PREVIEW OF THE NEW IRON MAN EXPERIENCE AT HONG KONG DISNEYLAND, A TOUR OF THE REIMAGINED DISNEY WONDER, AND A CONVERSATION WITH MOANA STAR AULI‘I CRAVALHO

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BURBANK, Calif. – November 2, 2016 – On December 16, Star Wars fans will blast off once again to a galaxy far, far away—only this time, it’s with a new set of characters (save for one Sith Lord) in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The film’s stars Felicity Jones and Alan Tudyk, director Gareth Edwards, and producer Kathleen Kennedy give readers a glimpse into the making of the film, which is centered on a group of rebels determined to steal the plans for the menacing Death Star. Kennedy reveals the origins of this first “stand-alone” film, while Edwards discusses the detailed planning that went into bringing Darth Vader back to the big screen.

The winter issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also includes a look at the 30th anniversary of Disney Parks’ Star Tours, with detailed concept artwork and in-depth interviews. And Tudyk, who gives voice to droid K-2SO in Rogue One, talks about being a “lucky charm” for Walt Disney Animation Studios, having provided his vocal talents for such films as Big Hero 6, Frozen, Wreck-It Ralph, and this month’s Moana.

Plus, Auli‘i Cravalho talks about her star turn as the title character in Moana, and reveals she almost didn’t audition for the dazzling animated film, which opens November 23. The creators of the exhilarating new Iron Man Experience unveil details about the Marvel-themed attraction, which opens at Hong Kong Disneyland next January. And the team behind the enhancements on the Disney Wonder cruise ship gives fans an inside look at the unique experiences and exquisite details guests will enjoy when they next set sail.

There’s much more Disney magic in the winter issue of Disney twenty-three, including:

  • An exploration of the new book Maps of the Disney Parks, which highlights stunning works of art that have gone into park cartography over the years
  • The reunion of Newsies original Broadway cast members for a new filmed version of the hit musical
  • Famous Disney characters from around the world that you (may) have never met
  • The storytelling and artistry of Marvel’s Enchanted Tiki Room comic books
  • A celebration of 60 years of the delightful Daisy Duck
  • Regular features including A Walk with Walt, D Society, and Ask Dave

And starting December 1, D23.com will once again kick off the “D23 Days of Christmas.” Each day will include sweepstakes for incredible Disney prizes, dazzling photography, delicious recipes, original stories and videos, colorful crafts, and much more. D23 will also host several exclusive holiday events for members including: Light Up the Season with D23 on Sunday, December 4, at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank and D23’s Disney Springs Holiday Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando on Tuesday, December 13. Visit D23.com/D23Days to unwrap the holiday fun.

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in mid-November.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

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 Hosting 2 Special Member Events at Disney Springs in December

WDWNT on November 8, 2016

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D23 is inviting members to celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Disney Springs with reserved seating for a Walt Disney World Holiday Services Q&A, shopping discounts and merchandise, delicious treats, and a few holiday surprises!

The event is being held on Tuesday, December 13th, 2016 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. 

Guests in attendance will have the opportunity to pick up a complimentary cup of hot cocoa and an exclusive sweet treat, as well as shop at various locations along the way. All attendees will receive a D23 reusable souvenir mug and some additional surprises.

There is also a separate ticketed event the same evening, a private moonlit meal at STK Orlando. Continuing the seasonal celebration, members have the opportunity to gather under the moonlight for a festive meal at the newly opened STK Orlando at Disney Springs.

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D23 attendees will enjoy a three-course meal personally designed in the spirit of holiday gatherings. In addition, guests will receive a specially crafted holiday-inspired cocktail. Throughout the meal on the private outdoor patio, guests will have the opportunity to spend time with fellow Disney fans, as well honorary Disney luminaries and special guests. 

In the spirit of the season, all attendees will receive an exclusive, one-of-a-kind set of historic Disney holiday cards, selected from the Walt Disney Archives. This event is only open to Gold and Gold Family Members.

Registration for both events opens to D23 Gold Members on November 14th. Registration to the Holiday Celebration event then opens to all D23 members on November 21st. More details on these events can be found at D23.com.

Bob Chapek, James Cameron, Polynesian Panel, and More Added to Destination D: Amazing Adventures

WDWNT on August 18, 2016

DESTINATION D: AMAZING ADVENTURES ADDS JAMES CAMERON, JON LANDAU, AND BOB CHAPEK TO EVENT ROSTER

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Additional panels include an exclusive look at Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana, Tales from the Jungle Cruise, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort’s 45th Anniversary, happening November 19 and 20 at Walt Disney World Resort

BURBANK, Calif. — August 18, 2016 — The roster of talent and panels continues to grow for D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures presented by Ethan Allen | Disney, taking placeNovember 19 and 20, 2016 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World Resort. AVATAR creators James Cameron (writer, director, producer) and Jon Landau (producer) will join Imagineer Joe Rohde for Pandora – The World of AVATAR, a presentation where they will unveil new details about the immersive, 12-acre land coming soon to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In addition, the event will include a conversation with Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Plus, Moana screenwriter Jared Bush (co-writer/co-director Zootopia) will be on hand to provide guests an exclusive advance look at the making of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ newest animated feature.

Cameron, Landau, and Chapek join previously announced Disney Legends Marty Sklar and Tony Baxter; Walt Disney Imagineers Rohde, Chris Merritt, Jason Grandt, and Wyatt Winter; producer Don Hahn (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast); and Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline. The event, exclusively for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, celebrates landmarks of the past, present, and future, from the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean to the planet of Pandora.

The Walt Disney Archives will present a special exhibit created exclusively for the event: Walt’s Great Adventures, featuring photographs, props, and models that showcase Walt Disney’s personal voyages, including his trip to South America in 1941, as well as some of his most memorable creations for television, film, and theme parks, such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Additionally, during the weekend, guests will be among the first to see the new Ethan Allen | Disney home furnishing line in person.

Additional D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures presentations announced include:

  • Welcome to Adventureland: Set off on a journey through “Adventurelands” at Disney Parks around the world, beginning with a rare look at artist Harper Goff’s exotic concepts for Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
  • Tales from the Jungle Cruise: Fans of “the backside of water” unite! Discover the legendary history of the world-famous attraction with a panel of wisecracking experts, including a behind-the-scenes look at recent holiday overlays and the new Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
  • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort’s 45th Anniversary: From tropical hideaways to enchanting entertainment, celebrate the spirit of aloha as D23 looks back at 45 years of the classic South Pacific-themed getaway.

The weekend event will take place in the convention center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Tickets, currently on sale, are $190 each for D23 Gold and Gold Family Members. Tickets are also available to D23 General Members for $250 per ticket. All guests will receive a special gift created exclusively for the event, and attendees are guaranteed seats at all panels and presentations. Mickey’s of Glendale, the famed Walt Disney Imagineering store, returns with a pop-up shop at the event for attendees, featuring a selection of exclusive Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise as well as limited-edition pins, apparel, and collectibles themed to the event.

Further details about the program and tickets for D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures presented by Ethan Allen | Disney can be found at D23.com/Events. Additional details about the schedule will be shared in the coming months.

Events and talent are subject to change.

Tickets For “D23 Expo 2017” Go On Sale Thursday, July 14th; Prices Announced

WDWNT on July 6, 2016

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TICKETS FOR D23 EXPO 2017: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT GO ON SALE THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

Discounted Tickets Available for a Limited Time

D23 Members Enjoy Additional Savings and Member-Only Benefits

On Thursday, July 14, at 10 a.m. PT, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will begin selling tickets for the next D23 Expo, which will take place July 14–16, 2017, at the Anaheim Convention Center. The largest Disney fan event in the world, D23 Expo celebrates all the wonderful worlds of Disney entertainment, uniting all parts of The Walt Disney Company under one roof, including The Walt Disney Studios (including Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm); Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media; and Media Networks (including ABC, Disney Channel, and Radio Disney). D23 Expo 2017 marks the fifth biennial event held in Anaheim.

Once again the Expo will celebrate the past, present, and future of Disney with live events, celebrity appearances, panels, presentations, sneak peeks, and immersive experiences. D23 Expo 2017 marks the return of fan favorites, including the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, honoring the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy; an exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives, which spotlights costumes, props, and set pieces from Disney’s rich history; and the Mousequerade costume contest.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 will be available at a discounted price for a limited time. From July 14–December 31, 2016, tickets are $67 for a one-day adult admission and $46 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $57 for a one-day adult admission and $41 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $296 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit D23Expo.com.

To celebrate the launch of ticket sales, D23 will be streaming select presentations from D23 Expo 2015 at D23Expo.com from Wednesday, July 13, through Sunday, July 17. Presentations include “Once Upon a Time: An Evening with Snow White & the Evil Queen” (featuring Ginnifer Goodwin and Lana Parilla), “A Goofy Movie 20th Anniversary Celebration!” (including stars Bill Farmer, Jason Marsden, and Jim Cummings), “Disneyland: Fond Memories of the Past” (with Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline), and “In Conversation with the Filmmakers and the Emotions Behind Inside Out” (featuring Pete Docter, Jonas Rivera, and a special appearance by Sadness herself, Phyllis Smith).

D23 Expo 2017 will showcase all of the latest stars in the Disney universe. In 2015, celebrity appearances included Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford, Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Evans, Lupita Nyong’o, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Dwayne Johnson. The event also featured performances by Ne-Yo, Sabrina Carpenter, the cast of Teen Beach 2, and stars of Disney’s shows on Broadway. Additionally, Disney executives and creative talent came together to deliver special presentations, announcements, and experiences to Disney fans throughout the three-day extravaganza.

A limited number of VIP Sorcerer Packages for D23 Expo 2017 will be available. The Sorcerer Package includes:

  • Three-day admission ticket and commemorative Sorcerer credential
  • Reserved seating at presentations in Hall D23, Stage 23, and Stage 28
  • Limited-edition D23 American Tourister boarding bag
  • Pre-Expo tour of select exhibits including Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives
  • Exclusive shopping time in the D23 Expo Dream Store, Disney Store, and Mickey’s of Glendale
  • Tour of the D23 Expo show floor the day before the Expo is open to the public
  • Welcome Reception on Thursday evening
  • Exclusive entrance to the Expo each morning
  • A voucher for an appointment with an on-site massage therapist
  • Exclusive D23 Expo gift pack including gifts from D23 and the rest of The Walt Disney Company
  • Meet and Greet with a special Disney guest
  • “Fond Farewell” reception on final day of Expo
  • Plus, access to the Sorcerer Member Lounge and other benefits

Sorcerer Package tickets are available exclusively to both D23 Gold and Gold Family Members at $2,250 per ticket. Members have the option to purchase up to two Sorcerer tickets. Additional details and benefits are highlighted at D23Expo.com.

D23 Gold and Charter Members will be entitled to special benefits throughout the weekend. Look for announcements about these opportunities in the coming months.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a member-exclusive website at D23.com; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

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. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

Latest Issue of Disney Twenty Three Unlocks The Gates To Shanghai Disney Resort!

WDWNT on May 18, 2016

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THROUGH SPECTACULAR PHOTOGRAPHY AND IN-DEPTH ARTICLES, DISNEY FANS WILL GET AN ADVANCE LOOK AT THE ONE-OF-A-KIND THEME PARK THAT IS AUTHENTICALLY DISNEY AND DISTINCTLY CHINESE

 PLUS, D23’S SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW FEATURES EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH FINDING DORY’S ELLEN DEGENERES, PETE’S DRAGON’S BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD, AND THE BFG DIRECTOR STEVEN SPIELBERG

 On June 16, Disney will officially open Shanghai Disney Resort, and Disney twenty-three is giving fans an advance peek at this breathtaking one-of-a-kind destination. From its opening pages, with a welcome from Disney Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger, to the back cover, featuring a map of the park—in Chinese—the issue is packed with exciting details about this new resort that celebrates everything guests love about Disney, while honoring China’s distinct cultural heritage.

The issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, provides a detailed look at how Shanghai Disney Resort was built from concept to concrete, including fascinating insights into the partnership between Walt Disney Imagineers and the incredibly talented artisans of mainland China. Readers will be able to explore all the exclusive attractions opening at the park including Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, which recreates moments from beloved Disney animated films as riders travel by boat through, around, and under the Enchanted Storybook Castle—the largest castle in any Disney park. The thrilling adrenaline rush of TRON Lightcycle Power Run puts guests in the driver’s seat of a high-tech race, and the high seas adventures of Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure boasts some of the most advanced technologies of any Disney attraction.

More than 30 pages of exclusive interviews and vibrant photography come together to highlight this jewel in the Disney Parks crown, from all-new shows, experiences, merchandise, and dining options to a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the creation of the resort.

Plus, Disney twenty-three turns up the heat with its annual summer movie preview. Highlights include exclusive interviews with Ellen DeGeneres discussing the upcoming Finding Dory as well as her first trip to Disneyland, Bryce Dallas Howard talking about the reimagining of Pete’s Dragon, and Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg revealing details about his Disney directorial debut, The BFG.

Also included in the summer issue of Disney twenty-three is a look at how The Reluctant Dragon, celebrating its 75th anniversary, gave audiences a peek at the making of Disney animated films, while paving the way for the Disney Studio’s respected documentary films.

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in late May.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

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. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

D23 Destination D Returns to Walt Disney World with “Amazing Adventures” in 2016

WDWNT on April 20, 2016

DESTINATION D: AMAZING ADVENTURES CELEBRATES THE EXCITEMENT OF DISNEY’S PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE, FROM TRUE-LIFE ADVENTURES TO PANDORA – THE WORLD OF AVATAR

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Disney Legends, Luminaries, and Special Guests Will Take Fans on an Incredible Journey November 19 and 20 at Walt Disney World Resort

BURBANK, Calif. — April 7, 2016 — Since Walt Disney first brought his groundbreaking True-Life Adventures to the big screen, adventure has played a pivotal role in Disney entertainment, from the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean to the new planet of Pandora, which will soon be unveiled at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This year, members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are invited to join the excitement at D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures, a celebration of these landmarks of the past, present, and future. The two-day event will take placeNovember 19 and 20, 2016 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World Resort.

Presenters and panelists include Disney Legends Marty Sklar and Tony Baxter; Walt Disney Imagineers Joe Rohde, Chris Merritt, Jason Grandt, and Wyatt Winter; producer Don Hahn (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast); and Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline—plus more to be announced.*

Mickey’s of Glendale, the famed Walt Disney Imagineering store, returns with a pop-up shop at the event for attendees, featuring a selection of exclusive Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise as well as limited-edition pins, apparel, and collectibles themed to the event.

Highlights of D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures will include*:

  • New Walt Disney World Adventures: From Soarin’ Around the World to Rivers of Light—Get an insider’s glimpse into the latest experiences across Walt Disney World Resort, as Disney Imagineers provide a behind-the-scenes look at new and upcoming entertainment.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Evolving a New Species of Theme Park—Explore the origins and incredible evolution of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, from early concepts to new experiences to be discovered at the park.
  • Magic Journeys: 45 Years of Walt Disney World Adventures—Celebrate the 45th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort with a nostalgic journey through some of the Vacation Kingdom’s most unique and fondly remembered adventures!
  • A Look Back at Walt Disney’s True-Life Adventures—Join Disney historians on an expedition through the landmark True-Life Adventure series, which earned the Disney Studio eight Academy Awards®!
  • The Art and Adventures of Marc Davis—Discover the adventurous artwork of artist, animator, and Disney Legend Marc Davis with Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Production Designer Chris Merritt, who is authoring a new book on the Disney Legend.

The weekend event will take place in the convention center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Tickets go on sale April 21, 2016, and are $190 each for D23 Gold and Gold Family Members. Tickets are also available to D23 General Members for $250 per ticket. All guests will receive a special gift created exclusively for the event, and attendees are guaranteed seats at all panels and presentations. A limited number of Wilderness Explorer VIP tickets will be available, which includes early shopping, an exclusive evening experience on November 18, reserved seating for all presentations, a special gift bag, unique collectibles, and more.

Further details about the program and tickets for D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures, can be found at D23.com/Events. Additional schedule announcements will be made in the coming months.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

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. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

BREAKING: D23 Expo Returns in 2017, Moves to July Dates

WDWNT on March 31, 2016

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All the magic and excitement of the past, present, and future of Disney entertainment will come together once again D23 presents D23 Expo 2017 at the Anaheim Convention Center the weekend of July 14–16. Each of Disney’s magical worlds will unite under one roof to celebrate what’s new and what’s on the horizon from theme parks, television, music, gaming, and films, including Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel. Advance tickets for D23 Expo 2017 will go on sale at D23Expo.com beginning July 14, 2016.

D23 Expo launched in 2009, and since then the biennial event has attracted tens of thousands of Disney fans from across the country and around the world.

Highlights planned for the fifth D23 Expo include the Disney Legends Ceremony, which honors the talented men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy; an all-new exhibit curated by the Walt Disney Archives; D23 Expo’s costume contest, Mousequerade, showcasing the most creative designs by fans; the D23 Expo Emporium, where Disney fans can buy, sell, and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia, merchandise, and more; and the D23 Expo Design Challenge. (Details on the Design Challenge and Mousequerade are coming soon.)

The 2017 Expo will feature a massive show floor full of immersive experiences and special opportunities to see what’s next for Disney around the world—and guests may run into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators, and filmmakers. StagePass, the popular ticket distribution system that allows attendees to obtain guaranteed seats for some of Expo’s most popular presentations, and StorePass, which allows priority entry to select shopping venues at the event, will once again enhance the guest experience. Hall D23, the popular presentation and performance venue featuring more than 7,000 seats, will return, as will Stage 23, Stage 28, and Center Stage.

The fifth event follows the success of D23 Expo 2015, where guests were treated to appearances by such celebrities as Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford, Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Evans, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Dwayne Johnson and watched performances by Ne-Yo, Sabrina Carpenter, the cast of Teen Beach 2, and stars of Disney’s shows on Broadway. Fans previewed costumes from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and were the first to hear about the new Star Wars-themed lands coming to Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. They also enjoyed a look back at Disney’s rich history through extraordinary panels, presentations, and exhibits and discovered the newest entertainment, technology, and products coming from Disney.

D23 Members will receive special pricing on both one- and three-day tickets to the event, which is open to the general public. D23 Gold and Charter Members will also be entitled to special benefits at the 2017 Expo. Gold Members will also have an opportunity to purchase the Sorcerer Package, which provides a host of special benefits and amenities. Ticket prices will be announced this summer.

Disney Twenty-Three Magazine Celebrates Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Storytelling

WDWNT on March 5, 2016

In the 10 years since John Lasseter and Ed Catmull took over the reins of what is now Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney has enjoyed incredible creative and box office success with such films as Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, Big Hero 6, and, of course, Frozen. The spring 2016 issue of Disney twenty-three looks at the creative talents—from writers and directors to producers and animators—who have driven this wave of superior filmmaking that has resulted in two Academy Awards® for Best Animated Feature for the studio.

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Disney twenty-three, available exclusively to D23 Gold Members, includes exclusive interviews with Lasseter and Catmull, as well as the teams behind Walt Disney Animation Studios’ run of hits, discussing the secrets behind their work and how a Disney animated film goes from concept to creation. Plus, Disney twenty-three unveils rarely seen visual development art created for the Studio’s most recent films. There are also advance looks at the upcoming animated films Zootopia—including a revealing one-on-one with star Ginnifer Goodwin—and Moana.

In addition to the animation celebration, the issue offers a sneak peek of Captain America: Civil War, featuring exclusive interviews with star Chris Evans and one of the film’s directors, Joe Russo. And director Jon Favreau details the incredible work behind crafting the stunning live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book, including how he snared Bill Murray to voice Baloo the bear.

Also included in the spring issue of Disney twenty-three:

  • Three cheers for the 10-year anniversary of High School Musical, including interviews with the director and members of the cast
  • A look at the colorful concept art from the 1967 animated hit The Jungle Book, with stories from Disney Legend Floyd Norman, who worked with Walt Disney on the film
  • A walk through Walt Disney’s office suite on the Studio lot, recently restored by the Walt Disney Archives
  • Regular features including A Walk with Walt, D Society, and Ask Dave

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in late February.

D23 Members Receive Exclusive Savings All Year Long

WDWNT on February 15, 2016

At home or on vacation, members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club receive exclusive discounts on shopping, entertainment, and Disney adventures when they present a D23 Membership Card or use special member-only online codes.

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D23 Members can enjoy savings throughout the worlds of Disney including:

  • 15% off all purchases of $60 or more at DisneyStore.com and in all Disney Store locations through March 31, 2016
  • A discount on VIP tickets to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens now through February 7, 2016 at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood—as well as special pricing for Lady and the Tramp and Zootopia during their 2016 runs
  • Savings of 15% off purchases at the ABC Store online, including items from fan favorite shows such as Once Upon a Time and Scandal
  • 30% off the beautiful Disney Princess: A Magical Pop-Up World book
  • Up to 53% savings on Disney magazines including Disney Frozen, Disney Junior, and Marvel Super Heroes

D23 is bringing back its most popular opportunities for savings on hotels, restaurants, and stores in and around Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, including:

  • Discounted rates at Howard Johnson Anaheim, Carousel Inn & Suites, and the Anabella Hotel located near Disneyland Resort; as well as at Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa, B Resort & Spa, Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista, and Wyndham Lake Buena Vista, located near Walt Disney World Resort
  • 10% savings on activities at Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre and on merchandise at CURL® by Sammy Duvall at Walt Disney World Resort
  • Sweet savings at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company online, in its two Disney Parks shops, and at the El Capitan Theatre
  • Dining discounts in and around Disneyland Resort, including Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Catal, Uva Bar, Naples, Tortilla Joe’s, and Tangerine Grill

In addition, D23 Members can take advantage of a host of ongoing and limited-time offers developed exclusively for them, including savings on tickets to the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco; a merchandise discount at the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline, Mo.; 40% off all online purchases of H2O Plusmerchandise—the luxury skincare product available at Disney Parks; savings at UNIQLO online, including its exclusive line of Disney apparel; 10% off all purchases at RIDEMAKERZ® online and at all locations—including the Disneyland 60th Anniversary Limited-Edition RZ Rascar and Rod vehicles available at the Anaheim store; plus 23% off all merchandise online from SMS Audio, the official headphones of D23.

Complete details on all D23 Member discounts and offers, as well as a full list of all the latest specials, can be found online at https://D23.com/Discounts. All offers are available to D23 Gold Members; D23 General Members receive access to a select number of discounts.