Check out this site that opened today: www.disney.com/23 (http://www.disney.com/23)
What do you guys recon it is? A movie? The Walt Disney Company started in 1923 and Pixar is 23 years this year... but i don't know....
The only thing I can think of is that Pinocchio is released on Blu-Ray around this time (March 9th). As for the 23 years old bit, its 23 years since it was first released on VHS.
NO! I'm 21 on march 9th :P hehe
So this has come up on one of the other message boards I frequent. No one is sure what it is exactly, but it has the same kind of web address as Disney movies, so I figured this would be the best place.
This poster:
(//http://www.laughingplace.com/files/latest/big/20081231.jpg)
has been appearing at the Disney studios lot in Burbank.
The url on the poster
http://disney.com/23 (http://disney.com/23)
just went live yesterday
So far, good guesses I've seen are the following:
Pixar was founded 23 years ago.
Something to do with Michael Jordan, since he was #23
The Lost studios are in building #23
The date it gives is March 10, a Tuesday, which obviously means DVD release date, but the only thing (Disney related) that is on that date is the 70th anniversary edition of Pinnochio, which seemingly doesn't have anything to do with 23.
On the URL above, theres a countdown to that date. So, anyone have any ideas?
https://forum.dlpguide.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=6317 still no ideass ;)
Pinocchio is released on 10th, so it could be that.
Somehow I doubt its as easy as Pinocchio. Its would be a very muddled promotion if it was, as the trailers for its release promote that its the 75th anniversary.
Quote from: "Pete's Dragon"Somehow I doubt its as easy as Pinocchio. Its would be a very muddled promotion if it was, as the trailers for its release promote that its the 75th anniversary.
I doubt that too. Looking at the page source (because I'm a geek), the only thing which might say something is the filename of the Flash file itself: new $flash({ movie:"helium_api.swf"
Helium? Could that be ...Up? But surely not, because they're already advertising it.
Also, Tinkerbell popping up before the countdown is strange. It's not something to do with her second CGI film?
Reading around a bit, it seems there's a strong chance of it just being some kind of contest. Maybe another silly "What will you (not) celebrate?" - "Year of a Million bucks for our ad creative team" event?
Or:
QuoteHere's some other speculations of a few noteworthy things that have a 1986 connection...
(based on a Disney timeline I found online: http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/disnehis/ (http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/disnehis/))
-WED Enterprises became Walt Disney Imagineering in January 1986.
-Shareholders voted to change the company name from Walt Disney Productions to The Walt Disney Company on Feb 6, 1986.
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showpost.php ... tcount=156 (http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showpost.php?p=3307894&postcount=156)
And even more interesting (though entirely unconfirmed):
QuoteThis concept was created because the Company has gotten a LOT of flack saying they only cater to the casual tourist and not to the true Disney fans. It came to a head last year when Iger was berated by a Disney fan who said the Company did not care about them. In the past, all Disney "fan clubs" were run externally. In this case, there is a Company-wide initiative with the D-23 event, as its called. It will be a major push and their hope is to really form a relationship with the true Disney fans.
Essentially people will pay about $100 a year to receive some very cool, exclusive merchandise, CDs, DVDs, etc. They will also be invited to a yearly or bi-yearly (to be determined at the moment) event in Anaheim or Orlando (the first event is scheduled to be in Anaheim). Each Company department will be presenting something unique that Disney fans would appreciate (behind-the-scenes looks at theme park technology, a pre-release screening of a new movie, etc). This convention is expected to be huge, with Disney sparing no expense.
They will be announcing this new program in March.
Quote from: "Anthony"QuoteHere's some other speculations of a few noteworthy things that have a 1986 connection...
(based on a Disney timeline I found online: http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/disnehis/ (http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/disnehis/))
-WED Enterprises became Walt Disney Imagineering in January 1986.
-Shareholders voted to change the company name from Walt Disney Productions to The Walt Disney Company on Feb 6, 1986.
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showpost.php ... tcount=156 (http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showpost.php?p=3307894&postcount=156)
Umm, why 1986? Surely that is only 22 years ago :-k
Quote from: "Pete's Dragon"Quote from: "Anthony"QuoteHere's some other speculations of a few noteworthy things that have a 1986 connection...
(based on a Disney timeline I found online: http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/disnehis/ (http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/disnehis/))
-WED Enterprises became Walt Disney Imagineering in January 1986.
-Shareholders voted to change the company name from Walt Disney Productions to The Walt Disney Company on Feb 6, 1986.
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showpost.php ... tcount=156 (http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showpost.php?p=3307894&postcount=156)
Umm, why 1986? Surely that is only 22 years ago :-k
It's 2009 ;)
Personnally i don't know what it could be, my first thought was Pinocchio but now i'm thinking it could more along the lines of what Ant quoted.
Quote from: "Adam"Pinocchio is released on 10th, so it could be that.
nope out the 9th ;) (also my 21st :D)
Quote from: "-breeno-"It's 2009 ;)
:oops: :oops: So it is . Hahahahaha, D'oh !!
Quote from: "Clarebelle"Quote from: "Adam"Pinocchio is released on 10th, so it could be that.
nope out the 9th ;) (also my 21st :D)
These sites (http://www.dvdempire.com/Exec/v4_item.a ... &searchID= (http://www.dvdempire.com/Exec/v4_item.asp?userid=99366427976092&item_id=1433163&searchID=) / http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=754 (http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=754) / http://www.dvdtown.com/news/pinocchio-b ... -2009/6031 (http://www.dvdtown.com/news/pinocchio-blu-ray-scheduled-for-march-10-2009/6031)) says 10th, but other says 9th!
The date it comes out depends on where you live. It will be out here on the 9th in the UK as that is when UK entertainment media are generally realeased, in America they are generally released on Tuesday's.
Its not Pinocchio, they wouldn't advertise a children's classic like that around Burbank, its got to be something different. They would have mentioned that it was Pinocchio that was happening then, why mention what they are advertising once it is already out.
As the webpage is only available on disney.com and not .co.uk, I assume it is American based event. And as you said, DVD release day is Tuesday in the US, so it could be DVD release such as Pinocchio. However, it does seem a little odd to advertise a DVD on the day it is out!
If it is a DVD, it will have to get rated before being produced, so if it is coming out on 10th or just after, they will have to release the details. Thinking about everything, I imagine it is an event or future release of some sort.
Having had a look at the source code for the page also, I did spot "D23" mentioned a few times, which would tie in with Anthony's suggestion on the D-23 event.
And the fact this poster has been spotted around the Burbank studio suggests its probably some kind of company initiative, and/or something that they want to leak out to get the fan message boards buzzing... And therefore unlikely to be something like the HSM4 announcement or the second DTV Tinker Bell movie... We hope.
The '23' link is very tenuous though, even if it is a new fanclub kind of thing.
Quote from: "Anthony"And the fact this poster has been spotted around the Burbank studio suggests its probably some kind of company initiative, and/or something that they want to leak out to get the fan message boards buzzing... And therefore unlikely to be something like the HSM4 announcement or the second DTV Tinker Bell movie... We hope.
The '23' link is very tenuous though, even if it is a new fanclub kind of thing.
The Second Tinkerbell DTV isn't expected until Autumn/Winter 09 from the Press Release most of us have read which... So I think it might be a wee bit of over selling the DVD considering it would be a whole 7/8 Months away!
Still a Mystery is better than nothing... We Shall Have To Wait And See... Here's hoping for something Good AND Relevent...Exciting and not pants like HSM4 which again wouldn't feature release until September 09 if Disney are to keep to its promotional and structural ploy with that franchise. There are rumours of Camp Rock2, a Arthurian Live Action Movie... but then again their only rumours and casting is at stage one.
1986... Basil The Great Mouse Detective was released... But then I got a feeling Basil isn't the Mystery... as he solves them (Bad Joke I know)
Still hunting, still nothing. Gonna let this rest until March. Read that there is a rumour it could the release of 23 Disney Blu-Ray films all on the same day. If this is true, I cant see any classics apart from Pinocchio being amongst them. So the other 22 will be made up of quality titles (*cough*) like Pete's Dragon, The Mighty Ducks or the Jodie Foster classic 'Candleshoe' :?
Or it could be a special club, who knows. The wait continues..................
I read the 23 Blu-Rays too, which would be good... but I doubt they've been working hard enough to get that many discs ready without anyone finding out.
But you never know... At the moment, there's absolutely nothing on the horizon in the way of classic animation on Blu-Ray apart from Pinocchio, Monsters Inc and Snow White. Which is... weird, considering how quickly it's being taken up.
Didn't Disney have a similar period for DVDs where they released all the "secondary" films like Hercules, Hunchback, Oliver & Co, Rescuers in quite quick succession? It could be some special 23-film collector's series. But again - I can't see them preparing them that quickly, at least not with some decent extras and menus. Films like Hercules and Hunchback were so badly treated on DVD. I'd love to see Treasure Planet on Blu-Ray in particular...
Edit:
It's quite a valid rumour actually, since if you cut out the main/platinum films in the classics you get 24 films:
1. Saludos Amigos
2. The Three Caballeros
3. Make Mine Music
4. Fun and Fancy Free
5. Melody Time
6. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr Toad
7. The Sword in the Stone
8. The Aristocats
9. Robin Hood
10. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
11. The Rescuers
12. The Fox and the Hound
13. The Black Cauldron
14. The Great Mouse Detective
15. Oliver & Company
16. The Rescuers Down Under
17. The Hunchback of Notre Dame
18. Hercules
19. The Emporer's New Groove
20. Atlantis: The Lost Empire
21. Lilo & Stitch
22. Treasure Planet
23. Brother Bear
24. Home on the Range
Cut out either Lilo & Stitch or something like Make Mine Music to get 23. That'd make an amazing collectors series. But again, it doesn't connect into why they're asking us Are you 23?...
Quote from: "Anthony"I read the 23 Blu-Rays too, which would be good... but I doubt they've been working hard enough to get that many discs ready without anyone finding out.
But you never know... At the moment, there's absolutely nothing on the horizon in the way of classic animation on Blu-Ray apart from Pinocchio, Monsters Inc and Snow White. Which is... weird, considering how quickly it's being taken up.
Didn't Disney have a similar period for DVDs where they released all the "secondary" films like Hercules, Hunchback, Oliver & Co, Rescuers in quite quick succession? It could be some special 23-film collector's series. But again - I can't see them preparing them that quickly, at least not with some decent extras and menus. Films like Hercules and Hunchback were so badly treated on DVD. I'd love to see Treasure Planet on Blu-Ray in particular...
Yeah, I remember that a 'classic' would come out with the big advertising push, and there would be other lesser films released a week or so later (then 6months later the buy one get one free would come around). There's a lot of the direct to dvd sequels that could possibly make up some of the 23, plus more recent films. Maybe HSM, that one with the Rock, Freaky Friday remake, the Herbies. I sure they could fin enough films to make up 23.
Quote from: "Pete's Dragon"Yeah, I remember that a 'classic' would come out with the big advertising push, and there would be other lesser films released a week or so later (then 6months later the buy one get one free would come around). There's a lot of the direct to dvd sequels that could possibly make up some of the 23, plus more recent films. Maybe HSM, that one with the Rock, Freaky Friday remake, the Herbies. I sure they could fin enough films to make up 23.
HSM 1 & 2 and Game plan are already on Disney Blu Ray... Likewise so is Chicken Little,The Wild, Meet The Robinsons and Dinosaur
The Idea from Anthony about the 24 movies listed is great,but Disney are or have recently just launched them in the last 2 years or so as Special Editions on DVD
Sword in the Stone - 2008 was teamed up with Robin Hood in a double set and Robin Himself was Re-Released in 2007, likewise The Aristocats was re-released in 2008 also. (Years could be wrong by the way my memory is pretty vague)
Oliver and Company is also listed for re-release this year.
I got a feeling that Disney might not want to upset some of its fans who have rushed out to buy these movies when they were released for "limited time only" as Special Editions in the knowledge that it would be approximately 7 years before it was released again only to see them re-launched all at one time (My Bank balance
would not survive) on Disney Blu Ray. I can't say I wouldn't be bet pleased... But then to have them on Blu Ray would be Amazing
Question: Doesn't Disney already have its list for the Re-Releases from the Vault on Platinum editions for the next 2 years sorted?
2009:Spring: Pinnochio
Fall: Snow White
2010:Spring: Fantasia/Fantasia 2000
Fall: Beauty and the Beast
2011:Spring: ?
Fall: The Lion King
I'd bet money that Disney will stick to the one-classic-per- six month release schedule they have in place. It's worked so well for them thus far. Although I've always thought that it encourages piracy ( I know I have a disney dvd I shouldn't; but not after March 10th)
If it is gonna be a 23-film batch of BD, it'll be feature films and sequels from yesteryear.
Q: Is Tron on BD yet? Could be a possibility
Quote from: "Pete's Dragon"I'd bet money that Disney will stick to the one-classic-per- six month release schedule they have in place. It's worked so well for them thus far. Although I've always thought that it encourages piracy ( I know I have a disney dvd I shouldn't; but not after March 10th)
If it is gonna be a 23-film batch of BD, it'll be feature films and sequels from yesteryear.
Q: Is Tron on BD yet? Could be a possibility
Tron isn't as far as I know... but then I'm not one who knows much...
Quote from: "Pete's Dragon"I'd bet money that Disney will stick to the one-classic-per- six month release schedule they have in place. It's worked so well for them thus far.
That's only for the more landmark platinums though. Films like Robin Hood, Aristocats aren't part of that 6-month schedule and actually seem to be released and re-released on a bit of a whim whenever they've got a gap in their schedule. If they only stick to this schedule for blu-ray, none of the secondary classics will ever make it to the format. Properly grouping these 23 classics into a Platinum-style series would be really smart. There's no reason to hold them off Blu-Ray just because they've recently done DVD special editions. I do doubt they would release all 23 at once though.
Did you see any of Sony's event at the recent electronics tradeshow? (CES is it?) They played an exclusive trailer from UP and even sent John Lasseter to Las Vegas just to talk about how much Disney loves the format and is so committed to it...
I'm putting my bets at 40% likelihood of the blu-rays and 60% the fan club kinda thing. But knowing Disney, we'll all be wrong.
I like those odd, I'll have £20 on the Blu Ray package :wink:
I heard the other day that the Disney AGM is on this date so whatever "Are you 23?" is its likely to be announced at that meeting.
"D23" pins are now appearing...
(//http://www.wdwnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/3004591.jpeg)
QuoteSome other rumors we have heard about "D23? claim that the club will have an undisclosed annual fee, offer discounts on Disney merchandise, hold an annual convention at one of the domestic Disney Resorts, and offer exclusive "member-only" merchandise through Disney Shopping. We can not confirm any of these rumors at this time, but Disney is scheduled to release all of the details on March 10. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information on "D23? and the "Are You 23?" campaign.
http://www.wdwnewstoday.com/archives/2736 (http://www.wdwnewstoday.com/archives/2736)
It's seeming more like a fan club based around Disney merchandise or something. Maybe it's just me, but it seems like the worst possible time they could ever choose to launch something like that. Let's hope it's more fan club, less merchandise.
5 days to go and we will know all lol cant wait
Just so annoying¬!!
Well, I hate to spoil the surprise, but it looks like we've got it. Some spoilerific links:
http://www.stitchkingdom.com/2009/02/24 ... -join-d23/ (http://www.stitchkingdom.com/2009/02/24/im-no-fool-nosiree-im-gonna-join-d23/)
http://www.stitchkingdom.com/2009/03/03 ... -included/ (http://www.stitchkingdom.com/2009/03/03/bob-iger-on-movies-piracy-american-idol-the-economy-and-d23-audio-included/)
[spoiler:5c3p8xzx]From the Pinocchio DVD/BLuray US booklet:
(//http://www.stitchkingdom.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/480255357_swn8w-xl.jpg)
So some kind of fan community with regular updates and exclusives from Disney it is then!
Now, I just hope it's open to people outside the US.[/spoiler:5c3p8xzx]
Quote from: "Anthony"Now, I just hope it's open to people outside the US.
My guess is not.
The mystery behind Disney's "Are you 23?" viral question is quickly unraveling leading up to the March 10 reveal date.
At least one Barnes & Noble store has put out the new quarterly "Disney Twenty Three" magazine a few days earlier than they were supposed to and DC blog reader Joseph has sent me the details about it.
A membership to the new D23 fan club includes:
* A membership card with a personalized charter member certificate with characters drawn by David Pacheco
* A surprise collectible gift for D23 members from the new Walt Disney Archives collection
* Exclusive special events and merchandise opportunities
* Discounted admission to the D23 Expo on 9/10-9/13/09 in Anaheim, CA
That's right, an official Disney convention for fans will be taking place in or near Disneyland from Sept. 10-13, 2009, one day after the 40th Anniversary event for The Haunted Mansion. Note that being a member of D23 only grants you discounted admission, which means the event will be open to anyone willing to pay to attend.
The new magazine costs $15.95 and comes out four times a year. The premiere issue's cover contains a photo of Walt Disney looking through the camera and the back cover is black with a quote from Walt that reads, "It seems to me that we have a lot of story yet to tell".
Articles inside the photo filled 12?x12? glossy magazine include:
* The Disney Archives
* The Anne Liebovitz photo's article
* Through Tim Burtons Looking Glass
* The Suite Story - Disney Gallery & Castle Suite
* On top of the World - cooking article
* Finding Pixar
* UP
* Sleeping Beauty Reawakens in the castle
* Writing the Next Chapter- Book article
* Little Mermaid on Broadway
* Spirit of 23- About Walt & company history
I just checked my local Barnes & Noble and there was no sign of the magazine yet, as it's not supposed to be placed on newsstands until March 10 when the official D23 announcement is made at the Disney shareholder's meeting.
source@ distantcreations
Just been reading that exact post!
The magazine sounds brilliant, like an official version of Tales from the Laughing Place. And a Disney expo? Just Disney? That's amazing... (though I fear you're right about all this, Agent Lex)
Still, it's unbelievable Disney have finally realised they have a fanbase above the age of 13.
That magazine sounds amazing, I want a copy. The biggest annoyance is that it's probably US only and will cost a fortune to get a copy sent here. The convention sounds interesting but, once again, it's in America. Do they not think that they have fans outside of America?
would be great if they do something like that for europe one day too, sounds really great and would like to part of it :D
reading it asf well it looks more for the U.S come on disney dont forget all the other disney fans you have!
Well the wait is nearly over .Quite frankly I'd forgotten all about it. I'm still holing on to the very remote possibility that 23 Blurays are about to be released, but it looks a safe bet that our American cousins are getting a new club to join.
But if so, why 23? All, hopefully, will be revealed in 24hrs........
I think the magazine looks amazing, judging from the review at //http://www.stitchkingdom.com/2009/03/05/disney-d23-magazine-review-lotsa-details-some-photos/ (SPOILERS!)
I want one!! But to find out if/how it will be available over here, the official website needs to be active... However it is a great big blank for me!! :( Is it loading for anyone else?
Oh, and about "why the 23"...
[spoiler:1ne3s542]apparently, it's a reference to the year the Walt Disney Company was founded: 1923.[/spoiler:1ne3s542]
Argh, website, come online! ;)
Quote from: "DisneyAlba"I want one!! But to find out if/how it will be available over here, the official website needs to be active... However it is a great big blank for me!! :( Is it loading for anyone else?
Argh, website, come online! ;)
The countdown is still going, so probably at Noon (GMT) it'll be up and running
Quote from: "DisneyAlba"I think the magazine looks amazing, judging from the review at //http://www.stitchkingdom.com/2009/03/05/disney-d23-magazine-review-lotsa-details-some-photos/ (SPOILERS!)
I want one!! But to find out if/how it will be available over here, the official website needs to be active... However it is a great big blank for me!! :( Is it loading for anyone else?
Oh, and about "why the 23"...
[spoiler:3g0koflj]apparently, it's a reference to the year the Walt Disney Company was founded: 1923.[/spoiler:3g0koflj]
Argh, website, come online! ;)
Co-incidentally Pixar is 23 this year... I'm getting a big blank to DisneyAlba... but I'm sure it'll be active soon... as I'm due to get my email Very Very Soon!
Quote from: "DisneyAlba"the official website needs to be active... However it is a great big blank for me!! :( Is it loading for anyone else?
Nope, big blank for me too. And it's long gone 12 GMT. Maybe we have to wait until 12 in the US, which would be anywhere between 4pm and 7pm here.
Well the timer has gone into the minus numbers, and still nothing. Tried filling in my email address again, but nothing new from Disney appearing in my Hotmail account either. :?
Whats the point of running a mystery campaing for nearly a month, including a timer to the big reveal, and then not delivering ?
Good organisational skills Disney, keep up the good work !!!
Quote from: "Pete's Dragon"Well the timer has gone into the minus numbers, and still nothing. Tried filling in my email address again, but nothing new from Disney appearing in my Hotmail account either. :?
Whats the point of running a mystery campaing for nearly a month, including a timer to the big reveal, and then not delivering ?
Good organisational skills Disney, keep up the good work !!!
Why Are We Waiting....
According to the thing... Disney are now a day and 5 hours late!...
I'm now starting to get bored! With it...
Whats the point of hyping something to then forget to reveal it!
Although this could be the second worst kept secret of the month... Te first 1 was the Jacko gigs at the O2 in July...
well at about 11am here the countdown page didn't appear like it normally does instead a blank white page appeared but the URL was one I haven't seen:
d23.disney.go.com/index.html?cmp=d23_OFC_D23_vanity_23_Extl
when I tried again 15 minutes later the countdown was back.
Surely the countdown would be been set to the local time in America so there should of been something already!
or they could be keeping us waiting in spite of the fact they know we know what D23 is :lol:
edit: :lol: I opened two pages and the countdown is a little out on the second! the first says: -1 day -5 hours -34 minutes and -44 seconds
the second says -1 day -5hours - 35 minutes and - 54 seconds
The proper website is up again now.
It has information on all the different aspects of D23.
$74 is very expensive for me (not even taking into account the poor exchange rate and how much us UK residents will be robbed by customs).
There isn't enough Theme Park specific parts for me to buy it. I'm a Disney Theme Park fan not a complete Disney fan.
This is awesome I have to say. I'm sorry that it is so america orientated, but at least we get to be members. I will buy myself a membership in next week, because I am getting almost $300 back in taxes, so it is great.
I want it so badly!
I want it so badly... I'm going to get it in April!
:P :mrgreen:
I'm going to be a charter member... And I f I don't I might just cry! :cry:
I'm Just Crazy!
Looks like they enjoyed teasing us!
Quote"Are you 23?" They may be just two small words and a number, but to Disney fans that came across the D23 teaser campaign in the early days of 2009, they were the Disney equivalent of the Da Vinci Code! And all of us on the D23 team have to admit that watching Disney fans theorize, speculate and state with definitive authority about the meaning of our D23 teaser campaign proved to be a heck of a lot of fun!
Quote from: "forza_united"This is awesome I have to say. I'm sorry that it is so america orientated, but at least we get to be members.
Indeed! According to the Ts&Cs, far as I can tell all you need is internet access.
Unfortunately, I'm a little tight on funds at the moment, what with my looming trip to DLRP. I'll see if I can scrape enough together to join, though.
ETA: At the moment, the $74.99 membership costs £54.10 for us in the UK, and €58.71 for those on the continent.
Double post to say: oh, look, some pins (//http://disneyshopping.go.com/disney/store/Product_10002_10051_1243331_-1_66493__D23-Collectibles-%26-Pins-D23-Membership-Exclusive-Silver-Logo-Pin) we expected (//http://disneyshopping.go.com/disney/store/Product_10002_10051_1243333_-1_66493__D23-Collectibles-%26-Pins-D23-Membership-Exclusive-Charter-Year-Pin---Plane-Crazy). And one (//http://disneyshopping.go.com/disney/store/Product_10002_10051_1242497_-1_66493__D23-Collectibles-%26-Pins-D23-Membership-Exclusive-Charter-Year-Tinker-Bell-Pin) we didn't.
Also, I've come to the realisation that spending over £50 on membership is a silly idea. If the magazine's content is available for free online, then spending that money to essentially get the chance to buy a couple pins and go cheaper to an event I can't attend in Anaheim... doesn't seem worth it.
Quote from: "Agent Lex"Also, I've come to the realisation that spending over £50 on membership is a silly idea.
I was almost willing to go for it, being a sucker for collector magazines and things like this, but then I finally get through to the last checkout page to find that postage to the UK alone is
$57.95!!If a fan-operated organisation like Laughing Place can send me their brilliant magazine for -- I've forgotten, about $40 a year? -- why do Disney think they can charge
$132 ?!
Quote from: "Anthony"I was almost willing to go for it, being a sucker for collector magazines and things like this, but then I finally get through to the last checkout page to find that postage to the UK alone is $57.95!!
SERIOUSLY!?
And they advertise it as free for D23 membership! Nothing in the short conditions for the free shipping excludes international shipping.
Quote from: "Anthony"Quote from: "Agent Lex"Also, I've come to the realisation that spending over £50 on membership is a silly idea.
I was almost willing to go for it, being a sucker for collector magazines and things like this, but then I finally get through to the last checkout page to find that postage to the UK alone is $57.95!!
If a fan-operated organisation like Laughing Place can send me their brilliant magazine for -- I've forgotten, about $40 a year? -- why do Disney think they can charge $132 ?!
HOW MUCH.... I read that all P&P on Membership documents would be $0... but then that could be USA only...
Now I am gutted... Might just have my waistcoat professionally done instead for that price...
Is it really that much for it to be sent? That seems a bit off. Once again Disney fails to support the European fans.
I might read the terms and conditions again tomorrow as I swear it said that it was free for even peeps outside the US.
It does make you wonder if this membership is worth it. A certificate and a magazine (which it seems you have to pay silly amounts for) and invitations to events which European members probably can't attend anyways.
it's really expensive for Europe, i still might consider it. It's really tempting, but have to think about it.
Quote from: "Agent Lex"Quote from: "Anthony"I was almost willing to go for it, being a sucker for collector magazines and things like this, but then I finally get through to the last checkout page to find that postage to the UK alone is $57.95!!
SERIOUSLY!?
And they advertise it as free for D23 membership! Nothing in the short conditions for the free shipping excludes international shipping.
It clearly states in the first line of the pop-up details on the free shipping that this applies to U.S. addresses.
So, I've sent out an email to find out how much shipping to The Netherlands would be. Kinda worried about the amount now, now I've heard the amount for Britain...
I would really like a membership though. ;) The magazine itself will not be sent internationally...
Quote from: "DisneyAlba"I would really like a membership though. ;) The magazine itself will not be sent internationally...
So basically those across Europe would be Spending upards of £70 for a Certificate and card...
Is there any point to it for us anymore...
I still want one... but I want it as the Yanks are getting it... Its called Discrimination if we don't, Americans would call a class action suit for less than that!
Quote from: "Captain Pan"Quote from: "DisneyAlba"I would really like a membership though. ;) The magazine itself will not be sent internationally...
So basically those across Europe would be Spending upards of £70 for a Certificate and card...
Sorry, no, I think you may have misunderstood me. As far as I can see, a membership, including the magazine, can be sent internationally. However, it's is not possible for us to buy the magazine separately (i.e., for sixteen dollar an issue, apart from the membership), since the website states they will not send that internationally.
I'm pretty sure they won't let us pay that amount of money for a membership without actually sending the magazine. ;)
It does mean that a membership would be the only way for us non-Americans to get our hands on the magazine, since we can't get it sent over separately.
Quote from: "DisneyAlba"However, it's is not possible for us to buy the magazine separately (i.e., for sixteen dollar an issue, apart from the membership), since the website states they will not send that internationally.
Not that it matters, since the magazine's entire contents are online for free.
I for one am not paying the price, plus that ridiculous shipping fee, for basically a magazine I can see for free, a membership card and certificate, and the chance to buy overpriced merchandise (no doubt also with huge shipping fees). I personally think this is a bit of a farce on Disney's part, not only with this shipping charge but also with the fact that a club like this has opened in this economic climate. Apart from the truly dedicated, who would probably buy Walt's poop if it was on offer, or those with cash to burn anyway, how many people are going to buy the exclusive stuff?
Quote from: "Agent Lex"Quote from: "DisneyAlba"However, it's is not possible for us to buy the magazine separately (i.e., for sixteen dollar an issue, apart from the membership), since the website states they will not send that internationally.
Not that it matters, since the magazine's entire contents are online for free.
Err... No. Some content is available online, such as the cooking recipe, but basically all other articles are
not available online. Just a summary, teasers as it were.
The website is
extra content.
I do agree with you though, that the shipping costs are a farce. I would not buy expensive collectibles either, especially considering shipping and import duties as well. However, if I could get my hands on that magazine, I would be a happy camper indeed.
I just read somewhere that shipping to Canada is $50! :lol:
It looks like this is just the standard international shipping for disneyshopping.com, but you'd think they'd have put in a special rate for D23, considering it's just a magazine.
According to the people who've actually bought it, it's more like a volume-by-volume coffee table book than a magazine as such. I'm now hoping it'll be available to buy somewhere over here like Borders that stocks US editions of magazines... Or why not even at UK Disney Stores? If they've just finally recognised the collectors market again with Pin Trading, surely they'd love flogging a $15 magazine/book to us too.
Quote from: "Anthony"I'm now hoping it'll be available to buy somewhere over here like Borders that stocks US editions of magazines... Or why not even at UK Disney Stores? If they've just finally recognised the collectors market again with Pin Trading, surely they'd love flogging a $15 magazine/book to us too.
Has anyone emailed either D23 or Disney in the UK to ask what their plans are for UK and Europe?
Quote from: "Adam"Quote from: "Anthony"I'm now hoping it'll be available to buy somewhere over here like Borders that stocks US editions of magazines... Or why not even at UK Disney Stores? If they've just finally recognised the collectors market again with Pin Trading, surely they'd love flogging a $15 magazine/book to us too.
Has anyone emailed either D23 or Disney in the UK to ask what their plans are for UK and Europe?
I've only sent an email about the shipping costs, and received an answer to confirm that the 57+ dollars is indeed the correct shipping amount for European orders.
The website only states continental US outlets for the magazine, such as US continental Disney Stores. So I'm pretty confident there are no plans to distribute it in Europe (on a sidenote: why the differentiation, "UK and Europe"? The UK is a part of Europe!!) except through shipped memberships.
Edit: This is what the website says about retail points:
QuoteIndividual issues retail for $15.95 and are exclusively available at all U.S. Barnes & Noble booksellers, Disneyshopping.com, all domestic Disney Stores, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Back issues will be available at Disneyshopping.com.
Edit2: I hope the first buyers will receive their membership packages soon, and reveil to the next of us on the internet what the "surprise collectible gift" is. I think that will be the deciding factor for me, whether the shipping costs are worth it... (I'll receive money back from taxes, which I did not expect, so I'm temped to treat myself...)
I still can't fathom out why they're not catering to the International fans either. All it takes is an office in London or Paris.
And I seriously doubt the UK stores will stock the magazine. They're idea of "collectables" is pretty weak.
Pity as they'd probably get quite a few more UK/EU members signing up.
got today email conformation that they shipped my membership package. I guess it will take awhile before it arrives here in europe, but i'm already really excited.
The surprise collectible gift is known!
//http://www.thetravelears.com/2009/03/21/d23-charter-membership-giftheres-you-chance-to-see-it/
[spoiler:2h8cdbrp]And I'm thinking... D*mn it!! A litho?? I don't think it's particularly pretty, and wouldn't give up one of my current works of art at home to hang this on the wall. I was really hoping for a figurine of some sorts, to warrant the high shipping costs to Europe. But a flat gift like this doesn't warrant the costs by far, I think... :( *sigh* I hope I'll find another, cheaper way to get the magazine over... (P.S.: DisneyShopping lowered the shipping costs to Canada, in general, so I've read.)[/spoiler:2h8cdbrp]
[spoiler:ovxfzvyo]i think it doesn't look so bad, i would frame it and hang it on the wall for sure, especially because i have nothing similar so far.[/spoiler:ovxfzvyo]
So apparently they announced a whole bunch of D23 events (//http://d23.disney.go.com/expo.html) recently. And every last one of them is in the US. Seriously.
Worldwide indeed.
New details about Membership for 2010 has be revealed by D23.
QuoteBecoming a member of the fast-growing D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans just got easier, as D23 recently announced new tiered membership options.
D23 celebrates its first anniversary in March, having grown to encompass tens of thousands of members from more than 30 countries around the world. To mark the occasion, the only official Disney fan community introduced two tiers of membership, Gold and Silver, for the 2010 calendar year.
"D23 Members are the most passionate, excited – and exciting – Disney fans in the world, and D23 wants to constantly change, grow and expand to meet their needs," said Steven Clark, head of D23.
D23 Members in both the new Gold and Silver tiers will receive a membership card; a suitable-for-framing member certificate (for new members); opportunities to attend special D23 Member events throughout the year; access to exclusive, limited-edition merchandise and collectibles; and 2010 gift of "Disney Undiscovered: A 23-Month Calendar of Disney's Unrealized Masterpieces.
Disney Undiscovered" presents rare and never-before seen images from Disney theme-park, live-action and animation projects that were not completed, many of which have achieved legendary status among Disney fans. The calendar features art from never-built project like the Mineral King ski resort and Walt Disney's St. Louis Project; theme park lands such as Discovery Bay at Disneyland and the Switzerland pavilion at Epcot; and unproduced films including a watercolor from the original Little Mermaid that Walt had in early pre-production in the late 1930s.
In addition to all of these benefits of D23 membership, Gold members will receive a one-year subscription to Disney twenty-three, a stunning, oversized collectible quarterly publication that brings new perspective and insight into Disney's past, present and future.
New in 2010, D23 Members will enjoy new discounts and offers. Members who show their valid D23 Membership card (with a photo ID) will receive a discount at many locations in the Downtown Disney® District at Disneyland and at ESPN Zone locations across the country.
Gold membership is $74.99 a year, and Silver membership is $34.99 a year.
Anyone wishing to renew outside the US will have to continue to face the steep shipping and handling charges, which are being qouted at about $57.99 last time I checked.
While the Magazines are of high standard and the Calender sure looks like a good keep sake, I really do question the price, especially for International Members who have to pay an absolutely stupid amount of money just for shipping, but will likely miss out on all the special events like the Studio tours. Someone made a good point over on another board about the Silver Membership, saying that if you won't be attending any of the events, your really only paying $34.99 for a Calender.
Thanks a lot for the info. But like you say, still not great for us.
With Disney Stores rapidly turning into Mothercare, there's even less chance of them stocking the magazines (although it would surely be easy and incredibly profitable).
It's a no from Disney Store UK.
QuoteDear Guest
Thank you for your e-mail regarding the D23 magazine.
Unfortunately, this item is not currently available through our Online Store and we do not have any immediate plans to release this in the item in the UK online store . However, we are constantly reviewing the products on offer and we do look to increase the product range on an ongoing basis. To keep up to date with all the latest products available on the Disney Store Website please visit our store at www.disneystore.co.uk (http://www.disneystore.co.uk"%20onclick="window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
If we can be of any further assistance to you or you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact us again.
Many Thanks
Talking of the Disney Shopping site, I'm currently trying to track down my D23 order and keep being directed from the US site over to the UK site. Is anyone else having trouble with this?
Yes, it is so annoying as I want to buy things to ship to the US!
I had also the problem that I was redirected to the UK site, but in the meantime the US site works again.
I once heard a rumour that there would be a D23 convention like the one that they had in Anaheim would come to Paris summer 2010 but it was completely unsubstantiated. It was just something flying around livejournal. I did hope it was true for a couple of months but seeing no official statement what so ever has been made about I'm not counting on it anymore.
Frankly I'm refraining from D23 as it's so focussed on the US and just seems to be paying to be allowed to buy more stuff (most stuff I don't even like).
If it becomes properly European too then I might consider it.