Well, there goes more money that I just gave to Disney ... I didn't even browse the D23 merchandise in detail this morning. So, thank you, Moonliner, for pointing out the dated shirts.

Not 20 shirts, but I did order a couple of both the black and beige "Launch Day" shirts to keep/wear and the extras to give away as gifts. I am not one who sells stuff for outrageous prices on eBay.

As for the cost vs. benefits of membership, I probably would have bought the Disney twenty-three magazines anyway, so joining made sense.

PAY to hang out with Disneyland geeks? No way. ;)

Yeah: not when you can do it here for free.

Wait... Are you saying you don't get a PM every few weeks with the amount you have to pay to keep using the LoT?

Just like Disney to still have absolutely no clue how to use the internet to further their brand, please their biggest fans, and yes, make money.

For them to use the word "Community" in this context is insulting, especially to those of us that have been a part of the real online Disney community, official or not.

Boo.

Well said, CP! :snap:

I may have paid (too much) money to join D23, but you're completely right. It appears that the Community's participation in D23 is a one-way street -- mostly limited to paying for the opportunity to attend paid events, or the opportunity to buy merchandise.

But at least the D23 Website is free to access and read. There are some decent articles and photos in the "Disney Archives" sections.

Those who actually paid to join D23 will have to wait and see if the potential "exclusive special events" to come are worth the cost of membership. But, yeah, it is a disappoint that Disney seemingly missed the opportunity to really connect with fans after months of intrigue and build up.

I may be missing something, but why 23? why not D1313 or D33 or D55 ?

From the official press release:

Perhaps when the company officially formed?

ETA: Yup, wiki confirms that the company officially formed on Oct. 16, 1923.

From Disney press materials and Disney archives:

... The name "D23" pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood.

... Named in honor of the year 1923, when Walt left Kansas City, headed for Hollywood and founded what would become the Disney Studios.

In August 1923, Walt Disney left Kansas City for Hollywood with nothing but a few drawing materials, $40 in his pocket, and a completed animated and live-action film. Walt's brother, Roy O. Disney, was already in California, with an immense amount of sympathy and encouragement, and $250. Pooling their resources, they borrowed an additional $500 and constructed a camera stand in their uncle's garage. Soon they received an order from New York for the first "Alice Comedy" featurette, and the brothers began their production operation in the rear of a Hollywood real estate office two blocks away.

Well, if you don't know THAT than you can't be a REAL Disney geek and you can't join the club. HAHA! :p