D23, Disney’s official fan club, continues to provide interesting and unique experiences for the Disney fan base. Disney Animation fans are especially in for a treat this year with some of the offerings that D23 will be providing throughout 2016.
Walt’s Office. The Walt Disney Archives recently restored Walt Disney’s office in the original Animation building on the Disney studio lot in Burbank, California to how it was at the time of his Walt Disney’s death in 1966. D23 is going to be offering tours of the space during 2016 and beyond (sign me up!). Check out the D23 Events page for more info.
Desk in Walt Disney’s “formal office.” © Disney
Gold Member Gift. For fans who sign up and pay for a D23 Gold Membership, D23 is providing a very cool member gift which is related to the restoration of Walt’s office.
D23 Gold Member Gift for 2016. © Disney
According to the press materials we received:
“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.
“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.” (Sign me up for this one, too.)
Image from Walt Disney’s 1941 feature The Reluctant Dragon. © Disney
Special Screenings. D23 has some exclusive screenings planned of classic Disney films, including The Reluctant Dragon (1941), Alice in Wonderland (1951), Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971), and Finding Nemo (2003). The D23-sponsored screenings take place on the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank or in Walt Disney World in Florida (and sometimes on both coasts).
The screenings typically include special guests and other surprises from the D23 team. Advance registration and purchase is required. Check out the D23 Events webpage for registration information and dates.
The awesome El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood
Discounts. D23 also offers select discount offers to business in and around Disneyland in California, Walt Disney World in Florida, and for other Disney-related experiences.
Some discounts currently being offered include:
- A discount on VIP tickets at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens now through February 7, 2016 as well as special pricing for Lady and the Tramp (February 12-15) and Zootopia (March 4-April 10).
- 15% off all purchases of $60 or more at DisneyStore.com and in all Disney Store locations through March 31, 2016.
- Savings of 15% off purchases at the ABC Store online, including items from fan favorite shows such as Once Upon a Time and Scandal.
A complete list of current member discounts is on the D23 website.
To join D23, visit www.d23.com.
Animation Fascination 