D23 Members Join a Very Disney Afternoon in San Diego

By Emma Zomerman

Step right up and come on it, this is where the fun begins!

D23 Gold Members tuned into Punchbowl Social San Diego on the afternoon of July 22 for an extremely animated Member Mixer! Upon arrival, D23 Gold Members were welcomed with a credential, which gave them exclusive access to the incredible venue for two hours. They were invited to engage in a variety of complimentary and totally rad activities including pingpong, bowling, and bocce ball, and our friends at BoxLunch brought an awe-inspiring prize wheel with some totally wicked prizes. Guests were also offered a variety of appetizers and desserts that were da bomb!

A full area photo of the event location, Punchbowl Social. Featured in the picture are fans mingling about. Lights are hung from the ceiling, and there is an industrial feel to the location. Giant Jenga games are featured in the lounge area, which includes tables and couches. Lots of daylight is brought in through the large open windows and doors around the venue. Retro video games are lined against one of the walls near high-top tables with green stools.

A fan smiling with bright orange hair and sunglasses is posing with her light blue Cinderella sweatshirt featuring Gus and Jaq. Sewing-inspired details such as stitches and measuring tape draw strings that she won at the BoxLunch prize wheel. The fan to the right of her is holding a boxed crockpot that is black with squared Pixar characters covering the crockpot. The fan is wearing a bright yellow shirt and grey shorts with a blue knee brace. The fan behind them is gasping in awe at the pink Bambi purse that she won at the wheel too. She is dressed all in black. They are all standing and sitting by the Punchbowl Social circular bar featuring bubble type lamps and green chairs.

A family of three sitting on a brown bench against a teal wood background. The fan on the left has glasses, a blue T-shirt and dark green shorts. This fan’s arm is around the youngest fan in the middle. This fan’s brown hair is pulled back into a bun, has a grey DuckTales shirt with green color and yellow sleeves, and purple tennis shoes with blue socks. The fan on the right has long brown hair, a tan fedora hat, red shirt featuring Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers’ characters and brown shorts. In front of them are two plates of half-eaten food. Behind the fans is the photobooth location, Chip and Dale are meeting with a fan in front of the photobooth location. The walls behind the chipmunks are white with large green palm leaves. Above the walls are a large rust colored beam with black speakers hanging off them. Above that is the gate that protects the second floor.

Four fans standing side-by-side in the VIP lounge. The lounge is adorned with large neon letters reading Holiday Lounge. The lounge has white walls with teal accents around the room. The fan on the far left has long blonde hair, is wearing a black shirt, jeans and is holding a clear cocktail drink with blue straw and lemon on the edge. The fan next in line has mid-length brown hair, rose-tinted glasses, a white crop top, jeans, and a brown fanny pack worn across their chest. Next in line, the fan has long brown hair pulled up in a ponytail, purple-rimmed glasses, a choker necklace with gold flower charm, purple tank top and pink flannel tied across their waist. The last fan in line has a very colorful button-up shirt featuring the Orange Bird from Walt Disney World. It also features yellow and white sunflowers, orange slices, and orange flowers against a green background. The fan also has a black satchel across their chest and orange Apple watch. All are standing in front of a wood high-top table with three empty cocktail drinks and table tent.

Many D23 Members were all that and a bag of chips with their ’90s clothing. In fact, we saw a lot of outfits inspired by their favorite characters from The Disney Afternoon that impressed the characters themselves! Launchpad McQuack, Scrooge McDuck, and Chip and Dale all made special appearances to help bring their classic style to the event.

Two fans smiling with their beers dressed as Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers. The fan on the left has dark hair, brown fedora, brown leather jacket, brown shorts and tan shirt. Sunglasses hang across their neck with a black satchel. The fan on the right has mid-length reddish hair, chipmunk ears, red Hawaiian shirt with yellow flowers with a light brown skirt and brown backpack. There are multiple fans mingling around in the background.

Launchpad McQuack from Tailspin hugging a little girl. The girl is wearing a purple tee shirt and white shorts. Launchpad is in his flight suit. He has aviator goggles on his head and is wearing a matching brown leather jacket and white scarf. The pair are standing in front of a confetti covered backdrop and red, white, and black balloons.

After keeping it real socializing with other members, we were totally stoked to help D23 Members transport back to the ’90s and celebrate their favorite two-hour TV block from childhood. On behalf of the D23 Team, we hope the memories made today stay with you for years to come. Peace out, folks! We can’t wait to see you at our next D23 Member event.

Phone featuring the 2024 D23 Gold Member Card and surrounded by sparkles.

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Showcased are the four 2025 D23 Gold Member Premiums: Disneyland 70th Collection, including The Happiest Place on Earth, a replica Disneyland Park entrance plaque, and a reproduction of the Disneyland Entrance plaque text draft; Gold Member Fan Pack including a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse water bottle, crossbody bag, and hat; a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse Spirit Jersey; and a 10-piece Pin Set.

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