By the D23 Team
On March 10, 2009, Bob Iger went before The Walt Disney Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Oakland, California, with a very special announcement… “We have a fantastic legacy that started in 1923 and is based on timeless stories, beloved characters, and unforgettable experiences, but it’s our fans that keep the spirit of Disney alive year after year, generation after generation. D23 is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and celebrating our fans, who bring the magic of Disney to life every day in every corner of the world.”
Fifteen years, and hundreds of events, stories, and millions of fans later, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, still reflects on a now century-long history of stories with Disney and looks toward the next great, big, beautiful tomorrow.
To celebrate the first a decade and a half of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, we invited D23 Gold Members to journey down memory lane… or lanes better yet! Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida, opened its doors for an unforgettable celebration of D23’s history and bright future. This bowler’s bash allowed Gold Members to play and party with one another, bonding over their love of Disney at the ultimate social step-out!
Before heading out to the lanes, D23 Members began their day with a special shopping pick-up experience at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort from The Walt Disney Company Store. Here they were able to purchase some exciting new collectibles, including a few limited-edition items created in honor of D23’s 15th Anniversary! This was a treat, and these items were a great way to mark this special occasion!
Later that evening, Members came out to Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Disney Springs! This special celebration featured bowling, games, and terrific tunes, alongside special 15th Anniversary photo-ops and even one featuring playing card artwork from the 2024 Gold Member Collector Set—D23 Magic & Mystery! Additionally, guests enjoyed hosted food and beverage, including a very special donut display from local favorite Everglazed.
Throughout the night, Members bowled and mingled, enjoying a DJ spinning dance hits and a live band, and fellowship with other D23 Members. It was special thing to experience, as we shared some favorite D23 memories from the last 15 Years.
While D23 Members left with another great memory to cherish, they also walked away with two very special collectibles made specially for this event. The first was a dazzling playing card-inspired pin, themed to the D23 Magic & Mystery Collector Set. As the second, big treat, D23 Gold Members in attendance received a special Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse Cosmic Blue Variant Figurine. This collectible is a special variant of the same figurine featured in the D23 Magic & Mystery Collector Set!
These past 15 years would not have been as magical without the most incredible fans that have joined our D23 family. We’ve traveled the world with you, and celebrated your favorite stories with you... We wouldn’t be here without you, and we know the future holds so many more memories for us to make together. Thank you for joining us, and thanks for 15 fan-tastic years.
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Also includes our quarterly publication and annual Collector Set.