Before this day in 2009, Disney had never had an official fan organization. In preparation for its launch, marketing and promotional materials merely asked, “Are you 23?” And so, with thousands of fans gathered at the Shareholders’ Meeting in Oakland, California, Disney President and CEO Bob Iger announced, “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.”
