D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates 10 years with new experiences, extra magic in 2019

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D23: The Official Disney Fan Club

Next year, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates its 10th anniversary, and to mark the occasion, they’re adding an extra bit of magic to fan-favorite events and introducing a few new experiences.

In honor of D23’s 10th anniversary, the fan club returns to Walt’s birthplace in Chicago, heads to Sleepy Hollow in time for the 70th anniversary of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” hosts additional tours of Walt Disney Studios and more. It’s an exciting year to be a member of the club, which pays homage to the year Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood, 1923.

Return to Walt’s Birthplace

In 2016 and 2017, D23 members had the chance to visit Walt Disney’s birthplace in Chicago. The home, which was built by his father, Elias, and designed by his mother, Flora, is currently being restored. In June 2019, D23 members have the opportunity to visit the house and see the progress being made on its restoration.

Screenings on the Walt Disney Studios lot and Walt Disney World Resort

Throughout the year, D23 will offer special screenings of Disney favorites at these locations on both coasts. The films being screened this year, which include the following, are also celebrating milestones in 2019:

  • Up (10th anniversary)
  • Sleeping Beauty (60th anniversary)
  • Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (35th anniversary)
  • The Lion King (25th anniversary)

The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour

Four times a year, D23 Gold members get exclusive tours of the historic Studio lot in Burbank, California. For 2019 celebrations, the tour will run monthly starting in March and include VIP experiences on select tours. Guests can take a look inside the Walt Disney Archives and see Walt Disney’s office during the tour, which offers a unique perspective on the history of Disney films, TV shows, and theme parks.

D23’s Lunch With a Disney Legend

Starting in January, these exclusive lunches with Disney Legends return. This year, D23 is bringing the luncheons across the country so more fans than ever have the chance to meet Disney Legends and hear their amazing stories. For example, a lunch with Linda Larkin (the speaking voice of Jasmine in “Aladdin”) is scheduled for New York City in April.

D23 Heads to the Hollow

In October, D23 celebrates the 70th anniversary of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” with a special event in Sleepy Hollow, New York. The sure-to-be spooky event includes a screening, special guests, a reception, and more.

Advance Screenings

In partnership with Walt Disney Studios, D23 hosts exclusive advance screenings across the country. In 2018, D23 brought movie magic to cities including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York City, and more. In 2019, D23 Gold Members across the United States will once again be randomly selected to receive complimentary movie passes. In honor of D23’s 10 years, 10,000 pairs of tickets will be sent throughout 2019.

Signature Events

  • D23 brings back its foodie favorite “Sip & Stroll” during Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
  • Walt Disney Imagineering’s exclusive merchandise store, Mickey’s of Glendale, opens its doors to members.
  • Guests at Walt Disney World Resort will once again enjoy holiday festivities in December, and on the West Coast, members are invited back to The Walt Disney Studios to “Light Up the Season.”
  • The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, CA, invites Gold Members for an exclusive look at a new exhibit in May.
  • D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experiences return, offering exclusive, one-of-a-kind events to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members.

Member Mixers

D23 invites guests to mix and mingle during complimentary gatherings in cities across the U.S., including a special San Diego Comic-Con mixer to celebrate Marvel Comics’ 80th anniversary.

D23 Expo 2019

The ultimate Disney fan event returns from August 23 – 25, 2019. During three magical days at the Anaheim Convention Center, attendees can experience live performances, star-studded presentations, purchase exclusive merchandise, and more.

Plus, 2019 marks a year-long “Fanniversary” celebration for D23’s 10th anniversary. Every year, D23 honors a Disney favorite that has reached a milestone anniversary, and in celebration of D23, the Fanniversary continues all year long with additional events to be announced, new member discounts, and more.

Dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events will be announced throughout the year. Here’s the current event calendar:

  • January 25: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
  • January 26: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
  • February 16: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Sleeping Beauty, Burbank, Calif.
  • February 16: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Sleeping Beauty, Walt Disney World Resort
  • April: Lunch with a Disney Legend, Linda Larkin, New York City
  • April 7: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23 (Gold Family exclusive), Burbank, Calif.
  • May: The Walt Disney Family Museum event for Mickey Mouse Exhibit, San Francisco, Calif.
  • May 4: D23’s Magical Screening Series: The Lion King, Walt Disney World Resort
  • May 11: D23’s Magical Screening Series: The Lion King, Burbank, Calif.
  • June: Return to Walt’s Birthplace: TBA, Chicago
  • June: Lunch with a Disney Legend: Legend and location TBA
  • June 22: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
  • July 20: D23 Member Mixer celebrating 90 years of Marvel Comics, San Diego, Calif.
  • August 23-25: D23 Expo 2019, Anaheim, Calif.
  • September 21: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Walt Disney World Resort
  • September 28: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Burbank, Calif.
  • October: Lunch with a Disney Legend: Legend and location TBA
  • October 21: Sip & Stroll, Walt Disney World Resort
  • October 26: D23 Heads to the Hollow, Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.
  • November 9: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
  • November 16: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Up, Walt Disney World Resort
  • November 23: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Up, Burbank, Calif.
  • December: D23 Holiday Event at Walt Disney World Resort
  • December: Light Up the Season with D23, Burbank, Calif.

Full details on D23’s lineup of 2019 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at www.D23.com/events. Additional dates will be posted soon. All events and dates are subject to change.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99), Gold Family Membership ($99.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at shopDisney.com/D23.

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