The virtual queue to purchase tickets opened right when Disney said it would. Disney fans and D23 Gold Members logged onto the website at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PT to try and snag tickets for Destination D23; however, much to many fans’ disappointment, the event sold out within minutes and many were unable to grab tickets — despite paying for a D23 Gold Membership.
Note that only D23 Gold and Gold Family Members were able to purchase tickets for the event, and, unlike the free basic membership for D23, these memberships cost approximately $100 or more annually. It is also important to keep in mind that D23 did mention tickets would be extremely limited and would available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Credit: Disney
One Inside the Magic reader, who goes by CP, commented on our article, writing:
This makes me so angry! We bought a gold d23 membership just to get tickets to the event. I logged in at 1:00 was placed in the line and when I got in at 1:11 it was sold out! Total waste of $120 for the gold membership.
In which another ITM reader, JS, replied with:
I am in the same position you are. I purchased the annual Gold Family membership for this opportunity. Very disappointed.
Credit: Screenshot via D23 website
Others did not hesitate to take to Twitter to share their frustrations — some even asking for a refund of their Gold Memberships:
@DisneyD23 how do i get a refund for my membership? i only signed up to attend destination d23. i have zero use for this membership now.
@DisneyD23 how do i get a refund for my membership? i only signed up to attend destination d23. i have zero use for this membership now.
The good news is that even if you did not snag tickets to Destination D23, select segments of the event will be live-streamed on D23’s official website as well as on D23’s social media channels. Per the website:
For those unable to join us live at the event, select segments of Destination D23 will be live-streamed on D23.com and D23 social media channels. Stay tuned to D23.com for a full schedule of streaming panels, along with details of where to tune in.
Destination D23 2021 will take place at Disney’s Contemporary Resort from Friday, November 19 through Sunday, November 21. Please keep in mind that Destination D23 2021 is different from the D23 Expo, which will take place in 2022.