It seems no corner of the Disney universe is immune to price hikes, and this time, the beloved fan club D23 is the latest to see a significant cost increase.
Known as the official Disney fan club, D23 was launched in 2009 to celebrate the company’s legacy and connect enthusiasts with exclusive events, behind-the-scenes access, and limited-edition merchandise. Its name nods to the year 1923 when Walt Disney founded his legendary studio.
Over the years, D23 has gained fame for hosting the biennial D23 Expo, where major announcements about Disney parks and films are unveiled, such as 2024’s announcements of the Tropical Americas land soon replacing DinoLand U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom, the controversial end of Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom, and the upcoming Walt Disney animatronic set to debut at Disneyland Park in 2025.
D23 Undergoes a Membership Restructuring
Until now, D23 memberships were divided into free and gold tiers. However, Disney has restructured the system for 2025, breaking the gold tier (AKA the paid tier) up into three new levels with varying price points and benefits:
- D23 General Membership (free)
- D23 Gold Member Essential ($49.99/year)
- D23 Gold Member Choice ($99.99/year)
- D23 Gold Member Complete ($299.99/year)
The revamped gold tiers offer progressively greater benefits. The Essential Plan provides access to exclusive events, discounts, and a digital version of the Disney twenty-three publication. Members also receive a membership kit, including a collectible Stitch pin, a Savings Passport, and a D23 Disney Lorcana trading card featuring Iago from Aladdin.
The Choice Plan builds on this, allowing members to select one premium item: a Disneyland 70th Collection with a replica park entrance plaque and anniversary book, a fan pack with a crossbody bag and cap, a Spirit Jersey featuring Mickey Mouse artwork, or a collectible pin box set.
For those wanting it all, the Complete Plan includes every benefit and all four premium item options.
But the new pricing tiers come with a catch. While the advertised cost for the Choice Plan is $99.99, the additional shipping, handling, and fees mentioned in the small print increase the total to $135.23, a nearly 35% jump, according to Mouseinfo. That’s one heck of an extra fee.
Disney Embraces Price Increases
This change follows a pattern seen across Disney’s offerings. The parks have seen a steady stream of price increases in recent years, sparking concerns among fans about affordability.
Admission tickets, Lightning Lanes (which themselves replaced a free service – RIP FastPass), and even food and merchandise have become noticeably more expensive, making the once-accessible magic feel out of reach for many. Parking fees and Annual Pass prices have also climbed, drawing criticism from longtime visitors who view the hikes as prioritizing profits over loyalty.
How do you feel about the changes to D23?
Its hard to miss Tortuga Tavern. Everytime we scanned the menu when it was open, it didnt appeal to us. Then it closed, leaving us never to experience it. It is correct, the place needs an inspiring new menu which ….shouldnt it include rum? Lol seriously, MK does need to step up more food options for QS meals.