D23. Did you sign up?

[Master Yoda]

Richard, how dare you call me normal? :lookaroun

:ROFLOL:

I'm with you [sort of] on the no-brainer aspect. For people who don't have access to Barnes & Noble in the contiguous U.S. [or quarterly access to the parks] the only option to get the magazine is membership. From the reviews I've read I want the magazine. Is it worth $35+/issue? Probably not to most, but I like stuff like that and if D23 membership is the only way to get it :shrug:

I think it's highway robbery to charge the exorbitant shipping Disney is charging, when it increases costs by over 50% [in my case to go less than 100 miles past the border] there is something seriously wrong. But Disney gouging for shipping is certainly nothing new.

Well we are normal in the fact that neither of us will drop a grand on a pen...past that I really can't comment.

I have to agree with you on the shipping. I can see no reason for shipping to cost me $9 and you $150. One of two things are happening...either Disney is simply robing international customers blind or our respective governments are in the form of tariffs, taxes, etc. My money is on our governments.

 

[UKDisneyAddict]

I was really, really tempted and like others before me I backed down when I saw the shipping price! I still want to join, but I will wait to see what the gift is first, to see if it justifies the huge shipping cost.

 

[Monty]

Well we are normal in the fact that neither of us will drop a grand on a pen...past that I really can't comment.

I have to agree with you on the shipping. I can see no reason for shipping to cost me $9 and you $150. One of two things are happening...either Disney is simply robing international customers blind or our respective governments are in the form of tariffs, taxes, etc. My money is on our governments.

Sadly, no. Other companies charge for shipping based on actual estimated shipping costs based on the carrier they use and the size/weight of the purchase. Disney Shopping charges based on retail cost of merchandise. So a $1500 bed from their furniture collection costs the same to ship as a $1500 pen. I have no idea why an organization as large as Disney charges for shipping based on product value, it makes no sense.

Even more ridiculous is the fact that the D23 site has a "Free Shipping" pop-up for details that only makes an obscure mention that the deal only applies to the contiguous States [Hawaii, Alaska and the various offshore protectorates all pay shipping as well]. When I challenged the shipping fee, they pointed to the D23 FAQ:

"Dear Disney Guest,


We are delighted to have received your recent email and we appreciate
your interest in DisneyShopping.com.

The Free shipping on the D23 Membership kit is only valid on orders
shipping to the contiguous US. This information can be found in the D23
FAQ.

as stated online:

I live outside the United States. Can I be a D23 member?
Yes. International shipping charges will apply.


Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have further questions. We
look forward to future opportunities to be of service to you.

Sincerely,
Tashia

The DisneyShopping.com Team"

So to be aware of their gouging practises, you have to read every page and follow every link on the Disney Shopping website to ensure there isn't some gem of information they've concealed...

The pop-up on free shipping:

 

[Master Yoda]

Sadly, no. Other companies charge for shipping based on actual estimated shipping costs based on the carrier they use and the size/weight of the purchase. Disney Shopping charges based on retail cost of merchandise. So a $1500 bed from their furniture collection costs the same to ship as a $1500 pen. I have no idea why an organization as large as Disney charges for shipping based on product value, it makes no sense.

Even more ridiculous is the fact that the D23 site has a "Free Shipping" pop-up for details that only makes an obscure mention that the deal only applies to the contiguous States [Hawaii, Alaska and the various offshore protectorates all pay shipping as well]. When I challenged the shipping fee, they pointed to the D23 FAQ:

"Dear Disney Guest,


We are delighted to have received your recent email and we appreciate
your interest in DisneyShopping.com.

The Free shipping on the D23 Membership kit is only valid on orders
shipping to the contiguous US. This information can be found in the D23
FAQ.

as stated online:

I live outside the United States. Can I be a D23 member?
Yes. International shipping charges will apply.


Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have further questions. We
look forward to future opportunities to be of service to you.

Sincerely,
Tashia

The DisneyShopping.com Team"

So to be aware of their gouging practises, you have to read every page and follow every link on the Disney Shopping website to ensure there isn't some gem of information they've concealed...

The pop-up on free shipping:

I agree...shipping based on dollar amount is incredibly stupid and in may cases unfair. Bottom line I should be charged what the retailer is being charged by the shipping carrier. Handling, packing, etc should be rolled into the cost of the item....end of story.

 

[Ilovewishes]

I have received my email! I got it at 6:27pm yesterday, UK time. Looking at the email, I was all prepared to join up then and there and deal with the consequences later. It makes it all look and sound so attractive, but I decided to check out the thoughts on here first!

So glad I did! $50 to ship it to me? On top of the $75 joining fee? I've just worked out that in that case, for me to join up and order a t-shirt I really like the look of, I would be shelling out $150! The most expensive t-shirt I've ever come across!

Still very tempted but it's the $50 shipping fee that is really putting me off.

And someone compared it to WDCC (Walt Disney Classics Collection) and the cost of joining that. I was a member of that for about 4 years and would join it again in a heartbeat. But then, I didn't have to pay an exorbitant amount just to receive it!

As someone else pointed out, overseas customers are being excluded...Again!

 

[Phonedave]

And regarding the high priced pens....It is a niche market that I am surprised Disney has not tapped into yet. Middle of the road Mont Blanc pens go for the $300-$400 range with special editions going for $1000+. I have seen other brands of high end pens going for $5000 or more. Insane yes, but there is a market for it. Here is a link if you do not believe me. high priced pens Much like there is a market for $5000 watches, million dollar cars and multi-million dollar houses. It does not make sense to us normal folks but if there are 2 thousand people out there that will pay $900 for a pen that costs $50 to make I wouldn't mind being the one to sell it to them.

I would be right there selling them as well if I could. In the relm of watches, a $5,000 automatic is just a tick above entry level.

Believe it or not, even in this economy, there are a LOT of people who still have ready cash, who still buy $1,000 pens, $15,000 watches, and $2,500 handbags. To ignore that potential market is just bad business.

-dave

 

[Master Yoda]

I would be right there selling them as well if I could. In the relm of watches, a $5,000 automatic is just a tick above entry level.

Believe it or not, even in this economy, there are a LOT of people who still have ready cash, who still buy $1,000 pens, $15,000 watches, and $2,500 handbags. To ignore that potential market is just bad business.

-dave

You just ain't whistling Dixie. Right now I am in the process of designing the roof and floor for a house that will cost upwards of 2 million. The one I did before it will go for about 8 million.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I'm not rushing out to join D23 either. I was going to wait to see what the perks were and how those who have joined like it. $75 isn't an impossible amount of money but I'm with those who don't like to spend any amount if I'm not going to get my quarter's worth.

I liken the whole D23 thing to the "Official" collectors club for the dolls I collect. Years and years ago when I got interested in the dolls I rushed out and joined the collectors club. A couple years down the road it became apparent to me that even though it was only $30 a year it was money I didn't really get anything for unless I planned to purchase one of the collector's club exclusive dolls or go to the annual collector's event in Georgia. I have been heavily involved in the online club/community for 7 years yet haven't been an "Official" collectors club member since 2001, I think. I've only recently rejoined because I am attending the annual event in a couple months. Otherwise, there's no info that's published in the newsletter, secrets that are whispered, or dolls/merchandise that I don't know about through the online forums and my network of friends. My thought has always been that if I needed a collectors club perk that's when I'd join. And that's what I've done.

So, for D23, if I ever find myself going out to California at the time of the expo, see any of the "exclusive" merchandise that I can't live without, or find a perk that I think I'll get a lot out of then I'll join. Otherwise, it's just not needed. With all the fans/friends here I just don't see where there's news that will be published or anything else that I won't hear about right here...for free.

 

[maggiegrace1]

I joined and paid the ridiculous shipping they don't tell you about if you live outside the U.S. until you're already paying.

I think the two things I see wrong are:

A) Disney is touting D23 as a "Community for fans", but it isn't a community, it's a presentation of information and merchandise. WDWMagic is a community. There is a difference.

B) People here are slamming it for something it's not trying to be. I haven't seen anything on the D23 site or press release that says it's for "real" fans or "true" fans. It is being slammed for being elitist, but there's no pressure to join, no glory in joining. If it were elitist, they'd publish the membership list and lists of who bought the crazy $850 pen... Take it for what it is, a subscription to a quarterly magazine that by appearances is probably worth most of the annual fees charged and a few trinkets and such as "membership benefits". Then there are member-exclusive merchandise ietems that are priced around the same as any other Disney merchandise, but you have to be a member to buy it direct.

My thoughts.

I keep wondering about the bolded part myself..I keep reading where everyone is saying.." I guess I am not a true fan" or I guess I can not be a real Disney Fan if I do not join"..but where is it stated anywhere that you are not one if you do not join?:shrug:

It is funny to me because people would pay $75 or more to join a club or group for anything else yet will slam this whole "23" thing because it does not give them what they want, well then just do not join.

I would never join a club if it was something that did not interest me enough to give them my money or give me the perks that I thought were worth my money but I would not sit there and constantly criticize them because of it.. I just would not join.

It seems to me like Disney does know what they are doing because people are joining..and there are people willing to pay for the membership and some of the merchandise regardless of the prices..so it does not seem to be a failure to me like others are saying if people are joining and buying.:shrug:

JMO!

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

I keep wondering about the bolded part myself..I keep reding where everyone is saying.." I guess I am not a true fan" or I guess I can not be a real Disney Fan if I do not join"..but where is it stated anywhere that you are not one if you do not join?:shrug:

It is funny to me because people would pay $75 or more to join a club or group for anything else yet will slam this whole "23" thing because it does not give them what they want, well then just do not join.

I would never join a club if it was something that did not interest me enough to give them my money or give me the perks that I thought were worth my money but I would not sit there and constantly criticize them because of it.. I just would not join.

It seems to me like Disney does know what they are doing because people are joining..and tehre are people willing to pay for the membership and some of the merchandise regardless of the prices..so it does not seem to be a failure to me like others are saying if people are joining and buying.:shrug:

JMO!

It's ALL in what they imply.

 

[maggiegrace1]

It's ALL in what they imply.

What are they implying that makes you say that?

I guess I am missing that then..so please explain because I admit when it comes to some of WDC stuff I am clueless..so maybe I am just not getting it.

 

[Wilt Dasney]

How do these non-US shipping fees compare to the norm? It seems Disney is losing a lot of sales because of that, at least based on the posts around here.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

What are they implying that makes you say that?

I guess I am missing that then..so please explain because I admit when it comes to some of WDC stuff I am clueless..so maybe I am just not getting it.

They keep on saying that this is the club for Disney Fans and that...This is the first time the reach out to the Fans..and my all time fave:This is the club for those that wish upon a star.

And in saying these things alone, it cuts down the people that DO these things but don't join. It's leaving out tactical information. ($$$) It's circular reasoning and elitist marketing at it's best.

 

[daliseurat]

I'm waiting. $75 is steep for four issues of a mag. $60 is as well. The club has some trinket they're giving away? What is it? Something really cool, or a lame copy of an animation cel? I do like the web site. I'll just have to see what folks who plunked down they money think. Is it a GREAT magazine?

Let see.

 

[Einselen]

I'm waiting. $75 is steep for four issues of a mag. $60 is as well. The club has some trinket they're giving away? What is it? Something really cool, or a lame copy of an animation cel? I do like the web site. I'll just have to see what folks who plunked down they money think. Is it a GREAT magazine?

Let see.

Well there is no magazines as a part of this Club. It is a publication.

 

[baz212]

Like Monty, I joined mostly for the magazine. I live at least an hour away from the nearest B&N and almost 90 minutes away from the nearest Disney Store. Since I live in the US and get free shipping, I would spend more in gas to drive to purchase the magazine 4 times a year than I do to just pay $75 for the membership and get access to the merch and the free gift, whatever it may be, to boot. There may also end up being more perks/discounts, later on. But I still want that D23 red messenger bag that was on the shopping site for about 10 minutes and then disappeared.:brick:

 

[MousDad]

The club has not even been open for 24 hours yet. Give it a chance people. I wonder how peoples tune will change if they start offering in park perks in the not so distant future?

Tell you what, just in case that happens, you keep the bandwagon warmed up, and I'll keep my jumping shoes handy.

 

[joel_maxwell]

http://disneyshopping.go.com/disney..._-1_66520__Become-A-Member-D23-Membership-Kit

Naahhh, ill just mooch off or Richards stuff and benefits.

 

[Phonedave]

You just ain't whistling Dixie. Right now I am in the process of designing the roof and floor for a house that will cost upwards of 2 million. The one I did before it will go for about 8 million.

Is that in Florida?

If so, that's even more impressive. A $2M house in FL is double or triple that around here.

-dave

 

[Master Yoda]

Is that in Florida?

If so, that's even more impressive. A $2M house in FL is double or triple that around here.

-dave

Both are in North Florida. One on the river and the other on the beach. The 2M is around 10k square feet and the 8M is a little over 20k square feet.