Countdown - 66 Days to Go!

🏰 This Day in Disney History: Day 4

66 Days to go, but that isn't even close to how long Disney has been around! The longer Disney’s been around, the more magical moments fill the calendar—and today is no exception! With roots dating back to the early 1920s, the Disney legacy is tied to something special on nearly every date. Let’s dive into today’s milestone!

Photo Credit: https://d23.com/

🎉 2009 — The Birth of D23: Disney’s Official Fan Club

It’s wild to think that, despite decades of devoted fans, Disney didn’t have an official fan club until 2009. That’s when D23 was born—and it made its grand debut with the inaugural D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center!

The day was packed with:

• ✨ Celebrity sightings

• 🏆 The 2009 Disney Legends presentation

• 🎬 Sneak peeks and fan-first reveals

  

  Photo Credit: https://d23.com/d23-expo-2022-kicks-off-with-enchanting-disney-legends-awards-ceremony/

Before the club’s official launch, Disney teased fans with the mysterious question:

“Are you 23?”

Then-CEO Bob Iger summed it up perfectly:

“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.”

💫 More Than a Fan Club—It’s a Community

D23 isn’t just about perks and expos—it’s a celebration of Disney fandom in all its forms. From walking tours to viewing parties, exclusive merch to behind-the-scenes access, it’s a dream come true for Disney lovers.

Want to see what’s coming up? Check out their event calendar for magical experiences near you!

✨ Bonus Fun: Did You Know?

The “23” in D23 honors the year Walt Disney founded the company—1923. It’s a subtle nod to the beginning of the magic we all know and love.

✨ Want to Join?

While you can join the D23 at no cost as a General Member, currently, as a Disney+ Perks (lhttps://perks.disneyplus.com/en_us/welcome) you can get a Gold Level (entry level) membership for no additional cost! Just need to link for Disney+ email with your D23 email!

Come back tomorrow for more this Day in Disney History... after all Day 5 is just around the riverbend…