Additional D23 News from Press Conference Call

D23 Head Steven Clark began the call by providing some background and inspiration on D23, talking about how the Walt Disney Company first got its start on October 16, 1923 (where the 23 comes from) by signing its contract to produce the Alice comedies.

Clark addressed concerns about why there hasn’t been a greater outreach by Disney to its fans in the past. He stressed that Disney has always reached out to its fan base in many different aspects but that they’ve always been at the hand of individual units. D23 represents the first time the company has formed a united front to bring that level of relationship to the Disney fan community. Clark defines D23 as pulling back the curtain, going behind closed doors, going backstage and meeting the cast members that make the magic every day, all summed up as the ultimate insider Disney experience.

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D23 Site is Live!

* For the Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens interview first talked about here on Stitch Kingdom, click here

To visit the site, click the banner above or point your browser to d23.disney.go.com

D23 Merchandise and Club Information on DisneyShopping.com

Membership is $74.99 plus sale tax annually per individual. At this time, registration can only be done online at either Disney.com/D23 or DisneyShopping.com. In the future, vouchers will be able to be purchased at the theme parks, the Disney Store and the Disney Cruise Lines.

International guests are able to join, but will have to pay additional shipping as required (for now, domestic shipping is free).

Gift memberships are also available to give to loved ones in addition to those under the age of 18.

The D23 Expo

It’s the ultimate Disney fan experience, taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California (across the street from Disneyland), September 10-13, 2009. This four-day can’t-miss event will feature incredible speakers, celebrity appearances, breathtaking exhibitions, sneak peeks, film screenings, one-of-a-kind merchandise, and so much more! There will be something for children of all ages, fans, the whole family, and friends.

When will tickets go on sale for the Expo?

Tickets will go on sale this spring. Check the D23 Web site for more information. Members will be alerted the day tickets go on sale.

How much will the Expo cost?

General Admission:

Adult 1-day $37

Child 1-day $27

Child 4-day $81 (4th day free)

D23 Member Admission (D23 members may purchase up to four discounted tickets per membership):

Adult 1-day $30

Adult 4-day $90 (4th day free)

Child 1-day $22

Child 4-day $66 (4th day free)

To purchase a D23 membership and/or see available D23 merchandise, click here.