It’s a milestone year for the Disneyland® Resort, and D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans is celebrating with the premiere of DESTINATION D, a brand-new, two-day event exclusively for D23 Members that illuminates Disney’s fascinating history.

D23 announced its latest members-only event on its first anniversary – capping a year in which Disney’s first-ever fan community grew to encompass tens of thousands of members from all 50 U.S. states and more than 30 countries worldwide.

The inaugural DESTINATION D, whose theme is “Disneyland ’55,” will be held this Sept. 24-25. DESTINATION D: Disneyland ’55 will take D23 Members on a journey through the design, creation, debut and magical history of the world’s first Disney theme park. The first DESTINATION D will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Disneyland Hotel.

DESTINATION D: Disneyland ’55 will offer two full days of special presentations, panels, screenings and guest speakers that let fans meet and talk with key figures in Disneyland’s history. Future DESTINATION D events will explore other important aspects of Disney’s creative legacy.  Following its premiere in September, DESTINATION D will alternate annually with the enormously popular D23 EXPO.

The next D23 EXPO is set for Aug. 19-21, 2011, returning to the Anaheim Convention Center. Tickets for the 2011 D23 EXPO will go on sale Aug. 19 (one year in advance), with specially priced tickets available exclusively to D23 Members. In addition, D23 Charter Members will have access to a special Charter Member Lounge at the 2011 D23 EXPO, at no additional cost.

AFTER THE JUMP: Additional details on the 2011 D23 Expo and the Inagurual 'Destination D' Event

Last night, Disney’s D23 held a private after-hours event for members who attended its (slightly early) first anniversary party in which most of the existing Fantasyland was turned into a bounty of attractions, unique character meet and greet experiences and dessert party.

Aside from the party, there were two key events. The first of which was a buffet style dinner inside the Diamond Horseshoe in which D23 head Steven Clark offered a presentation concerning the first anniversary of the first official community for Disney fans.

Introduced by Walt Disney World ambassador Clay Shoemaker, Clark talked about his own personal experience as a fan prior to joining the company, attending an event in the early 90s in which many Disney legends (past, present and future) were in attendance and presented upcoming projects from The Walt Disney Company. He spoke of meeting Walt Disney Studios archivist Dave Smith whom he had recognized from Dave’s column in Disney Channel magazine. He spoke fondly of Smith’s warmth and how Smith had offered him a private tour of the Studios in Burbank. Clark recalled how he had encountered a custodian with a fanny pack at the Studios and watched as a squirrel ran up the custodian’s leg, took food out of the fanny pack and ran off, appearing to gesture a thank you along the way. It was then, Clark notes, he knew he ‘was at Disney.’ Clark then led the room in a toast saluting D23 and its members and both of their successes. He introduced several key members of the D23 group that were in attendance (and a couple that were not) and spoke of their contributions to the success of the club and the expo.

AFTER THE JUMP: More details on this and other D23 events plus dozens of photos

On reporting the D23 First Anniversary Party at Disneyland, which appears to uncharacteristically have problems selling to the point where multiple outlets are giving away free tickets, Geoff Boucher of the LA Times reveals that Disney has no current plans to host the D23 Expo this year.

Instead, according to the report, the event will be biennial, next occurring at some point in 2011. Still presumably in Anaheim.

Last year’s inaugural D23 Expo was officially announced on March 10 as part of the annual shareholders’ meeting / D23 announcement.

On March 10, D23 members will have the opportunity to attend a private one year anniversary event in the park after hours. D23 has already revealed some of the exciting opportunities guests will have, but we have recently learned of some of the other surprises D23 has in store including a lengthy guest list which includes:

• Imagineers Bob Gurr and Tony Baxter
• Actor Kevin Corcoran, from “Old Yeller,” “The Shaggy Dog” and “Swiss Family Robinson” (among others)
• Bill Farmer, Disney Legend and the voice of Goofy
• Margaret Kerry, the live-action model for Tinker Bell
• Dave Smith, Disney Legend and chief of the Walt Disney Archives
• “LOST” actor Dan Roebuck, who portrays Dr. Leslie Arzt on the hit TV series
• Actor David Stollery — best known as Marty in “The Adventures of Spin and Marty”
• Denny Newell, senior show director for Disneyland

That isn’t all either. In addition to some of the party’s events and exclusives mentioned here, we’re told there are additional D23 surprises just waiting to be revealed during the party. We’re also told that only a few tickets remain, so those interested in attending so purchase their tickets as soon as they can. To purchase tickets to the event or for more information, click here.

D23 has released some details on what we can expect from their first anniversary member-only events at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts, which we share with you below. Tickets will be available beginning February 4 at 1 pm ET/10 am PT.

WALT DISNEY WORLD, MARCH 5 – COST: $140 PER GUEST (PARK ADMISSION INCLUDED)
Check-in for the event will take place beginning at 9 am at Magic Kingdom’s Guest Relations and will move to the brick kiosk at the park’s entrance at 2pm and remain there until check-in closes at 6:30 pm.

From check-in to the first event, guests are free to visit the Magic Kingdom as they wish. Guests will be assigned to one of two private dining buffet sessions at the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon, either at 4:30 pm or 6:30 pm.

After the park closes, D23 guests will be treated to a private showing of Mickey’s PhilHarmagic, followed by an presentation update by a Walt Disney Imagineer regarding the Fantasyland Forest expansion. Thereafter, a Fantasyland dessert buffet will be offered as guests can experience the attractions and participate in meet & greets with Disney characters including some who have not been available in the parks for some time.

Each guest will also receive a special limited edition commemorative pin in honor of D23’s first anniversary.

D23 Members may purchase tickets for up to 3 guests. The admission media provided must be used by May 5, 2010. Also note there will be no direct resort bus service available from the Magic Kingdom after the event — guests must take a bus to Downtown Disney and then transfer to the appropriate resort bus there. Monorail and tram service to the Transportation and Ticket Center, however, will be extended for the event.

DISNEYLAND, MARCH 10 – COST: $65 PER GUEST (PARK ADMISSION NOT INCLUDED)
Check-in begins at 4 pm at a registration table on the west side of the park entrance and ends at 9:30 pm. The event begins at 9 pm and runs until 12 am. In addition to access to the attractions and meet & greet opportunities with Disney characters including some not available in the parks for a while, guests have the opportunity to get an up-close look at the “Electric Runaround” that Walt used to escort VIPs throughout Disneyland, designed by Disney Legend Bob Gurr and seek a photo opportunity with Cinderella’s Crystal Coach.

Refreshments will be provided along with a few D23 ’surprises’ and a limited edition commemorative event in honor of D23’s first anniversary.

D23 Members may purchase up to 3 tickets for guests.

Now available in the DisneyStore.com Boutique 23 is this 8 pin ‘Mickey Through the Years’ pin collection available exclusively to D23 members.

Presented in a deluxe black wooden display box with hinged lid and velour lining, measuring 5 1/4″ x 11″ x 2″, the eight 2″ tall/wide enamel cloisonné pins feature Mickey in a variety of roles and costumes he’s donned throughout the year including: Plane Crazy, Thru the Mirror, Mickey’s Fire Brigade, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, The Simple Things, as a train conductor, with a film slate and in sportswear.

The D23 member exclusive pin set sells for $139.95.

janD23: The Official Community for Disney Fans today unveiled a host of special events that have been designed especially for its growing worldwide membership base.

Among the exciting offerings for 2010 are exclusive D23 one-year anniversary parties at the Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort, free “50 and Fabulous” film screenings at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, and a special 40th anniversary celebration event to honor the Walt Disney Archives.

“In our first year, D23 created some truly memorable event opportunities for our members, and this year we plan to outdo ourselves with a mix of all-new events and encores of fan favorites,” said Steven Clark, head of D23. “D23 Members are going to have more opportunities than ever to be part of the Disney magic through the events we have planned in 2010, and we hope they’ll be as excited as we are to experience them alongside their fellow members.”

D23 Members will receive notification of special events and reservation times via e-mail, and all events are offered on a space-available basis. More details on events, and on becoming a D23 Member, can be found at www.disney.com/D23.

Click to see the schedule of upcoming D23 Member events

As we first reported January 1, D23 now offers a multi-tiered membership option for new and existing members.

D23 has now furnished us with some additional details including some in regards to the 23-month Disney Undiscovered calendar that serves as the membership gift.

Disney Undiscovered presents rare and never-before seen images from Disney theme-park, live-action and animation projects that were not completed, many of which have achieved legendary status among Disney fans. The calendar features art from never-built project like the Mineral King ski resort and Walt Disney’s St. Louis Project; theme park lands such as Discovery Bay at Disneyland and the Switzerland pavilion at Epcot; and unproduced films including a watercolor from the original Little Mermaid that Walt had in early pre-production in the late 1930s.

Also new for 2010, D23 Members will enjoy new discounts and offers. Members who show their valid D23 Membership card (with a photo ID) will receive a discount at many locations in the Downtown Disney® District at Disneyland and at ESPN Zone locations across the country.

D23 Member year-round discounts at Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort include:

AMC 12 Theaters® 10% off
Anne Geddes 10% off
Basin® 10% off
Catal Restaurant & Uva Bar 10% off, not during special events
Compass Books & Café 10% off
Fossil® 10% off
Haagen-Dazs® 10% off
Hairwraps International 10% off
House of Blues® 10% off, before 5 p.m.
Island Charters 10% off
Jamba Juice® 10% off
Kaman’s Art Shoppe 10% off, including Face Painting, Letter Brush Art, and Pastel Portraits Cart
La Brea Bakery & Café® 10% off
Letter Brush Art Receive for free, when you present your Membership card, one of the following upgrades: calligraphy text, glitter, or stamped design on your matting.
LEGO Imagination Center® 10% off
Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria 10% off, not during special events
Napolini 10% off
Pastel Portraits Receive a free stamped design on your matting when you present your Membership card!
Pearl Factory 10% off
Quiksilver 10% off, cannot be combined with other sales, offers or promotional items or gift cards.
Rainforest Café® 10% off is on breakfast and dinner before 4 p.m.
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen® 10% off, max discount of $40.00 excludes special events.
RIDEMAKERZ® 10% off
Something Silver® 10% off
Sunglass Icon® 10% off
Tortilla Jo’s 10% off, not during special events
Wetzel’s Pretzels® 10% off

All discounts are subject to change.

ESPN Zone locations in Anaheim, Baltimore, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York and Washington, DC will offer the following to D23 members: With proof of membership shown when ordering, members can receive a burger, a non-alcoholic beverage and a $15 game card for $20. Price is based on Classic Cheese Burger. Add bacon for $1. For the Smoke House, Black and Blue or Cajun burgers add $2. Portobello burger add $3. Triple Double Burger add $4. Meal must be purchased first in order to receive game card. No cash value. May not be resold. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Up to four bundle offers per membership card per seating. Offer subject to change without prior notice. Offer valid January 5, 2010 and expires December 31, 2010.

It should also be noted that renewals will not be receiving a membership certificate. It is included only with new memberships. All subscriptions will receive a new Member ID card however as each card has a dated expiration.

On January 22, Disney Theatrical Productions invites D23 Members to attend a special performance of Mary Poppins at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. Members will receive a 20% discount on select seats in various seating locations throughout the theatre as well as a voucher good for 20% off all merchandise at the show.

Members will also get an exclusive post-show experience with the Mary Poppins cast and a top-secret surprise guest. D23 won’t say who it is, but only that he appeared in the original film. Could it be Dick Van Dyke? Maybe, but our money is on the man with a wooden leg named Smith.

In order to attend the event, D23 Members must call the Ahmanson Donor Associates line at 213-972-0775 and use code word PARROT.

The special D23 ticket includes:
* Special “behind-the-scenes” experience following the show
* Coupon for 20% merchandise discount (for 1/22 performance only)

A D23 representative will be available in the lobby to provide guests with their merchandise vouchers and information for the post-show experience.

* Available only to D23 Members in good standing. D23 Members may purchase up to six (6) tickets per D23 Membership. There is a limited number of tickets available. Tickets may be picked up at Will Call at the theater on the night of performance only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the theater. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancelations or refunds, and tickets are not transferrable.

Be sure to read our report of a similar experience offered to D23 members at the Broadway edition of the show.

Update: 1/6/10 – Fixed phone number

Although it’s been this humble person’s opinion that a D23 Membership was worth it for the full-color, all-access, oversized, quarterly magazine subscription alone (at a mere $11 over the cover price for the rest), many have balked at the $74.99 per year price tag. Enough so, perhaps, to convince the D23 brass that the bottom line was being affected by a subscriber base not living up to its potential.

Whatever the reason, D23 now offers two levels of subscriptions: D23 Gold ($74.99) is the original level and so far appears to be unchanged in 2010. The new level, however, is D23 Silver and can be had for a little more than half the price of the D23 Gold level — $34.99. The only apparent difference between the two levels is that D23 Silver doesn’t include the magazine subscription.

Also being touted for both levels this year are periodic discounts throughout the year at Downtown Disney (presumably at both resorts).

Pictured above is the 2010 D23 Member gift, a 23 month (2010-2011) calendar titled Disney Undiscovered, featuring ‘Disney’s unrealized masterpieces from the Walt Disney Archives collection’ — rare and never-before-seen images from Disney parks, animation, and live-action films.

Can’t wait until March for your 2010 & 2011 calendar? Membership renewals are also available today. Although DisneyStore.com doesn’t say whether it’s possible to switch between levels, a D23 Silver Membership renewal appears to be available, suggesting it’s possible (since new D23 Silver members won’t be able to renew until 2011).

For more information or to purchase your D23 Gold or D23 Silver memberships, renewals or gifts, visit the DisneyStore.com