D23 Update

I finally received all my D23 packages after what seemed like an eternity. I signed up on March 10, 2009, the first day the D23 memberships were available, on a whim to see what all the hub bub was about.

After about 9 days I received my membership card which I wrote about here on the Travelears Blog on March 20, 2009.  Shortly after that post I started to hear and read how others were receiving the remainder of their D23 packages and the much anticipated “special gift” and I was disappointed I had not received mine. I did sign up on the first day didn’t I?  What was the special gift, would it simply be a pin? GOD I hope not. Well the reports coming in indicated the gift was not a pin, it was a lithograph of Mickey’s 80th Birthday. For me this is a welcomed gift as I have many previous lithographs from other Mickey Mouse anniversaries from when I work for Disneyland.

I did question whether or not the gift was a lithograph or a really nice poster on heavy paper. My lithograph arrived on March 25, 2009 and I left it in the tube, I didn’t even look. On the March 27, 2009, tube in hand, I traveled to a friends reprographics shop were I had the lithograph scanned for archival purposes.  I was impressed with the lithograph but was disappointed they were not numbered like most collectible lithographs are. It did have a nice embossing in the lower right corner that indicates the lithograph is part of D23 Walt Disney Archives Collection.

D23 Mickey Mouse Litho

D23 Litho Embossing

I have also scanned the Certificate of Authenticity for you as well as the Charter Member gift letter that was enclosed with the lithograph.

D23 Litho Certificate of Authenticity

D23 Special Gift Letter

On March 27, 2009 I received the final portion of my D23 packages. It was packed in a nice white package and as I opened it, the D23 magazine, my membership certificate and another Charter Member welcome letter were all inside.

D23 Unopened Package

D23 Unopened Package with seal still intact

All three packages, the membership card, the lithograph and the final magazine package with membership certificate all came from the same address in Florence, Kentucky. Walt Disney Company – 7455 Empire Drive – Florence, Kentucky – 41042. I can understand the lithograph coming separate, but I am not sure why they would ship the membership card and the final package separately. I am sure they have their reasons, it just seems odd.

D23 is off the ground now and lets hope it get goes well because I would love to see the D23 Community work and for Disney to bring us things we as fans want to see from them in the form of collectibles, video content, etc.

“This unique environment, filled with textured fabrics, new silhouettes, and whimsical art and design allows us the opportunity to push the creative envelope as it relates to fashion and our characters,” said Mark Perrotta, director of Product Development and Design.  “Our guests continue to respond to trend merchandise and novel products that they can’t purchase at home.  Tren-D speaks to what is happening today with a blend of vintage and hip with stylized Disney influences.”

Offerings include organic loungewear, embroidered handbags, jeweled sunglasses and trendy accessories set among stylish art and unique furnishings.  The eclectic environment offers a raw and unfinished feel with jeweled chandeliers, distinct fixtures and mod furnishings.

Much of the merchandise will not be available anywhere else at Downtown Disney.  Designers such as Kidada Jones, Tarina Tarantino and Roxy will showcase their artistry – blending it with Disney-inspired creations.

“With its exclusive product lines and new environment, we think Tren-D will complement the existing merchandise offerings at Downtown Disney,” said Perrotta.

Tren-D is in a 2,500-square-foot venue near Pin Traders and Once Upon A Toy.  The space previously was used by Summer Sands.

From a Walt Disney World Press Release