FROM: Why Did Disney DO That?!? Published As Necessary

Disney Fan Clubs: For Locals Only?

The official Disney fan club, D23, offers some spectacular perks. To enjoy them, however, it helps to live near one of the parks. If you don't, well, tough luck! Lee Beatens wants equality! And until he gets it, you know that he's going to rant about it.

- Lee Beatens, May 8, 2011

How many Disney fan clubs can you name? There have probably been more than you think!

For instance, did you know that the very first Disney fan clubs were started by theater owners in the 1930's and were more like Boy Scout organizations than anything else?

Next came the official Mickey Mouse Club on television in the 1950's (revived in the 1970's and 1990's).

Then came a host of unofficial Disney fan clubs like the National Fantasy Fan Club (NFFC).

Of course, we've now gone full circle with yet another official Disney fan club called D23.

"If you're already a member: Thank you! If you're not: What are you waiting for?" - Jeffrey Epstein (D23 Marketing Manager). What am I waiting for, Jeffrey?

Equality!

Perks for the Privileged

Did you know that this new fan club is only for people who live within ten miles of Disneyland, California? I kid you not. OK, in fairness, after one year in existence, people who live within ten miles of Walt Disney World, Florida, can also enjoy the benefits of the club. As for everyone else, they're out of luck!

Why did Disney DO that?!?

Now you're saying to yourself: "Lee, I live in Outer Mongolia, and I'm a D23 member. What are you talking about?"

Yes, you can become a member no matter where you live in the world. Even those who live in the frozen tundra of Canada, which happens to be on the same continent as the United States, can become D23 members.

But my point is: Not all D23 members are created, nor treated, equal! Those chosen few who live just minutes from the two North American parks get all of the perks. Expos. Special screenings. Member's events. Exclusive tours.

And the list goes on and on.

Magazines for the Masses

What does everyone else on the planet get? A membership card. A membership certificate suitable for framing. And four magazines a year.

Can I get a 'Whoopee' from the crowd?

I suppose the rest of us could spend thousands of dollars to travel to California or Florida every time a special event is held, but how realistic is that? It isn't going to happen.

But my main worry may surprise you: If D23 doesn't get enough members, because the benefits aren't extensive enough for the majority, it will cease to exist. And we all will lose yet another Disney fan club. No true Disney fan wants that!

Disney is fine-tuning the club as we speak. Will the changes be enough to increase membership and thus ensure the club's long-term viability? Only if the club becomes more accessible to more people.

So come on, Disney: "If you've already addressed these issues: Thank you! If not: What are you waiting for?" - Disney Fans

Time may be running out...

More: WHY DID DISNEY DO THAT?!?