Disney Rolls Out Price Increases That Exceed Expectations – Here’s What Changed

It wouldn’t be a typical day without Disney unveiling another price increase—this time targeting its D23 fan club.

Being a Disney enthusiast has always been a pricey pursuit, but in recent years, the cost has soared. Ticket prices for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort have seen significant hikes (a one-day ticket to Magic Kingdom Park could cost you as much as $199 per person this year), alongside steep increases for Annual Passes, which now also offer fewer benefits post-pandemic.

Food, lodging, and merchandise at Disney parks have also become more expensive. Adding to the financial strain are paywalls like the Lightning Lane system, which replaced the once-free FastPass. Disney even introduced a premium Lightning Lane option in 2024, costing up to $400 per person.

Now, Disney has quietly turned its pricing eye toward D23, the official fan club for Disney devotees worldwide.

What is D23?

D23 was launched in 2009 to connect fans with exclusive perks and celebrate Disney’s rich history, with its name paying tribute to 1923, the year Walt Disney founded his iconic studio. The club offers members behind-the-scenes content, access to special events, and limited-edition merchandise. Perhaps its most notable offering is the biennial D23 Expo, where Disney unveils major announcements about its parks and films.

Previously, D23 offered two membership options: a free tier and a Gold tier. However, Disney has rolled out a new pricing structure with four tiers, dividing the Gold membership into three subcategories:

• D23 General Membership (Free)
• D23 Gold Member Essential ($49.99/year)
• D23 Gold Member Choice ($99.99/year)
• D23 Gold Member Complete ($299.99/year)

What’s Included in the New Gold Tiers?

The new Gold tiers come with varying levels of perks.

• Gold Member Essential: This entry-level Gold membership includes access to exclusive events, discounts, and the digital Disney twenty-three publication. Members also receive a Gold Membership Kit containing a certificate, membership card, collectible Stitch pin, Goofy and Max car magnet, and a D23 Disney Lorcana trading card featuring Iago from Aladdin (1992).
• Gold Member Choice: This tier includes all the benefits of the Essential plan plus the option to select one premium item. Choices include the Disneyland 70th Collection (a replica park entrance plaque, a reproduction of Walt Disney’s annotated draft, and a special anniversary book), the D23 Gold Member Fan Pack (embroidered crossbody bag, water bottle, and cap), a Gold Member Spirit Jersey featuring Mickey Mouse artwork, or a collectible pin box set with ten unique character designs.
• Gold Member Complete: The highest tier includes all the perks of D23 membership, along with all four premium items, offering a comprehensive experience for the most dedicated Disney fans.

The Hidden Fees

While the advertised prices might seem straightforward, hidden charges have surfaced with these new tiers. Shipping, handling, and other applicable fees significantly inflate the cost. For example, the $99.99 Gold Member Choice Plan reportedly costs $135.23 after these fees—a noticeable jump from its initial price point.

As Disney continues to adjust pricing across its offerings, fans are left debating whether the value of these memberships justifies the growing expense. With price increases now affecting even the official fan club, some are questioning how accessible the magic of Disney will remain in the years to come.

How do you feel about these changes to D23 memberships?