It was a little more than 5 years ago when a question started popping up in the Disney community. The question we all saw was “Are you 23?” It was then announced the formation of D23 a fan club run by Disney for all of the Disney fans out there. I joined right away and am a proud charter member card holder.
We can’t wait until next year
There have been opportunities for members to attend fan events in both California and Florida, but those are not always easy for those of us not living in those areas and without unlimited cash flow and vacation time. Disney heard our pleas and came up with events in other cities around the country. These events became known as Fanniversaries.
I live in the Boston area and have been fortunate enough to be able to attend every Fanniversary that has been held in my area. I believe it started with a preview of Fantasia 2000 and after that it evolved into the Fanniversaries that celebrate the anniversaries in the Disney Company.
The 2013 and 2014 events have been my favorite because I have been able to take my oldest son with me. He loves history and is fascinated with Disney history. I was worried taking him would ruin some of the magic for him because he was only 10 years old for his first event. I am pleased to report that just the opposite happened. He ate up the history and wanted more.
Fast forward to 2014 when we were off again to Boston for another Fanniversary together. We decided to listen to “More Cute Stories Volume 4,” which is an interview with Rolly Crumb. This volume talked about the ’64-’65 World’s Fair and was a perfect primer for the event since one of the celebrations this year was the 50th anniversary of the fair. It was awesome to watch my son listen the the cast members talk about the World’s Fair and him beam with all the additional knowledge he picked up from Cute Stories. I don’t want to spoil too much of the actual content because that is part of the fun going to these events I feel. You do get to see and hear never before released to the public content which for us is super special.
The last couple years they have brought treats for us to see from the archives. This year we saw an actual hat used in the production of Mary Poppins, It is also nice to be in a room with people who understand each other the “Disney Fan Way”
Have you ever attended a D23 Fanniversary event? What did you think?
My name Jill Laperle. My first trip to Disney was way back in 1978. I still remember the first glimpse of the Magic Kingdom with my parents. I even still have some of those unused original tickets buried in a box.
I met and married my Prince Charming (Jeff) and we have 2 Princes (Riley and Aidan). Mickey and Minnie were kind enough to pop in at our wedding (thanks to our parents) and we had an amazing Disney honeymoon. Both of the boys had their first haircuts at the Main Street Barber Shop when they were a year old. In 2009 we became proud DVC owners at Baylake Tower. I have graduated from the College of Disney Knowledge and keep up with that training just to help people plan trips. I made it to the second round for Moms Panel after years of applying. I will keep trying knowing one of these years it will be my turn. I was a beta tester for Disney InsidEARS. I may have a small obsession with Disney Dooney and Harvey Seatbelt bags. I also love collecting Disney iPhone cases, Chamilia beads and other jewelry finds. I am always showing a Disney Side in a small way. Anything else you would like to know just ask.
NDM #117
