Do you love your Amazon Prime membership and all the perks it comes with? Are you a Disney fan? Do you love getting discounts and perks? Well, we’ve got some BIG news for you.
You Might Need a New Disney Membership Soon
You may already have your Annual Pass to the parks, your Disney+ subscription, and your D23 membership — but you may soon need to add another Disney membership to your list (and incorporate it into your budget).
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Disney is reportedly exploring the possibility of creating an Amazon Prime-like membership. What?! Yes, it’s true. Let’s break down what we know.
How would this membership benefit YOU? Well, according to the WSJ, those who become part of this membership program could get access to certain discount offers or special perks. Exclusive offers and discounts? Okay, we’re listening…
EPCOT entrance
As of this moment, those discounts and perks haven’t been specified, but WSJ says that the Disney service is meant to be somewhat similar to Amazon Prime. Amazon Prime offers its members perks like free shipping, discounts at Whole Foods, and a complimentary video streaming service. Could we see perks like that added to this new Disney membership offering? Much remains to be seen.
Other benefits that have been discussed as part of the membership program include perks from third parties, like discounted tickets for Disney Broadway Shows.
The WSJ says that by creating this membership program, “Disney would be betting it could offer customers more value.”
Hollywood Studios
Now, how would this program benefit Disney? Well, it could actually be a HUGE benefit to them in a few different ways. While still offering members discounts and perks, it could also encourage customers to spend MORE on Disney’s streaming services, parks, resorts, and merchandise.
Additionally, it would provide Disney with a “trove of information” about the preferences of those in the membership program.
Would You Join This Membership?
The new membership program could take things to a whole other level when it comes to collecting data and then connecting fans to other things they might like. Specifically, the Wall Street Journey said that the membership program could collect data about what shows the members have watched, what trips they’ve taken, and what merchandise they’ve purchased.
Disney could then use that to make recommendations. For example, “a fan of Star Wars rides at its theme park would get recommended related programming on Disney+.”
Galaxy’s Edge
Some within the Company are even referring to it as “Disney Prime.” But that’s not expected to be the program’s final name.
Reportedly this new membership effort is supported by Disney’s current CEO, Bob Chapek, who the WSJ notes has been “vocal both internally and publically about the opportunity for Disney to do more to cross-sell to customers.”
In a statement, Disney’s senior executive vice president and chief communications officer said, “Technology is giving us new ways to customize and personalize the consumer experience so that we are delivering entertainment, experiences and products that are most relevant to each of our guests…A membership program is just one of the exciting ideas that is being explored.”
The Membership Could Be Similar to Amazon Prime ©Amazon
Disney does already have a membership program for fans — D23 — the official Disney fan club. That membership costs between $99 and $129.99 per year and offers members access to exclusive merchandise and events and discounts. The new membership program would be different, however, because it would reportedly be “targeted at more casual Disney fans and customers.”
Reportedly Disney has been studying Amazon Prime’s membership in developing its own membership program, as well as Apple One (which bundles things like cloud storage, AppleTV+, and Apple Arcade).
This is still very much a developing situation. Thus far, discussions for this program are in the early stages, and details about how much the membership would cost or how long it would take to launch the program haven’t been shared.
Could Another Membership Be in Your Future?
Disney is working to better link its products and services in some very specific ways related to streaming as well. A retail feature is set to be launched on Disney+ as soon as this year which would allow Disney+ subscribers to buy merchandise associated with the shows by scanning a QR code on the Disney+ service that would then redirect fans to the shopDisney website.
How could this all work together? Well, one thing that is reportedly being discussed is the potential for an exclusive version of a toy darksaber (from The Mandalorian) to be offered ONLY to Disney+ subscribers.
©Disney
What do you think? Would you pay for a membership that reportedly packages “streaming, parks and merchandise offerings together,” and offers special perks, while also knowing that it’ll be encouraging you to spend more? Tell us in the comments.
We’ll keep an eye out for more news about this membership that is reportedly being developed and let you know what we find.
Want to learn about other big Disney news? Click here to hear about a HUGE Fantasmic! update for Disney World, or click here to see how the COVID-19 testing policy is changing for Disney Cruise Line.
We’ve also got news about recent Park Pass changes and hotel booking rules you need to know about right here. We’re constantly on the search for the latest Disney info, so stay tuned for more info.
Click here to see the live stream schedule for Disney’s BIGGEST event of the year!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What do you think about this membership program? Tell us in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Spend! Spend! Spend! Take! Take! Take! Another price gouging scheme. As it is, AP discounts are not even offered on ShopDisney.com.
It is interesting idea. My question would be… why not tag it to an existing Disney entity? or revamp a current offering to be more inclusive? Realizing the answer could be… but that would not be a new revenue stream… there are ways Disney could address some current issues around other items and have a cool program. Currently we have Annual Passholders, Disney+ streaming, D23, Disney Vacation club, and so forth. What if Disney bundled some together and looked at cross over perks. thanks, Ella
This sounds to me like another step in phasing out annual passes. It’s a way to pay for all the perks and discounts of the AP without giving them an actual park ticket. Just my opinion, granted.
It would have to really be something to interest me. Just seems like another way for Disney to pick our pockets.
A new money making gimmick, imagine that. Knowing Disney, in the long run, it won’t be to the customers advantage.
Good grief! They want even more of our money? The seems to be no limit to their greed.
*laughs* So they want me to pay… to get discounts on things I can’t afford, so I won’t be able to afford them a little less. I think I’ll give it a miss.
Yes, I would be interested in joining if price is reasonable or different levels of membership available.
Something I would be interested in is having my Disney+ & D23 memberships combined. I would probably be willing to join if these things are consolidated & I get actual perks, not a small discount on certain things for a limited time Also, APS & DVC should get it for free. These people have bought in at the highest level & should be thanked for doing so