If you haven’t joined D23 yet, you’re missing out.  D23, the official Disney fan club, does such an amazing job with member events, exclusive memorabilia, and the latest and greatest info about all things Disney (read all about it in my D23 Pros and Cons post) and 2016 is no exception.  D23 just sent out a press release detailing some of the events happening in the coming year that you won’t want to miss.  There may not be an expo this year, but that doesn’t mean they will be short on making the magic happen!  Check out these top 5 reasons to join today:

Behind the Scenes Experiences: Like they did earlier this year, D23 will be offering members not just a glimpse, but a detailed look behind the scenes at how the magic is created.  With new guests, new experiences, and new gifts, you won’t want to miss it.  In the most recent event with animator Andreas Deja, not only did they get to talk to Andreas and get to tour the Animation Research Library, but each person was given an exclusive drawing done by the animator himself.

Movie Screenings at Walt Disney Studios: This year’s line-up includes Alice in Wonderland, Finding Nemo, and Bedknobs and Broomsticks with a very special event for the 75th anniversary of The Reluctant Dragon.  They’ll also have screenings at WDW, but to go on the lot is a great experience.

Lunch With A Legend: D23 will host lunches with Disney Legends at both WDW and at the studios this coming year.  At the last one with Kathryn Beaumont (the voice of Alice in Alice in Wonderland), guests not only enjoyed a three-course meal with her, but also got to post for pics with her and received a beautiful commemorative gift.

Walt Disney Studio Tours: One of the best benefits of being a Gold D23 member is the opportunity to take a tour of the studios and the archives.  These tours are filled with insight and info about the studios that any Disney fan would appreciate.  And of course, you get a little gift for coming.  Read about the tour I took on our blog.

Mickey’s of Glendale Shopping: Opened exclusively to D23 members, Mickey’s of Glendale – the Imagineering cast member store on the WDI campus – offers shopping experiences that usually include special pin releases.  Even without them, getting the opportunity to shop for merchandise usually available only to WDI cast members is awesome!  Read about my experiences at these events on the Disney Nerds blog.

Well, if those 5 things didn’t convince you let me give you one more.

Advanced Screenings: In cities all over the country, D23 members will be invited to see advance screenings of movies about to come out.  This year they showed Inside Out and Cinderella for members and this year even members who don’t live in a city where it’s being screened might get a special treat.  Random passes to see the movies will be inserted into Gold D23 member magazines!

That isn’t all!  But if those things don’t convince you that there’s a lot in store for 2016, I’m not sure what will.  If you’re a member of D23 you have a lot to look forward to.  If not, why wait?  Join today!