Will Gold D23 Members HAVE to Present Their D23 Membership Card At This Year's Expo To Receive Their Benefits?

D23 Expo is a few weeks away and we have had a few people ask "what happens if my Gold D23 Membership card hasn't arrived before Expo?" First let's address "what use to happen in the past" because people seem to think that norm will be this year's answer. In the past  you could print out confirmation of your membership info, or if you got the "right" volunteer just tell them you were Gold and they believed you. This year D23 has decided to be very clear on what is required to receive D23 Gold/Gold Family Member perks at the 2017 D23 Expo, and they have made it very clear that Gold Member IDs will be strictly enforced this year with statements like

• Members will be required to show Valid ID and active D23 Gold Membership Card to receive access into the lounge.
• Members will be required to show Valid ID and active D23 Gold Membership Card prior to line access.
• One gift per membership card. This gift will not be made available or shipped out to any guests for any reason. A valid ID, your active Gold Membership Card and 2017 event ticket will be required for pickup.
• Members will be required to show Valid ID and active D23 Gold Membership Card to redeem these special offers.
• Remember to take your D23 Membership card with you to D23 Expo 2017 in order to take part in the above benefits. 

that flood the "Things to Know" section of the D23 Expo website. Earlier this year D23 even added a blurb to that section of their website that states "Your complete D23 Membership Kit, including membership card will arrive within an average of 3-4 weeks of purchase. Membership purchases made after June 1 risk not arriving in time for D23 Expo 2017." to encourage Expo guests to purchase a Gold or Gold Family D23 Membership early enough to give Disney time to ship and guests to receive their membership package before the Expo.
The thing is some didn't order or renew on time, it happens. But because D23 is serious about Gold Membership cards being in hand this year, they are changing up how they do things. They will no longer be taking print outs of membership info for benefits. Instead I was told by a D23 rep that "Gold member IDs will be strictly enforced this year to receive the Gold Member benefits (no exceptions). Because of this a temporary (Expo use only) Gold Member card will be available at the D23 Guest Services window, which will be located near the Arena at the box office windows for those who don't have their card yet or forgot theirs."
While we are waiting on confirmation on what the operating hours for the D23 Guest Services window will be the same as Will Call hours. It is encouraged that you take your photo ID and D23 Gold Member information (printed from the Disney Store website, or D23.com Profile information section) with you to the D23 Guest Services window if you have to you go to get an Expo use only temporary membership card issued.