Unlocking Imagination
Vroom! It’s Ridemakerz
Mickey ears for the whole family!
Magic Mirror for every Princess!
To read more about it, visit:
Friday, August 26, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Some Merchandise from D23 Expo 2011
This is the Silver Limited Edition Lightning McQueen! Silver McQueen is $99.50 and limited to an edition of only 250 pieces.
Disney Store guests will get a first look at this year’s hottest Halloween costumes, join in Disney Store’s 25th
Anniversary kick-off celebration, and get a first look at the Disney
Princess Designer Doll Collection. Make sure to take home the Disney
Store magic and shop exclusive merchandise when you stop by our pop-up
store in Disney Consumer Product’s Disney Living Pavilion.
Here’s a schedule of Disney Store celebrations and events you won’t want to miss
Friday, Aug. 19
- 9 a.m. – “Unlock Imagination” Opening Ceremony with Mickey Mouse at the Disney Store booth
- Disney Store president, Jim Fielding, will kick off the weekend celebration (Be one of the first 25 guests in line and you will receive a special limited edition 25th anniversary pin!)
- 10 a.m. – Disney Store artist signing
- Jim Salvati will sign exclusive 25th anniversary commemorative art (Follow us @DisneyStore at 10 a.m. and you just might win a prize)
- 9 a.m. – “Unlock Imagination” Opening Ceremony w/ Cinderella at the Disney Store booth
- 10 a.m. – Disney Designer Doll Artists Signing
- 1 p.m. – Disney Store Halloween Costume Parade on the Disney Living Pavilion Center Stage (Watch the parade and enter in our costume sweepstakes!)
- 9 a.m. – “Unlock Imagination” Opening Ceremony with Alice in Wonderland at the Disney Store booth
- 10 a.m. – Vinylmation Artist Signing of the new Lion King Vinylmation series
- 1 p.m. – Kidada Jones unveils the new Wish-A-Littles and meets fans at the Disney Living Pavilion Center Stage (take photos with Kidada!)
Stay connected and get more Disney Store D23 Expo news by following:
Disney Store:
- Facebook- www.facebook.com/DisneyStore
- Twitter- @DisneyStore, @DisneyStorePrez
D23 Expo:
- Facebook- www.facebook.com/D23Expo
- Twitter- @D23Expo, #D23Expo
The next one is the the Disney Store 25th Anniversary 3” Vinylmation
with Pin ($26.95). The figure was designed by Disney Store Artist,
Enrique Pita. The vinyl and pin set is limited to a total edition of
2,500. D23 Expo guests will have the first opportunity to purchase the
set, but for those who aren’t attending the Expo don’t worry; D23
members will still have the opportunity to purchase the set after the
Expo only at DisneyStore.com/D23.
Disney Parks Toys and Games to Debut at D23 Expo
posted on July 27th, 2011 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
"You may recall that I’m a huge fan of anything Tron. I remember the day in March 2011 that Cody Hampton, Associate Product Developer for Toys and Games, shared with me the first sample of this new die-cast vehicle. I was as excited as the first day I saw the actual “TRON: Legacy” monorail at Epcot. The monorail measures approximately 12 inches long and has wheels on the bottom of it. The toy will have an edition size of 3,000 and will be packaged two different ways – Sam Flynn’s blue Lightcycle version and Clu’s yellow Lightcycle version (roughly 1,500 of each packaging version were made). While the toy will debut at the D23 Expo, there will be limited quantities also offered at the Walt Disney World Resort."
"Speaking of monorails, this past April I gave you a first look at the new Disneyland Monorail toy that is coming to Disney Parks.
One of the coolest new features which Cody didn’t want to spoil is the
remote control, a first for the monorail playset! When the sound button
is pressed, you will hear the infamous monorail welcome spiel. Similar
to the actual Disneyland Resort monorail, the doors only open on one side. The tops on some of the cabins also open so mini-figures can be placed inside."
Do you know what year the monorail was first introduced at
Disneyland? The official opening was June 14, 1959, and it was the first
daily operating monorail in the United States. If you answered that
question correctly, then I challenge you to a game of “Trivial Pursuit:
Disney For All” edition.
This new version of the classic Trivial Pursuit game will feature
three question types (as the official press release describes): “’Take 2
Trivia’ – giving two chances to earn the wedge, ‘My Disney’ – a little
personal trivia sparked by favorite Disney moments or characters, and
‘Disney List’ – work together to create lists or choose which don’t
belong.”
D23 Expo Artist Signings and Merchandise Debuts
posted at Disney Parks Blog on August 9th, 2011 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
Alright Disney fans, with only 10 days left, the D23 Expo
countdown is officially on. I hope you have your tickets. I do. I’m so
excited to see some of the presentations that are scheduled and from
what I’m hearing, there’s a lot of buzz about the Disney Parks and
Resorts “Carousel of Projects” pavilion,
so I am calling that out on my list as a “don’t miss.” And of course, I
will be working the D23 Auction so I expect to see all of you there.
Since this is my last D23 post before the Expo begins, I thought I
would give you a couple of last minute reminders, including a sneak peek
at the Pinocchio’s Daring Journey attraction sculpture set to release
during the Expo from expert miniaturist and sculptor, Robert Olszewski.
This is just one of the “must have” debut items bound to be on
everyone’s shopping list.
This newest piece from Olszewski takes collectors one step closer to completing the Fantasyland
area. My grandma’s favorite Disney film of all time is “Pinocchio,” so
I guess you could say I have a soft spot in my heart for the characters
and the attraction, which makes this piece an instant hit for me.
Reminder for D23 Members attending the Expo – be sure to ask about the
D23 Member exclusive Pokitpal.
Now I know that many of you are also familiar with Disney artist Dave
Avanzino. Known for his impressive and intricately detailed paper
sculpture art, Dave will be making appearances in the Dream Store during the D23 Expo, where he will debuting a new program in which you can select some of your favorite Disneyland Resort attractions and icons to spell your name.
What else? How about a handful of new releases from ACME Animation
Archives or the latest DVD and book releases that are sure to set your
imagination spinning. Renowned authors Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry
will be making an appearance, along with author and filmmaker Don Hahn.
Also on hand for signings and meet-and-greet opportunities will be Ted
Thomas and Kuniko Okubo, Gregg Sherman and Jeff Sherman as well as Alex
Maher, Robert Olszewski, Larry Nikolai, Noah, Linda Rick, Eric Scales
and Thomas Scott.
It’s About ‘Time’ for the D23 Expo
posted at the Disney Parks Blog on August 18th, 2011 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
I’m beyond fascinated with time. Whether you believe that time is
linear or cyclical, the biggest challenge I face is that I never have
enough of it (oh, 36-hour day – where are you?). Luckily, there are
several new timepieces coming to Disney Parks
that will help me keep track of my disappearing time. Some of these
new timepieces salute the first Mickey Mouse watches made by the
Ingersoll Waterbury Clock company. Signed by the late Disney Legend Kay Kamen,
Ingersoll was the first Disney licensee to introduce Disney watches at
the 1933 Chicago Exposition. The original watches were an immediate hit
and are now highly desired collectors’ items. I spoke with Tracie Alt,
Product Developer for Timepieces, about the introduction of these
tribute timepieces.
“We are excited to introduce these classic Mickey Mouse timepieces to
Disney Parks in the United States,” explained Tracie. “There is a lot
of history that comes with these watches and they are a great tribute to
the heritage of the Walt Disney Company. While the watches look like
the originals, they were made with modern materials.”
I think my favorite is the pocket watch
as it reminds me of a pocket watch I had when I was younger (except I
think I need a waistcoat). Good news if you are attending the D23 Expo this coming weekend! These Mickey Mouse watches will debut in the Dream Store. Tracie also told me that guests attending the Expo will get a sneak preview of something new.
“We will have a sneak preview of several classic Disney watches by
Ingersoll at the D23 Expo,” continued Tracie. “These watches feature
classic Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Donald
Duck, paired with fashionable designs. They will be released this
coming fall.”
Spoiler alert for my mother – I think I found your next birthday
gift. She is a Minnie Mouse fan yet I’m drawn to the Donald Duck
design. Each classic Disney watch will be packaged in a Mickey Mouse
shaped metal tin.
I have “time” for one more preview (yes, I write all the jokes). My fellow Disney Parks Blog author Michelle Harker
shared with me this artwork by Disney artist Eric Scales. The designs
are part of the Artisan Watch Program at Disney Parks and were created
especially for the D23 Expo. Each watch will have an edition size of
100 and a retail of $125.
A Look Inside the D23 Expo Dream Store
posted at the Disney Parks Blog on July 13th, 2011 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
What I can tell you now is that the Dream Store
will be filled to the brim and bursting with D23 themed merchandise and
other specialty items from Disney Theme Park Merchandise, including D23
Expo logo assortments to Disney-inspired art and collectibles, ear
hats, pins, Vinylmation
and more. It will be a Disney enthusiast’s dream come true. From the
timeless look of Mickey Mouse to assortments filled with classic
characters, you’ll find something for everyone, no matter the occasion.
The heart of this collection is the official logo of the D23 Expo 2011,
the ultimate Disney fan event. Here’s a look at the D23 merchandise
logo and a sneak peek at the art for the limited edition ear hat.
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Also “in store” for you are releases from the Disney Vintage
Collection which pays tribute to attractions from yesteryear. Giving the
feel of the 1950s and early 1960s, this program is sure to become a
treasure for any Disney fan.
I wanted to share one last thing with you before I go. Each day the
Dream Store will release a limited assortment of commemorative
merchandise from our D23 Expo Anniversary Collection, including
t-shirts, mugs, pins and more, themed to the following Disney classic
films, Walt Disney’s “101 Dalmatians,” “Alice in Wonderland” and
“Dumbo,” in celebration of their historical anniversaries.
Next week, just wait until you see what I have in store for you for
the D23 Live and Silent auction. For now, all I can tell you is that
there are behind-the-scenes tours and experiences, original artwork that
is sure to dazzle you and artifacts and props that would make any
collection complete. Remember tickets to the auction are on sale now. So
don’t miss out!
There’s a Whole ‘Lot’ Up On the ‘Block’ at the D23 Expo
posted on July 19th, 2011 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
Take a look at the actual list and some of the images of
the lots set for the auction block come Saturday, Aug. 20, as part of
the D23 Expo 2011 Live and Silent Auction.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to make the magic come alive?
Our artists know firsthand, that’s for sure. They say that birds of a
feather flock together, so here’s a behind-the-scenes look at artist Kevin Kidney
who – in my opinion – is never one to ruffle any feathers, but in this
case he’s putting the final touches on the Pirate Barker Bird,
replicated in exquisite detail from the parrot which appeared in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort. See the completed piece by Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily on www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.
What else, you ask? How about out-of-this-world experiences, like a tour of the newly re-mastered Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
attraction or go behind the scenes of the Walt Disney Animation Studios
for a one-of-a-kind advance screening of Disney’s “Naughty vs. Nice,”
the sequel to the beloved ABC special “Prep & Landing,” where you’ll
find out the inspiration behind it all with the producer and directors
of this holiday classic. Maybe you’d like to explore Walt’s Hollywood?
Or take a guided tour of the Walt Disney Archives… It doesn’t stop
there. That’s just a sampling of some of the experiences being offered
this year.
Many of our Disney-inspired artists were also eager to hop on board,
creating original pieces and custom items in a variety of different
mediums. You’ll see creations from artists such as Dave Avanzino, David
Bird, David Christiana, Ken Crow, Jody Daily, Chip Foose, David Garibaldi, Kevin Kidney, Greg McCullough and Larry Nikolai, among others.
Up next, artifacts and props that are sure to draw some attention,
from pirate skulls and cannons to materializing ghosts, from wild jungle
animals to a wonderland of displays. Is that all? Of course not. This
year, we are excited to host a Silent Auction experience, also taking
place on Aug. 20. I see spots, sharp teeth, things of beauty, film and
TV props and a statue familiar to all. Take a look!
At this point you have to be saying to yourself, where do I sign up? ArtofDisneyParks.com
has all the details about the Auction, including a look at all the Live
Auction lots and even a few of the Silent Auction pieces. Tickets for
the D23 Live and Silent Auction are $45 and available now at www.ArtofDisneyParks.com. Remember, you’ll need a D23 Expo ticket too, so find out more at http://d23.disney.go.com/expo/.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Disney Princess Designer Collection
Announcing the Disney Princess Designer Collection Exclusively at Disney Store
By Sarah Quon- Official Disney Store Blogger, Aug 12, 2011 11:13 AM
Inspired by the fashion illustrations of the 1950’s and 1960’s that
showed when fashion was all about glamour, Disney Store is excited to
announce an elegant new collection carefully crafted by Disney artists
to capture the magic and style of the classic Disney Princesses.
Although these versions of the princesses are retro-inspired, they still
have a modern edge. The idea behind the Disney Princess Designer
Collection was to re-imagine the princesses in a way we’ve never done
before, by giving them a high fashion edge while still capturing each
princess’s classically unique look.
A limited amount of the complete 10 doll set ($595.00) will be
available for pre-purchase at the D23 Expo. A new Limited Edition Doll
($59.50) will be released in stores and on DisneyStore.com every Monday, starting August 22nd. The edition size varies for each Disney Princess and there are limited quantities.
To learn more, visit:
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Food Merchandise
posted at the Official Disney Parks blog on August 8th, 2011 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
Thankfully, I can now cross “eating a turkey leg” off my bucket list.
In the many years I’ve visited and worked at Disney, I had not tried
one until the photograph above. Following a dare by my fellow Disney Parks Blog author Jennifer Fickley-Baker, I made my way to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to try this iconic feast of meat while sporting the rather humorous Turkey Leg shirt.
Upon my return to the office, I asked product developer Laura Caszatt
how she came up with the idea for my new favorite shirt.
“Doug Strayer, Design Manager with Disney Design Group, and I were
thinking of concepts for new tee-shirts,” explained Laura. “The monorail shirt
with the phrase, ‘Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas,’ has
been one of our most popular selling shirts. We wanted other shirts
using similar iconic things from Disney Parks.
Of all the ideas we considered, we kept returning to the idea of a
shirt picturing a turkey leg. The thought of [such a shirt] made us
laugh, so we knew others would laugh too.”
As it turns out, Disney Theme Park Merchandise loves putting food on merchandise. We have created magnets, a “Snack and Play” set (which includes a turkey leg!), cookbooks, Disney ear hats, Disney pins and more.
Of the latter, Julie Young, Developer for Disney Pins, recently paid tribute to breakfast with some two-pin sets. Two words – coffee and donuts
(my ideal breakfast)! I too used food as inspiration when I once
developed Hidden Mickey pins for Disney Parks. The Dole Whip from Adventureland and the mint julep from New Orleans Square were some of my favorite pins I created.
One category that has embraced food since its inception is Vinylmation.
The image above is just a sampling of the various 3-inch figures that
have either been released or are coming soon. Look carefully and you
will see some figures from an Epcot Center show that I love (“There are no substitutes for we…”).
Speaking of things I love, I have a special sneak preview of merchandise coming to the International Food and Wine Festival at Epcot on September 30.
This festival is one of the many reasons I love working for Disney.
We used the poster artwork created by Maryanne Schmidt as inspiration
for several items. And for the first time, we will offer a unique
boutique of select items from the festival via our Disney Parks On-line Store! The on-line store will open around the start of the festival.
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