Mickey Mouse Watches at Disney Parks

posted on November 29th, 2010 at the Official Disney Parks Blog by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager

---

Do you remember your first Disney watch? I do. It was a Mickey Mouse watch that had a blue nylon band. I must have been about four or five when I received it, and I still have it today. Disney watches have quite a history. In 1933, Timex (then the Waterbury Clock Company), produced the very first Mickey Mouse clocks and watches under an exclusive license from Disney. Mickey Mouse timepieces were introduced to the public at the Chicago World’s Fair in June 1933 and quickly became a hit with fans of the little mouse. Some of those early watches are wonderful collectors’ items today (show of hands – do you have one?). I am excited to share that Disney Theme Park Merchandise has partnered with Timex to create a new “Timex for Disney” collection. I spoke with Lindsay Voigt, product developer for timepieces, about this collection coming to Disney Parks (and on-line) in December.

“I’ve been working on this partnership since January 2010,” explained Lindsay. “Timex watches are well-known and well-made with both classic and trendy designs. It seemed like a perfect fit to introduce this collection to the Disney Parks.”

Of the several different watch styles that will be introduced, I find it challenging to pick my favorite. I like the Modern Easy Reader style pictured at the top of this article as it reminds me of that watch I had as a kid. The T-Series Chronographs are pictured next. I like their simplistic style with a nice contemporary Mickey Mouse accent. Lindsay told me about her favorites.

“I have a difficult time selecting just one design,” said Lindsay. “Each design has elements and details that make the watch unique. If I had to pick one, I like the gold classic digital watch. It reminds me of the kind of watch that my grandfather and father had.”

Artwork for these watches was created by artists from Disney Design Group. Some of Lindsay’s inspiration came from classic Mickey Mouse designs to some recent urban inspired graphics seen in other merchandise categories like the “Oh Mickey!” program.

“I also like the Modern Original Camper designs,” continued Lindsay. “The nylon bands are sportier than the Modern Easy Reader design. I’m happy that we are offering a variety of designs. Being the developer for timepieces, I like pairing great watches with my outfits. Now I have lots of choices.”

To launch the “Timex for Disney” collection, we are holding two special events. In Florida, an event will be held at the World of Disney Store on December 4. In California, we will hold an event on December 11 in the Fortuosity Shop at Disneyland park. At both events, there will be a representative from Timex to discuss the new watches and answer questions. We will also be offering these watches on our Disney Parks On-Line Store.

Merchandise for the 30th Anniversary of Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort

---

“We loved the warm colors and illustrations found in [the Epcot Center book],” explained John. “In the past five years, we have designed many vintage Epcot items. For the 30th anniversary, we wanted something different – a retro but contemporary feeling, something we call ‘today’s vintage.’ That soft cover book really helped us achieve that look.”

Work on the style guide began in December 2011 at the request of the Disney Pins team. Pins have been a big part of previous Epcot anniversaries and they will play a part in October. The image above contains a few of my favorites, including a reversible lanyard, a few mystery pins and a pin that looks like it’s from an early 1980s video game (oh, why can’t “Epcot Center – The Game” be real?!).

There will also be a jumbo pin that uses the soft cover book image in the packaging. In addition to pins, look for a few softline items including a T-shirt that uses the “21st Century Continues” artwork as seen in the first image.

---

In recent years, Mary has developed theme park logo merchandise for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. She recently kicked off the 30th anniversary a little early by releasing new items under the “Epcot 82” banner.

This fall, Mary will introduce four new shirts and a mesh baseball cap. The artwork was created using the style guide originally made for pins. I love the shirt in the lead image as it reminds me of the attraction poster and a shirt I once owned as a child. (The colors in this shirt are amazing.)

Speaking of pins, we recently received several final samples, including the Passholder-exclusive limited edition and open edition pins.



Above are the “toothpick holder” set that has logos from some of my everyones favorite Future World pavilions, including Horizons.

Stay tuned for additional details about the release of these items as we get closer to October 1.

2012 Disney's Princess Half Marathon Merchandise

This is the the merchandise created by Disney for the upcoming Disney’s Princess Half Marathon weekend being held Feb. 24-26 at Walt Disney World Resort.

The “I Did It!” shirt contains a map of the course on the back.

“The logo with the running shoe on the pillow has been used on collateral and (marathon's) signage for a few years,” explained John Smith, product developer for Sports Merchandise. “We liked the logo so much that we gave it some new colors and added it to merchandise.”

 This tiara has an on/off switch and the blue jewels will light up when activated.

And let's finish with a personal favorite for many of you: The Dooney & Bourke items themed after the Disney Princess!

Mouse Gear at Epcot - New Enhancements

posted at the Disney Parks Blog on July 14th, 2011 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager

---

Below you'll see a speak with Mike Myers, Manager for Merchandise Operations at Epcot, about some of the enhancements.

“When MouseGear opened in 1999, it quickly became a top shopping destination in Epcot,” explained Mike. “Around 18 months ago, we wondered how we could improve on the shopping experience for our guests. [MouseGear] was a good location but we wanted to make it a great location.”

That challenge was met by a team of individuals representing global retail design, operations, planning, product development, facility asset management, sourcing and Walt Disney Imagineering who worked together on this next evolution of MouseGear. Construction started in August 2010 and was completed in phases until this past month.

At first glance you may not notice the improvements, as they are seamless to the experience. For me, I immediately noticed a difference as I worked in MouseGear over 10 years ago. The location felt bigger and Mike confirmed my observation.

“One improvement made was lowering the fixtures that hold merchandise,” continued Mike. “By lowering the fixtures, the location feels more spacious. We also relocated the registers to strategic points throughout the store thus making checkout easier.”

This means the “wall of registers” that I recall from my time at MouseGear is gone! Mike explained that new colorful signage and carpet were also added to the mix.

“Each product area now has a color-coded sign and label that appear on new store directional maps located at each entrance,” said Mike. “We installed new carpeting that creates a pathway to make it easier for guests to explore.”

One final detail that is easy to spot is the cast members’ new costumes. I love the nod to Spaceship Earth on the front of the shirt, and the colors look sharp (they match the colors now used in the location)! Mike explained that one item was added to the costume that may be familiar to many guests.

“During the costume review process, Gina Errico, General Manager of Merchandise at Epcot, suggested a ‘Hidden Mickey’ be added to the costume,” continued Mike. “We loved the idea as ‘Hidden Mickeys’ are found in many locations at Disney Parks. We added a small one to the back of the cast members’ shirts. But don’t tell anyone!”

Agrabah Bazaar Store in HDR [Adventureland / Magic Kingdom]

ºoº  Click on the picture to enlarge  ºoº

The Agrabah Bazaar is located in adventureland at Magic Kingdom, next to the "The Enchanted Tiki Room - Under New Management" and across from the "Swiss Family Tree House" and  has Aladdin-wear and the all-important Jasmine costume, as well as Moroccan-made carpets, carvings, and masks.

Sir Mickey's - Fantasyland - Magic Kingdom

Sir Mickey's is located near the entrance to Fantasyland once you go through Cinderella Castle, between Snow White's Scary Adventure and the Fairytale Garden. The shop mainly sells character clothing, hats and souvenirs.

The store is themed after Mickey and the Bean Stalk story.

Clothing fit for a king, well at least fit for a knight! Mickey Mouse has a nice little corner in the castle wall and hopes you will not pass it by. 

Trivia: Look carefully and you might catch a glimpse of Willie the Giant from the Mickey and the Beanstalk segment of Fun and Fancy Free trying to get IN the store. 

"To better understand the store and the great themeing, I looked up the 1938 Brave Little Tailor cartoon to which Sir Mickeys is themed.  I hope you will view this video and think of it on your next trip to Sir Mickeys in Magic Kingdom!  Thanks for coming to Meet the Magic!"

- Meet the Magic

"Fantasyland is dedicated to the young at heart and to those who believe that when you wish upon a star, your dreams come true."

- Walt E. Disney

Sir Mickey's shop in Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom. Read more about it at the Burnsland Blog.

Princess Minnie Picture by Jeff Kyle

The Epcot Outpost - Village Traders & Refreshment Outpost

The Epcot Outpost is located between Germany and China in the World Showcase.

Technically, it is not a country but if it were, it would be Africa. This small area has a refreshment stand, a shop and even live entertainment for guests to enjoy.

Village Traders - The outdoor market features soapstone sculptures, wood cravings including canes, hats and African masks.  

Directions: From the entrance pass the large ball of Spaceship Earth and continue on to the World Showcase which surrounds the lagoon. Follow the path left (Mexico) around the lagoon till you pass China and go over the bridge. The shop/stand is on the left. 

R E F R E S H M E N T    O U T P O S T

The Refreshment Cool Post offers cold drinks, soft serve ice cream, frozen yogurt, chips and fruit.

OrisRisi- is a pair of African storytellers. This couple tells folktales that they heard as children in Nigeria. The storytelling includes the playing of the drums which most people find hypnotic. Children especially love the drums.

This duo is very entertaining, as they should be. He is a music researcher and a folklorist and she grew up hearing the stories that they share with park guests. The two of them together are very animated and very good storytellers. Be sure to check a times guide for specific performance times. 

Kids should stick around after the storytelling is over for a chance to play the drums.

Click Here to see the menu (and price) and click here to see family photos at this location!