Make Disney Magic with Augmented Reality Experience at Disney Store Times Square

By Sarah Quon- Official Disney Store Blogger, Nov 18, 2011 4:20 PM

Pixie Dust is in the air at Disney Store Times Square this weekend! In collaboration with Disney Parks, Disney has created a state-of-the-art augmented reality experience where you can capture an image of yourself making Magical moments with one of your favorite Disney characters. Who says you have to be in Florida or California to share a special moment with Mickey Mouse or Cinderella?

How does augmented reality work? First, you stand in the center of Times Square and look at Disney Store’s 2000 square foot digital sign high above.  Soon you will see Mickey or another favorite Disney character walk onto the screen and appear as though they are standing right beside you. 

Mickey will then be able to interact with you on screen, although you’ll still be standing alone on the sidewalk. Now smile, and see a photo of yourself with the character on the screen!  Then the photo will be sent to you to share with family and friends.

The fun doesn’t end outside! If you enter into Disney Store Times Square, with a simple download of our Smartphone application you can create a personal, virtual Disney character photo opportunity in a select area of the store. See yourself posing with your favorite character as though they’re right next to you.  This augmented reality experience will continue inside Disney Store throughout 2012.  How cool is that?!

If you’re in the New York area, please bring your family on Saturday, November 19 to create a Disney memory in the center of Times Square.   Feel free to also follow along and join the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #disneymemories and don’t forget to tag @DisneyStore! (Share your augmented reality pics with Disney fans across the country!)

Check out a few photos and a video that brings the Magical experience to life:

Sam Champion from Good Morning America fights with Captain Hook!

Enchanting Princess memories being made

Cast Members pose with Goofy for a photo inside the Disney Store

 Happy Birthday, Mickey Mouse!

Halloween Ear Hats

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I think one of the more difficult decisions I face in the fall is deciding which Halloween costume to wear. One of my favorites is the cowboy from space (probably because I get to wear my cowboy hat). While I was recently talking with Megan Kachur, the product developer for Headwear, about the new Vinylmation Ear Hats, she shared with me several Halloween-inspired hats. It was a real “treat” for me to see them (ha ha), and I thought you’d like to see them too.

The first one is the next in our series of limited edition Disney Ear Hats featuring Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” My favorite detail is that the hat lights up; it is the first time we’ve had LED lights embedded in the hat base. Similar to the other limited edition hats, this one is presented in a purple, satin-lined hat box. It has an edition size of 1,250 and a retail of $69.95, and was recently released at select locations in Disneyland and Walt Disney World. I asked Megan about the creation of this hat.

“We learned a lot from our limited edition Alice in Wonderland ear hat released earlier this year, “ explained Megan. “One of the keys to success is telling a story, and I feel the ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ hat immerses you into that story. It’s all about the details – from the characters on the hat to the detailed hat box to the LED lights that are purposely designed to be spooky.”

Next up in the bag o’ goodies are two open edition ear hats – a Mickey Mouse pumpkin hat and one inspired by “Runaway Brain” (Yes!!). Disney Design Group Artist Darren Wilson created the “Runaway Brain” hat.

“I’ve designed about 20 ear hats,” said Darren. “For the ‘Runaway Brain’ hat, I used reference material in our archive. I thought it would be a great hat for Halloween, especially with the bolts on the side of the hat and those crazy eyes. The hat is more like a stylized version of details from that animated short.”

Lastly, Megan shared with me two new deluxe fashion headbands. I know, they aren’t traditional “hats,” but you do wear them on your head. I’m sure I will see many this fall as they should be easy to spot in a crowd. They are a new take on headbands explained Megan.

“We wanted to create an over-the-top fashion headband,” continued Megan. “These new headbands are bright, shiny and have some fun elements like those candy corn dangles. They are the first in a new series of themed headbands that you will see.”

It will be interesting to see what is next for the headbands and Disney Ear Hats. I’m personally hoping for a “TRON: Legacy” ear hat as it would go well with an idea for my Halloween costume this year. Have you figured out your Halloween costume yet?

posted 1 year ago by Steven Miller, Project Manager, Disney Trading

Pictures from the New Disney Store at Florida Mall in Orlando, FL

 

Unlocking Imagination

Vroom! It’s Ridemakerz

Mickey ears for the whole family!

Magic Mirror for every Princess!

To read more about it, visit:

http://blog.disneystore.com/blog/2011/08/newly-designed-disney-store-opens-at-florida-mall-in-orlando-fl.html

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.

Visit the Disney Store pop-up store at the D23 Expo to see silver McQueen in person or you can check out more Cars merchandise on DisneyStore.com/cars

Disney Store guests will get a first look at this year’s hottest Halloween costumes, join in Disney Store’s 25^th 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 25^th anniversary pin!)
• 10 a.m. – Disney Store artist signing
  • Jim Salvati will sign exclusive 25^th anniversary commemorative art (Follow us @DisneyStore at 10 a.m. and you just might win a prize)

Saturday, Aug. 20

• 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!)

Sunday, Aug. 21

• 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 25^th 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

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“TRON: Legacy” Monorail.

"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."

 - Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager

"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."

- Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager

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

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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

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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

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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.

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

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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/.

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:

http://blog.disneystore.com/blog/2011/08/announcing-the-disney-princess-designer-collection-exclusively-at-disney-store.html

Food Merchandise

posted at the Official Disney Parks blog on August 8th, 2011 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager

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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.

Exclusive POP! Vinyl [Comic-Con San Diego]

By Sarah Quon- Official Disney Store Blogger, Jul 22, 2011 11:00 AM

Have you heard the Buzz? It's Disney Store's first time at Comic-Con San Diego, and The Buzz couldn't be more excited to be on site to get the scoop on all the action. Comic-Con is like nothing we've ever seen before and we are excited to share the details with all of you!

On Wednesday, July 20th, Disney Store unveiled the Comic-Con exclusive Disney POP! Vinyls by Funko at Comic-Con Preview Night, and they started a frenzy around the Funko booth!

Here's what makes these POP! figures different from the figures you've seen at Disney Store: Mike Wazowski glows in the dark, Sully is flocked (so he's fuzzier than ever), Mickey Mouse had metallic paint details and Mr. Incredible is wearing his chic retro blue suit (as you already know, he typically wears red).

John Balen, director of toys at Disney Store and Ben Butcher, POP! designer at Pixar and Doug Ogelsby of Disney Store were there to unveil the POP! Vinyl exclusives.

 

As soon as preview night opened, guests couldn't get enough of the Disney POP! Vinyls.

 

 

At Comic-Con Day 1, the Disney POP! didn't stop. Disney Store launched 2 more exclusive POP! Vinyls, nine-inch Buzz Lightyear and nine-inch Maleficent!

 

Which Comic-Con Disney POP! Vinyl figure is your favorite?

Ben Butcher signed POP! at Comic-Con San Diego.

 

If you aren't at Comic-Con, not to worry! You can still get Disney POP! Vinyls at a Disney Store near you or at DisneyStore.com.

 

 

By Sarah Quon- Official Disney Store Blogger, Jul 23, 2011 2:30 PM

We just can't get enough of Comic-Con! Our Disney POP! Vinyls are definitely a Comic-Con favorite, with some styles selling out before 10am each day. As a treat for POP! fans, Ben Butcher from Pixar held two signings at the Funko booth this past Thursday and Friday.

 

An illustrator and toy designer for Pixar consumer products, Ben designed the Disney-Pixar POP! characters in conjunction with Disney Store. The Comic-Con exclusive figures he created include:

                                     Sully                                                         Mike Wazowski
 
                                 Mr. Incredible                                                  Buzz Lightyear

On both Thursday and Friday, a long line of excited guests came to the Funko booth to get their favorite Disney-Pixar figures signed by Ben.

 

All around, the signing was a success and Ben and the rest of the Disney Store team had a great time goofing around and chatting about Disney POP! with excited guests who shared their ideas and suggestions for future series. What Disney characters would YOU like to see in future POP! series?

If you follow @DisneyStore on Twitter, you might have seen some interesting tweets about POP! Buzz running into some familiar faces at Comic-Con yesterday:

 

A Comic-Con guest dressed as Princess Jasmine! Such an exciting surprise! Jasmine wasn't the only familiar face: THE PLATY-BUS!