Merchandise & Shopping – WDWNT Archive

What’s Old Is New Again With New Disney Parks Toys Coming This Fall

WDWNT on October 29, 2013

No one makes toys like they used to… With a multitude of electronic toys on the market, who doesn’t miss the toys from our childhoods?

Disney Parks will be releasing some super cool retro novelty toys and games this Fall. Penny pinchers can have a little extra fun saving their coins with this new Pluto bank. When a coin is dropped into Pluto’s dish, he licks his plate clean. Kids will have it full of coins in no time, just to see Pluto in action.

Mustaches are everywhere these days, and the Disney Parks are coming out with their own line of Mouse-Staches. These peel-and-stick mustaches come in the Walt Disney style, or the multi-pack of staches from Geppetto, Sully, the Cheshire Cat, Jafar, Captain Hook, and the Hitchhiking Ghosts.

The Disneyvision is a small retro television that measures about 7-inches tall by 5-inches wide. It was designed by the Disney Design Group Artist, Lin Shih. The Disneyvision set comes with six different characters that can be placed into the television. Once the Disneyvision set is turned on, you can control the speed of six built-in LED strobe lights and motion of the characters by turning the dials. This lighting effect makes it appear like the characters are animated.

And finally, there must be something for the Disney Princesses out there. New items are arriving this Fall, including a small rubber ball inspired by an underwater scene from “The Little Mermaid,” a 500-piece puzzle featuring the works of Thomas Kinkade, and a small castle coin bank adorned with Cinderella, Belle, Ariel and Rapunzel.

What cool retro toys will you be picking up in the Parks this Fall?

Getting in the Holiday Spirit with New Merchandise at Disney Parks

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

In conjunction with the Limited Time Magic’s “Christmas in July” celebration last week at Walt Disney World, let’s check out some of the new Holiday Merchandise being offered this upcoming holiday season:

Pins are such a huge collectible at the Disney Parks, and the same holds true for holiday-themed pins. The holiday light bulb with Mouse ears featured above will be available everywhere, while the Hawaiian-themed “Mele Kalikimaka” pin will have an limited-edition size of only 2,000.

Who wants another loud holiday sweater with a reindeer on it? No one! Why not choose one of these holiday t-shirts instead? Mike Wazowski from “Monsters University” adorns the youth shirt, while Grumpy from Walt Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” impersonated Santa Claus on the adult shirt. Both shirts will be released at the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort.

While Grumpy may not be Santa Claus, you’ll wish Santa leaves this limited edition Ear Hat ornament set under the tree for you; this set contains a Snow White ornament, and seven dwarf hat ornaments. This ornament set will have a limited-edition size of only 600, and will have a price tag of $175 + tax. You’ll find these in select locations starting in August.

Along with Grumpy, Duffy the Disney bear will also get a holiday-themed makeover. Duffy will get an elf costume! Pictured above, the 17-inch bear will include the elf outfit and the smaller Mickey Mouse plush.

Finally, for those Vinylmation fans this holiday season, you’ll find ice-skating Mickey and Minnie figures, designed by Maria Clapsis.

What’s on your holiday wish list?

Walt Disney World (And Disneyland) Resort-Inspired Signs Now Available

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

One of the most difficult things for me to face is saying farewell to my “happy place” at the end of a Walt Disney World vacation. The sights, the smells, the sounds — fun and happiness all around you.

One of the ways I try to combat post-WDW sadness is to try and recreate some of my favorite dishes from the restaurants. I’ve perfected the New England Clam Chowder from Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and the Key Lime Pie from Olivia’s Café at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken from the Hoop De Doo Review at Fort Wilderness.

Now Walt Disney World has a new way to recreate the feeling of the Disney Resorts at home – with a line of art-inspired signage from the Disney Parks. Created by the Disney Imagineers and the Disney Design Group, these signs are following the trend of vintage sign replicas.

David Whitaker, senior merchandiser, says, “The sign program has been wildly popular with guests. We wanted to offer oversized replicas of Disney Parks’ signs printed on wood-like material or metal… we had plenty of options for us at Disney Parks. The fun part was selecting the most iconic signs for this first program.”

For some signs, the artists reproduced the sign almost exactly how it looks at Disney Parks, like the Aloha Isle sign.

Other signs combine elements from several signs for an attraction to create an original piece of artwork, like the Enchanted Tiki Room sign.

“We took the attraction sign and combined it with shields found both on the Adventureland bridge in Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and on the attraction building in Disneyland park in California,” explained David. “I thought the addition of the shields made the sign more aesthetically pleasing.”

Look for the new vintage resort signs at the Art of Disney location in Downtown Disney Marketplace and Animation Gallery at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Gaston’s Tavern sign is located in the new Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom.

There are also two Disney•Pixar’s “Cars“-inspired signs found at select locations in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park.

Unfortunately, the vintage signs will not be available at the Disney Parks online store, but some of these signs will be offered at the Disneyland Resort at a future date.

D-Tech on Demand Phone Cases Available at Downtown Disney for the Holidays

WDWNT on March 18, 2013

In a previous article, I told you about the new Marketplace Co Op location coming to Downtown Disney Marketplace in spring 2014. This new shop will house six different mini-shops within the one location. One of the mini- shops featured will be D-Tech on Demand, a place to personalize and customize your own electronic accessories.

During the holidays, Downtown Disney West Side guests can get a sneak preview of the D-Tech on Demand store at the Disney Truck Shop.

The D-Tech on Demand machines can create personalized phone cases for guests using some pretty cool printing technology. While these printing machines have been featured at events like Star Wars Weekends, this is the first time the machine has made an appearance at the Downtown Disney area.

The D-Tech on Demand shop will be offering eight different D-Tech on Demand cases for either the iPhone 4/4S or iPhone 5/5S. Guests can select artwork, a rubber bumper color in either black or white, and add their name, if desired. There are four character designs including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Cinderella Castle, with additional Disney characters.

Four holiday designs will also be available between now through December 25, 2013. The artwork features vintage style, colors and character designs.

The Disney Truck Shop is also featuring a great mix of festive glow merchandise. The light-up holiday necklace and reindeer headband are particularly cheery.

The Disney Truck Shop will be open at Downtown Disney West Side from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 12 through Sunday, December 15. Starting Thursday, December 19, the Disney Truck Shop will operate daily from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. through Tuesday, December 31, 2013.

Will you be personalizing a Disney phone case at D-Tech on Demand?

PHOTOS: 2014 Merchandise Arrives at Walt Disney World

WDWNT on March 18, 2013

2014 merchandise has started to arrive at stores around the Walt Disney World Resort! Here’s a look at the merchandise that has been released thus far and will be available over the next year:

Tumbler

Ceramic mug

Photo fame

Keychain

Metal keychain

Magnet

Magnet photo frame

Some new tin sings have been released

As well as the Dole Whip shirt

Ear hat

Kid’s hat

Kid’s sweatshirt

Kid’s jacket

Adult t-shirt

Matchbox airplane (the bus isn’t out yet)

Mini-Basketball

Kid’s t-shirt

Baby t-shirt

Infant t-shirt

Light-up necklace

Mickey plush

Duffy

Kid’s long sleeve shirt

Fanny pack

Adult t-shirt

Women’s t-shirt

Women’s long sleeve tee

Women’s jacket

The back of the jacket

Women’s t-shirt

Another new sign spotted

All 4 of the new signs

So, what do you think of the 2014 merchandise?

Tom Corless’ 2/12-2/17/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on March 17, 2013

WDWNTÂ Reporter Tom Corless visited the Walt Disney World Resort last week and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look:

There is now an official Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card book, $34.95

Finish Your Holiday Shopping With Unique Merchandise Deals at Disney Parks

WDWNT on December 15, 2012

By Steven Miller from Disney Parks Blog:

With Christmas right around the corner, I’m almost finished with my holiday shopping. The only things I have left to find are small items for stockings. During my recent travels around Walt Disney World Resort, I found several deals and unique gift items that may help you complete your holiday shopping.

Get Two MousekeEars for $20.00
I first shared news about MousekeEars – the miniature Disney ear hats that you can collect, wear and share – back in August. You can now get two MousekeEars for $20.00 (plus tax) at selection locations in Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. The mini-hats are normally priced at $12.95 each.

Two Scarves for $35.00
There are a variety of colorful and decorative scarves available at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. You can get two scarves for $35.00 (plus tax); the offer only applies to scarves ticketed at $21.95.

Buy Two Antenna Toppers for $8.00
I recently gave a look at my new favorite antenna topper, the Orange Bird, when my fellow Disney Parks Blogauthor Jenn Fickley-Baker visited me at Disney Theme Park Merchandise headquarters. You can get two antenna toppers for $8.00 (plus tax) at select Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort locations.

Three Disney Racers for $15.00
When I was younger, I recall receiving die-cast cars in my holiday stocking. For fans of Disney Racers, you can get three Disney Racers for $15.00 (plus tax). This offer applies only to single Disney Racers ticketed at $5.95 each.

In addition to the special deals, I found some items that would fit nicely in a stocking. I liked the luggage tags that look like Disney characters because I travel often and need a way to speed up that baggage claim experience. The Disney•Pixar “Cars”-themed chocolate squares would be a hit with me mostly because I love chocolate! The colorful Mickey Mouse acrylic bracelets could easily add a splash of color to the top of a wrapped present. Finally, I thought the round bottle opener with Mickey Mouse’s face was a unique kitchen item.

Please note – special promotional deals valid only while supplies last and are subject to change without notice.

Robert Ashburn’s 3/13/12 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on September 8, 2012

Here’s a quick photo update from around the Magic Kingdom from a few days ago, courtesy of Reporter Robert Ashburn:

Grand Floridian DVC construction continues

Another new poster up at Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

Work continues on the Bakery facade

Storybook Circus has some great lighting at night

The blue light is a little strange… did Aliens arrive at the station?

The rocket has lighting to go along with the smoke

Someone got a new profile pic…

Another new poster popped up at the station

Dumbo looks fantastic at night!

Color changing LED lighting under the water really adds a whole new element at night

Just a friendly reminder… OR ELSE!

Guests playing Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

OK, if you have to wait in line to play, it completely defeats the purpose… you see your whole story play before you even get near the window, and to be honest, as fun as it is, it isn’t worth waiting any length for. Sorry, I won’t play when lines are like this… it’s not worth it for a screen…

Cool new Phineas and Ferb shirts

Some new shirts

A Dole Whip shirt? Really? It’s nice though…

Shirts for Churros and Turkey Legs, wow…

Oh, there you are Perry…

We might be here a while… you run ahead…

Climb to the Heights of Imagination with Figment

WDWNT on September 8, 2012

Every year, Disney World holds a special release of a Figment statue from the Walt Disney Classics Collection, and this year will be no different. In addition this year, there is a matching piece of artwork:

Walt Disney Classics Collection Sculpture Premiere and Artist signing for
Figment: Heights of Imagination

Event: Walt Disney Classics Collection Product Release & Artist Signing for Figment: Heights of Imagination
Special Guest: Sculptor, Bruce Lau
Event Date: Saturday, April 21, 2012
Event Times: 11:00a.m. – 1:00p.m. & 3:00p.m. – 4:00p.m.
Event Location: Art of Disney, Epcot®

Join Figment on an expedition into breathtaking wonder and towering imagination! Creativity is a never-ending adventure, and this intrepid, little dragon is the personification of that all-too-human quest to push the boundaries of the possible and discover uncharted territories of magic and dreams. Recreating the memorable moment in “Heights of Imagination” in which Figment scales the summit of a snow-capped peak, this new numbered, limited edition of 500 Walt Disney Classics Collection sculpture captures the daring mountaineer at the apex of his creative powers.

Based on original attraction reference, Figment is hand-crafted of fine porcelain, hand-painted, kiln-fired and provisioned with real rope, metal flag pole and flag, and metallic paint on the pick axe. Sculpted by Bruce Lau with creative direction from Disney Master Artist David Pacheco, Figment stands approximately 8″ high and retails for $150.00, plus tax.

A limited number of Figment: Heights of Imagination sculptures will be available for pre-order. To pre-order Figment: Heights of Imaginationplease contact
Walt Disney Event Services at 407-827-7600.
Walt Disney Event Services is open Monday – Friday from 9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. EST.

All pre-orders for Figment: Heights of Imagination must be placed with Walt Disney Event Services no later than 12:00p.m. EST Thursday, April 19, 2012.

Conquer the heights of imagination with Figment as your guide!

———————————————————–

Figment Original Art Showcase with
Disney Design Group Artist, Darren Wilson!

Event: Disney Design Group Artist Showcase

Special Guest: Disney Design Group Artist, Darren Wilson

Event Date: Saturday, April 21, 2012
Event Times: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Event Location: Art of Disney, Epcot®

Join us as we welcome celebrated Disney Design Group Artist, Darren Wilson to the Art of Disney at Epcot® for a special appearance and signing of his newest Figment inspired masterpiece, Figment on Mountain Top.

Figment on Mountain Top

Original – One of a Kind – Framed

Artist: Darren Wilson
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Unframed Dimensions: 24″W x 30″H

Retail: $3250.00

Limited Edition Canvas Giclee
Edition Size: 95
Unframed Dimensions: 18″W x 22″H

Retail: $375.00

Figment on Mountain Top is also available as a matted deluxe print for $35.00.

First Look at the Ink and Paint Shop in Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

From Steven Miller on the Disney Parks Blog:

When Disney’s Art of Animation Resort opens this coming May, guests will find a colorful new merchandise location called the Ink & Paint Shop. For the past several months, Lyndsey Vincent, a recent intern on the Walt Disney World Professional Internship Program, has been diligently working on one important thing for the new shop. She has the unique job of designing the merchandise fixtures, and we recently spoke about her experience.

“I’ve grown up with Disney and visited Disneyland Resort every summer with my family,” said Lyndsey. “I graduated with an Interior Design degree last spring and moved from Idaho to work for Walt Disney World Resort. I didn’t know what to expect when I got here but the experience has been fun!”

Now a full-time member of the Global Retail Development team at Disney Theme Park Merchandise, Lyndsey worked closely with several departments “to put together the puzzle” that is a new location.

“Location planning was a key department that helped with the design process,” explained Lyndsey. “They provided me the number of ‘faceouts’ or areas that will carry merchandise. My job then was to design fixtures that would achieve their number while balancing other factors like traffic flow and shop design.”

Walt Disney Imagineering designed the wall spaces for the location which resemble oversized paint jars. Lyndsey explained that the fixtures will be clean and simple in form and will be neutral in color to complement the colorful palate that Imagineering used.

“We had several different versions of fixtures during the development process,” continued Lyndsey. “Ultimately, we chose clean, simple designs that remind me of an animator’s workspace. For this project, I wanted materials that had recycled content, had Greenguard certification for indoor air quality, and were manufactured in the US. The fixtures I am most excited about are the nested tables, which are made from a recycled concrete material.”

Lyndsey said she learned the importance of details from her Imagineering partners.

“Throughout this process, Imagineering taught me the importance of paying attention to the details,” remarked Lyndsey. “Guests don’t visit Disney and remark, ‘Wow – look at those amazing fixtures!’ Yet, they are an important part of any shop. When designed well, they create a great immersive shopping experience that is all Disney.”

You can see these fixtures and the location come to life when the resort begins opening in phases on May 31.

Tag: Merchandise & Shopping