Our good friend Robert Ashburn of Figmentsmedia.net visited the Magic Kingdom on a less-than supernatural Friday the 13th and has a number of newsworthy photos to share with us:
Posters for Disney-Pixar’s “Up” and Disney Channel’s “Sonny with a Chance” at the Transportation and Ticket Center
Some exterior work on the Exposition Hall on Main Street U.S.A.
Read More about Robert Ashburn’s 3/13/09 Magic Kingdom Photo Report
The latest issue of the Eyes and Ears Walt Disney World cast member publication features a look at the logo and some concept are for the new Tren-D shop opening in the Downtown Disney Marketplace on March 19th:
Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information on this new store coming soon to Downtown Disney.
Disney has now released a formal press release concerning the new TrenD store coming to the Downtown Disney Marketplace that we have been telling you about for a few weeks now. This should answer any questions we have prior to the March 19th opening of the shop:
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – A stylish boutique with designer flair and eclectic offerings becomes a premier shopping spot at Downtown Disney Marketplace with the March opening of TrenD. The urban-inspired Walt Disney World specialty store is a one-of-a-kind, hip destination for fashion-conscious shoppers seeking trendy apparel and novel accessories.
“This unique environment, filled with textured fabrics, new silhouettes, and whimsical art and design allows us the opportunity to push the creative envelope as it relates to fashion and our characters,” said Mark Perrotta, director of Product Development and Design. “Our guests continue to respond to trend merchandise and novel products that they can’t purchase at home. TrenD speaks to what is happening today with a blend of vintage and hip with stylized Disney influences.”
Offerings include organic loungewear, embroidered handbags, jeweled sunglasses and trendy accessories set among stylish art and unique furnishings. The eclectic environment offers a raw and unfinished feel with jeweled chandeliers, distinct fixtures and mod furnishings.
Much of the merchandise will not be available anywhere else at Downtown Disney. Designers such as Kidada Jones, Tarina Tarantino and Roxy will showcase their artistry – blending it with Disney-inspired creations.
“With its exclusive product lines and new environment, we think TrenD will complement the existing merchandise offerings at Downtown Disney,” said Perrotta.
TrenD is in a 2,500-square-foot venue near Pin Traders and Once Upon A Toy. The space previously was used by Summer Sands.
The Orlando Sentinel is reporting the following:
A boutique called TrenD is scheduled to open in Downtown Disney late on March 19.
A Disney Web site describes the store as selling “edgy and up-to-date Disney fashions and accessories — plus exclusive merchandise from cutting-edge designers.” The 2,500-square-foot shop will be near Pin Traders and Once Upon A Toy.
Many of you probably remember this space as the former “Summer Sands” shop adjacent to the “Team Mickey” store. This opening date is now far sooner than expected, as the space has only been vacant for a few weeks now. From the sounds of it, the store is very similar to the Vault 28 shop in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District and should be both a positive and unique addition to the Marketplace shopping line-up. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as we gather more information on the new Tren-D shop at Downtown Disney.
Over the last few months, the Walt Disney Company has been running a huge viral marketing campaign asking “Are You 23?”. The ads have been very visible on various company websites and Disney even launched a website (www.disney.com/23) where you can sign-up to be the first to know what this campaign is all-about. I was informed a few weeks ago that this campaign would most likely lead to some sort of Disney merchandise fan club, but I was reluctant to release any details until we had more substantial information. If these pin pictures are any proof, the rumors are true:
Some other rumors we have heard about “D23” claim that the club will have an undisclosed annual fee, offer discounts on Disney merchandise, hold an annual convention at one of the domestic Disney Resorts, and offer exclusive “member-only” merchandise through Disney Shopping. We can not confirm any of these rumors at this time, but Disney is scheduled to release all of the details on March 10. Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information on “D23” and the “Are You 23?” campaign.
(Note: If you are from another media outlet and wish to use these photos, we only ask that you link back to wdwnewstoday.com as it is the same common courtesy we extend to our sources. thank you.)
Some Disney related news coming out of New York today, the Walt Disney World Company owned World of Disney Store in New York City may be on its way off of Fifth Avenue:
Walt Disney Co. announced Friday that it will not renew its lease for its World of Disney store at 711 Fifth Ave. when it expires in 2010 because of hefty rent increases.
The entertainment conglomerate notified its 220 store employees, called “cast members,” Thursday and Friday that it will be leaving its current 36,000-square-foot space, Disney’s only Manhattan location.
“The Disney Stores are going to be reviewing other potential locations in the Manhattan retail market,” said spokesperson John Nicoletti.
Speculation abounds for the company’s Big Apple relocation. Some in the real estate industry expect Disney to move to an even more tourist-laden area like SoHo or Times Square. The company formerly operated a retail store on 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue, a space which has since become a Champs store.
As of today, Disneystore.com (formerly Disneyshopping.com before a quick name change took place just a few days ago) is now offering a large assortment of merchandise from the U.S. Disney Parks:
Among the Walt Disney World and Disneyland merchandise available are Mickey Mouse ear hats, character autograph books, photo albums, toys (including the monorail playset and some of its accessories), apparel, snowglobes, big figures, small statues, home decor, and much more. You can start shopping right now at this link.
