For the past 36 years, Festival of the Masters has been a time to showcase talented artists from across the U.S.A. all in one magical place. This year, in addition to the award winning artists that will be featured throughout Downtown Disney during the event, we’re also hosting Festival of the Masters largest gathering ever of brilliant Disney Artists from Disney Parks and beyond.

I spoke with Misty Carroll, Merchandise Event Specialist, who worked tirelessly to bring together this year’s collection of Disney Artists at Festival of the Masters. “Every year, we challenge ourselves to see how we can make each Festival of the Masters bigger and better than the year before.” said Misty. “This year we came up with the idea to host the largest collection of Disney Artists to ever appear at Festival of the Masters.” explained Misty. “Of course our artists are so enthusiastic about meeting Disney Fans that every artist that we invited to participate jumped at the opportunity. We’re excited to give our guests the experience to meet so many Disney artists in one place while enjoying the festivities and fun that Festival of the Masters has to offer,” said Misty.

Between Yellow Shoes Creative Group, Disney Design Group and multiple renowned Disney artists such as Noah and Katie Kelly, there will be more than 15 artists appearing throughout the entire weekend. In addition to the appearances by this gifted group, many of the artists have created artwork that will make its debut during Festival of the Masters giving guests a look at brand new artwork that has never been seen before in Disney Galleries.

Earlier this week, Disney Parks Blog reader Daniel asked if there was going to be a published list of the Disney Artists participating in the event. Yes, Daniel, there certainly is and I’ll do one better and provide a list of the times and locations that each artist will be signing! With so many artists and so many appearance times, I’ve put together a schedule of all of our Disney Artist’s appearances to help you navigate through Festival of the Masters.

With so many Disney Artists appearing at this year’s Festival of the Masters, I’m trying to decide who to get in line for first… Noah? Don “Ducky” Williams? Darren Wilson? Which of the Disney Artists are you most excited to see at Festival of the Masters?

Tagged: Downtown Disney, Festival of the Masters, WDW

Filed: Art of Disney, Downtown Disney, Special Events, Walt Disney World Resort

When I was a kid, my older brother and I were the King and Queen of board games. You name the game, we owned it, we played it and we conquered it (I should say I conquered – I always won… and my winning streak still continues today. Sorry, Steven!). Which is why I’m thrilled to tell you about our latest board game – Disney Theme Park Edition Memory Challenge.

In this game, Quynh Kimball, graphic artist for Disney Design Group, and the designer of Disney Theme Park Exclusive games, has put a new spin on one of the world’s more popular and classic matching challenges with the addition of Category Cards. At the start of each Disney Theme Park Edition Memory Challenge game, players can choose one of five Category cards that are used throughout the game. Category cards take you through some of the most beloved Disney destinations from Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, popular Disney Destinations, classic Disney Characters and even Disney Vintage, which pays homage to retired Disney attractions.

The game also features new Directive Cards, which give extra instructions (both good and bad) that add a new layer of competition into the game.

In my opinion, the most unique part of the game is that you have the opportunity to become part of the Disney Magic. “We were inspired by ‘Let the Memories Begin‘ and wanted to give players a chance to add their own personal touch on Disney Theme Park Memory Challenge,” explained Quynh. “We created exclusive game cards that can be customized with your personal pictures so that you and your family can literally become part of the game.”

To celebrate the release of the Disney Theme Park Memory Challenge, we are hosting a special meet & greet and game signing with Quynh on Nov. 11. Quynh will be appearing from 3 p.m.–6 p.m. at Once Upon a Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Quynh will also sign other games he’s created, such as Disney Theme Park Edition Monopoly, Haunted Mansion Life, and Tower of Terror Clue.

He’ll also appear at Disneyland Nov. 17 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Emporium in Disneyland park and from 4 p.m.–7 p.m. at World of Disney in Downtown Disney District!

You can also find Disney Theme Park Memory Challenge online starting Nov. 11, at DisneyParks.com/Store.

Tagged: DLR, Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

There’s an old saying that says, “you should learn something new every day.” One of the things I adore most about my role with Disney Theme Park Merchandise is that I am constantly learning something new on a daily basis. For instance, I recently I discovered that Festival of the Masters is the longest running signature event held annually at the Walt Disney World Resort. Introduced in 1975, Festival of the Masters is celebrating its 36th year of welcoming award winning artists and showcasing stunning fine art, photography, sculpture, jewelry and more. Throughout its 36 years, Festival of the Masters is constantly raising the bar and introducing new and exciting artists and entertainment for guests – and you can be sure that this year is no exception.

For the very first time, Festival of the Masters is partnering with Michaels Stores to bring an extra layer of fun, excitement, and interaction to Guests of all ages that attend the three day event, Nov. 11–13 at Downtown Disney. Throughout the event, Michaels will have Make-it Take-it booths set up at Downtown Disney Marketplace and West Side. Guests will have the opportunity to create Friendship Bracelets and Mickey Ear Hat Wood Frames with the help of Michaels Design experts. The Make-it Take-it booths not only offer cool keepsakes, but it will inspire you to find your inner artist and express yourself to create a one-of-a-kind creation that is all your own.

Additionally, several members of the Michaels Design Team will be appearing on the Waterside Stage in Downtown Disney Marketplace presenting tips and tricks, how to’s and much, much more!

We caught up with Jo from Michaels Design Team to see how she would use her creative expression to create a one-of-a-kind Vinylmation using a Create Your Own Vinylmation figure from D Street…. Take a peek to see her colorful creating – love the bling, Jo!

If you’re interested in learning even more, check out DisneyWorld.com/art. It’s the official homepage for Festival of the Masters and loaded with great information about what you can expect to experience at this year’s event! Want to learn even more great information? Follow us on Twitter @WaltDisneyWorld and use the hash tag #FOTM.

Tagged: Downtown Disney, Festival of the Masters, Video, WDW

Filed: Downtown Disney, Special Events, Walt Disney World Resort