I know there are a lot of Disney fans out there, not to mention Hipsters, who fell in love with the Hipster Mickey art by Jerrod Maruyama when it first made the scene in June 2012 with the opening of WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. Surely, you remember this cool guy? If you don’t, here’s another look:

I don’t think I need to define Hipster to you, do I? I mean seriously, how not-cool would that be? Instead, if you considered yourself a fan of the original Hipster Mickey piece, then wait until you see what’s around the corner.

Launching July 18, 2013, is the first in a series of collectible Hipster Mickey inspired pieces that will release every three months. The first piece titled “Happiest Hipster on Earth” finds Mickey Mouse looking effortlessly cool as he chills in front of old-school retro-inspired Disneyland ticket media and signage. Look for the image to appear on a miniature gallery wrapped canvas, limited edition giclee, deluxe print, t-shirt and more.

So how can you be one of the first people to add this to your Hipster collection? Take part in a special Cocktail Reception on Thursday, July 18, 2013, from 7-10 p.m. The festivities will include light hors d’oeuvres, specialty drinks, in-store shopping experience to be the first to view and purchase merchandise from the “Happiest Hipster on Earth” collection, an artist signing opportunity with Jerrod Maruyama, a commemorative gift and more. In addition, those that attend the event will not only get a sneak peek at the next image in the series, but will also have the chance to purchase a special Hipster Mickey piece.

I bet you’re curious what other icons and attractions Hipster Mickey will appear in front of … so am I.

If you are determined to get this new Hipster Mickey piece before everyone else, tickets for the event will go on sale Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at 11 a.m. (Pacific) via ArtofDisneyParks.com. Tickets are extremely limited. So be sure to score a pair as soon as it goes live.

Who’s going with me?

Tagged: Art of Disney, DL, DLR

Filed: Art of Disney, Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District

You can almost feel a chill in the air (brrr!) as the date to register for this year’s 13 Reflections of Evil trading event draws near. Whether you are a nefarious evil-doer, a sorcerer of courage, or an imaginative purple dragon, you are sure to enjoy the spellbinding thrills, chills and all-around frightful fun during the 13 Reflections of Evil trading event taking place September 13-15, 2013 in World ShowPlace at Epcot.

A couple weeks ago I gave you a sneak peek at some of the pins and Vinylmation debuting at this year’s event. What else can you expect to find? Event logo tees, a baseball hat, D-Tech phone cases, individual pins, jumbo pins, pin sets, original and limited edition artwork, sculptures, Vinylmation (even a few custom pieces), as well as a “lucky” ear hat.

Of course, I couldn’t go on without showing you Disney Design Group Artist Michael Sullivan’s favorite…the storybook pin set.

This year, the event will take place over the course of multiple days, with pin and Vinylmation trading each getting their own dedicated day. There are separate packages available to attend the pin trading and Vinylmation events. Both events will include the opportunity to pre-purchase select themed merchandise designed for the event, trading activities, a silent auction, meet & greets with Disney merchandisers, artist signing opportunities, commemorative gifts and more. Craving even more magical experiences? Then add a Perilous Pin Breakfast or Villainous Vinylmation Breakfast to your itinerary if you are planning to attend either one of these trading events. Last but not least, if you choose to become part of the “Club” you will do so at your own peril, as it’s sure to draw you to the dark side (dun dun dun!). Ticket information will be available shortly on www.ArtofDisneyParks.com, so keep watching.

Ticket sales and event registration were slated to begin tomorrow (May 8) but in true Villains fashion, they have hidden the link to the magic portal that allows you to register because they refused to start ticket sales on any date but the 13th. So look to register for the event on the new date, May 13, 2013 at 13:00 hours (so spooky!) or 1:00 p.m. Eastern via www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

Don’t miss out on this wicked good time!

Tagged: Epcot, Pins, Vinylmation, WDW

Filed: Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort

Who’s up for a trip to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa? I know I am! While I’m sure you could use some rest and relaxation like me, how about I take you on a virtual tour of our newest location, opening today?

For those of you familiar with Aulani, you’ve probably visited our current store location, Kalepa’s. Just steps away on the ‘Ewa side of the Maka’ala lobby is Hale Manu, which means House of Birds. This contemporary merchandise boutique offers a variety of high-end products that are as exquisite and unique as the birds the store celebrates. Since I wasn’t able to get there myself, I reached out to Bo Bolanos, Walt Disney Imagineering Principal Concept Designer & Art Director, along with Roger Nakamine, Show Writer and Aulani’s Cultural Advisor, Kahulu De Santos who gave me a ‘bird’s-eye’ view of what you can expect to see.

Kahulu shared that, in the Hawaiian culture, birds are considered to be beautiful and majestic animals that often possess great wisdom. In many myths and legends of the islands, they are keepers of divine knowledge. “Native Hawaiian bird forms and wooden sculptures gently cascade down from the fifteen-foot ceiling, slowly enveloping the space,” says Bo. “Guests will simply marvel at this magnificent centerpiece.” Bird sculptures can also be found perched around the shop, where their bright and bold colors stand out against Hale Manu’s rich, dark interior.

Some of the birds on display in Hale Manu include:

• The ‘iwa, or frigate bird, whom guests may recognize from the compass rose in the Maka‘ala lobby.
• The pueo, or short-eared brown owl; viewed as a protector and guardian in Hawaiian culture. Eagle-eyed guests can spot the protector pueo figures located in the Waikolohe Valley and ‘AMA’AMA restaurant.
• The ‘i’iwi, or scarlet honey creeper, whose striking red and black plumage was much prized by the bird hunters and feather workers of traditional Hawai‘i.
• The ‘alae ‘ula, or Hawaiian Moorhen; the namesake of Aulani’s nightly storytelling area and a bird well known in Hawaiian legend as the keeper of fire.

These beautiful birds of Hale Manu will feel right at home amidst the hand-painted murals that stretch along the store’s walls, depicting a diverse array of foliage from the plants of the upland forest to seaside vegetation.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see it in person. Who’s with me?

Tagged: Aulani, DVC

Filed: Aulani, Disney Vacation Club

The countdown has begun for the 13 Reflections of Evil trading event taking place September 13 – 15, 2013, in World ShowPlace at Epcot. I suggest blocking your calendar that weekend for our largest trading event of the year at Disney Parks. But I offer a few words of advice – Beware the 13! Who are the “13″? I suppose I should bring you up to speed.

In a far away land there lived a wicked and vain Queen who wanted more power. While pouring over ancient spell books, she discovered an incantation that, when performed on the darkest of days – Friday the 13th – could bring together thirteen of the most evil Disney villains known only as “The 13.” To cast this spell, the Queen must use a powerful, supernatural object – a magic mirror – to transport “The 13” from across time to the present day. As luck would have it, Friday the 13th will take place in September this year! The Queen decided this would be the perfect day to cast the spell.

Let’s fast forward to September. As the newly assembled Villains are hashing out their nefarious plans, the Villains intentionally break the mirror and hide the thirteen shards. Now the mirror can never be used against them, as it is the only object that can send them home. Lucky for us, an imaginative purple dragon named Figment overheard their plotting and asks Mickey Mouse for help. Along with five of their trusted friends known as the “Lucky 7,” Mickey Mouse and Figment devise a plan to stop “The 13.” They must reassemble the broken shards to send the villains back to their rightful places in time.

Now that you know what battle lies ahead, here is a sneak peek at some of the merchandise that helps tell the story. I asked Pin Trading Merchandiser Jeanne Lewis and Disney Design Group Senior Character Artist Michael Sullivan about their favorite pins being created for this event.

“The mirror set is definitely one of my favorites” said Jeanne. “I love that it shows each villain with their alter ego. The detail that has been put into the sculpted metal characters, combined with the translucent fill overlay, makes it look wickedly beautiful.”

Michael’s favorite items fall along the line of a particular storybook (but I can’t reveal that item to you yet). Michael said to look closely at the jumbo pins for some hidden treats. You will find that the number “13” has been incorporated into the words “Beware!” and the number “7” can be found in the word “Believe.”

I also got a sneak peek at some Vinylmation items, including Maleficent and a special two-pack Madame Mim set.

Tickets for this event will go on sale via DisneyParksMerchandise.com beginning May 8 at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern). Look for more information in the coming weeks on the Disney Parks Blog.

Tagged: DLR, Pins, Vinylmation, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

Looking for a special gift for yourself or someone else? Then do I have a tip for you. The team from HARVEYS has just given us the first look at one of their newest HARVEYS for Disney Couture Seatbeltbag collections, titled “Disney Patchwork.”

While I could probably go on for days about these bags, and how this particular collection came to be, I think HARVEYS owner and creator Dana Harvey sums it up best: “Patchwork is a mashup of all of our favorite Disney prints. When woven together it creates a colorful patchwork quilt effect. The quintessential Disney bag.”

Not sure? Check out this image of the dangle that will appear on the bag.

There will be several different Patchwork silhouettes available. Look for this new collection to debut mid-to-late May at the following locations at the Disneyland Resort: Disney Vault 28 in the Downtown Disney District, Fortuosity Shop in Disneyland park, Elias & Co. and Gone Hollywood in Disney California Adventure park. At the Walt Disney World Resort you will find them at Tren-D in the Downtown Disney Marketplace, Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom Park, Summer Lace at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa as well as On the Boardwalk at Disney’s Boardwalk. Prices range from $114 to $178.

How many of the designs do you recognize? Or have?

Tagged: Art of Disney, DLR, WDW

Filed: Art of Disney, Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

Quick Update on Trading Night! The Trading Night hours have been extended to start at 5 p.m. ending at 9 p.m.

Just a couple of reminders:

• The specific location of Trading Night will actually be in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill Restaurant area and adjacent lobby area.
• Space will be extremely limited, we ask that you limit the number of items that you choose to bring.
• Vinylmation Trading will not be offered, however the Product Preview Section and Artist Signing Area remain.
• Food & Beverage concession areas will be open.

Before we jump into May events, here’s one last note for April. Trading Night has just been announced! The Walt Disney World Resort Trading Night will take place April 30, 2013 from 6 – 9 p.m. 5-9 p.m. at ESPN Grill and Josten’s Center at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex. So bring your friends and family and trade stories, Vinylmation and pins.

Now onward to May we go!

May 3: Disney Design Group Artist Betsy DePadova will be appearing at Disney’s Pin Traders in Downtown Disney Marketplace from 5 -7 p.m. to sign the latest pin and Vinylmation release in the 2013 series. Fellow author Steven Miller was the first to give you a glimpse at this artwork and more as he turned the spotlight on 2013 posters. Learn more here.

May 3 – 4: Everyone loves jewelry, or at least I know I do. So be sure to stop by Tren-D in Downtown Disney Marketplace between the hours of 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 5 – 10 p.m. to see some of the newest releases from Chamilia. If your interest is piqued about this event, be sure to look for an upcoming post by author, Steven Miller who will give you a glimpse of what you’ll find before you go.

May 6 – 11: For those of you visiting Magic Kingdom Park, be sure to stop in and say hello to Larry Dotson who will be taking up residence in Uptown Jewelers, May 6 – 11 and at Art of Disney in Epcot, May 16 – 19, as we debut some of his newest releases. Learn more here.

May 8 – 19: Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace will once again welcome David Doss, who will be on hand to showcase some of his most recent releases. Learn more here.

May 9 – 13: If you are a Precious Moments Dolls collector, then this release is for you. Making a splash at Walt Disney World Resort is the new collection of dolls inspired by “The Little Mermaid.” Representatives will be on hand on each of the days at Once Upon A Toy in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. Want to meet Linda Rick? Well you’re in luck. We have official confirmation that Linda Rick will be appearing, May 10 – 12. Learn more here.

May 10 – Okay Vinylmation collectors, mark your calendars! Park Starz 2 Vinylmation designed by Disney Design Group artists Casey Jones and Thomas Scott hits shelves at D Street in Downtown Disney Westside on May 10. Casey Jones will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of this new collection from 5 – 7 p.m. Here are a few of my favorite Park Starz, wait until you see the rest. Learn more here.

May 17 – Planning on attending Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? If not, you should consider it. It’s literally the best place in the galaxy to be. Steven was the first to give you a look at Star Wars Weekends 2013 merchandise, and I assure you there’s more to come, from new artwork to toys, tees, Vinylmation and more. Passholders, we even have some special items just for you! Keep watching as the date draws near.

Look for details on all of these events and more on www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

Tagged: Art of Disney, Pin Trading, Star Wars, Vinylmation, WDW

Filed: Art of Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

Here’s your first look at some of the new “Good vs. Evil” artwork debuting at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District over the coming weeks.

The first two images are by this month’s WonderGround Gallery artist in residence, Jeff Granito, and feature Cinderella in Magical Makeover and Tiana in Blooms of the Bayou. If you are an avid collector, then make your way down, as the one-of-a-kinds are available now. Look for special hand embellishments on the one-of-a-kind images that will surely take your breath away. If you are looking to display this image in a more subtle way, then I’d recommend the deluxe print version. Note: Meet Jeff Granito every Friday and Saturday throughout the month of April from 5–9 p.m.

Available later this month will be three pieces by artist J. Scott Campbell, including Her Wonderland featuring Alice and the Queen of Hearts, Her Hair featuring Rapunzel and Mother Gothel, along with Her Slipper featuring Cinderella, Lady Tremaine and of course, her stepsisters. Be sure to check them out when they make their way onto the store walls in the coming weeks.

One-of-a-kind, original and limited edition giclee artwork prices will vary, but look for the deluxe print version of all of these pieces to retail for $39.95.

Which one of these can you see in your home?

Tagged: Art of Disney, DLR, Downtown Disney

Filed: Art of Disney, Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District