Get on Board with the Red Car Trolley Collection at Disney California Adventure Park
posted on May 17th, 2012 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
Can you believe how quickly the time has gone? We are just less than one month away from the opening of Buena Vista Street and Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park, and I’ll tell you I’m not sure what I’m more excited for. It seems like it was only yesterday that we made a trek out to see some of the old railway cars and trolleys at a local Southern California museum. But it was Disney Design Group Principal Character Artist Brian Blackmore and Graphic Designer Tyler Dumas that led these designs down the right track, alongside Product Developer Lisa Bergman. So of course, when I had the chance to spend a few minutes talking to them, I had to get all the details, so I could share them with all of you.
“Our goal was simple,” Lisa explained. “Provide authenticity to the trolleys and railways systems of yesteryear.”
“There is a passion and romanticism around the Red Car Line as it harkens back to a time in SoCal when we had a great public transportation system with beautifully designed trains – alternative travel at its best, kids,” Tyler jumped in, going on to explain that “It was the inspiration from the trolley engineering blueprints being used to create the Disney California Adventure park vehicles, along with color palettes, old time tickets and collateral from the 1920s and 1930s that really drove home the concept for the Red Car Trolley collection. We wanted this program to excite young train fans, appeal to adult retro character fans and really become an homage collection for vintage transportation enthusiasts.”
But it was Brian who broke it down for us even further. “For the kids we tried to give the trolley a personality, something that would encourage them to play, dream and use their imagination. Sitting beside that is a more hyper-stylized version that we knew would appeal to an older audience. But the big key for us in creating this program was to make it feel very nostalgic, complete with vintage era-appropriate graphic styles, features and characters, especially when it came to the technical trolley version, where we were able to use mechanical and rail aspects to produce the look.”
This new collection, which will make its debut in Los Feliz Five & Dime on Buena Vista Street, will include ladies’ and men’s tees, fleece sweatshirts, hats, figurines, souvenirs, tin signs and more. There is one more thing that I guess you could say I have to tip my hat to…the Red Car Trolley Conductor Mickey Cap. It’s sure to set you ears apart from the rest. What about pins? Well, I’m glad you asked. I’ll be covering those in a separate post, so keep watching.
So hop on board the Red Car Trolley and make Los Feliz Five & Dime one of your many stops when Buena Vista Street opens on June 15.
Check out these posts for more Disneyland Resort merchandise news:
- Five Quick Finds for Father’s Day in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort
- Take a Road Trip to California as We Gear Up for Disney California Adventure Park
- New Storytellers Collection to Debut in Disney California Adventure Park
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Five Quick Finds for Father’s Day in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort
posted on May 15th, 2012 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
With Mother’s Day behind us, the next big question lies on the horizon … what do you get dear old Dad? Father’s Day is less than a month away, so I guess this is where the line “Attention Shoppers!” comes in handy, because I have a few quick ideas to help make this shopping experience a breeze.
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Looking for some doo-dads? World of Disney offers an entire line of D-Tech, which is sure to create some buzz. If your desired gift is more along the lines of something to wear, then check out some of our vintage graphic tees. Dads will dig it!
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What about the trendy dads? Try Disney Vault 28, in particular on June 9 when Goorin Bros. joins the festivities, offering a new selection of hats, from retro-inspired fedoras to hip new cabbies. Need something with a little more “sole?” Then bring Dad down for a quick shoe shine before he steps out.
For the new dads? Quick and easy sweet treats from Marceline’s Confectionery – like caramel apples, fudge and dipped marshmallows and pretzels – are sure to be an instant hit.
Or for just … good ‘ol Dad! You know the type, a potentially huge Star Wars fan, a secret rock n’ roller, playing air guitar … or are you convinced he’s really a superhero in disguise? Any way you go about it you can’t go wrong at D Street. It’s sure to suit any retro fan, rock n’ roller or Marvel collector. So, remember to make sure Dad is dressed to a “tee” this year, especially with some of our newer offerings from the Double 5 collection featuring Mickey Mouse.
Looking for something a little more distinctive, eclectic or uncommon? Then it’s off to WonderGround Gallery you go, opening June 9, right in time to find that perfect gift for Dad’s home, office or man cave.
Catch ya later, Daddy-o… because, that’s all I’ve got for now! Look for more details on ArtofDisneyParks.com.
Take a Road Trip to California as We Gear Up for Disney California Adventure Park
posted on May 10th, 2012 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
A few months ago, I gave you your first look at the Road Trip to California collection coming out this summer as part of the “Gear Up For Adventure” line at Disney California Adventure park. Well, I suggest you hold on and fasten your seat belts, because I’m about to get all up in your grill with these great new pin designs from our talented team of product developers and artists. Featuring many of Disney’s most beloved characters, villains, icons and attractions, this collection themed to Road Trip to California includes limited-edition pins, a boxed set, jumbo pins, a mystery set and even a pin with figurine.
Check out this pin and keychain set for Annual Passholders, which was actually inspired by a vintage car grill!
When I asked Product Developer Jeanne Lewis about the direction they headed this year for the pin designs, here’s what she had to share: “We really wanted to take things to a different level, get under the hood and crank things up. So while Disney California Adventure park was indeed shifting gears, taking on a whole new look and feel, we wanted to make sure guests would be ready to roll when the time came and could, in a sense, ‘Gear Up For Adventure.’ That’s why, with the Annual Passholder pin, we paired it with a special keychain, which will accompany the pin as a set. And of course, we previously shared the map of the United States as we watched some of our favorite Disney characters hit the road.”
Other favorites among our artists include the Rules of the Road, which in a sense pays homage to many of the rules we should often remember when driving, including Cruella’s “Don’t Drive Angry” and Minnie Mouse’s “Don’t Pick Up Hitchhikers.”
Or if you want to play the license plate game, be sure to count me in…because there is a great collection of vanity license plates available as a Mystery Set, which will feature pins themed to iconic attractions (classic and new) as well as Mad T Party and Cars Land designs.
So how can you make these pins yours? It’s easy!
- Visit www.DisneyPins.com from June 6 – 20 and enter your name in the Online Wristband Opportunity.
- Selected winners will have the opportunity to purchase the pins on the morning of June 29 at Disney’s Pin Traders.
To celebrate the release, Disney Design Group Graphic Designer Quynh Kimball and Senior Character Artist Monty Maldovan will be on hand from 9-11 a.m. at Disney’s Pin Traders and will make another special appearance again during the Disney Trading Night, taking place from 7-10 p.m. in the Pacific Ballroom at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.
So I guess you could say we put the pedal to the metal this year…quite literally. Want to know if there’s more? Just wait until I show you some of the pins coming out later this summer. For a look at the collection and more details on the Online Wristband Opportunity, visit www.DisneyPins.com.
There’s not much more left to say…except for Road Trip! I call shotgun!
Check out these posts for more Disneyland Resort merchandise news:
New Storytellers Collection to Debut in Disney California Adventure Park
posted on May 3rd, 2012 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
With just a little over five weeks to go before Buena Vista Street opens at Disney California Adventure park, here’s your first look at the art for one of the key programs, appropriately titled “Storytellers” and set to debut inside Elias & Co. While I could spend all day telling you why I’m a fan of this piece, I thought I’d turn it over to artist Noah and Product Developer Lisa Bergman, who were able to give me a bird’s-eye view on what inspired them to create this piece and on the magic that lives on in all of us.
“The main objective was to take the gorgeous ‘Storytellers’ statue that exists in the park and create a life-like scene,” says Noah. “I wanted this piece to have the 1920s sepia-tone feel that can be seen in old vintage photographs. When I painted it, I listened to Big Band music and imagined the sights, sounds, smells and even the weather, and tried to engulf my creativity in that same style. I tried to put myself in Walt Disney’s shoes or follow in his footsteps, as some would say. How excited he must have been on the trip out here, the challenges and dreams he wanted to overcome and achieve. I thought about the luggage he carried, how he lettered his name, and his identity. Walt Disney took the gift of creativity, believed in himself and leveraged it to impact the world with the idea of families coming together to enjoy life. He used stories as the vehicle and gave the child in each of us permission to play and use our imagination.” Noah went on to say, “Every day in some small way, we are a part of Walt’s dream, whether walking through the park, watching amazing movies or television, or just spending time together. It all started with a young cartoonist landing in Los Angeles, his friend Mickey Mouse in his heart, a trunk full of dreams and ambitions, and most importantly, a lifetime of stories to tell.”
There’s so much that went into this, explains Product Developer Lisa Bergman. Its influence came from Disney Archives ephemera, which included a rough sketch of the Hyperion Studios by Ward Kimball, archival photographs of the Hyperion Studios neon sign, Walt’s business card, and pre-1937 animated featurette posters. Representative of the Disney heritage, you will find the iconic “Storytellers” artwork on an array of sepia-tone items, including sublimated t-shirts, fleece sweatshirts, a supple leather jacket, limited edition art, collectibles and more.
Debuting alongside the “Storytellers” collection is a figural piece created by sculptor Rick Terry, whose 3D art you will find as the centerpiece of Buena Vista Street. Product Developer Lisa Bergman has given us the first look at this new sculpture, replicated from the original design. Take a peek!
For details on this new collection, special events and appearances by the artists, visit www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.
There’s only one word for me that describes this. Magic!
Check out these posts for more Disneyland Resort merchandise news:
- Find Your Perfect Fragrance in Celebration of the One Year Anniversary of Mlle. Antoinette’s Parfumerie in Disneyland Park
- D Street in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort Unveils A Galaxy of New Star Wars Art
- An Uncommon Art Gallery Makes the ‘Scene’ – WonderGround Gallery Opening in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort
Find Your Perfect Fragrance in Celebration of the One Year Anniversary of Mlle. Antoinette’s Parfumerie in Disneyland Park
posted on April 30th, 2012 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
It’s hard to believe in just a few short weeks we will celebrate the one-year anniversary of the return of Mlle. Antionette’s Parfumerie in Disneyland park. Over the course of the year, I’ve learned a lot about fragrances and each time I step into Mlle. Antoinette’s Parfumerie I learn something new.
One thing that sparked some interest is that there truly are fragrances, perfumes and colognes that can best suit you, all you have to do is ask. Unsure of what to buy myself and/or my loved ones, I needed a little help. So I knew asking one of our fragrance specialists would be a great place to start.
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Here are a few tips I was provided in selecting my perfect fragrance. First, decide if you want a fragrance to suit your mood, personality or even a special occasion. If you’re in the mood to travel, choose a fragrance with exotic notes like Dior’s Escale à Parati, with which you can be whisked away to the beautiful country of Brazil. For more of a sophisticated fragrance, choose something with a little history like Shalimar from Guerlain. If you are partial to floral notes, le bouquet absolu by Givenchy would be the perfect choice. For all you men, try a classic eau de cologne from the Acqua di Parma Colonia collection.
Now that you have an idea on how to select the right scent, stop in and find the fragrance that best suits you or your loved ones, especially for all those special events coming up (Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries and graduations). If you’re still not sure, make time on your next visit and stop in and meet with one of our fragrance specialists.
Here are a few other things happening during the month of May, in case you are able to stop by and pick up a bottle or two of these new fragrances for the ones you love.
- May 4-6: Complimentary Bottle Painting with any Fragrance Purchase
- May 11-13: Complimentary Bottle Engraving with any Fragrance Purchase
- May 18-20: Complimentary Bottle Painting with any Large Fragrance Purchase
Remember to mark your calendars and join us on the anniversary weekend, May 24 – 28!
- May 24 – 28: Receive a Complimentary Sample or enjoy Complimentary Bottle Painting or Engraving with any Large Fragrance Purchase
Special Note for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club and Club 33 Members in celebration of the anniversary! May 24 –28, stop by Mlle. Antoinette’s Parfumerie in New Orleans Square to receive a complimentary sample just by showing your Passholder or Membership I.D. card.
For the complete list of all the events and more, visit www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.
Check out these posts for more news about shopping at the Disneyland Resort:
- D Street in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort Unveils A Galaxy of New Star Wars Art
- An Uncommon Art Gallery Makes the ‘Scene’ – WonderGround Gallery Opening in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort
- Race in to Ramone’s House of Body Art This Summer at Disney California Adventure Park
So Good You Could Eat It! Rock Candy Mountain at Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure Park
posted on April 26th, 2012 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
Trolley Treats is heading down the track and into your hearts on June 15 at Disney California Adventure park. So what will you find when you look inside? Well…in the window of Trolley Treats (the new confectionery store on Buena Vista Street) will be a model of Rock Candy Mountain.
For those of you who may not know, Rock Candy Mountain was originally envisioned for Disneyland park as part of the Storybook Land Canal Boats. The Casey Jr. Circus Train would have traveled around it. It was Imagineer and Disney Legend Claude Coats who worked on concept art for the mountain back in 1957, and while the project was never built, the idea will live on in the whimsical model that guests can enjoy in the front window of the candy shop. Climb aboard, because this journey will take you across the Rio Fudge, through Taffy Valley and over Dew Drop Hills to Rock Candy Mountain.
So, come one, come all! Pound for pound, this unique shop will offer temptations for anyone with a sweet tooth. Selections from our candy makers will range from gourmet marshmallows and hand-pulled taffy to caramel apples, dipped strawberries, toffee, fudge and other seasonal favorites.
Crave something more? Watch our Candy Makers amaze and delight you as they bring the magic of gourmet Disney candy-making to life, right before your very eyes.
If you’re wondering what’s next door…well, I’m glad you asked. A few additional shops will line Buena Vista Street, including Kingswell Camera Shop (sure to ‘capture’ special memories) and Julius Katz & Sons (gadgets and decor galore), as well as Atwater Ink and Paint (you’ll feel right at home).
Trolley Treats will be one sweet stop and one sweet shop! Are you tempted to try it?
Read these posts to learn more about Buena Vista Street, opening June 15 in Disney California Adventure Park:
D Street in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort Unveils a Galaxy of New Star Wars Art
posted on April 25th, 2012 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
There’s no denying that the Force is getting stronger by the day. I’m sure many of you are counting down the days until Star Wars Weekends kicks off at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort. I’m a little jealous of those of you who get to go. My fellow Disney Parks Blog author, Gary Buchanan, always has so many great posts about the special appearances and events, so who wouldn’t want to be there? I have to admit … when I was little, I dressed up as Princess Leia for Halloween – white robe gown, cinnamon-style buns on the sides of my head and all (and no, you can’t see a picture). Before you fall out of your chair laughing at that visual, think back – because I bet many of you did the same thing. I’m pretty sure there were a lot of Princess Leias, Han Solos, Luke Skywalkers and Darth Vaders roaming around neighborhoods. (And with the continued popularity of the saga, there still are!)
So why the walk down memory lane? Because ACME Archives has just released a new collection of Star Wars-themed art which I know you are going to go crazy over. There’s an array of Star Wars characters posed in what could be considered “surrealism”-style paintings and even vacation destination-looking posters. I can’t keep you waiting any longer, so here’s your first look at some of these new pieces.
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So, don’t let me be your only hope – make the jump to hyperspace and head for D Street in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort on May 5. Artist William Silvers and Creative Director Chris Jackson will be on hand from 3-6 p.m., and I can pretty much guarantee you won’t want to miss it. To check out other pieces in this collection, visit ArtofDisneyParks.com.
An Uncommon Art Gallery Makes the ‘Scene’ – WonderGround Gallery Opening in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort
posted on April 19th, 2012 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
Have you ever had a room or space for a million different ideas that immediately came to mind? Here at the Disneyland Resort, we’ve actually found that place, and I’m excited to be able to share with all of you that WonderGround Gallery is coming to the Downtown Disney District on June 9, 2012. Distinctive, eclectic and uncommon, this contemporary setting is, in itself, a blank canvas, providing the ultimate venue where unique art collections, works from a new generation of artists, and unexpected finds in home and lifestyle merchandise take center stage.
With its name giving a nod to the magic and wonder of Disney animation, WonderGround Gallery draws inspiration from Disney’s deeply rooted art and storytelling-driven heritage – especially the idea of stepping through the looking glass, which the greatest of art allows us to do. Showcasing artwork inspired by Disney●Pixar films, characters and icons, as well as paying tribute to the one and only Mickey Mouse, more than 25 local and domestic up-and-coming artists will have their unique interpretations available for you to add to your Disney collection. This variety of commissioned, original and limited-edition artwork reflecting various styles, techniques and mediums will provide an eclectic environment in this store.
I had the chance to briefly chat with Sonia Martins, Exhibit and Events Manager for this new location. “What I love about WonderGround is that it acts as a living, breathing environment for the arts,” says Sonia. “This gallery reaches a fresh and diverse audience by offering distinct art and lifestyle wares uniquely targeted to a savvy art crowd, as well as trendy Disney enthusiasts, both intrinsically connected to our growing technological society. When you blend technology with art, a new and innovative experience awaits. We are so excited to bring this vibrant energy to the Downtown Disney District.”
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here’s a peek through the looking glass of what’s to come for this uncommon gallery.
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Look for more details in the coming weeks on the Disney Parks Blog and of course, on ArtofDisneyParks.com, as we give you a first-hand look at some of the other artists, their artwork, and a list of some of the exciting events scheduled to take place, including our artists in residence, sketch artists and more.
Check out these posts for more news about the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort:
- Get Outside for Earth Day at the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort
- Newly Remodeled Sunglass Icon Flagship Store Coming to the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort
- New Retro Collection Debuts at Disney Vault 28 in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort
Race in to Ramone’s House of Body Art This Summer at Disney California Adventure Park
posted on April 17th, 2012 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
I know I saw many of our Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders at the Disney California Adventure park Merchandise Showcase just last month, and I can tell you, there was a lot of buzz about the Champions Custom Speed Shop and Ramone’s Low n Slow merchandise. From work shirts, t-shirts and headwear to a vintage leather racing jacket, fans were “geared up” quite literally, as they eagerly await the opening of Cars Land in Disney California Adventure park on June 15.
I had the fortunate opportunity to catch up with Design Manager Dan Howard and Designer Tyler Dumas, both from our Disney Design Group, who gave me some insight on what it was like to create these amazing new programs and where they drew their inspiration from.
“We developed a partnership with the team from Pixar and John Lasseter. They provided us with such great creative direction – how they thought about the storyline – giving us the opportunity to bring this highly themed merchandise to life,” says Dan. Tyler shared that “this collaborative effort and focus on the details allowed us to provide authenticity to the car culture that exists out there, and it really shows in the nuances of this product.”
So how about a look at a few more items that you’ll find this June at Ramone’s House of Body Art, including the Champions Custom Speed Shop work shirt, checkered flag “head to head” hoodie, specially themed drinkware, a magnet set, journal, keychain and more?
I know that’s a quick look, but I hope you enjoyed it. I’m really anxious to see the stores for myself and I bet you are, too. So keep watching the Disney Parks Blog, because there’s so much more to share with you as we race towards opening day.
Check out these posts for more Disneyland Resort merchandise news:
The Month of May Brings Events to Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland Park
posted on April 9th, 2012 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
UPDATE: The debut and signing of “After the Prom with Mickey and Minnie” and “Gone Fishing with Mickey and Pluto” with Charles and Bruce Boyer will be May 12, from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
As you may or may not know, I love events! So it should be no surprise that I’m going to make sure you have the 411 on all the merchandise events happening during the month of May on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park.
While you may feel like you’re going on a deep-sea adventure, there’s no need to hold your breath for this event. Our events team has just notified me that miniaturist Robert Olszewski will be appearing at the Disneyana Shop on May 5 to sign his new “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” sculpture. Check out artofdisneyparks.com for additional images and event details.
Feeling artsy? Good! Because new ACME archives art will debut May 19 at the Disneyana Shop. Special Tip: ACME artist Mark Cote will be appearing May 19-20, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., daily.
Last but certainly not least (and this is hot off the presses!), Disney Legend Charles Boyer and his son, artist Bruce Boyer, will be joining the festivities at The Disney Gallery on May 19 12, from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., for the debut and signing of “After the Prom with Mickey and Minnie” and “Gone Fishing with Mickey and Pluto.”
There’s a lot going on, and that’s just the beginning. So make plans now to check out some of these events, and if you have a little extra “time on your hands,” then swing by the Fortuosity Shop for the heroes and villains artisan watch for May, featuring the Evil Queen!
Excited to see what’s next? Me too… keep watching!
For more Disneyland Resort merchandise news, check out the posts below:
Disney Conversations
A collection of Disney news and links from around the web. Note: All links are to external sites and open in a new window.
- Posted 05.22.12 06:20 PM
Disney reveals Buena Vista Street details | The Orange County Register - Posted 05.22.12 06:19 PM
Star Wars Weekends strikes back Friday at Disney | Central Florida News 13 - Posted 05.22.12 06:19 PM
Disney 20th anniversary marathon to run through Speedway and Champion Stadium | The Washington Times - Posted 05.22.12 06:18 PM
Disney Honors Legendary Seamstress in Main Street Window Ceremony | USA Today - Posted 05.22.12 06:18 PM
Walt Disney Imagineers Bringing Video Games To Life At Walt Disney World Resort | Forbes
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