This week, the “Limited Time Magic” spotlight shines on timepieces from Disney Parks. My parents recently visited me in Florida for about two weeks. Before they left, we visited Downtown Disney Marketplace, as my mother was in search of a new Minnie Mouse watch. That trip helped me find a few timepieces that I thought would make for perfect Mother’s Day gifts this weekend. Here is a look at some of my favorites.

I liked the elegant look of the three watches pictured at the top of this article. These watches were recently introduced for the spring season, one of two seasons that the timepiece development team likes to introduce new items.

Good news for my mother is that Minnie Mouse is a popular character for watches, as seen here with two additional styles.

For spring, the timepiece development team enlisted the help of Disney Design Group artists to create new watches. Artist Tim Whalen created two new designs based on T-shirts from Disney Parks. You may remember seeing the shirt with the girl holding the Mickey Mouse umbrella in Michelle Stepney’s Disney Style Snapshot from early April.

Moms who love Disney Villains may enjoy three new watches created by Disney Design Group artists Mark Seppala and Darren Wilson. Mark, whom you may recall from Disney Ear Hat fame, designed the watches featuring the Queen of Hearts and the Queen from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” while Darren created the amazing Maleficent watch.

In Florida, look for these watches at Tren-D and the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney Marketplace.

In California, you can find timepieces in the World of Disney store in the Downtown Disney District as well as the Fortuosity Shop inside Disneyland park.

Select watches can also be found on the Disney Parks online store.

Finally, to further the magic on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, Disney Parks will honor all moms with a special flower when she visits any of the theme parks at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts (please note that valid theme park admission is required).

Happy Mother’s Day to my mother and my soon-to-be mother-in-law!

Tagged: DLR, Downtown Disney, Limited Time Magic, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

One of the more anticipated Vinylmation collections this year, Park Starz 2, arrives at Disney Parks on Friday, May 10. Introduced in September 2011, the first series featured uniquely shaped figures inspired by classic characters from Disney Parks. The second series has 12 new characters designed by Disney Design Group artist Casey Jones. I recently asked him about his experience working on this project.

“Being a huge fan of the parks, Park Starz is one of my favorite projects to work on,” exclaimed Casey. “Disney Design Group artist and principal Vinylmation designer Thomas Scott created the Park Starz brand and supervises all development. He tapped me to be the lead artist for this series, and I loved creating crazy, stylized versions of some of my favorite park characters.”

Each figure in this limited release mystery series is packaged in a collectible tin, which is sold either individually or in a tray. If guests purchase entire trays, they get all 11 known figures (as seen on the packaging) and the one mystery figure.

Casey shared some additional insight into his designs.

“Rex from the original Star Tours attraction was designed for Park Starz 1,” said Casey “I’m glad he finally made it — better late than never! I loved including long-lost friends, like the Orange Bird. At the time I designed [series 2], the Orange Bird had not yet returned to the Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park. Like many fans, I was thrilled to see him return last year.”

I had fun photographing this series. My favorite two images include the Orange Bird (someone had to eat that citrus swirl after the shot), and the Tapestry of Nations parade figure in Epcot. I loved that parade from the Millennium Celebration, and it appears Casey did too.

“The Tapestry of Nations parade will always be my favorite Disney memory,” continued Casey. “I joined Disney around that time, and my wife and I must have watched that parade 100 times! The music and the costumes make it an all-time classic.”

The series will be released in the Vinylmation Store on Facebook on May 3. The series will be released at D Street locations in California and Florida on May 10. Casey will be meeting with fans at D Street in Downtown Disney West Side in Florida on May 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Tagged: DLR, Downtown Disney, Vinylmation, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

I’m excited to share that the Star Wars – D-Tech Me experience will be returning for Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year. The experience will be located inside Darth’s Mall, the highly themed merchandise destination located in the courtyard adjacent to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. You may recall we first introduced the Carbon-Freeze Me experience last year during Star Wars Weekends (my fellow author Gary Buchanan explains how it works in this video). We also introduced the experience at Celebration VI, the ultimate Star Wars fan event that was held last August in Orlando, Florida.

This year, we are bringing back the popular “cast yourself in Carbonite” option that was inspired by a scene from Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back. We are also delighted to offer a new option featuring the elite soldiers of the Galactic Empire, the Stormtroopers.

The 10-minute experience uses the world’s highest-resolution, single-shot 3D face scanner created by our Imagineering scientists with Disney Research labs. That captured image is later sent to a high resolution 3D printer to create the figurine. The completed figurine will arrive within 7-8 weeks after the experience if shipping domestically (it takes a little longer if shipping internationally). Guests will also receive either a Carbon-Freeze Me light-up band or a collector button depending upon which option they choose.

The Star Wars – D-Tech Me experience is $99.95, plus shipping and applicable sales tax.

To book your experience, please call 407-WDW-TECH (407-939-8324) to ask about availability. We will only offer the experience during Star Wars Weekends 2013 (May 17 – 19, May 24 – 26, May 31 – June 2, and June 7 – 9).

Please note: Separate theme park admission required for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. No discounts apply unless otherwise noted. Guests must be at least three (3) years of age to participate. A valid accepted credit card number is required at time of booking. No-shows or in the event a reservation is cancelled within 48 hours of scheduled experience will result in such credit card being charged a $25 cancellation fee. The experience, due to its personalized nature, is non-refundable and not eligible for an exchange. Children must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age or older during the entire experience. Certain restrictions may apply. All prices, components and information are subject to change without notice.

Tagged: DHS, Star Wars, WDW

Filed: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Special Events, Walt Disney World Resort

Being a long-time Star Wars fan, I was thrilled to read Gary Buchanan’s article about the special “May The Fourth Be With You” event taking place this weekend as part of “Limited Time Magic.” This one-day celebration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is separate from our month-long Star Wars Weekends special event, which begins on May 17. Gary mentioned there will be special entertainment, a dance party, fireworks and commemorative merchandise. I’m happy to share with you a first look at the new shirts and pins that will be released on Saturday at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.

Disney Design Group artist Quynh Kimball told me the character artwork found on the shirts was created by artist Tommy Lee Edwards. The artwork for the limited edition pins was created by Disney Design Group artist Mike Sullivan. The pins will each have an edition size of 1,500.

If you are in Florida, these items will be released at the Superstar Shop located next to The American Idol Experience attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

For those fans in California, the shirts and pins will be released at Disney’s Pin Traders in the Downtown Disney District and Little Green Men Store Command in Disneyland park. Please note that wristbands will be distributed to those guests purchasing pins at the Disneyland Resort.

I can’t wait for this weekend. I hope you will join us!

Tagged: DHS, DL, DLR, Downtown Disney, Limited Time Magic, Pins, Star Wars, WDW

Filed: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District, Walt Disney World Resort

My fellow Disney Parks Blog author Erin Catalano and I spent Friday morning in the Convention Center at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Representing Disney Theme Park Merchandise, we joined a special product showcase event that highlighted exciting things at Disney Parks.

We filled our 16-foot by 16-foot square booth with new merchandise debuting this summer to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. We gave an expanded look at Star Wars Weekends 2013 merchandise, along with a first look at new Disney Parks logo merchandise arriving this June. Rounding out our assortment, we displayed new Disney-inspired sunglasses by Ray-Ban, handbags by Dooney & Bourke, beautifully ornate shoe ornaments inspired by Disney characters, D-Tech electronic accessories and much more.

As you can imagine, I had a difficult time selecting only 10 images for this article. I’d love to hear which item is your favorite, so please share in the comments below.

I hope to see you at Disney Parks for our first-ever, three-park, all-night party on May 24. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for additional details about merchandise created for this event.

Tagged: DLR, Gallery, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

I’ve often dreamt of being in a rock band, performing shows in sold out arenas around the world. I once had a great name for my band, but it’s sadly no longer available. The closest I get to being a rock star these days is singing karaoke on the weekends or visiting Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I love this attraction, especially the thrill of taking a super-stretch limousine through the darkened freeways of Los Angeles (if only driving in Los Angeles was really like that!). I recently visited Rock Around the Shop, the merchandise location at the attraction’s exit, to see what “rock’n” gear they offer for my imagined world tour.

According to Matt Hahn, location planning manager for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this shop contains unique merchandise not found anywhere else at Walt Disney World Resort.

“[Rock Around the Shop] has a good mixture of merchandise inspired by the attraction,” explained Matt. “Guests will find apparel, accessories, headwear, plush and more. We recently added some signage to the location to inform guests that many of these items are only found in this shop.”

The attraction’s logo is found on a few items, including shirts and a popular Mickey Mouse rock star plush. I liked the miniature guitar photo holder that was inspired by the giant guitar found outside the attraction.

I also found a variety of shirts inspired by Aerosmith’s classic songs or their iconic logo. I particularly liked the “If It’s Too Loud” shirt (the only way to listen to rock!). Matt told me that one of the more popular items recently introduced was the guitar shaped bag (hello, air guitar solo!).

Finally, I couldn’t resist recreating a photo that many guests take when exiting the shop. Thank you to my fellow author Erin Catalano for taking this image. I guess it makes up for the recent Cozy Cone hat photo I took of her.

Rock on!


Read on for more from Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

• ‘May The Fourth Be With You’ Celebrated at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for ‘Limited Time Magic’
• Ready, Set, Go! at X Games for Driver in ‘Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• ‘Star Wars’ Droid Factory Expands to New Locations at Disney Parks

Tagged: DHS, WDW

Filed: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort

With Mother’s Day only a few weeks away, I’ve been thinking about what to get my mother (sorry Mom – this is when you should stop reading). One thing she likes is interchangeable jewelry by Chamilia. Disney Parks have carried a variety of their interchangeable beads and bracelets for a few years now. We even offer some Disney Parks-exclusive beads inspired by Disney Princesses like Cinderella, Snow White and Ariel. I spoke with Denise Edelmaier, merchandiser for jewelry at Disney Theme Park Merchandise, about the appeal of Chamilia jewelry at Disney Parks.

“I think guests enjoy Chamilia jewelry because they can mix and match bracelets and Disney-inspired beads to match their moods,” said Denise. “We offer a lot of beads, so the combinations are many. It’s also easy to add beads, which become a great way to celebrate a special occasion or remember a Disney vacation.”

If you are unfamiliar with Chamilia, we are holding a trunk show at Tren-D in the Downtown Disney Marketplace at the Walt Disney World Resort on May 3-4, 2013. Representatives from Chamilia will be at this show each day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

One cool thing that the jewelry team is introducing at the show is a unique Disney Parks starter bracelet. The bracelet will contain a few beads, which can jump start a bead collection.

I’m excited to see they are introducing a red Minnie Mouse-inspired bow along with a cupcake bead that has a Minnie Mouse-inspired bow (she is my mother’s favorite character, and, with that, Mother’s Day shopping is done!).

Finally, Denise shared that she is working on a few additional Disney Parks-exclusive beads for later this year (fans of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” will be happy).

If you can’t attend this event, you can find a small selection of Chamilia jewelry on our Disney Parks online store.

Tagged: Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort