What do a spell card binder, a talking trashcan and a giant music box have in common? They are new merchandise items inspired by things found in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. I love when the merchandise development team uses attractions, characters or shows from Disney Parks as inspiration for new merchandise (it makes those items feel unique, original and special ). Here is a closer look at three new items coming this year.

A new Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom spell card binder was recently introduced at Magic Kingdom Park. This soft cover binder contains several pages where you can display Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom spell cards. Look for the binder in Emporium or Uptown Jewelers on Main Street, U.S.A.; Sir Mickey’s in Fantasyland; or Frontier Trading Post in Frontierland. You can also now find the previously discussed booster packs in these same locations.

If you haven’t tried Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, check out my fellow author Jennifer Fickley-Baker’s recent tip-filled article. Then, stop by the Main Street Fire Station to join the adventure. I’ve played a few times with my son, who loves the interactive experience.

When merchandiser Kevin-Michael Lezotte showed me a new D-Tech on Demand case, I jumped up and down like an excited child meeting Mickey Mouse for the first time. It was an iPhone 5 case inspired by PUSH, the talking trash can from Tomorrowland! Since making his first appearance on February 18, 1995, PUSH has roamed Tomorrowland chatting with guests, consuming their trash and sometimes even dancing with them. He has participated in several marriage proposals, and even actual weddings!

On February 18, we are releasing this limited release iPhone 5 case in Mickey’s Star Traders in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park. If you see PUSH that day, please give him a hug and wish him a “Happy Birthday.” But please don’t mention his age, as I guess he’s a bit self conscious about it.

Finally, I recently had a delicious lunch with my teammates at Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland. While dining, I watched the beautiful seven-foot tall music box of Belle and Beast spin around in the Rose Gallery. Coming this summer, we will release a 9 ½-inch-tall figurine replica that plays music from this classic animated film. It’s lovely!

Check out these posts for more updates from Magic Kingdom Park:

• Couples Enjoy ‘A Celebration of Love’ at Magic Kingdom Park
• Enter For Your Chance to Experience New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park Like Royalty
• MVP Joe Flacco Celebrates Super Bowl Win at Magic Kingdom Park

Tagged: MK, WDW

Filed: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

I recently spent an early morning at Downtown Disney Marketplace shooting some video footage of various merchandise locations. One of the shops I visited was Tren-D, the stylish boutique that is the place for the most up-to-date Disney fashions and accessories. I feel like every time I visit that location, the assortment has changed. On that particular morning, my eyes were drawn to one corner bathed in familiar red and white polka dots, and descending shades of pink.

Minnie Mouse was everywhere and on everything! This didn’t surprise me as I know there are many folks, including my mother, who love her. I guess I didn’t realize just how many items we offered until seeing the impressive visual statement throughout the shop.

After the video shoot, I grabbed my camera (I never travel anywhere without it) and took some images of the Minnie Mouse merchandise. Mom, this article is for you.

Tagged: Gallery, WDW

Filed: Walt Disney World Resort

In honor of Valentine’s Day on Thursday, Disney Parks is celebrating True Love Week as part of its “Limited Time Magic” surprises. For some of you, there is a limited amount of time left to find that special someone a memorable gift. While I still believe that personalization adds extra magic to any gift, here are a few additional ideas from Disney Parks.

Disney Parks offer a great selection of jewelry with hints of Mickey or Minnie Mouse (see my recent article about necklaces by Petra Azar for an example). I think my two favorite necklaces have owls wearing a Disney ear hat or Minnie’s iconic bow.

If you want some breathtaking options, take a look at the Disney Dream Collection on the Disney Parks online store. This fine jewelry assortment contains gorgeous diamond rings for women and men, 14-Karat gold necklaces, and earrings featuring Mickey Mouse or Tinker Bell.

If you want to add a special accent to a Valentine’s Day gift, check out the two limited edition Valentine’s Day pins or the three-inch Vinylmation figure designed by Maria Clapsis.

Finally, the softlines team shared with me four striped shirts with Mickey and Minnie Mouse that would be perfect for February 14.

For me, I dream of chocolate-covered strawberries from the Main Street Confectionery in Magic Kingdom Park or a Citrus Swirl from the Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland (hint, hint).

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Tagged: DLR, Pins, Vinylmation, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

With Valentine’s Day only a few weeks away, I spent some time at Magic Kingdom Park getting ideas for gifts. I found three unique necklaces at Uptown Jewelers on Main Street, U.S.A., which I had never seen before. They didn’t have traditional neck clasps; instead, they used magnets to pull the two sides together. I later discovered these necklaces were designed by Petra Azar from Studio Petra Azar. I spoke with her about her inspiration for these designs.

“I always admired Walt Disney’s vision to invent an oasis of romance, imagination and adventure,” explained Petra. “When asked to create a jewelry collection for Disney Parks, I saw it as my challenge to invent something unique and innovative. This was a tall order because to capture the Disney spirit, it had to be a piece of jewelry nobody else had made before.”

Petra’s favorite design is the “River of Love” pendant. It is half black resin and half sterling silver with a row of white cubic zirconia stones in the shape of a winding river down the heart’s center. The “Heart of Disney” pendant is solid sterling silver and contains an extendable chain (you can adjust it to either 18 inches or 36 inches). Finally, “Minnie Bow” is a medium-sized sterling silver pendant that features sparkling polka dots in white cubic zirconia stones. There is also a genuine onyx drop dangling from the center.

Being someone who struggles with those tiny traditional clasps (my fingers aren’t that small!), I asked Petra about the magnetic clasps.

“I received a ‘utility patent’ for the [magnetic clasps], which is quite rare in the jewelry industry,” continued Petra. “The philosophical and emotional thoughts I put into my designs are important to me, but I think most women will appreciate the practicality of the magnetic clasp just as much.”

These necklaces are currently available at select locations in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. They are also currently being sold on the Disney Parks online store.

I invite you to attend a special event with Petra Azar on February 9-10 in Tren-D at the Downtown Disney Marketplace. She will be meeting with guests from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day.

Tagged: DLR, Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

Disney Parks Blog author Erin Glover recently had a series of articles about former Disneyland Resort Ambassadors. In her final article of the series, she acknowledged I once served as a Walt Disney World Ambassador in 2001-2002. Years later, I’m still humbled by the experiences I had with Diana Ballard and Francesca Galarraga during our Ambassadorship. Being an Ambassador Program super fan (I have a photograph with nearly every Walt Disney World Ambassador), I jumped at the chance to check in with some fellow former Ambassadors.

Susan (Ralston) Hartnett, 1984
I recently celebrated my 30th anniversary with the Walt Disney Company! These days you’ll find me at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as a Project Manager. My husband Patrick and I have two children who keep us very busy. My year as a Disney Ambassador was an extraordinary experience; I learned so much about building relationships and collaborating with others.

Dawn (Kuchar) Brogan, 1992
I currently live in Dover, Ohio with my husband, Fran, whom I met during my Ambassador year. We have four
children, ages 6 to 16, so much of our time is spent participating in activities with them. I am excited to celebrate my 25th anniversary with the Company this year. I telecommute from Ohio as a Recognition Manager for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, supporting global recognition initiatives.

Rhonda Anderson-Robinson, 1995
I am currently part of the administrative support team for Magic Kingdom Restaurant Operations. I live in Orlando with my husband, Kevin, and celebrated my 20th anniversary with the Company in 2012.

Melissa Valiquette, 1997
I’m still making magic as General Manager of Entertainment at the Magic Kingdom. My husband Jay and I have a son and daughter, ages 13 and 10. We are a Disney family at work and play! My favorite Ambassador memory is when I hosted a Disneyana dinner with Disney Legend Carl Barks. He was celebrating his 96th birthday with us and shared with me his experiences with Walt Disney.

Gregory Taylor, 1999
I’m currently a District Sales Manager for Disney Travel Agency Sales based in Atlanta, Georgia, and celebrated my 19th anniversary with the Company. I am very proud of recently graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Business Administration degree. My wife, Suzanne, our three children (Noah, Luke and Ava), and I enjoy taking our annual Disney Cruise Line vacation, staying fit, eating healthy and having as much fun as possible.

Tagged: WDW

Filed: Walt Disney World Resort

The start of a New Year brings many reasons to celebrate. This year, there are two months of back-to-back holidays including Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. I caught up with Monty Maldovan, long-time artist with Disney Design Group, about some of the new merchandise coming for Mickey Mouse’s bear, Duffy the Disney Bear. Monty recently celebrated the release of three original art pieces, including one featuring Mickey and Duffy, at the Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace.

“I had a lot of fun designing some of the seasonal outfits for Duffy the Disney Bear this year,” said Monty. “We have some new things that our guests have told us they wanted including outfits for 17-inch bears and smaller sized bears that have been a hit!”

The 9-inch Valentine’s Day bear has been extremely popular this year (at time of press there weren’t many remaining in merchandise locations). For St. Patrick’s Day, Monty designed a costume for a 17-inch bear that includes my favorite detail – a bow tie! Monty felt the bow tie was the perfect complement to the bowler hat (and here I thought it was because of my intense love for bow ties).

Monty also designed what may be my favorite Duffy item I’ve seen in the past two years – a 9-inch egg that unzips to reveal a 7-inch bear dressed as a baby chick. He said the design was inspired by previously released plush.

“We introduced Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse plush eggs about two years ago,” explained Monty. “Guests loved them, so we updated the colors this year and added a version with Duffy.”

Other favorites will return this spring including two 12-inch bears. Gardener Duffy will be found at the start of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival on March 6. Monty said the pocket on the front of his overalls is big enough to hold a Disney Gift Card (smells like the perfect gift for someone with a green thumb). Graduate Duffy looks similar to last year’s design but features different colors.

Finally, we released a series of new Hidden Mickey pins that has Duffy the Disney Bear sporting different Disney hats. These pins build on a collection introduced last year of Duffy wearing hats. Look for them on cast members’ lanyards at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

Tagged: DLR, Pins, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

I’ve received many questions during my time as an author for the Disney Parks Blog about shopping at Disney Parks. Here are answers to some popular questions designed to help you during your next shopping expedition.

Look for the “Authentic Original” Logo
While shopping at Disney Parks, I’ve heard some guests say they can “find a particular item back
at home.” Disney Theme Park Merchandise may partner with Disney Stores or Disney Consumer Products on occasion to offer similar items, yet there are thousands of unique souvenirs found only at Disney Parks including apparel, collectibles, seasonal goods, consumables and much more. We use the “Authentic Original” logo to identify those Disney Parks only items (look for the logo either on packaging or on an item physically). Items with this logo won’t be found at local Disney Stores, or at other locations that carry Disney merchandise beyond Disney Parks (one small exception is the Disney Parks online store).

Can I Buy It Online?
I’m frequently asked on the Disney Parks Blog if a particular item is sold online. The answer to that
question depends on the item. The Disney Parks online store is a boutique shop within DisneyStore.com and offers select items from Disney Parks (many things with the “Authentic Original” logo). The small assortment is ever changing as there is a limit to the amount of items we offer at any given moment.

Disney Parks Shoppes on Facebook
If you are a fan of the Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort pages on Facebook, you may have recently seen the new Disney Parks Shoppes. This Facebook shop contains some greatest hits from Disney Parks (fulfillment is done by DisneyStore.com). We periodically offer “Facebook First” items and special deals to fans of these Facebook pages.

Disney Parks and Resorts Merchandise Guest Services
If you are away from Disney Parks but interested in merchandise, you can contact the Merchandise
Guest Services team. These cast members can help you obtain select items at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai`i.

There are two options available to contact them: by telephone at 877-560-6477 or by email at
Merchandise.Guest.Services@DisneyParks.com Please note that applicable sales tax plus shipping and handling fees will apply; and availability of select items may change.

Tagged: DL, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort