It’s official…the holidays are in high gear in Disney California Adventure park. Here are a few things that will be popping up in stores over the next couple of months that you should definitely keep on your radar.

First up are a few things to get you in the spirit of the season, from our Welcome to Cars Land – Season’s Speedings billboard collection (which appears on a tee, fleece and postcard) to our Dashing Through the Snow and Happy New Gear tees for kids. Tip: Look for these art images on mugs, too, for those needing a little bit more of a kick start in the morning.

If you like what you’ve seen so far, get ready, because these next items are going to make you stop in your tracks. For you Disney fans who have scoured every inch of Cars Land, you’ve probably noticed the Pixar images of Radiator Springs on the display rack in the Cozy Cone Motel lobby – now look for some of these images on tees, fleece, mugs, key chains, magnets and postcards. And for those of you in the mood to “cozy” up this winter, you have come to the right place: Cozy Cone Motel tees are all the rage, so be sure to pick one up.

Now for those fans with more of a “Go With the Flo” attitude… consider this perfect timing! You’ll find that phrase and others like “Hubba, Hubba, Hubcaps,” “Back To My Routes,” “I’ve Taken A Shine to You” and “Ain’t No Highway Long Enough” on a variety of apparel items including tees, long sleeve shirts and tanks. So fill up! Because Flo and the Motorama Girls are cruising into Radiator Springs Curios and Ramone’s House of Body Art now.

As you race toward the finish line to complete your holiday shopping, make sure that you make one last pit stop at Ramone’s House of Body Art. Why? Because on November 26, you will find an all-new expanded location (in the space known as Lube-O-Rama) with product themed to The Curb Feeler, Sparky’s Spark Plugs, Ornament Valley Oil, The Oil Pan and even more from our Champions Custom Speed Shop collection. Under the Hood Tip: Be on the lookout for specially created collectible signs themed to Greetings From Radiator Springs and Rust-eze.

Have I driven you completely crazy? If not, then you’re bound to speed through the streets for this next set of releases. On December 8, John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios and Principal Creative Advisor, Walt Disney Imagineering, will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of a new limited edition figure inspired by the Disney•Pixar “Cars” character, John Lassetire. Joining John for the signing is none other than Chip Foose, owner of Foose Design and star of TV’s “Overhaulin’,” who has created a new line of “Cars”-inspired collectibles, including a Piston Cup, “Cars” hood ornament business card holder, t-shirt, and one of his newest pieces of art, titled “Finns,” depicting Finn McMissile in front of the Cadillac Range. Special Tip: John and Chip will appear from 2-4 p.m. on December 8 at Off the Page in Disney California Adventure park. Check out all of the details at www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

Have you told Santa Claus what you want yet? Time is ticking, so don’t miss out! Santa has taken up residence in Elias & Co., so be sure to add some of these great Cars Land-inspired items to your holiday list.


Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more updates on the holiday season at Disney Parks, and join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #DisneyHolidays.

Tagged: Art of Disney, Cars Land, DCA, DLR, Holidays

Filed: Art of Disney, Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort

Kicking off the month at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District is the launch of a new collection by Noah themed to “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” on December 1. Two of the film’s most notable characters, Jack Skellington and Sally, will appear on a variety of merchandise including original artwork, limited edition giclees, deluxe prints and custom Vinylmation (limited to 24 with coffin stand). Noah will appear from 9 a.m. – noon.

Special Tip: Available for a limited time and only at WonderGround Gallery, you will find a gallery-wrapped version of the Jack Skellington giclee. So if you are a fan of Jack or know someone who loves “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” consider this a “must-have” gift.

In addition, Noah will be the Artist in Residence for December where you will find him doing live performance art every Friday and Saturday night (excluding December 1) and debuting some of his newest works.

Rounding out the events for December are artisans Miss Mindy, who will appear December 1 from 1-4 p.m. for the release of her new 3D sculptures, and Mama’s Little Babies, whose jewelry will be showcased during the entire month, with a special appearance by Cheri Lewis on December 29-30 from 1–4 p.m. each day.

Look for details on all of this and more on ArtofDisneyParks.com.

Tagged: Art of Disney, DLR, Downtown Disney

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

Hi everyone. This year’s Festival of the Masters presented by Michaels is coming up soon and a lot of Disney artists (including myself) have been working for months behind the scenes to prepare the pieces that we’ll showcase at this year’s event.

Here’s a wallpaper of one of my works that you’ll see at this year’s Festival of the Masters (Nov. 9-11 at Downtown Disney). It will be a small edition of hand-pulled silk screens on heavy paper stock. The design, called “Love the Festival”, is inspired by the simple notion that some things just go great together.

Hope to see you out there!

Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it.

Looking forward to this year’s Festival of the Masters? Take a look back at last year’s event in the posts below:

• Festival of the Masters Begins at Downtown Disney
• Behind the Scenes: Creating This Year’s Festival of the Masters Commemorative Plate
• Festival of Our Disney Masters at Downtown Disney

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

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

The holidays are quickly approaching and everyone’s schedule is starting to get a little bit busier, so here is quick snapshot at some of the events, product releases and debuts taking place over the next month.

On November 10, I invite you to immerse yourself in the magic of Fantasyland with new artwork from Disney Parks created by Imagineers Brian Crosby, Jim Crouch and Jeremy Fulton, along with Disney-inspired artists Steve Adams, Jody Daily, Jeff Granito and George Scribner.

Tip: Artists will be appearing at The Disney Gallery in Disneyland park, November 10 from 9-11 a.m.

On November 18, local artist Katie Kelly will debut her latest piece titled, “Sleepy Hollow,” among other enchanting releases from her collection.

Tip: Katie will appear at the Disneyana Shop in Disneyland park, November 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This next release will make your heart soar, as you join Peter Pan and Tinker Bell aboard a fanciful pirate galleon destined for Never Land. Stylized with Jim Shore’s distinctive patterning and with the appearance of carved wood, this piece will evoke pixie dust memories of your flight on the famed Fantasyland attraction. Jim will be making special appearances at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts in the coming months, as we celebrate the debut of the Disney Theme Park Exclusive piece, “Peter Pan’s Flight,” as well as other pieces from his holiday collection. Unable to attend the event? A limited number of pieces are currently available to purchase through Walt Disney Event Services and via ArtofDisneyParks.com.

Tip: Jim will be appearing at the Walt Disney World Resort, November 23–25 and at the Disneyland Resort, December 1–2.

From November 27–29, renowned artist Larry Dotson will return once again as part of a special artist showcase taking place in The Disney Gallery at Disneyland park.

Tip: Look for Larry beginning at noon each day.

Last but certainly not least is one of our favorite Precious Moments Doll Makers, Linda Rick, whose new holiday collection of dolls can be described in one word: dazzling.

Tip: Linda will appear November 30 – December 2, from noon to 10 p.m. each day at World of Disney Store in the Downtown Disney District, and again December 14-16 from noon to 10 p.m. each day at the Disneyana Shop in Disneyland park.

I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted thinking about all of these. So don’t forget to mark your calendars, so you don’t miss out. Details on each of these are available now on www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

Tagged: Art of Disney, DL, DLR, Holidays

Filed: Art of Disney, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

Okay, Annual Passholders! Here is the official scoop on a special offer taking place, just for you! A must for any Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort Passholder – and of course, Disney fan – is a special Commemorative Collection of glasses bearing images of some of Disney’s most beloved characters including Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse.

So how does it work?
It’s pretty easy. With the purchase of $40 or more at select Disney Theme Park Merchandise locations at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, you can purchase a 2-glass Commemorative Collection Double Old-Fashioned Glass Set for just $13.95, plus tax.

Here’s a look ahead at the release schedule, so you can plan on collecting your favorite characters.

October: Minnie Mouse (Tip: Last chance to pick these up. They’re going fast, so don’t miss out!)
November 1: Pluto
December 1: Goofy
January 1: Donald Duck
February 1: Mickey Mouse

Not a Passholder? That’s okay! Here are a couple of other special offers also taking place starting October 30:

• For a limited time only, you can purchase a special Jiminy Cricket plush for only $12.95 with the purchase of $25 or more.
• If you are looking for something a little bit more cozy, check out our themed throw blanket, only $18.95 with the purchase of $40 or more.

For information on this offer, details, restrictions and a list of participating locations visit the Park Treasures section of www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

These items make great holiday gifts, so get started on your list now!

Tagged: Art of Disney, DLR, WDW

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

I can’t get enough of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. I believe I have been around the world at least five different times this year! My favorite foods kiosks are Hawai’i, Australia and South Korea (hello, lettuce wrap!). A great place to start is at the Festival Center located in Future World next to Mission: SPACE. This themed area is home to food demonstrations, special activities, and an extensive merchandise location (which I previously discussed). If you enjoy fine art, there is a section within the Festival Center called “The Art of Food and Wine.” This store-within-a-store showcases artwork from several talented artists including Noah, Heather French, Patryk Poslednik, Liné Tutwiler, William Silvers and others.

Artwork from Disney Design Group character artist Brian Blackmore recently joined this section at the Festival Center. You may recall my conversation with Brian back in early September about his artwork found at the Italy Pavilion at Epcot. We recently introduced some canvas wrapped giclées based on that art. Brian also created one-of-a-kind original paintings based on his four designs. Each of these original works will measure 2-feet by 4-feet, and will be introduced starting October 26.

If you are headed to the Festival in the coming weeks, please stop by the Festival Center to meet Brian during these dates and times:

• Friday, October 26 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 27 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday, November 3 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Sunday, November 4 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 
Join other fans of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival on the official Facebook page. On Twitter, join the conversation by using the hashtag #EpcotFoodFestival.

Tagged: Art of Disney, Epcot, International Food and Wine Festival, WDW

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

There’s no doubt about it – fall is in the air, Halloween is just around the corner, pumpkin carving is nearly underway, and our candy makers have a few tricks up their sleeves to get everyone in the spirit of the season. Or in this case, “treats.”

I had the chance to meet with David Ramirez, Candy Production Manager, who works closely with the Disney Theme Park Merchandise product development team and candy makers to create ‘ghoulish delights’ for Disney fans to enjoy. Here are a few things he told us we should keep an eye out for, if you’re in the neighborhood.

Skull Apple – Heads will roll for this particular gooey caramel and white chocolate dipped apple, which was themed after the apple featured in the animated film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Tip: Only available at the Disneyland Resort.

Dirt and Worms – You will “dig” this particular apple, which is covered in cookie crumble and drizzled with white chocolate.

What other Halloween-inspired creations can you treat yourself to? How about our Pumpkin Mickey Mouse Apples or Minnie Mouse Witch Hat Apples?

For the more “spirited” bunch, there are Ghost Pretzels and Ghost Marshmallows, which I would say are to die for … but that’s just me. Take a look:

A few other things I’m choosing to throw in to the Halloween bucket this year are our goth goodies, which include bag of bones candies and candy corn, among others, as well as a special popcorn tin and pumpkin seed brittle. To keep you coming back for more, look for our pumpkin fudge in the coming weeks.

Curious about whether we have anything sugar free? We certainly do. Selections vary, but can be found at many of our candy locations throughout the park.

Here are a few locations where you can find some of the boo-tiful goodies featured here: Trolley Treats (Disney California Adventure park); Candy Palace (Disneyland park) and Marceline’s Confectionery (Downtown Disney District). For a complete list of locations offering seasonal items, make sure to visit the Park Treasures page on www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

Tagged: Art of Disney, DLR, Halloween

Filed: Art of Disney, Disneyland Resort