It’s that time of year again … and while you can’t exactly feel the chill in the air, I can show you something that is bound to send chills up your spine. Last year’s debut of “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” HARVEYS for Disney Couture collection was an instant hit with Disney fans, but I’m here to tell you … that you’ve seen nothing yet. If you are true fan of HARVEYS Seatbeltbags® and “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” then buckle up because I’m about to make your day.

As you’ve seen in the film, Jack and Sally add their own sense of style and flair to HalloweenTown. Well what if I told you that the team from HARVEYS have brought Jack and Sally to life, in a new form and fashion? Just imagine Jack’s striped suit and Sally’s patchwork dress on many of HARVEYS most popular signature styles.

While I can’t give you a sneak peek of the actual bags, check out some of the art that will appear on certain pieces in the collection!

So of course, I had to ask my friend Ashley from HARVEYS, what else makes this collection special? Want the scoop? This year, Ashley says, “Our design team has taken it to the next level! SERIOUSLY! The collections offer something for everyone! The interpretation of Jack and Sally’s signature outfits plus our latest and greatest Seatbeltbag silhouettes are a match made in heaven … kind of like Jack & Sally!”

Now remember, on the day of release, Disney Vault 28 will open at 8 a.m. which is when they will go on sale. What makes the day even more special is that both Dana and Melanie Harvey will be appearing at Disney Vault 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. Find out more on www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

These new collections are set to launch on September 8 at Disney Vault 28 in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort and honestly, words cannot describe them. So, if this is collection is considered a “nightmare,” then I must be dreaming!

Tagged: Art of Disney, DLR, Downtown Disney

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

I am happy to share with you my excitement about the reconceptualized Uva Bar and Café, including a new menu by Executive Chef Nick Weber, which reopened on June 7. Nestled in the heart of the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, this sidewalk bar and café now features an expanded patio area with additional seats which evoke the feeling of Spanish eateries found in Barcelona. Surrounding the vibrant terrace, umbrellas line the open air space, providing an ideal locale for observing the hustle and bustle of the Downtown Disney District. The centerpiece circle bar has been given a facelift, with festive tiling backlit by an LED-lighting system which brings an atmosphere of Spain to Anaheim.

The featured a la plancha entrees include the Lamb Burger with piquillo peppers, feta, arugula, lemon dill aïoli and pickled red onion; and the Market Fish with roasted artichoke heart, preserved lemon purée, blistered tomatoes and olives. New offerings include an extensive menu of side items, including sweet potato fries, sea salt and garlic fries and the classic Uva street fries with chorizo Bilbao, spicy crema, shaved green onions, pickled garlic and melted cheese. Other sides include asparagus served a la plancha and Shishito peppers with sea salt and lemon garlic emulsion.

As a perfect pairing to numerous dishes on the new menu, Uva Bar is pleased to offer an extensive list of local and regional microbrews including Firestone Doublebarrel, Lost Coast Great White and Anderson Valley Boont Amber Ale. The new bar space now features twelve draft handles which are set to house premier selections including Green Flash Hop Head Red, Alaskan Amber Ale, Stone I.P.A., Lost Coast Tangerine Wheat and a rotating seasonal draft, among others.

I look forward to seeing you at the Uva Bar and Cafe – the best spot to see and be seen in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort!

Get more news from the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort:

• Catal Restaurant Executive Chef Nick Webber Talks with Disney Parks Blog About California Avocado Week at Downtown Disney District
• An Uncommon Art Gallery Comes to Life in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort
• California Avocado Week at the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort Begins July 1

Tagged: DLR, Downtown Disney

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District

California Avocado Week is already underway at the Downtown Disney District in the Disneyland Resort, and you can check it out for yourself through Saturday, June July 7. In the video below, Catal Restaurant Executive Chef Nick Webber tells us what we can expect at this nightly celebration of this versatile fruit.

You can see Chef Nick yourself at his California Avocado cooking demonstration this Saturday, July 7, at 5:30 p.m. on the Main Stage in the Downtown Disney District.

Get more news from the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort:

• An Uncommon Art Gallery Comes to Life in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort
• California Avocado Week at the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort Begins July 1
• Mayumi and Mayhem Take Over the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort

Tagged: Dining, DLR, Downtown Disney, Video

Filed: Disney Dining, Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District

If my last Disney Parks Blog post about WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District left you “wonder”ing what the big deal was about this new, uncommon art gallery, then check out this amazing video shot on opening day of this popular new location, complete with behind-the-scene chats with several of the artists.

I have to admit, as far as store openings go, this was by far a favorite of mine. The entire vibe of the store – the artists, the cast members and guests – was pure energy! Now, I will admit DJ Wendy brought her own mix to the party as people jammed around her, but I think the space, the art and the artist signings were a surprise and delight to all who came by.

Some of opening day’s most popular pieces included Maruyama’s Hipster Mickey, Svengsouk and Aoyama’s Let Off Some Steam, and Bonatakis’ Swear You’ll Take Us, as well as the debut of one-of-a-kind Vinylmation 95 platforms by several of the artists. Curious about these artists and others? Did you know that once inside the location, you can actually scan QR codes for some of these pieces to find out more about what inspired the artist to create the piece, along with other fun facts and tidbits? For a look at the WonderGround Gallery art and more, visit the Disney Insider.

There’s so much more to see, so I encourage you to stop in as July will bring new artisans and live performances by our Artist in Residence for the month, Miss Mindy.

So if you haven’t had the chance to stop by WonderGround Gallery yet, then put it on your calendar for the month ahead and make sure to put this hip hot spot on your “must-visit” list next time you’re in the neighborhood.

Check out these posts for more news from the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort:

• California Avocado Week at the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort Begins July 1
• Mayumi and Mayhem Take Over the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort
• La Brea Bakery Café and Express Café Now Open in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort

Tagged: Art of Disney, DLR, Downtown Disney, Video

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

Now in its second year, California Avocado Week at the Downtown Disney District is getting ready to start at the Disneyland Resort. From July 1-7, Downtown Disney District guests will take part in cooking demonstrations, enjoy featured menu selections and more!

Each Day on the Main Stage:

• 4 p.m. 5:30-6 p.m.: Cooking demonstrations showcasing dishes that feature fresh California Avocados. Seating will be available for 100 guests (seating will be first-come, first-served, but unlimited standing room will be available). Each seated guest will have the opportunity to taste the item being demonstrated.
• 6 p.m.: Guacamole contest featuring three participants selected by the California Avocado Commission. Contestants will make guacamole out of ingredients provided, and each dish will be judged by three judges. The winning dish will be awarded a $100 gift card to a participating restaurant in the Downtown Disney District and an $85 California Avocado Gift Pack.
• Nightly until 10 p.m.: DJ Wendy will play music and entertain Downtown Disney District guests.

Featured Menu Selections:
Throughout the week, the following locations will offer featured menu selections containing California Avocados:

• House of Blues
• ESPN Zone
• Rainforest Cafe
• La Brea Bakery Café
• Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen
• Tortilla Jo’s
• Catal

Also, Sephora will be offering mini-facials at no charge to Downtown Disney District guests between 2 and 4 p.m. each day. So be sure to join us in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort for all the delicious festivities during California Avocado Week, July 1-7!

Get more news from the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort in the posts below:

• Mayumi and Mayhem Take Over the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort
• La Brea Bakery Café and Express Café Now Open in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort
• D Street in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort Unveils a Galaxy of New Star Wars Art

Tagged: Dining, DLR, Downtown Disney

Filed: Disney Dining, Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District

If you are looking to add a lot of “shiawase” (“happiness”) and a bit of “mayhem” to your life this summer, then make plans now to visit the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort and you will be able to do just that.

First up on June 16, from 4 – 6 p.m., is the launch of Mayumi•Gumi from Canadian pop-artist Sean D’Anconia at Disney Vault 28. Not knowing a lot about Mayumi, I needed a crash course from Sean, who shared some of his inspirations and thoughts. “Mayumi is all about the celebration of a wildly irreverent, bubble-gum pink sparkling disco-ball inferno of cosplay kawaii culture,” says Sean. For those not in the know, “kawaii” means “cute” in Japanese. D’Anconia adds his own dynamic pop-fusion spin on this endearing sub-culture, which originally grew out of Tokyo’s Harajuku district. D’Anconia’s collection will include mixed-media original art, t-shirts, retro airline-style bags, and iPhone and iPad cases.

Next to debut is Mavericks of Mayhem by Noah. A few months back we premiered the art right here on the Disney Parks Blog, but today I have your first official look at the new line including some of the tees, skate decks and more. Designed by Noah and presented by Disney Consumer Products, this edgy new lifestyle apparel line depicts some of our classic heroes, like Donald Duck, who’s looking fierce as he and Goofy prepare to go head to head against Disney’s official bad boys.

So if you’re looking for trouble, wreak havoc with Noah and the Mavericks of Mayhem, July 7 from 3 – 6 p.m. at D Street.

Read on for more news from the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort:

• La Brea Bakery Café and Express Café Now Open in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort
• WonderGround Gallery Grand Opening in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort on June 9
• Five Quick Finds for Father’s Day in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort

Tagged: DLR, Downtown Disney

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District

Hi everyone! In my first Disney Parks Blog post in February 2012, I had the opportunity to share with you the pending remodel of La Brea Bakery Café and Express Café in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort; I am happy to tell you the location is now fully renovated and officially reopened on Friday, June 1!

The enhancements to the building have been significant and beautiful, such as expanding the Express Café, creating a stunning new exhibition bakery and adding a new kitchen. The addition of trees and shade to the outdoor Express Café has created an inviting patio setting for express dining. The full-service La Brea Bakery Café dining area has been enclosed with a beautiful awning for shade and heat lamps for warmth.

The La Brea Bakery Café offers a new menu with many classics such as the Grilled Smoked Ham and Gruyere Panini, Nancy’s Greek Salad, Caprese Mozzarella Sandwich and Seared Salmon. La Brea Bakery Café will also offer a new flatbread section with selections such as the Red Pepper Artichoke, Italian Sausage and Sunny Side Up Flatbreads.

Additionally the menu will feature several new fresh salads, such as the California Salad with sun dried tomatoes, apricots, candied walnuts and goat cheese as well as a new, exciting wine list with wines by the glass or by the bottle, sure to please any palate.

The La Brea Bakery Express Café, in its new location adjacent to the full-service café, is offering a larger selection of freshly made panini, sandwiches, salads, breakfasts and a large variety of pastries and sweets all made fresh daily at La Brea Bakery. Be sure to try the new deep-dish focaccia, meat or cheese lasagna, turkey chili or a variety of handmade panini and sandwiches. If you are interested in a freshly baked loaf of bread, La Brea Bakery now offers a variety of its artisan-style breads to enjoy at home.

I invite you to share a meal with us at La Brea Bakery Café and Express Café, the perfect al fresco dining spot in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort!

Tagged: Dining, DLR, Downtown Disney

Filed: Disney Dining, Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District