Great news, Disney and Tiki fans! The merchandise events team just finished giving me the scoop on the Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room 50th Anniversary Event scheduled for June 28-29, 2013. Plus we have a sneak peek of a few of the items that will be offered and some key dates you won’t want to miss. Here’s your official bird’s-eye view of what you can expect … at least everything I am able to reveal right now (hint, hint!).

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room 50th Anniversary Event
June 28-29
Disneyland Hotel – Exhibit Hall

JOSE Package – $85
Registered event guests will have the opportunity to purchase Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room 50th Anniversary Event-themed merchandise via the Random Selection Process.

June 28, 2013 (5-9 p.m.)

• Early Registration
• Event Store & Random Selection Process Merchandise Pick-up
• Trading Area

June 29, 2013 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

• Event Store & Random Selection Process Merchandise Pick-up
• Artist Signings
• Silent Auction
• Trading Area and Activities
• Commemorative Gifts

“Early Birdies” Special Offer: Don’t miss out! Register early and receive a limited edition “Early Birdies” pin.

Special Experience Add-On:
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room 50th Anniversary – SHAG Cocktail Reception – $185

Tip: In order to register for the SHAG Cocktail Reception, Guests must also be registered for Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room 50th Anniversary Event ‘JOSE’ Package.

June 29, 2013 (7–10 p.m.)

• Cocktail Reception
• Light Hors d’oeuvres
• Meet and Greet with SHAG
• Commemorative Photo
• Commemorative Gifts

Here’s a sneak peek at the limited edition “Early Birdies” gift pin and other merchandise available for registered event guests to purchase:

Ticket Sales begin Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at 11 a.m. (Pacific Time) via www.ArtofDisneyParks.com. Look for more information in the coming weeks.

Tagged: Art of Disney, DL, DLR, Gallery

Filed: Art of Disney, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

I’m sure that most of you can tell by my posts on the Disney Parks Blog how much I love events and most of all how much I love sharing those details with all of you! That’s why I’m even more excited to announce that I’ll be doing a post or two each month that will give you a snapshot of what’s coming your way in the world of events, product launches, artist signings and more. So start planning your visits now to our many Disney Parks.

Let’s get started. This first look will give you a rundown of everything happening in the world of events during the month of March at the Disneyland Resort. For those of you planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, look for details on those events and more early next week.

March 2 – 3: Crowded Teeth artist, Michelle Romo, will appear at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District from 1-4 p.m. each day. Not able to make it on this weekend? Look for her to appear again on March 31.

March 2 – 3: Dave Avanzino is back with his Custom Letter Plaque Program which allows you to create your name out of attractions and icons. Also debuting is his Peter Pan-inspired limited edition piece, “The Last Thing I Do.” Look for him at The Disney Gallery in Disneyland park from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. each day.

March 2 – 3: Artist William Silvers will be on hand from 1-5 p.m. at Off the Page inside Disney California Adventure park for a special ACME Archives Sericel Event featuring some of his newest hand-painted sericels including “Bambi’s New Friend,” “Enchanted Rose” and “Afternoon Matinee.”

March 9 – I can’t tell you about this one yet … Look for an announcement on the Disney Parks Blog on March 1.

March 15: Disney Trading Night! Need I say more? Whether you have been before or this is your first time, stop by and check it out, we’ll be there from 5-8 p.m. in the Pacific Ballroom at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

March 15 – 17: Now’s your chance to meet artist Katie Kelly who will be appearing at the Disneyana Shop in Disneyland park from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. Be sure to check out her newest releases including “Once Upon A Dream” and “Let Conscience Be Your Guide.”

March 16 - Take part in a special trunk show at Elias & Co. in Disney California Adventure park, where representatives from brands such as Disney Couture, Ezekiel, HARVEYS and TARINA TARANTINO, among others, will be on hand from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. to showcase some of their newest releases.

March 16: Artist Martin Hsu will be available for a signing of his “Maleficent Wish” pieces at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District from 3-5 p.m.

March 23: Jeremiah Ketner is returning to WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District from 3–5 p.m. to sign his newest piece inspired by the animated film, “Tangled,” as well as his previous releases, “Gentle Companions” and “Dreaming of Happiness.”

March 29 – 30: Visit D Street in the Downtown Disney District. It’s the place to be and where you’ll find ACME Archives artist Guy Vasilovich from 1–5 p.m. each day.

March 29 – 31: Linda Rick and the Precious Moments Dolls will returning for a special appearance at China Closet on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park from Noon – 10 p.m. each day, showcasing some of her most popular releases as well as new additions themed to “Tangled.”

March Artist in Residence: Joey Chou is the featured artist at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. See Joey each Friday and Saturday from 5-9 p.m.

All of the details will be on www.ArtofDisneyParks.com, so be sure to check it out when you have time. I hope you find this new event snapshot helpful. Pick your favorite events and come on down – we hope to see you there!

Tagged: Art of Disney, DCA, DL, DLR, Downtown Disney

Filed: Art of Disney, Disneyland Resort

What do you want to be when you grow up? That’s the infamous question every kid, of every age, always gets. Growing up, I loved films, loved to draw and I loved Disney, so being an animator seemed like the perfect fit! While my career path didn’t necessarily lead me to feature animation, I have had wonderful opportunities to see and do things I never thought possible, including the opportunity to learn more about the fascinating processes of animation, like Ink & Paint!

What I love even more is that our talented team of Ink & Paint artists at Disney’s Hollywood Studios continue to keep the tradition of Ink & Paint alive, sharing a traditional process with Disney fans, old and new.

The newest limited edition 1,000 piece titled Waltz in the Park is set to release on March 16 at Studios Animation Gallery and features a delicately and precisely hand-painted Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dressed in the iconic costumes of Belle and the Beast as they prepare for their royal entrance into Beast’s Castle.

Waltz in the Park will be available in the following formats, including framing options and retails:

• Unframed Cel – $150
• Black Frame and Cel – $240
• Black Frame with Pin and Cel – $270
• Black Frame with Pin, Postcard and Cel – $280
• Gold Frame and Cel – $310

If you’re wondering what the pin that accompanies a couple of these formats looks like, wonder no more.

For those of you in the area, several of the Ink & Paint artists associated with this piece will actually be on hand for a special appearance and signing March 16 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Studios Animation Gallery in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

But if you find yourself unable to join us or you’re out of town, don’t worry, Walt Disney Event Services is currently taking pre-orders for the Waltz in the Park cel. Contact Walt Disney Event Services at 407-827-7600, Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. But keep in mind, all orders must be placed no later than Friday, March 15, 2013, at 12:00 p.m. EST. For more information, visit www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

Don’t let this new cel “waltz” away… instead, let it dance its way into your heart and into your home.

Tagged: Art of Disney, DHS, Pins, WDW

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

Earlier this week, we revealed the latest Disney Dream Portrait by Annie Leibovitz for Disney Parks. Today, we go behind the scenes of the photo shoot with Taylor Swift as Rapunzel.

Last June, just a few days after the grand opening celebration for Cars Land, I found myself in Culver City, Calif., on a small soundstage right next door to where they shot “Gone With the Wind.” A large tower had been constructed on one side of the soundstage and a set of the interior of the tower on the other. Annie Leibovitz and her team of artists and technical wizards had created these magical settings for our latest Disney Dream Portrait.

Soon, Taylor Swift arrived and the real magic began as these two artists began experimenting with different poses and props to bring this moment of Disney fantasy to life. In the end, the interior set was not used for the final image, but as with the character who inspired this portrait shoot, exploring the world of possibilities was the theme of the day.

In this video, come behind the scenes, see the creative process unfold, and hear from Taylor herself what it means to be a part of this iconic series.

Take a look back at previous behind-the-scenes stories from the Disney Dream Portrait series:

• Disney Dream Portraits by Annie Leibovitz: Behind the Scenes with Jack Black, Will Ferrell and Jason Segel as the Hitchhiking Ghosts
• Disney Dream Portraits by Annie Leibovitz: Behind the Scenes with Russell Brand as Captain Hook
• Disney Dream Portraits by Annie Leibovitz: Behind The Scenes With Queen Latifah as Ursula

Tagged: Art of Disney, BtS, DLR, Video, WDW

Filed: Art of Disney, Behind the Scenes, Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

I’ll be changing my name to “Cupid” in February, because I know all of you procrastinators out there are still in search of the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your loved ones. Here are a few events, artist signings, product releases and more, that are sure to keep you out of the dog house and on everyone’s good list.

Here’s the breakdown of when you need to go and where you’ll need to be.

Disneyland Resort

February 2: Meet miniaturist Robert Olszewski from 9–11 a.m. at the Disneyana Shop in Disneyland park as we celebrate the release of the Main Street Electrical Parade “To Honor America” sculpture.

February 2–3: Artisan M. Andonia is back, with some of the newest releases in her collection. See her from 1–4 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District.

February 9: Be there for the launch of the HARVEYS for Disney Couture Good vs. Evil Princess Seatbeltbag Collection along with Dana and Melanie Harvey from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at Disney Vault 28 in the Downtown Disney District.

February 9: WonderGround Gallery “Kimono Minnie” artist signing with Sean D’Anconia, 3–5 p.m.

February 14–17: The Sweetheart Collection debuts with a special appearance by Precious Moments doll maker Linda Rick at World of Disney in the Downtown Disney District from noon–10 p.m., each day.

Finally, artist in residence Sean Chao will appear every Friday–Saturday from 5–9 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District.

Walt Disney World Resort

February 1: Meet Disney Design Group Artist Patty Landing from 5–7 p.m. at Disney’s Pin Traders in Downtown Disney Marketplace for the release of the second 2013 Poster Series pin and Vinylmation, as well as the 2013 calendar.

February 9–10: Robert Olszewski is back for the release of “The Plaza Restaurant ~ Plaza Ice Cream Parlor” sculpture, first at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom Park, February 9 (10 a.m.–noon and 3–5 p.m.) and then February 10 at Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace (noon–2 p.m. and 4–6 p.m.).

February 9–10: Jewelry Designer Petra Azar is making a special appearance at Tren-D in the Downtown Disney Marketplace, both days from 10 a.m.–10 p.m., as we debut Symbols of Love from the Studio Petra Azar collection.

February 9–17: The Sweetheart Collection debuts at Once Upon a Toy in the Downtown Disney Marketplace.

February 13–18: Renowned international artist Larry Dotson will be at the Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace, throughout the week during store hours.

February 15–17: Duncan® Yo-Yo Professionals will show you the strings as they perform fun and amazing Yo-Yo tricks at Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace.

February 19–24: David E. Doss will appear to debut some of his newest works at Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace.

For more information on all of these events and more, visit www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

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

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

Are you a fan of Disney Princesses? Villains? Or HARVEYS? Consider this new release a triple threat, because if you answered yes to each of those questions, you’re in trouble. On February 9, Disney Theme Park Merchandise and HARVEYS will debut the newest collection called HARVEYS for Disney Couture Good vs. Evil Princess and Villains Seatbeltbag Collection. As you might have noticed with past releases, we’ve only been able to share some of the artwork appearing on the bag, never the finished product. Well, I have a very special surprise for you, because the team at HARVEYS has given me the ‘okay’ to give you, our Disney and HARVEYS fans, the first look at one of the totes in the collection.

Cool, right? I know you want to see them all – who wouldn’t? I can tell you there are four different styles, but you’re going to have to visit Disney Vault 28 at the Disneyland Resort on February 9, to see who else made the cut.

I did, however, get the chance to catch up with our friends at HARVEYS who talked with owner Dana Harvey about the new collection and here’s what he had to say: “Our inspiration for this collection was of course, good vs. evil. As we all know, beneath the surface of any great story there are always two sides, especially when it comes to fairy tales, and that’s what we wanted to capture. For each character we created original, hand-drawn artwork, used whimsical stroke-lines and accented them with soft watercolor tones. It gave the collection an aura of dreaminess, which is extremely different than many of the other lines we create. Each bag tells a story and in a sense is a true work of art. We hope that no matter which side you pick, good vs. evil, princess or villain… that you’ll find your own way to identify with each of these iconic characters, expressed in a way like never before.”

As part of this special release, HARVEYS creators Dana and Melanie Harvey will be returning to Disney Vault 28 for a special appearance and signing from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on February 9. The collection will be available to purchase beginning at shop opening (10 a.m.) on the day of release.

In addition, guests can receive a HARVEYS for Disney Couture canvas tote with any HARVEYS for Disney Couture Good vs Evil Princess and Villains Seatbeltbag purchase. Limit One (1) per guest, per day. Offer not valid on Seatbeltbag accessories. Available while supplies last.

Curious to know whether they will be available at the Walt Disney World Resort as well? Expect to find them at TrenD and other select locations in the weeks following the initial launch.

It’s bound to be a fairy tale ending for anyone who ends up with one of these new bags. Need I say more… just plan to be there!

Tagged: Art of Disney, DLR, Downtown Disney

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

Happy New Year, Disney Fans!!

Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to get back in the swing of things. So what’s coming your way? Well, let’s take a quick look and bring you up to speed, so that you don’t miss a beat on either coast.

Now through January 6 at the Walt Disney World Resort, be sure you keep an eye out for special artist showcases featuring David Doss, who will be appearing at the Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace, as well as Larry Dotson, who will be on hand at the Main Street Gallery in Magic Kingdom Park.

On January 4, Disney Design Group Principal Graphic Designer Dave Keefer will be appearing at D Street in the Downtown Disney Marketplace from 5-7 p.m. I’d tell you more, but Steven Miller has all the details on this exciting collection of new poster-inspired artwork, which highlights the luckier side of 2013. Tip: Continue to watch for additional artist meet and greet events taking place throughout the year.

About halfway through the month, the streets will be packed with runDisney participants taking part in the 20th Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, so after you cross the finish line, be sure you swing by D Street on January 13 from 5-7 p.m. to have this year’s runDisney Mickey Mouse Vinylmation signed by Disney Design Group Artist Maria Clapsis. Want to know more? Well, you’re in luck, because Steven will also be giving you a glimpse of this new release and much more that will be coming your way as part of this year’s celebratory marathon.

That brings us to January 18 and 19. Now, this particular artist needs no introduction. I’m sure most of you are familiar with his work, as it has been seen on a variety of Disney Theme Park Merchandise over the years. That’s why we’re excited to have Disney Design Group Senior Character Artist Monty Maldovan appearing at the Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace at the Walt Disney World Resort, from 6–8 p.m. each day. Curious about what pieces he’ll be signing? Take a look:

If you’re asking yourself, “What about all of us Disney fans on the west coast?” – never fear! There are artist showcases taking place each weekend from 1-4 p.m., beginning January 12 at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District.

Look for details on these events, artist showcases, releases and signings on www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

So what’s on the radar for next month? Look for artist showcases and signings taking place at the Walt Disney World Resort and appearances by Linda Rick, Noah and more at the Disneyland Resort. I’ll be sharing more details soon!

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

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