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

A few months ago, I told you about a new book featuring attraction posters and more from Disney Parks. I’m happy to report that the book has finally arrived at select locations in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. To celebrate the arrival, we are holding a special event on August 18 at The Disney Gallery located on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland park. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Imagineers and book authors Vanessa Hunt and Danny Handke from 9 to 11 a.m. Tony Baxter, senior vice president of Creative Development for Walt Disney Imagineering, who wrote the book’s introduction, will be attending, along with some of the Imagineers and poster artists, such as Larry Nikolai and Will Eyerman who created some of the beautiful attraction posters featured in the book. In addition, we are honored and excited to share the news that Disney Legend and Retired Imagineer, Rolly Crump will also be joining in the festivities.

I asked Danny if he recalled any memorable stories from the writing process.

“One of my favorite stories is from Disney Legend Rolly Crump about his Flying Saucers attraction poster and Walt Disney’s take on it,” replied Danny. “I don’t want to give away the story, but it was really cool to have Rolly share a personal interaction with Walt for the book.”

Being a long time fan of Disney history, I can’t express how much I love this book. The colors are vibrant, which Vanessa explained was intentional.

“We wanted fans to see the posters as they were originally designed,” explained Vanessa. “In addition to the artwork files, the Walt Disney Imagineering Art Library provided Pantone color call-outs to the printer to ensure the colors matched the original posters. It was a long process but the end result was worth it!”

Vanessa also recalled a memorable moment.

“One memorable thing for me was discovering dozens of poster concepts by Disney Legend Sam McKim,” said Vanessa. “These Walt Disney World Resort poster concepts had not been seen by anyone in a very long time. Sam created about 16 different posters concepts for the Jungle Cruise in Florida. Six of those posters are featured on their own page in the book. He also created concept artwork for Tropical Serenade, America the Beautiful and Disney’s Polynesian Resort, just to name a few.”

If you are in California on August 18, I hope you are able to attend this event.

Tagged: Art of Disney, DL, DLR, WDW

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

Continuing our look behind the scenes of the latest Disney Dream Portraits by Annie Leibovitz, today we are off to Never Land!

Well, actually, we’re off to Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch near Newhall, Calif. The ranch has been the site of many Disney productions through the years, including “The Adventures of Spin and Marty,” “Old Yeller,” “The Shaggy Dog” and even the Pirates of the Caribbean films, so it felt very familiar to this Disney fan.

On the beautiful November afternoon that I arrived at the ranch, “Tick-Tock” was already in place, ready to work…and eat. Russell Brand was in wardrobe and the amazing Leibovitz Studio team was hard at work attending to every detail.

Playing in the background, “Yo-Ho (A Pirate’s Life For Me)” and never “Never Smile at a Crocodile” helped set the mood as Russell took his place in the jaws of the crocodile and the shoot began. As it continued, some wardrobe adjustments were made, Captain Hook’s hat was included for a while, the jacket was removed, then added back. Taking photos of every possible combination helps keep all options open as the final image is being created back in New York.

If you’re wondering how Russell got out to the crocodile without getting wet, you might not be surprised to learn that he actually walked a wooden plank that could be easily removed while Annie was shooting.

In this video, you’ll get a glimpse of how the portrait was shot and learn what Russell told me he has in common with Captain Hook – and it’s obviously not a fear of crocodiles.

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

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

Yesterday we debuted two new Disney Dream portraits by Annie Leibovitz and today, as promised, we’re going behind the scenes to see how these portraits are created.

Earlier this year at the Tejon Ranch near Lebec, Calif., three of the funniest guys in show business joined forces with iconic photographer Annie Leibovitz to recreate one of the most legendary trios in Disney history, the Hitchhiking Ghosts.

I can tell you, Jack Black, Will Ferrell and Jason Segel weren’t just playing parts on this one – this was a personal project for them. Each of them shared stories with me about the first time they experienced the Haunted Mansion and how it remains one of their favorite Disney Parks attractions to this day. One of them even has the attraction poster on the wall of his home, and described the chance to make this portrait as “maybe the best day ever.”

As always, Annie and her team’s attention to detail is a pleasure for any Disney fan to behold. Did you get a close look at those thumbs?

In this video, I take you right on to the set and into the makeup trailer to discover just why these grim ghosts are grinning so much.

Check back tomorrow as we head to Never Land to go behind the scenes with Russell Brand as Captain Hook.

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

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

Today we’re excited to share two new images by Annie Leibovitz from our ongoing Disney Dream Portrait series. All the portraits feature well-known celebrities transformed into the roles of famous Disney characters, and now, in a first for the series, we’re featuring characters who originated in our parks!

But first, Russell Brand stars as Peter Pan’s arch nemesis, Captain Hook, narrowly escaping the jaws of the hungry crocodile who has chased him for years. The caption reads, “Where every moment leaves you hungry for more.” Looking at this one, can’t you almost hear the “tick-tock?”

“There’s a little matter I forgot to mention…beware of hitchhiking ghosts!”

From the Haunted Mansion attraction, Jack Black, Will Ferrell and Jason Segel star as Phineas, Ezra and Gus, better known to millions around the world as the Hitchhiking Ghosts. The caption reads, “Where you can go on the ride of your afterlife.” If you’re not careful, one of them may follow you home!

You’ll find these amazing images and more as part of a special insert in fall issues of GQ, O – The Oprah Magazine, People, People En Español, Vanity Fair, Real Simple, Essence, and InStyle.

Check back tomorrow and I’ll be your host — your ghost host — as we go behind the scenes of the Hitchhiking Ghosts photo shoot with three of the funniest guys around.

Hurry baaa-aaack…

Tagged: Art of Disney, DLR, WDW

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

Tomorrow we will unveil two spectacular new images from Annie Leibovitz for Disney Parks. Until then, the only clue I can offer is from the cover of the special magazine insert to feature the images in select magazines this fall: “Where wickedly good times await.”

Be sure to check back on Wednesday!

Tagged: Art of Disney, DLR, WDW

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

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