This week, the “Limited Time Magic” spotlight shines on timepieces from Disney Parks. My parents recently visited me in Florida for about two weeks. Before they left, we visited Downtown Disney Marketplace, as my mother was in search of a new Minnie Mouse watch. That trip helped me find a few timepieces that I thought would make for perfect Mother’s Day gifts this weekend. Here is a look at some of my favorites.

I liked the elegant look of the three watches pictured at the top of this article. These watches were recently introduced for the spring season, one of two seasons that the timepiece development team likes to introduce new items.

Good news for my mother is that Minnie Mouse is a popular character for watches, as seen here with two additional styles.

For spring, the timepiece development team enlisted the help of Disney Design Group artists to create new watches. Artist Tim Whalen created two new designs based on T-shirts from Disney Parks. You may remember seeing the shirt with the girl holding the Mickey Mouse umbrella in Michelle Stepney’s Disney Style Snapshot from early April.

Moms who love Disney Villains may enjoy three new watches created by Disney Design Group artists Mark Seppala and Darren Wilson. Mark, whom you may recall from Disney Ear Hat fame, designed the watches featuring the Queen of Hearts and the Queen from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” while Darren created the amazing Maleficent watch.

In Florida, look for these watches at Tren-D and the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney Marketplace.

In California, you can find timepieces in the World of Disney store in the Downtown Disney District as well as the Fortuosity Shop inside Disneyland park.

Select watches can also be found on the Disney Parks online store.

Finally, to further the magic on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, Disney Parks will honor all moms with a special flower when she visits any of the theme parks at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts (please note that valid theme park admission is required).

Happy Mother’s Day to my mother and my soon-to-be mother-in-law!

Tagged: DLR, Downtown Disney, Limited Time Magic, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

On more than one occasion, I’ve been accused of being “old-fashioned” and “sentimental” (I take both as compliments, by the way!), so when I heard the story of Vincent from Silhouette Portraits and the family from Strongsville, OH, I was instantly enamored.

Imagine coming to Downtown Disney for nearly a quarter of a century (starting back when it was called “The Disney Village”) every single year and encountering the same magic-maker. That’s exactly what happened for Marketplace guest Mark and his family. In a letter Mark wrote to silhouette artist Vincent, he shares, “Over the past 24-year period, our family has grown from one child to five. YOU have been the only artist, over this 24-year period, to cut silhouettes of my children. What are the chances of visiting at different times of the year and finding you each time? This has to be a world record!”

Mark goes on to thank Vincent, and to share that soon, they’ll be adding grandchildren to their collection of silhouette portraits – which now covers a complete wall in their home!

From one child to five … with grandchildren coming soon, this guest letter completely touched my heart!

It also inspired me to check out Vincent’s cart and get a portrait of my own, which you can see below. (So fun! And for once, I didn’t have to find the “perfect” lighting!)

Want to make this a tradition for your family? Stop by Silhouette Portraits the next time you visit the Downtown Disney Marketplace. Single sitting portraits are $12; doubles are $20; triples are $24; or you can capture a family of four for $27. Each portrait comes with three copies and you can buy optional frames for $8.95/each.

If you time things right, like Mark’s family did, there’s a good chance you’ll see Vincent. If you do, let him know how much you enjoyed this story!

Has your family encountered the same cast member year after year during your Disney Parks vacations? Share your story in the comments below; I’d love another warm and fuzzy moment!


Check out these posts for more from Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort:

• Big Fun for Little Ones at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort
• A Most Special Sunday Lunch at Raglan Road at Downtown Disney
• The ‘Art’ of Guest Show at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort

Tagged: Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

One of the more anticipated Vinylmation collections this year, Park Starz 2, arrives at Disney Parks on Friday, May 10. Introduced in September 2011, the first series featured uniquely shaped figures inspired by classic characters from Disney Parks. The second series has 12 new characters designed by Disney Design Group artist Casey Jones. I recently asked him about his experience working on this project.

“Being a huge fan of the parks, Park Starz is one of my favorite projects to work on,” exclaimed Casey. “Disney Design Group artist and principal Vinylmation designer Thomas Scott created the Park Starz brand and supervises all development. He tapped me to be the lead artist for this series, and I loved creating crazy, stylized versions of some of my favorite park characters.”

Each figure in this limited release mystery series is packaged in a collectible tin, which is sold either individually or in a tray. If guests purchase entire trays, they get all 11 known figures (as seen on the packaging) and the one mystery figure.

Casey shared some additional insight into his designs.

“Rex from the original Star Tours attraction was designed for Park Starz 1,” said Casey “I’m glad he finally made it — better late than never! I loved including long-lost friends, like the Orange Bird. At the time I designed [series 2], the Orange Bird had not yet returned to the Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park. Like many fans, I was thrilled to see him return last year.”

I had fun photographing this series. My favorite two images include the Orange Bird (someone had to eat that citrus swirl after the shot), and the Tapestry of Nations parade figure in Epcot. I loved that parade from the Millennium Celebration, and it appears Casey did too.

“The Tapestry of Nations parade will always be my favorite Disney memory,” continued Casey. “I joined Disney around that time, and my wife and I must have watched that parade 100 times! The music and the costumes make it an all-time classic.”

The series will be released in the Vinylmation Store on Facebook on May 3. The series will be released at D Street locations in California and Florida on May 10. Casey will be meeting with fans at D Street in Downtown Disney West Side in Florida on May 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Tagged: DLR, Downtown Disney, Vinylmation, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

Being a long-time Star Wars fan, I was thrilled to read Gary Buchanan’s article about the special “May The Fourth Be With You” event taking place this weekend as part of “Limited Time Magic.” This one-day celebration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is separate from our month-long Star Wars Weekends special event, which begins on May 17. Gary mentioned there will be special entertainment, a dance party, fireworks and commemorative merchandise. I’m happy to share with you a first look at the new shirts and pins that will be released on Saturday at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.

Disney Design Group artist Quynh Kimball told me the character artwork found on the shirts was created by artist Tommy Lee Edwards. The artwork for the limited edition pins was created by Disney Design Group artist Mike Sullivan. The pins will each have an edition size of 1,500.

If you are in Florida, these items will be released at the Superstar Shop located next to The American Idol Experience attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

For those fans in California, the shirts and pins will be released at Disney’s Pin Traders in the Downtown Disney District and Little Green Men Store Command in Disneyland park. Please note that wristbands will be distributed to those guests purchasing pins at the Disneyland Resort.

I can’t wait for this weekend. I hope you will join us!

Tagged: DHS, DL, DLR, Downtown Disney, Limited Time Magic, Pins, Star Wars, WDW

Filed: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District, Walt Disney World Resort

With Mother’s Day only a few weeks away, I’ve been thinking about what to get my mother (sorry Mom – this is when you should stop reading). One thing she likes is interchangeable jewelry by Chamilia. Disney Parks have carried a variety of their interchangeable beads and bracelets for a few years now. We even offer some Disney Parks-exclusive beads inspired by Disney Princesses like Cinderella, Snow White and Ariel. I spoke with Denise Edelmaier, merchandiser for jewelry at Disney Theme Park Merchandise, about the appeal of Chamilia jewelry at Disney Parks.

“I think guests enjoy Chamilia jewelry because they can mix and match bracelets and Disney-inspired beads to match their moods,” said Denise. “We offer a lot of beads, so the combinations are many. It’s also easy to add beads, which become a great way to celebrate a special occasion or remember a Disney vacation.”

If you are unfamiliar with Chamilia, we are holding a trunk show at Tren-D in the Downtown Disney Marketplace at the Walt Disney World Resort on May 3-4, 2013. Representatives from Chamilia will be at this show each day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

One cool thing that the jewelry team is introducing at the show is a unique Disney Parks starter bracelet. The bracelet will contain a few beads, which can jump start a bead collection.

I’m excited to see they are introducing a red Minnie Mouse-inspired bow along with a cupcake bead that has a Minnie Mouse-inspired bow (she is my mother’s favorite character, and, with that, Mother’s Day shopping is done!).

Finally, Denise shared that she is working on a few additional Disney Parks-exclusive beads for later this year (fans of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” will be happy).

If you can’t attend this event, you can find a small selection of Chamilia jewelry on our Disney Parks online store.

Tagged: Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

When my mom and sister told me that they wanted to spend the day at Downtown Disney during their Spring Break visit, my first thought was “Yes! I can show off my newly discovered favorites!” My next was “What the heck will we do with Harper?”

Harper is my adorable, perfect, curly-haired, 2-year-old niece. Since I don’t have kids of my own, I’ve never had to think about how to entertain a toddler during a Downtown Disney afternoon. Luckily, I didn’t have to work too hard to figure it out. Turns out, there is plenty to keep little ones entertained here.

Below, in no particular order, were a few of Harper’s favorites:

The Marketplace Train Ride – My mom tells stories about how much my sister and I loved train rides as kids; it must run in the family. Even though I was a little bigger than the other passengers, I was happy to oblige when Harper asked to ride with “Auntie.” (Tip: Adults riding with small children get to accompany them for free. Score!)

The Marketplace Carousel – Her smile says it all, but Harper loved picking out her favorite horse and climbing aboard. I loved watching her, taking photos and waving from the sidelines. She enjoyed it so much, she had to ride twice – the spinning teacup was just too enticing to pass up.

Browsing at World of Disney – Since she’s only 2, Harper is still too young for a makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, but she’s the perfect age to find her favorite friend (this week it’s Minnie!) and pick out a new princess nightgown (she’s a huge “The Little Mermaid” fan at the moment). Lucky for her, I’m the perfect age to pay for everything.

Building Masterpieces at LEGO Imagination Center – This was, by far, the best 30 minutes of Harper’s day. I think she would have stayed and played all day if we let her. She has LEGO toys at home, but this was a treasure trove of unlimited bricks. I adore the look of intense concentration on her face!

Other highlights included a free chocolate sample at Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, getting a Mickey sticker from a nice Cast Member and watching the Characters in Flight balloon go up and down. The lesson? If you’re worried about bringing a small kid to Downtown Disney, don’t be. There are lots of fun to be had, no matter your age.

Do you have a favorite Disney vacation memory or tip on traveling with toddlers? Please share in the comments below. (Harper will be back this summer and I can use all the suggestions you’ve got!)

Want more from Downtown Disney? Follow us on Twitter at @WDWDowntown.

Tagged: Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

Here’s your first look at some of the new “Good vs. Evil” artwork debuting at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District over the coming weeks.

The first two images are by this month’s WonderGround Gallery artist in residence, Jeff Granito, and feature Cinderella in Magical Makeover and Tiana in Blooms of the Bayou. If you are an avid collector, then make your way down, as the one-of-a-kinds are available now. Look for special hand embellishments on the one-of-a-kind images that will surely take your breath away. If you are looking to display this image in a more subtle way, then I’d recommend the deluxe print version. Note: Meet Jeff Granito every Friday and Saturday throughout the month of April from 5–9 p.m.

Available later this month will be three pieces by artist J. Scott Campbell, including Her Wonderland featuring Alice and the Queen of Hearts, Her Hair featuring Rapunzel and Mother Gothel, along with Her Slipper featuring Cinderella, Lady Tremaine and of course, her stepsisters. Be sure to check them out when they make their way onto the store walls in the coming weeks.

One-of-a-kind, original and limited edition giclee artwork prices will vary, but look for the deluxe print version of all of these pieces to retail for $39.95.

Which one of these can you see in your home?

Tagged: Art of Disney, DLR, Downtown Disney

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