For those of you traveling to Orlando during the month of March, here’s a list of upcoming events, product releases and artist signings taking place around the “world”!

March 1: Disney Design Group Artist Thomas Scott will be appearing at Disney’s Pin Traders in Downtown Disney Marketplace from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. to sign the latest pin and Vinylmation release in the 2013 series. Note: It’s also the last chance to pick up the 2013 calendar featuring the same design.

March 2: If you’re wondering what your true “colors” might be, then plan to swing by Tren-D in the Downtown Disney Marketplace from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. to find out, as we celebrate the launch of the Beautifully Disney cosmetics collection.

March 6 – 11: Larry Dotson will be on hand to showcase his recent works throughout the week at Art of Disney in Epcot. Unable to make it? Don’t worry… Larry will return later in the month from March 27 – 30 at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom Park.

March 6 – May 19: Spring is in the air! How can I tell? The 20th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, of course! Looking for commemorative merchandise from this year’s festival? Then be sure to make it a point to visit our 2013 Flower & Garden merchandise destinations located in the Festival Center and around the World Showcase promenade! If you’re wondering what other offerings we will have, here’s a quick look at some new and returning artisans that will be taking part in the festivities from 11 a.m.–9 p.m., each day: Just Plumerias, Elemental Nursery, Swaying in the Breeze, Rinse, Silver Designer Corp., Eye Catchers and Heather French. If you’re curious as to what merchandise will be offered this year at Flower & Garden, be sure to watch the Disney Parks Blog as fellow author, Erin Catalano will be sharing that information shortly.

March 8: Follow your heart and the road to D Street in the Downtown Disney Marketplace to find Disney Design Group artist Ron Cohee, who will be on hand from 5 p.m.–7 p.m. to sign the Vinylmation two-pack sets, inspired by “Oz The Great and Powerful.”

March 16: The latest cel from the Ink & Paint team, Waltz in the Park, is making its debut. Meet the artists behind this new masterpiece from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2 p.m.–5 p.m. at the Animation Gallery in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

March 21 – April 7: Precious Moments Doll Maker Linda Rick will be appearing at Heritage Manor in the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot from March 21-24 and April 5-7 as she debuts her newest collection of dolls inspired by “Tangled.” Keep in mind, Linda will only be appearing on the dates listed above, but representatives will be on hand to answer any questions between her appearances.

March 22 – 23: Meet artist Romero Britto, who will be on hand to sign some of his recent release including Mickey and Minnie in Love, Mickey Mouse Heart and Sorcerer Mickey. Signing times and locations are as follows: March 22 from 4 p.m.–6 p.m. at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom Park and March 23 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Note: Wristbands will be issued for this event, so be sure to get there early.

March 22 – 31: The Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace will be home to artist David E. Doss this week, so make sure to stop by, say hello and check out the newest releases in his collection.

March 29: The only thing you’ll be saying for this signing is “how cute!” That’s because Disney Design Group artists Thomas Scott and Caley Hicks will be signing Cutester Series #5 – En Vogue from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at D Street at Downtown Disney West Side.

That wraps it up! Look for details on all of these events and more on www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.

Until next month.

Tagged: Art of Disney, DHS, Downtown Disney, Epcot, MK, WDW

Filed: Art of Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

The party starts March 8, so there’s plenty of time to celebrate the wearin’ of the green for St. Patrick’s Day – officially March 17, but at Raglan Road at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island, you’ve got two weekends: March 8-10 and March 14-17.

This is the real deal – a true Irish pub with Dublin roots, 10 top Irish bands, Irish dancers on multiple stages and a satisfying selection of Irish and craft beers, Irish whiskey, cocktails and inventive food. Be authentic and order classics such as Shepherd’s Pie (with Chef Kevin Dundon’s twist), Irish Mist-glazed loin of bacon or Guinness and onion bangers on mash. And we’re happy with the fish and chips from Cooke’s of Dublin counter-service.

Be forewarned, the biggest celebration is March 16-17, when seating is first-come, first-served. (But you can book reservations for March 14 and 15 at 407-938-0300.)

The fun starts from 6-11 p.m. March 8-10 with performances at Raglan Road by The Willis Clan, a family of artists and musicians who merge their Irish roots with other music genres. Nova Celtic, with its own twist on popular Irish music, will appear on a nearby outdoor stage. Beginning March 14 and 15 from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m., and continuing March 16 and 17 from noon until 1 a.m., highlights of the celebration across Pleasure Island include:

• Renowned Irish dancer and choreographer Ronan McCormack of the original Riverdance cast, leading Irish Dance Workshops Friday through Sunday
• The Raglan Road Dancers, seven full-time champion dancers, performing daily
• Distinguished Dublin-born multi-instrumentalist Declan Masterson, recent touring musical director of Riverdance, leading Irish Music Workshops
• Ceili (kay-lee) traditional music and structured set-dancing event on Saturday, inviting guest participation
• “The Electric Ceili,” Sunday evening, bringing together a host of Irish musicians and dancers
• Performances by The Willis Clan, Nova Celtic, Girsa, Celtic Wave, Wyndbreakers, Three Dollar Band, Raglan Road house band Creel, Johnny & Justin, and Albannach, with a new approach to percussion and Celtic music
• World-famous U2 tribute band Elevation, playing Saturday and Sunday
• More than 50 musicians and dancers performing, plus face painting, stilt walkers and giveaways

Access to select entertainment on March 16 will include a $5 cover charge; on March 17, the cover is $10.


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

• Rare Photos Found of Historic Orange Bird at Downtown Disney
• Sweet! Ghirardelli Celebrates 15 Years at Downtown Disney Today at Walt Disney World Resort
• Rollicking Raglan Sunday Brunch at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island

Tagged: Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

For those who are anxiously awaiting the release of “Oz The Great and Powerful,” get in line – but it will have to be behind me! I have to say, I’m rather intrigued to see just how “Oz The Great and Powerful” came to be. On March 9, let WonderGround Gallery transport you to the wonderful Land of Oz, as we celebrate the release of film-inspired artwork created by none other than Joey Chou. If you’re curious as to why Joey’s name sounds familiar, you probably remember some of his recent releases which debuted around “Frankenweenie.”

Here’s your first look at the vibrant new pieces:

I was fortunate to catch up with Joey to find out some of his reasoning behind these distinct and beautiful pieces, and here’s what he had to share. Naturally, we have to start with “The Arrival,” because that’s where it all begins. “I really wanted to capture that rare moment when Oscar first finds himself in the vibrant Land of Oz, as he sets out on a journey that will, no doubt, change the course of his life,” says Joey. “The next piece follows Oscar as he embarks on his travels, ultimately choosing the path to China Town, where he encounters an enchanting China Girl. The final piece takes you inside the Land of Oz amidst its charms. It is in itself great and powerful, so I wanted to create a piece that captured all of the film’s notable characters, as if they were to appear with a bit of magic, out of a hat, truly behind the wizard’s curtain. I’m really excited to see the response to this new film and can only hope that these pieces will inspire Disney fans to take that moment home with them.”

Joey will be on hand for a special appearance and signing on March 9 from 5–7 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. These “Oz The Great and Powerful”-inspired pieces will only be available for a limited time, so don’t miss out. In addition, Joey will lend his artistic talents to our artist in residence program and will appear Saturday and Sunday evenings from 5–9 p.m. throughout the month of March at the same location.

If you wish that you could see these pieces in person, start making plans to visit and be sure to stop by and say hello.

Check out these posts for more about “Oz The Great and Powerful” at Disney Parks:

• Off to See the Wizard: ‘Journey to Oz Balloon Tour’ Visits the Disneyland Resort
• Get a Sneak Peek at ‘Oz The Great and Powerful’ at Disney California Adventure Park During ‘Limited Time Magic’
• The Land of Oz Garden Magically Appears at Epcot

Tagged: DLR, Downtown Disney

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District

I love looking at old Disney Parks photos, especially shots taken inside merchandise shops – they totally remind me of my childhood trips to Walt Disney World Resort and the toys I remember pleading my mom for.

Check out this vintage photo of Pluto plushes. The shot was taken at Downtown Disney (then the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village) in the mid-1970s.

It sure looks like Pluto has a lot of friends (of all sizes). What do you think he has to say that will keep him as top dog?

See below for more chances to “Caption This”:

• Caption This: Mad as a Hatter at Magic Kingdom Park
• Caption This: A Day at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Walt Disney World Resort That’s Just Ducky
• Caption This: Mickey’s ‘Fantasmic!’ Conversation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Tagged: Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Disney History, Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

We recently had the delightful job of scouting the best burgers at the Disneyland Resort. These days, a burger isn’t just a burger. Toppings like fresh grilled pineapple, avocado, pastrami and fried organic eggs take these hot sandwiches to the next level.

One of our favorites was the Hawaiian cheeseburger at Tangaroa Terrace ― Casual Island Dining at the Disneyland Hotel, a third-pounder of Angus beef with freshly grilled pineapple, Havarti cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato and a drizzle of sweet teriyaki sauce on a multigrain bun. (And we didn’t mind the crisp, hot sweet potato fries that came with it, or you can also behave and order papaya slaw).

Next door at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, Disney’s PCH Grill offered up a La Mesa Southwest Burger with pepper jack cheese, roasted Anaheim chilies, a big onion ring and a slather of barbecue sauce on a pretzel roll. Spicy, salty, sweet – every bite is a new taste.

At Disney California Adventure park, it’s a toss-up: the hearty new version of an Angus beef chili burger at Taste Pilots’ Grill or the decadent Kobe beef cheek sliders with horseradish sour cream, red bell pepper marmalade and crispy onions at Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge. You’ll need a knife and fork to tackle the chili burger – and a pile of napkins.

A favorite that’s been on the menu for a while in Disneyland park is the substantial Angus Pastrami Cheeseburger at Village Haus Restaurant, with Swiss cheese, caramelized onions and mild, creamy horseradish sauce. Consider sharing this one.

At the Downtown Disney District, we always plan lunch at Uva Bar so we can see what the chef’s featured burger is – but we generally end up with the Uva Burger, a burger topped with aged white cheddar, “secret sauce,” shredded lettuce, tomatoes and pickles. You don’t have to, but we always ask for the fried organic egg to top it off.

And La Brea Bakery Café offers the classic California burger with Angus beef, applewood smoked bacon, red onions, butter lettuce, tomatoes, white cheddar and Russian dressing. Worth a trip to the Downtown Disney District.

Describe your favorite burger at the Disneyland Resort in the comments!


Read more about dining at the Disneyland Resort in the posts below:

• Eight Ways to Enjoy Disney California Adventure Park: The Flavors
• Maurice’s Treats Coming to Fantasy Faire at Disneyland Park
• Make Your Own S’mores Bake at Home with this Disneyland Park Recipe

Tagged: DCA, Dining, DL, DLR, Downtown Disney

Filed: Disney Dining, Disneyland Resort

Every once in a while, inspiration for a blog post seems to find me – and that was surely the case with this one!

Earlier this month, I was digging for photos in our company photo archive to run with a completely unrelated blog post when I came across these shots, which were taken at Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village in the mid-1970s (exact date unknown).

Those of you Disney history fans may be familiar with Orange Bird, the friendly little Disney character who was created to promote Florida citrus products at Walt Disney World Resort. Orange Bird originally greeted families at Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland, where guests could also buy citrus drinks and Orange Bird merchandise. The character disappeared from the park in the early 1980s – until last spring, when Walt Disney Imagineering and D23 partnered to return a historic Orange Bird sculpture to its original place at the Sunshine Tree Terrace.

 
So, imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon a cluster of photos of Orange Bird taken in the mid-1970s not in Adventureland, but at Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village (now Downtown Disney). From what we can tell, the location was a shop formerly called Captain’s Tower, which is now home to Disney’s Pin Traders. At some point in this shopping area’s history, it featured a fresh citrus display highlighted with a sizeable Orange Bird statue and signage.

It’s okay, my fellow Orange Bird friends. Go ahead and geek out.


Read these posts to learn more about Orange Bird:

• Happy Little Orange Bird Lands on New Merchandise at Walt Disney World Resort
• Citrus Swirl is Back at Walt Disney World Resort!
• Historic Orange Bird Returns to Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park
• Florida Orange Bird Merchandise Returns to Walt Disney World

Tagged: Downtown Disney, WDW

Filed: Disney History, Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World 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