I recently gave you a sneak preview of the 2011 Hidden Mickey pins for Disneyland Resort. Now it is time to turn the spotlight on Walt Disney World Resort. I’ve been involved with the development of the Florida pins since 2004. Again, it is bittersweet that this will be my final collection (yet I had lots of fun with the designs). Don’t worry, Julie Young, one of our pin developers, will assume development of the 2012 collections. Like the Disneyland Resort collection, there will be two different waves of about 30 pins each.

The image at the top of this article is one of my favorite collections (besides the boot from Horizons that I showed in the recent EPCOT Center blog post). The artwork came from the 33 ½-long playing record I have featuring the Orange Bird. Like many of you, I love the Orange Bird! This collection seemed like the perfect fit to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort. My favorite pin – the Orange Bird relaxing in the sun (ah, how I wish I was on the sands at Disney’s Polynesian Resort right now enjoying a Dole Whip).

Speaking of the 40th Anniversary, another wave one series features Disney characters in the classic Disney “D.” The artwork for this series was originally created for a mystery pin collection. I commandeered the artwork from Julie (Shhh! Please don’t tell her). The second wave of Hidden Mickey pins coming later this year will feature different characters that complement the first wave pictured above.

I was inspired for the series pictured above after walking through Serka Zong Bazaar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The location had several tee-shirts with artwork called “cute yeti.” I immediately thought they would make great pins – come on, he is super adorable! My favorite pin is “scary yeti” (though I don’t know how something so cute can be that scary).

One new thing this year is having “chaser” pins in the Hidden Mickey pin series for Florida. I would have done the same for California but I instead created the alphabet series. We have featured chaser pins in various retail pin sets during the past few years. Basically, there will be a select number of “chaser” pins in wave one. There will not be a chaser pin for every style; I only selected a handful of designs. You’ll immediately recognize them as they will be silver colored. I can’t say how many chaser pins were created for each of the designs selected. I can say they will be slightly rarer. So if you find one, you can do the “happy pin dance” (I can show you those moves later).

Again, look for these pins coming to Cast Members’ lanyards in Florida in late January/early February. Happy Trading!

Tagged: Pin Trading, Pins, WDW

Filed: Walt Disney World Resort

It’s hard to believe that the Disney Dream is almost a reality. With the Maiden Voyage just a few days away, I can’t help but think of the amazing memories that Guests will be making with their families and friends on the newest Disney Ship.

At Disney Theme Park Merchandise, it’s our job to turn your magical moments and memories on Disney Cruise Line into keepsakes that will last a lifetime. With the help of our talented Disney Design Group Artists, we have created new merchandise especially for the Maiden and Inaugural Voyages of the Disney Dream to help make your family’s vacation even more memorable. While there are too many new items to show you, I wanted to share a few of my personal favorites – I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Like all of you, I can hardly wait to set sail on the Disney Dream (my family and I have already booked our trip). The number one thing we’re excited for: the AquaDuck. We are already guessing who’s going to be screaming the loudest when we fly out of the new water coaster. When I saw the AquaDuck Three-Dimensional Picture Frame, I immediately knew that this would be the perfect way to crown the winner of our family scream contest. Not only does the frame have space for a 3” x 4” picture, but it represents one of the icons that make the Disney Dream so spectacular. We haven’t even set sail yet, but I’ve already cleared a spot on the mantle for the AquaDuck Picture Frame.

Disney Pins are such a big part of Guests memories in Disney Parks and on Disney Cruise Line, so we couldn’t launch the Disney Dream without a special compilation of limited edition Disney Pins. In keeping with the spirit and tradition of Disney Pin Trading, our talented Disney Design Group has created a colorful assortment of Disney Dream Trading Pins that embody the spirit of the Disney Dream. The new collection of pins feature beloved Disney Characters and experiences that are truly unique to the Disney Dream.

And of course, the shops wouldn’t be complete without Disney Dream Exclusive Vinylmation. For the Inaugural Voyages, we have created an assortment that includes a limited edition of 1,000 3” Vinylmation 2-pack that features Admiral Donald, plus a Vinylmation Jr. Also be on the lookout for 9” Disney Dream Vinylmation that draws inspiration from the hull of the Dream.

I wish that I could show you all of the new and unique items that we have created just for the upcoming Disney Dream Voyages – there’s so much to see! If you want to see an even bigger sampling of the commemorative pieces that have been created especially for the Inaugural Voyages of the Disney Dream, take a look at DisneyUrl.com/MaidenVoyage. And don’t forget, if you’re sailing on the Maiden Voyage of the Disney Dream, make sure you submit the Random Selection Process Form to sign up for these special commemorative pieces!

How do you commemorate your Disney Cruise Line vacations? Do you have a special keepsake from one your past voyages? Share it with us in the comments.

Tagged: DCL, Disney Dream, Pin Trading, Pins, Vinylmation

Filed: Disney Cruise Line

When are Hidden Mickey pins being released? It is a question asked by many guests and cast members at the start of a calendar year. For those unfamiliar, the Hidden Mickey pin program was introduced several years ago to encourage trading between cast members and guests. Trading Hidden Mickey pins is now a popular activity for many visiting Disney Parks. Today, I’m giving you a sneak preview of new pins for Disneyland Resort in 2011. This is bittersweet for me as I have transitioned to a new role as Merchandise Communications Manager (you may have noticed this from other articles on the Disney Parks Blog). These pins are some of the final pins I worked on for trading; I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed creating them.

Many fans will be excited to hear a new Alphabet series is coming to California. This series will be different than the first Alphabet series released in Florida. I love the simplicity of this collection as it is super easy to collect (come on, only 26 letters to get!). Here is a cool story about the first set of Alphabet pins – a guest traded for letters to spell “Will You Marry Me” on a lanyard then proposed to his now fiancé. That’s magic!

Another series I wanted to introduce last year was the Casey Jr. Circus Train. Due to tight development timelines, I couldn’t create the set last year. I’m thrilled that this year fans can collect the classic Fantasyland attraction (which I always love to ride – monkey car or wild animals car?).

In recent years, I have drawn inspiration for pins from various icons found in Disney Parks. A set in the 2011 collection will feature some of my favorite icons from Disneyland park (including the mint julep from New Orleans Square!). Can you identify the other icons?

For the first time, we are featuring a collection of Disneyland Monorail pins. These pins complement monorail pins created for Walt Disney World a few years ago. Does anyone else ever dream of riding a monorail to work? I do every day!

One change this year was based on guest and cast member feedback. The 2011 Hidden Mickey collection will have two different waves. Coming in late January or early February, the first wave will contain about 30 pins. These pins will be traded until around summer when a second wave with different pins will be released. I basically split the collection in half wanting to spark trading all year long.

Another thing we are trying are the tee-shirt pins pictured at the top of this article. There will be a series of tee-shirt pins released in California. A series featuring different characters will be released in Florida. I love when guests trade between the coasts and the entire set looks so awesome.

As mentioned, look for the first wave of the 2011 pins coming to cast members’ lanyards in late January or early February. Happy Trading!

Tagged: DLR, Pin Trading, Pins, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

Greetings, Programs! I just finished playing “Space Paranoids” and thought I would give you an update about some pins we have created for “TRON: Legacy.” I spoke with Julie Young, developer for open and limited edition pins, about some of these new items. But before I get to those items, we must return to the past. This isn’t the first time we’ve created Tron-themed pins. I dug into my personal collection for a brief look back.

Since the release of “Tron” on July 9, 1982, there have only been a handful of Tron pins made (making collecting Tron pins somewhat easier than steering a Recognizer). Some of the first pins date from the early 1980s and were mostly promotional or jewelry-style pins (think brooch or plastic pins). With the introduction of Pin Trading in 1999, the number of Tron pins has grown. Pictured above are examples of pins created by Disney Parks, Disney Stores and the former Disney Catalog. There have also been pins created by the former Disney Auctions as well as Walt Disney Imagineering. There was even a “Space Paranoids” pin given to guests attending an ENCOM press event in April 2010. Sadly, I do not have any of the latter mentioned pins (and I am sad).

But I’m happy to see some new Tron pins on the Game Grid. Julie shared details behind the open edition Mickey Mouse as Tron pin.

“I like having Mickey Mouse play different roles for the pins I create,” said Julie. “I wanted the line work on his suit to glow in the dark. Unfortunately, I learned that the blue color featured on the pin doesn’t have a glow in the dark option.”

Julie, however, made some pins from the “TRON: Legacy” limited release mystery set glow. There are 20 different pins in this set – 10 that are full color and 10 chaser pins created in a different base metal color. I opted not to show those “chaser” pins as it would defeat the purpose of the game.

One of my favorite new pins features the Tron-orail. I recall the day in March when I saw the photos of it on the Disney Parks Blog. I immediately ran down to the product developer’s office pleading to have a Tron-orail pin. It took several art concepts including one that placed the Tron-orail in front of the Magic Kingdom (?!). The first sample of the pin was much smaller than the final version pictured at the top. During a recent visit to Epcot, there was nothing sweeter to my ears than hearing my son scream, “Dad, it’s the Tron-orail” as it glided through Future World. I think I did the same when I saw the final pin (just ask Julie).

The last item I have to share today is also pretty sweet. Chris Chapman from Disney Design Group stopped by my office to share this first mock-up. The image above is a boxed pin set coming to the Sci-Fi Academy event on June 24, 2011, at Disneyland Resort. The packaging is incredible and the identity disks…well, they are “nice!” End of line.

Tagged: DLR, Epcot, MK, Pin Trading, Pins, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

I’ve mentioned before how much I like Halloween. Okay, I’ll admit – it’s the candy (who’s with me?). It’s my second favorite holiday, after my birthday, which has presents (I’m seeing a theme here). With that spirit of giving in mind, I dug into the Disney Pin Vault to take a look back at some of my favorite Halloween pins.

Over the years, we’ve released a variety of limited edition pins celebrating this holiday. One of my favorites is the Chip and Dale pin that was released on October 31, 2003. It features the mischievous chipmunks dressed as astronauts (I love the 1950s rocket in the background). This pin was part of a “Trick or Treat” collection where different pins were released at different locations at Walt Disney World. I also like the Disney Cruise Line pin from 2004. Donald’s nephews remind me of the classic cartoon short, “Trick or Treat” from 1952. As a child, I recall watching that short on a slide projector in my basement (who uses those things anymore?).

Each year, we create pins for the special Halloween events at Disney Theme Parks. I chose the Hades pin from Mickey’s Halloween Treat in 2007 (now known as Mickey’s Halloween Party) as a favorite. Why? Because Hades rules! New this year to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom in Florida is a limited edition pin (above right) that will only be released on October 31 (a popular night from what I have heard). This pin was created based on guest feedback from previous years. We thought this retail pin was a great way to offer something unique for those attending the Halloween night party. Cool part – it glows in the dark (all together, “Oooo!”).

Julie Young, our long-time developer for open edition pins, helped me with the final selections. I chose the candy corn with mouse ears. I love simple designs, and this one screams (ha) Halloween. Julie chose a new open edition pin featuring Tinker Bell. She really liked her festive dress (something not often seen on Ms. Bell). Julie also raved about a new lanyard that features sublimated printing. The image used on this lanyard was from a Halloween style guide that was created for usage at Disney Parks around the world (something of a first for us). A style guide gives reference material, character designs, backgrounds and more that are used to achieve a consistent look in all the merchandise created. If you aren’t the dressing-up type or you are looking for a simple costume, this lanyard should work for you.

The only other pin not represented is a chocolate one that I could devour. Wouldn’t that be yummy? Sadly, we haven’t created a pin like that yet (but feel free to send any chocolate my way). Do you have a favorite Halloween pin in your collection? Please share, and Happy Trick or Trading…er, Treating.

Tagged: DLR, Halloween, Pin Trading, Pins, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

“Where’s Scoop?” It is one of the more popular questions I’ve been asked during my time as Project Manager for Disney Trading. For those who are unfamiliar, “Scoop” is Scoop Sanderson, Main Street Gazette Reporter, Town Councilman and Pin-thusiast. Fellow Disney Blogger (and awesome photographer) Gene Duncan first introduced Disney Parks Blog readers to Scoop back in May 2010. Gene also provided the great picture at the top of this article featuring Scoop holding the first Scoop Sanderson pin.

I first met Scoop on Main Street, U.S.A. when I served as a member of the 2001/2002 Walt Disney World Ambassador Team. At that time, we had a few opportunities to make some magic for Guests. But it wasn’t until I got to my current role that I realized just how much Scoop loves Disney pins. During a recent visit to Magic Kingdom, I turned the tables and interviewed him about his passion for trading.

Steven: “Why do you love trading pins?”

Scoop Sanderson: “I love the people, and I love making new pin pals. I also really love looking at pins! They are little miniature works of art. I particularly enjoy seeing pins I haven’t seen in a while. They bring back good memories, and it is great to reminisce with friends.”

Throughout the years we’ve created pins inspired by Scoop Sanderson. The first retail pin was introduced at Disney Pin Celebration 2007. It was a super jumbo sized pin and featured Mickey Mouse playing the role of Scoop. The pin was so popular that it lead to additional pin collections. In 2008, we released “The Scoop,” a collection that featured Scoop reporting on fun facts about the Walt Disney World Resort. This collection was followed by “Scoop and Friends” in 2009 that featured Scoop and other friends from Main Street, U.S.A. In 2010, we featured Scoop Sanderson on a specially designed Disney Trading Night pin. The pin was released in March 2010, and Scoop made a surprise visit to meet and trade with Guests that night.

Steven: “For someone who is brand new to Disney Pin Trading, what is the best advice you can give her or him?”

Scoop Sanderson: “The best advice I can give is collect what you like! There are so many pins to collect. Trust me, I’ve tried trading for them all. But you have to collect or trade what you like. If you find you don’t love a pin anymore, I guarantee someone else will. So trade it away – you won’t hurt its feelings.”

Steven: “Do you have a favorite trading experience from Main Street, U.S.A.?”

Scoop Sanderson: “I love when a Guest comes up to me and asks, ‘May I look at your pins please?’ It is typically a kid who has grown up but learned that phrase long ago from me. It is a good feeling to know a Guest enjoyed trading so much that she or he returned to Main Street, U.S.A. to trade pins. I only hope that the Guest will pass on the trading legacy to others.”

As part of Disney Pin Celebration – Trade City, U.S.A., I invited Scoop to join us for this annual trading event held at Epcot. We created a limited edition pin featuring Figment dressed as Scoop Sanderson (a first of its kind) breaking ground for an event in 2011.

Steven: “Do you have any final tips that Guests should remember when trading pins?”

Scoop Sanderson: “Be nice as you never know what kind of surprises or magic may happen when trading pins with others. Make magic for others as pins have the ability to make people smile. You never know who might become your next pin pal. One thing I’ve learned is there are many treasures on lanyards, but really lanyards are on the treasures – great friends.”

Pin Pals can trade pins with Scoop Sanderson on select days on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park. If you have traded pins with Scoop, I’d love to hear your stories.

Tagged: MK, Pin Trading, Pins, WDW

Filed: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

By now, many of you know from previous Disney Parks Blog articles that I am a huge fan of science fiction. I love all genres probably because of the former Epcot attraction Horizons that taught me “if I can dream it, I can do it.” That is one reason why I can’t wait for the Disney Trading and Collectible Experience we have planned for Summer 2011 at the Disneyland Resort. We recently announced the theme of this one-day event at the Dateline Disneyland 1955: Pin-Vited Press Event in July 2010. I caught up with Chris Chapman, the lead designer for this event, to discuss its evolution.

“We started work on this event in May 2010,” explained Chris. “This event will feature some of the most involved storytelling we’ve ever done. The event will be for every fan whom has ever visited Tomorrowland, enjoyed science fiction entertainment, played video games in the Starcade and more. We want to immerse our Guests into the story from the event experience to the product packaging to the merchandise we are designing.”

Mike Sullivan (http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/03/the-mechanical-kingdom/) from Disney Design Group is the leader character artist for this project. He shared some details about the story created for Sci-Fi Academy.

“Mickey has always loved adventure stories,” explained Mike. “His good friend Professor Ludwig Von Drake created a device making it possible for Mickey to be transported into his favorite Sci-Fi tales from the late 1800s to today. After each trip, Mickey would return with otherworldly keepsakes. As time passed, he realized he could not study all of the great Sci-Fi movies, books, games and television artifacts he collected. So, Commander Mickey created the Sci-Fi Academy, where recruits could help him collect, analyze and catalog these treasures.”

As a child, I remember spending many hours in Tomorrowland watching people and listening to ambient sounds of the future. I recall riding the People Mover during my first visit to Disneyland in the early 1990s (gosh, I loved that soundtrack). Chris explained that this event will pull from those nostalgic childhood memories and experiences.

Chris also created the teaser poster and the four logos representing the different science fiction genres that will be featured at the event. Doesn’t that poster look like advertisement for a brand new motion picture? How I wish it was – sigh. Nevertheless, stay tuned to DisneyPins.com as we reveal more details in the coming months about this event. And I hope to see you at the Academy.

Tagged: DLR, Pin Trading, Pins, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort