Toy Story mania is taking over the “world” … Walt Disney World, that is! Are you as excited about the new film as I am? I can’t wait to see so many new characters and old favorites on the big screen again. And if you’re anything like me then you probably love riding on our Toy Story Mania attraction — it’s one of my kids’ favorites and we go on it every time we’re at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I have to say I have the family high score.

As you can imagine, we have great new merchandise out especially for Toy Story 3, but one of the things I’m eager to share with you is our Toy Story Mania Ink and Paint Cel. This is one of the newest additions to the Disney Theme Park Exclusive Ink and Paint Cel Collections.

Insider Tip: Did you know that the image of Woody in this cel is actually hand-painted by the Ink & Paint team?

Because we know the film is going to be such a hit, we know this cel will be, too. There are only 1500 pieces available, and I know they’ll go fast. The image is available in quite a few formats, but my personal favorite is when it comes framed with a specially designed pin and signed postcard.

If you’re at Walt Disney World, come out on June 19 when we release this exciting new piece at Studios Animation Gallery at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We’ll even have some of our Disney Design Group and Ink & Paint Artists on hand to sign these fun new pieces.

Can’t make it to the release, but still want to bring the fun home? No problem! You can pre-order the Toy Story Mania Cel with Walt Disney Event Service at 407.827.7600. Artists scheduled to appear include: Costa Alavezos, James Bonserio, Erin Magill, Theodora M. DeLaney, David Rippberger, Lynn Rippberger, Sharon K. Vincent.

Be sure to visit the ArtofDisneyParks.com for a list of signing times and additional information.

Tagged: DHS, Toy Story, WDW

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

Here at Disney Parks, ticker-tape parades are a big deal. But Buzz Lightyear is back — mission completed. And we’re celebrating at Walt Disney World Resort.

Buzz’s achievement as the longest tenured Space Ranger in space was celebrated on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park. Buzz’s closest friends, including Buzz Aldrin joined in the fun.

Buzz Lightyear recently returned home aboard Space Shuttle Discovery STS-128 after more than 15 months in space. If you recall, he launched the Disney Parks-NASA Space Ranger Education Series last year after joining the shuttle Discovery crew’s mission to the International Space Station.

Since then, Buzz has been encouraging students to pursue math, science and tech studies. Special material for educators and online games were released to begin the mission. And, a successful return to Earth brings a new Space Ranger Education Series game.

Disney Parks and NASA also launched an online Mission Patch Design Challenge that will run from October 2 through November 6. Students ages 6-12 will have the opportunity to design a mission patch to commemorate Buzz’s return. The student with the most creative mission patch and 100-word essay will win a trip to Walt Disney World Resort and a VIP tour of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. More information on the Mission Patch Design Challenge is available at http://www.Disneyparks.com/Buzz.

Tagged: Buzz, Buzz Lightyear, MK, NASA, Toy Story, WDW

Filed: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort