It should come as no surprise that Guests love special mementos from their Disney vacations. The Disney Parks Merchandise team annually introduces commemorative merchandise celebrating a particular year. Embellished with images of Disney characters and attractions, these products with a date quickly become the most popular items found at Disney Parks. But how does the merchandise team keep this annual assortment looking fresh? According to Dan Howard, senior creative director with Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media Creative Group, artists and product developers look to the latest design trends as seen in this year’s Disney Parks 2018 Collection.
“This year’s artwork has a handcrafted, tonal look with nods to the rich heritage of The Walt Disney Company. This design approach gave merchandisers many options for making stylish new products that appeal to even more Guests,” explained Dan.
Almost two years in the making, work on this collection began with a style guide. Product developers use elements from this guide – such as logos, graphics, colors, or patterns – to ensure the overall merchandise assortment has a consistent look.
Products in this year’s assortment include everything from collectible pins and toys to headwear and accessories. Inspired by hand drawn animation, Disney characters – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto and Goofy – are often seen interacting with the products in creative ways.
“We interjected some playfulness into the designs by using iconic items from Disney Parks such as Chip and Dale hiding under an oversized Mickey Mouse ear hat. It became a plush figure and a holiday ornament,” continued Dan.
The number 8 in “2018” also ties the collection together as artists incorporated repeating circles filled with sketches of Disney landmarks, attractions and icons throughout the designs.
The apparel team created fashionable options for adults and kids by adding these circles to t-shirts and sweatshirts. For the home décor team, the number eight made the perfect handle for a coffee mug.
Look for the Disney Parks 2018 Collection in select merchandise locations throughout Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Select products are also available on ShopDisney.com or Shop Disney Parks.
Comments
I have been using Google to find the completer pins but can’t find them for some years. I know you don’t have a list of the pins but can you please tell me the years that they did completers for Disney and Disneyland. Thanks
Collecting and purchasing items with the year on it or other celebrations is what I love best. It keeps the memories alive for me.
When will graduation attire become available? Like hats, shirts etc.
I would love to purchase one of the new Four Parks t-shirts before my March trip but I haven’t seen them on the Dishey Shop App yet.
Love the pins. Looking forward to getting them when we are in WDW later this year. My daughter and I love to collect pins. In the different Hidden Mickey pin sets there are usually Completer pins. I have tried to find a list of them from past years but can’t seem to find it. Does a list exist? We are trying to get complete collections but don’t fully know what to look for. Thanks
@Ray – Glad to hear your daughter and you have a fun time with trading pins. I recall doing a similar thing with my daughter when she was much younger. We currently don’t offer a list of completer pins for the Hidden Mickey pin collections. Some of the previous checklists may have listed the chaser pins which are different.
I love the annual items; I have a collection of them! Can’t wait to get down there and buy some (although I’ll probably order a t-shirt or two online)!
I must be odd, because I prefer non-dated items…. I would probably buy way too many more items if they didn’t have a date on them…. I guess that’s just me, though.
I love the pattern this year. I have picked up a few pieces already. It kind of reminds me of the 80s; maybe early 90s. I just love it!
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