WDCC Reunion: Celebrating the First 20 Years!

Ray, Traci & Elaine

For many collectors like myself of the Walt Disney Classics Collection, the past few months are really hard to put into words your thoughts, feelings and emotions over something you've been collecting for 20 years.

There was the uncertainty as 2012 was coming to a close if Enesco would renew their contract and then the announcement they were not continuing beyond 2012. Awaiting word of the new licensee, confirmation the line was moving forward with Precious Moment and the release of their first offerings.

I would like to thank Ray, Elaine, Gary & Tammy for giving us collectors an opportunity to all gather together and celebrate and share our memories of the past 20 years by putting their heads together and deciding to put together a Reunion Weekend to Celebrate the First 20 Years!

Patrick

To make this Reunion Weekend even more special, they invited some very special guests! Traci Thomas (Former WDCC Brand Manager) and Master Sculptor Patrick Romandy-Simmons.

Missing was the opportunity to see upcoming new releases, possible teasers of future releases and asking collectors of what they would like to see going forward.  

This event was different.  It was a chance of 'true' friends getting together.  Friendships that came together from both a common interest in Disney and the Walt Disney Classics Collection.  Friendships that have gone beyond porcelain and built on a foundation so strong, nothing could shake it.

Memories were shared .. How did you begin collecting the line?  What was your 1st piece?  Your favorite piece? You're least favorite piece? Yes, many tears were shed, there were a lot of hugs and a lot of laughs but one thing remains, it was a collection that will never be matched again.  There is no collection out there now or before it, that truly brought favorite characters from 2D drawings to 3D life like the Walt Disney Classics Collection.

The Enesco Team (many who have been with the line since day one) and all the talented sculptors who contributed to this line over the past 20 years have so much to look back on and feel proud of what they accomplished and created and being part of the Walt Disney history and legacy. They dealt with negativity but never comprised their artistry and integrity throughout these past 20 years, celebrating their 20th year with such a strong line-up. Had they only continued, can only imagine what they next had in store for us.

Grand Jester Busts

During these events, there is a session where Traci and the featured sculptor would usually talk of the current, upcoming and possible future WDCC releases.  We knew that would be missing from this event.  

In its place, they did a presentation on the Grand Jester Busts that were introduced early 2009.  Many, like myself were familiar with them but really didn't know a lot about them.  Both Traci & Patrick explained the process of how both the character and environment are chosen.  

It was also interesting seeing the initial concept and the changes before deciding on the final sculpt.  As an added treat, we got to see two upcoming releases planned for later this year and quite honestly, was very impressed.  It gave me a new appreciation for this line.  Will I begin collecting it?  No, at this time I want to focus on going back filling in gaps of my WDCC collection with pieces I passed on but do see myself adding one of the busts from time to time.

Pillars

Another collection that was previewed was Pillars.  Some of you may be familiar with this collection as most recently, images have been released on-line and Facebook of three of its upcoming releases from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella and The Wizard of Oz.

It was explained how each sculpture tells a story and how you can rearrange the pillars to tell the story.  Part of the presentation was a preview of an upcoming release in honor of Mickey's 85th Birthday.  

From the photo, you really can't appreciate the detail in this set, as it recaps Mickey's 85 Years.  I really liked the wood tone to this one, the drawings, quotes and stories included on each pillar. Mary & I are both looking forward to the release of this one.  Now to only convince them to do Donald :)

So many great memories of this Reunion Weekend .. Breakfast each morning at the Hampton, planning future get togethers and just being with good friends!

Ray, Elaine, Gary & Tammy - Thank you as always for a both a wonderful and memorable weekend.  You simply can't put into words how much we appreciate all you do and have done for us over the years. You know to all of us, you're not just our dealer, you are more than just friends, you are family!  

Traci - I don't know where to begin.  We both started on this journey together, August 17, 1997 and what began as a working relationship became a friendship. You became Famiglia. You did not just see this as a job, you being a collector yourself, put your heart and passion into this line. You were a friend to the collector. You unselfishly gave 100% of yourself to both the collector and this line.

This particular journey may have come to an end but the ride continues.  Can't wait to see you again later this year.

Patrick - You are an amazing talent.  Feel honored and blessed to get to knowing you and so many of the sculptors on a personal level and seeing our friendship build over the years.  So many great memories and funny stories over the years.

Thank you for so many great sculptures and one day, Willie will be in my collection :)  Looking forward to seeing you later this year too!

To My WDCC Gang -- You guys simply Rock!  Mary, Amanda and I are so blessed having you in our lives. Little did we know when Mary bought me that 1st sculpture (Charter Jiminy) the journey it would put us on. 

Like any journey, there were bumps along the way. Learned some good life lessons but is was you, my friends who I think of as family, that made the journey what it was. You made those bumps so incidental.

I can't thank you enough for your love, support and always having my back and looking forward to this continued journey we call life with each and every one of you!

Recent WDCC Sell Throughs!

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Enesco announced the recent sell-throughs on the following pieces from the original Walt Disney Classics Collection.

Snow White and Prince Charming - Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750 sculpted by Dusty Horner.   

"Fairytale Ending" was the final sculpture released in the collection by Enesco, LLC.  A very fitting sculpture and appropriately named honoring not only Walt's first animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs but Disney's first Princess as well.

The sculpture bears a 75th Anniversary backstamp in honor of the film's release and a 20th Anniversary Walt Disney Classics Collection backstamp.

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Tinker Bell - Open Edition release sculpted by Margi Wray.

"Mischief Maker" was released in July, 2010.  The two-piece featured Tinker Bell and the Inkwell, capturing the moment when Tinker Bell is dipping her foot into the ink to mark Peter Pan's hideout on Captain Hook's map and betray his location.

Tinker Bell attaches to Inkwell with a magnet.  The lid is not made to close but stay open.

Tinker Bell and Inkwell were retired December, 2012.

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Goofy - Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 1,000 sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons.

"All Downhill From Here" is from the 1941 animated short, The Art of Skiing. Goofy is plussed with pewter ears and bronze ski poles.

Contact your Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection retailers for availability. 

Update on Precious Moments WDCC Launch

Update: If you're looking for the images posted in yesterday's blog entry, they've been removed per the following:

"I need to ask you to pull the PMI WDCC pages from your website.  They are reference only pages and have not been approved by Disney.  They were used in an internal presentation to our sales force to prepare them for the upcoming launch but Disney has us working on some last minute revisions to both the product and the pages.  Therefore they are not an accurate representation of what the final product will be."

Gallery of the Lakes WDCC 20th Anniv. Reunion Weekend!

This coming weekend, Gallery of the Lakes will be hosting a 20th Anniversary Reunion Weekend of the Walt Disney Classics Collection.

Gallery of the Lakes

Walt Disney Classics Collection Weekend

Celebrating 20 Years!

March 16-17, 2013

Special Guests

Patrick Romandy-Simmons

Master Sculptor

&

Traci Thomas

Former WDCC Brand Manager

The Celebratory Reunion Event is one of the last get-togethers and signings by the seamless work of The Disney Company and Enesco, LLC (1992-2012) which used the same creative team and sculptors during those years.

Take your cue from Cruella and contact the Gallery Staff at (800) 692-3087 today for more details!

Updated Gallery of the Lakes Walt Disney Classics Inventory Listing

Patrick Romandy-Simmons Sculptor Listing

My Two Cents ...

Recap: 

• December 31, 2012 marked the end of the current contract between Enesco, LLC and the Walt Disney Company for the Walt Disney Classics Collection. 
• December 06, 2012 Enesco, LLC released an announcement that they were passing the torch back to Disney and the line will continue in 2013 under a new licensee to be announced in early 2013.
• January 03, 2013 Precious Moments Inc. announced they were the new licensee of the collection.  This past Friday, images started to surface on the internet of part of their releases planned for this year, slated to arrive at retailers by Sept.

Part of their announcement stated the following, "The Walt Disney Classics Collection line, through PMI, will continue to share the same standards of creativity, excellence and quality."

Since the announcement in December, I've received a lot of emails and tried to keep an open mind regarding the future of the line under someone new. The line was first handled by Schmid, then brought in-house (Walt Disney Art Classics) and then licensed to Enesco.  

From its inception in 1992, the line maintained its artistry and integrity throughout even though some saw the end when Enesco became the licensee, fearing the line would become nothing more than giftware.  Most will agree, Enesco upheld the same standards as its predecessors.  

Yes, Enesco strayed from actual film moments (Tinker Bell Seasons Series, Mickey Sculpting Mickey and the most recent 20th Anniversary sculpture) and recall vividly the uproar with the release of the Spotlight Collection (based on actual Disney model sheets) and the Gallery Edition Series (sculptures done in a bronze-colored paint) but those were pale in comparison to my first impressions of these future releases.

From the photos made available from PMI on Friday, (basing my opinion on both low and a higher resolution images) found these releases underwhelming and consider them more giftware vs. fine porcelain sculptures.  Maybe I've become spoiled, maybe a bit overprotective of a line that many of us have been collecting for 20 years but a few things I noticed immediately in this announcement:

1. When did Snow White or Belle wear a crown or Cinderella wear bracelets on both arms in their respective films?

2. We've come to expect 'plussing' such as opalescent paint, bronze, pewter and Swarovski crystals but glitter?

3. What animated short is Cowboy Mickey from?

Had this been a new line to replace the Walt Disney Classics Collection to possibly fill a void, maybe long time collectors like myself wouldn't be as critical but the Walt Disney Classics Collection logo is tied to these releases.  How did someone at Disney approve these releases and consider them in the same vein?  Did they feel because the Walt Disney Classics Collection was attached to them, that made everything ok? 

I honestly wish Disney, when Enesco opted not to renew their contract, would have just retired the line. The line reached a milestone 20 years, had a banner year with great releases and what an appropriate piece to end an era, Snow White & Prince Charming.  Appropriately titled, 'Fairytale Ending' and honoring Walt's first theatrical release and Disney's 1st Princess.

To the WDCC Team, many who have been there since the beginning and the talented sculptors who created magic bringing 2D characters to life in 3D thank you for the legacy you created honoring the beloved films and characters of it's many collector over these past 20 years.

Figment Sculpture Premiere Event on April 6th!

A little dragon with a big heart and an even bigger imagination, Figment represents the creative spirit that has fueled countless generations of storytellers, inventors, artists and engineers to push the boundaries of the possible while transforming dreams into wondrous reality.  

Disney Theme Park Merchandise has partnered with Grand Jester Studios to create a character-authentic polystone mini-bust that was designed by Patrick Romandy-Simmons and sculpted by Bruce Lau.  

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Magician Figment Sculpture Premier

Designer and Art Director: Patrick Romandy-Simmons

Sculptor: Bruce Lau

Retail: $65.00 plus sales tax

Media: Polystone, hand-painted

Release Date: Saturday, April 6, 2013

Location: Art of Disney, Epcot® 

Dimensions:  9”  high x 3 ½” wide x 3 ½” deep

Limited Edition Size:  3,000

Click Image for a Larger View

To celebrate the release of the new sculpture, the Art of Disney in Epcot is pleased to host a special premiere event for Magician Figment, with sculptor, Bruce Lau.

Bruce will be at the Art of Disney on Saturday, April 6 from 11:00a.m. – 1:00p.m. and 3:00p.m. – 4:00p.m. signing his newest Figment sculpture for Guests.

If you cannot attend the event, but would like to add the Magician Figment sculpture to your collection, please contact Walt Disney Event Services at (407) 827-7600 to pre-order this limited edition piece.  

Pre-sales for Magician Figment will end at 12:00 noon on Thursday, April 4, 2013. All pre-ordered Magician Figment sculptures will be signed by sculptor, Bruce Lau. 

Walt Disney Event Services is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST.

First-Ever D23 Expo Japan To Be Held October 12-14, 2013!

FIRST-EVER D23 EXPO JAPAN TO BE HELD OCTOBER 12–14, 2013

The Official Disney Fan Club’s Signature Event Makes Its International Debut

Meguro-ku, Tokyo, February 25, 2013—The Walt Disney Company Japan announced today that it will stage the first-ever D23 Expo Japan, a special event for Disney fans created by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. D23 Expo Japan, the first Expo to be held outside the U.S., will feature an array of engaging presentations, hosted by senior Disney creative executives, showcasing what’s on the horizon from across The Walt Disney Company, including theme parks, movies, television, music, and interactive gaming. Fans will enjoy unique experiences; have the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind merchandise and collectibles; meet many of their favorite Disney characters; and delight in countless other surprises. D23 Expo Japan will take place October 12–14, 2013, at the Tokyo Disney Resort^® in the Maihama area. Expo ticketing and program information will be announced in March.

D23 Expo Japan will also feature two special exhibitions celebrating landmark Disney milestones. First, to pay homage to The Walt Disney Company’s 90th Anniversary, D23 and the Walt Disney Archives will present Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, featuring nine decades of treasures from the Archives’ vast collection. Plus, the Tokyo Disney Resort will celebrate its 30th year with a special retrospective exhibit.　This special exhibition, presented by Oriental Land, operator of Tokyo Disney Resort, celebrates this milestone year by making D23 Expo Japan possible. Further details will be posted at http://disney.jp/D23 as they become available.

“We are thrilled to host this extraordinary, three-day event where all the wonderful worlds of Disney come together,” said Paul Candland, president, The Walt Disney Company Japan. “2013 marks The Walt Disney Company’s 90th anniversary, Disney Channel’s 10th, Disney Mobile’s fifth, the Disney–JCB Card’s fifth, Dlife’s first, and Tokyo Disney Resort’s 30th! The D23 Expo Japan allows us to show Disney’s tremendous appreciation to its fans.”

This event is supported by JCB Co., Ltd, and The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited as official sponsors.

Disney fans from around the globe flocked to Anaheim, Calif., for the first D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, in September 2009, followed by a second in August 2011. The next D23 Expo will take place August 9–11, 2013, at the Anaheim Convention Center and will feature: the 2013 Disney Legends Ceremony; a special exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives; the Collectors Forum, where Disney fans can buy, sell, and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia, and merchandise; an all-new Fan Art Contest themed to the upcoming 50th anniversary of Mary Poppins, and a massive show floor full of special opportunities to see what’s on the horizon for Disney around the world.

Disney discovers unreleased Mickey Mouse sketch from 1938

"Mickey's Toothache," from 1938 shows the famous mouse being chased

by a dentist's chair and nemesis "Pete" during …

More than 80 years after his creation, Mickey Mouse continues to surprise.

The Disney archives have released a newly discovered sketch from 1938, Mickey’s Toothache, part of an incomplete cartoon that was part of an effort to make Mickey a more complete character.

In Mickey’s Toothache, created in April 1938, artist Ferdinand Horvath has the newly adventurous Mickey experiencing something akin to a psychedelic nightmare. In the words of Disney Archives Director Becky Cline, Mickey has traveled to the dentist and fallen under the influence of too much laughing gas. The overdose sends Mickey into a “nightmarish world inhabited by living teeth, dental floss, a psychotic dentist’s chair and a vengeful pair of dental pliers," said Cline.

Mickey’s then-nemesis Pete also makes an appearance in the nightmare scenario. It culminates with Mickey being put on trial led, of course, by a judgmental wisdom tooth, who charges Mickey with tooth neglect.

The previously forgotten piece of artwork was discovered in the Walt Disney Archives, hiding out in a folder lost for more than 74 years. It was unearthed just a few months ago.

Mickey’s Toothache is just one of several unveilings being planned as part of this year’s D23 Disney Fanniversary Celebration, an event that began last year as a way to include members of Disney’s official fan club in some of the company’s milestone events. The Horvath image will be included in a 90-minute presentation showcasing some of this year’s other major Disney anniversaries in 10 different U.S. cities (Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Newark, Orlando, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C.).

“Mickey has been a superstar from almost the beginning. He was immediately popular,” Cline told Yahoo News. “By 1938, he was just about to step into a finished version of himself. He was boyish and impish. During this period of his growth he became larger than life in some ways.”

Cline says the artwork showcases the transformation of America's favorite mouse from popular fad to American icon. It's one that can be seen as well in released cartoons of Mickey engaging in various adventures in locales including the deepest jungles of Africa, or in the 1936 cartoon Through the Mirror.

“Mickey was kind of growing and stretching. He left the barnyard, and he started to become more adventurous,” Cline said.

Though most people think of Walt Disney himself in relation to his most-famous individual creation, Horvath was a significant part of the early Disney years. Born in 1891 Horvath spent time in a Russian concentration camp where he taught himself to draw before immigrating to America on Armistice Day 1921. He worked for the studio from 1934 through 1944, producing between 70 and 80 animated shorts along the way and working on the production of Snow White.

Last year, we brought you the story of a newly discovered, 85 year-old Oswald the Rabbit sketch, Harem Scarem. Since then, Disney has pushed forward with efforts to bring Oswald, a Mickey prototype of sorts, back into the Disney fold.

So, will we ever see a complete version of Mickey’s Toothache?

“It’s possible,” Cline said. "The animation research library still goes back and refers to those older cartoons. ... Even though we’re still discovering some of this material for the first time in decades, they’re not lost.”

Return To Oz In The All-New Spring Issue Of Disney Twenty-Three On Stands February 12th!

RETURN TO OZ IN THE ALL-NEW SPRING ISSUE OF
DISNEY TWENTY-THREE ON STANDS FEBRUARY 12

A Dazzling Behind-The-Scenes Look At Disney’s Oz The Great and Powerful,

The 15th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom,

Never-Before-Seen Concept Art from Walt Disney Animation Studios' Frozen

BURBANK, Calif. – January 30, 2013 – The spring issue of Disney twenty-three, the flagship magazine of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, hits stands February 12, loaded with articles to delight both Disney fans and the general public. The cover story, “A Great and Powerful Odyssey,” gives readers an exclusive tour of the land at the end of the road of yellow bricks in Disney’s Oz The Great and Powerful releasing in theaters this March. The article features interviews with stars Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams and Zach Braff. In addition, there’s a sneak peek of 2014’s Maleficent, starring Angelina Jolie, which offers a new take on the legendary Sleeping Beauty story.

The Emerald City theme continues with a second story illuminating the many connections between Disney and Oz, including Walt Disney’s early attempts to bring Oz to the big screen. The story includes rarely seen images from the Walt Disney Archives and a fond look back atDisney’s 1985 release Return to Oz.

In celebration of the 15th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we sit down with Imagineer Joe Rohde as he reflects on the evolution of Disney’s wildest and most spiritual park.

“Frozen in Time” includes concept art from the upcoming film Frozen, due in theaters this November. Walt Disney Animation Studios brings an ice-covered world to life as Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell) seeks to reverse a curse put on her kingdom by a cold-hearted snow queen (voiced by Idina Menzel), who also happens to be her sister.

Disney twenty-three also offers the latest on exciting new projects from the world of Disney and a look at some celebrated classics. The spring issue:

• Celebrates the 30th anniversary of Disney Channel from the original show Good Morning Mickey through the High School Musicaltrilogy;
• Reveals the secrets and hidden delights to look out for when exploring New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom ;
• Catches up with Bob Baker, a legendary Los Angeles puppeteer whose exquisite artistry is threaded throughout Disney history;
• Tells the story of master glass craftsmen, the Arribas brothers, who now have art in 14 (and counting) different Disney park locations around the globe.

The Disney discoveries do not stop at the end of the publication this spring. In conjunction with the release of this spring issue of Disney twenty-three on February 12, www.D23.com will feature original and exclusive stories that complement the contents of D23’s glossy magazine. Only available on D23.com: 

• An exclusive Q&A with Brian Henson about his first film, Return to Oz;
• An off-road tour of Kilimanjaro Safaris with the head zookeeper in celebration of Disney’s Animal Kingdom 15th anniversary;
• An in-depth look at Disney Channel’s schedule, stars, and shows and an exclusive look back at the first day of programming as the Channel turns 30. 

Disney twenty-three is delivered directly to the doorstep of all D23 Gold Members, along with a special gift. The gifts for this issue are reproductions of vintage Disney Valentine's Day cards, which will be attached exclusively to member issues. This special gift will be received by members just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Beginning February 12, Disney twenty-three magazine will be available at retail locations across the country for $15.95, and can also be purchased online at DisneyStore.com and throughout the Disneyland^® and Walt Disney World^® Resorts.

Walt Disney Classics Collection Moving Forward in 2013 with New Licensee

As most aware, December 31, 2012 would mark the end of the current contract between Enesco, LLC and the Walt Disney Company for the Walt Disney Classics Collection. 

On Thursday, December 6th, Enesco, LLC released the following announcement that they were passing the torch back to Disney and the line will continue in 2013 under a new licensee to be announced in early 2013.

Many, like myself have been collecting the line since its inception and wondered if the line would continue beyond this year.  It's bittersweet, as it great news the line will continue but not moving forward with the current team that many of us have gotten to know personally over the years, who have put their heart and soul into the collection, will not be moving forward with the line.

To the Enesco Team, the talented sculptors, mold makers, artisans and painters, to those involved in the packaging and shipping of the product, a well deserved Thank You for giving us collectors 20 Years of pure magic!

It will be interesting to see what direction the new licensee will take the line, seeing the collection through a different vision and the complexity of sculptures they will release.  

The announcement released by Enesco, LLC on Thursday, December 06, 2012:

From its introduction in 1992, the award-winning Walt Disney Classics Collection has celebrated the artistry and legacy of Disney’s animated and live-action shorts and films by faithfully recreating memorable moments and beloved characters in innovative and exquisitely hand-crafted porcelain sculptures.  In 2004, Enesco was entrusted with continuing the collection as the Walt Disney Classics Collection’s first licensee and we are honored to have played a part in helping the brand reach its 20^th Anniversary this year. 

The past several years have been challenging for luxury products and we’re proud to have maintained the brand’s artistic integrity and complexity while keeping the line relevant and desirable to reach this year’s milestone.  And now, after nine amazing and creatively fulfilling years, Enesco is handing the torch back to Disney to appoint a new licensee to re-imagine the next chapter for the Walt Disney Classics Collection.  In order to not disrupt your business, and to allow your customers time to complete their collections, we will continue to sell the limited inventory of Walt Disney Classics Collection sculptures we have remaining.

Enesco would especially like to thank the dedicated team of sculptors, artists, painters and mold-makers who started with the line at Disney and joined us for this journey.  Their unparalleled talent established the high standards of artistry and attention to detail that have always been the hallmark of the Walt Disney Classics Collection and have contributed immeasurably to its longevity. 

Throughout its long and celebrated history, the Walt Disney Classics Collection has drawn inspiration from Walt Disney’s legendary creativity, inventiveness and vision.  Ensuring that Walt’s legacy of artistry and excellence continues to be preserved and celebrated throughout the collection has been the mission of Disney Creative Director and Master Artist Dave Pacheco.   From a tiny field mouse reaching up for a crystal dewdrop to a dashing prince sweeping Snow White into his arms, Dave has provided a consistent vision and meticulous attention to detail that has made the line what it is today. 

While our collaboration on Walt Disney Classics Collection in nearing a close, Enesco will continue to provide Disney magic through many of our other lines, including Disney Traditions, Disney by BRITTO™, Grand Jester Studios, and Disney Showcase Collection. 

Finally, it has truly been an honor to play a significant role in the history of the Walt Disney Classics Collection.  We thank you for your loyalty and support of the collection and your contribution to the success of the line.  Everyone at Enesco who has worked on - and added to - the collection has taken enormous pride in the line, and we wish it every success going forward.

The New Fantasyland: Storybook Circus

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Part of the New Fantasyland expansion, Storybook Circus invites you to explore a lively world inspired by the Disney animated film Dumbo. 

Storybook Circus dazzles with a glittering array of classic Disney characters and classic Disney storytelling! From the colorful big-top circus tents to the interactive line queues to the animal footprints that pepper the pavement, Storybook Circus offers imaginative touches at every turn.

Delight in the following circus-themed attractions:

* Dumbo the Flying Elephant
* The Barnstormer
* Casey, Jr. Splash and Soak Section
* Pete's Silly Sideshow
* Big Top Souvenirs 

Photos from the Storybook Circus Area

The New Fantasyland: Construction Continues

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We're wrapping up an awesome week in Walt Disney World today. Hard to believe we haven't been here since May, 2011 and when we were last here, Fantasyland was still intact and construction walls were up and work had begun on the New Fantasyland!

The lay of the land had really changed since that last visit. Snow White's Scary Adventure was gone, Dumbo the Flying Elephant had been moved, construction walls were still up in the center area. Toon Town was no more and now a new area called Storybook Circus. The Chalet near Peter Pan's Flight was gone and new construction was going there and Disney's latest heroine was now represented with the Tower from Tangled.

The area were the Tower is located was behind walls as they were constructing the new restroom area and once complete, work will began on Peter Pan's Flight, expanding the queu area into the area where the restrooms currently are.  Below are construction photos taken yesterday.

What a difference an hour makes.  Within an hour of the above photos being taken, the cupula was covered with roofing paper.

Not long after, while riding the Liberty Square Riverboat, I could see where roofing shingles were starting to be applied to the roof.

To the right of the construction you were given a glimpse of things to come as this new area will tie into the building where It's a Small World is located.

Looking forward to our next visit to see the end results!

Looking Back: Pocahontas

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There are not many Walt Disney Classics Collection releases that would qualify as Thanksgiving themed releases as compared to Halloween and Christmas.  Each year, one piece that I consider seasonal is Pocahontas with Meeko and Flit from Pocahontas. Unfortunately am unable to display year-round, so always look forward to this time of year to incorporate into our Thanksgiving displays.

Animators working on the film regarded Pocahontas as being one of the hardest films ever produced by the studio. The complex color schemes, angular shapes and facial expressions meant that the film was in production for 5 years. The hard work paid off, however. Pocahontas herself is now frequently cited as being one of the most beautifully and realistically animated characters in the Disney canon, her fluid movements mainly being attributed to rotoscoping.

The film's premiere was a huge event in Central Park. With over 100,000 people attending, it holds the record for the largest movie premiere. The film received critical praise for both the animation and art direction. The film utilizes very different colors than in previous Disney films, which resulted in a beautiful color palette from the Art Department at Disney. Colors that symbolized different emotions, such as red for anger/hate, blue for love and pink and purple for nature were purposely used. The animators also decided to be unconventional when they decided to use the "mother spirit in the leaves" motif, which consisted of leaves floating in the wind during significant scenes in the movie that represented passion and beauty.

Originally the animal characters had dialogue, just like in previous Disney features. This was dropped when the filmmakers pushed for a more realistic treatment of the story. One character, a turkey named Redfeather, was dropped entirely. John Candy had provided a large amount of voice work for this character who was to be Pocahontas's sidekick. However after Candy's death in 1994, the concept was scrapped.

In the very first draft of the script the character of "Grandmother Willow" was written as a male character who was the spirit of the river, the character was named "Old Man River". The song "Just Around the Riverbend" was written for this character to be sung. Gregory Peck was offered the role and as much as it pained him to do it, turned down the role because he felt the title character needed a motherly figure to turn to for advice. Soon the filmmakers agreed with him and the character was changed.

The Walt Disney Classics Collection released "Listen With Your Heart" (a non-member commission release) sculpted by Gwen Dutcher in 1996 following the film's Fall 1995 release.  The sculpture featured Pocahontas with her trusted friends, Meeko and Flit.  Prototypes shipped to retailers, prior to the sculpture's release had a thinner base. It was the second release in the Tribute Series. The redemption period was March 01, 1996 thru May 31, 1996.

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