Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is a day of Thanks and reflecting on what we're thankful for. I'm SO thankful for my family, friends and God. I am truly blessed to have you all in my life. Thankful not just for today but every day!

Last night we received unexpected news on the health of a family member that I'm very close with that has been sick. Am so blessed and thankful to have a family that is so tight knit. When one bleeds, we all bleed. This coupled with the support and prayers of my friends, gives me so much to be thankful for today.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who visit the blog today .. my family and my WDCC, Twitter & Facebook friends!

Walt Disney Collectors Society Suspended :(

Throughout the morning, I received numerous emails/inquiries regarding the status of the Walt Disney Collectors Society. Like everyone else, I had not heard anything so began making inquiries with some dealer friends. Spoke with Ray at Gallery of the Lakes and he told me of a memo that was sent out to the sales force earlier today. The memo is as follows:

Valued collectors of the Walt Disney Classics Collection will be pleased to know that we are committed to continuing to celebrate the artistic legacy of Disney animated films through these exquisite and innovative porcelain sculptures.

In just days we will be announcing an exciting lineup of new Walt Disney Classics Collection sculptures for 2010, which will feature both rarely depicted characters and perennial favorites to delight new collectors and those who have been with us since the beginning.

While the Walt Disney Classics Collection will continue with many new innovative sculptures planned, we regret that the Walt Disney Collectors Society will be suspended at the end of this year. Details are being mailed directly to Walt Disney Classics Collection authorized retailers and Walt Disney Collectors Society Members now.

Collectors will be able to sign up for new release information on our website www.WaltDisneyClassicsCollection.com. We also will be working with authorized retailers to provide supplemental information.

Ray confirmed we should be hearing something as early as next week regarding sculptures planned for 2010. Being a member of the Society since the charter year, am very sorry to hear that it's being suspended. Prefer to hear it was suspended vs. being discontinued completely.

The Walt Disney Classics Collection was introduced in January, 1993. Jiminy Cricket was the charter membership gift sculpture and named the mascot of the Walt Disney Collectors Society. The 1st Members Only offering was Mickey Mouse as the Tailor from The Brave Little Tailor (1938).

Sleigh Rides Offered for First Time at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

If you say “sleigh ride” — thoughts of Florida rarely follow. But this holiday season, there’s a new experience that may just change that. For the first time, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is offering horse-drawn sleigh rides through the woods at Walt Disney World Resort.

Beginning on November 29, a fire-engine red sleigh with garland and holiday lights will take you through parts of the 700-acre backwoods resort. The magic-makers at the resort’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch have equipped sleighs with tires for rides around property. Four adults or two adults and three children should be able to ride on each sleigh.

You’ll depart from the Blacksmith’s Shop near the Settlement area inside Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and travel into the forest on each 25-minute ride. It’ll cost $60 for one group to ride and children ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Sound fun? You can also book the experience by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.

Disney's The Princess and the Frog Merchandise in High Demand Weeks before Film's Debut!

GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Weeks before the theatrical release of Disney’s upcoming animated feature The Princess and the Frog, the excitement for film-inspired merchandise is already building in a big way as anticipation for the film intensifies. Since its launch just a few weeks ago, retailers report that the merchandise has already begun out-selling other Disney Princess items by double digit percentages. More than 45,000 dolls have sold in less than a month with 17,000 selling last week alone. At one major retailer, The Princess and the Frog bedding has sold nearly triple the amount of regular Disney Princess bedding. At Disney Store locations nationwide and DisneyStore.com, the Princess Tiana role-play dresses are selling above all other Disney Princess characters.

The Princess and the Frog toys have also captured industry praise as the Disney Princess Tiana Just One Kiss doll tops FunFare magazine’s “Holiday Hot Dozen” and the Toys”R”Us "Fabulous 15" holiday lists. The doll was also recently nominated for the “2009 Girls Toy of the Year” award by the Toy Industry Association. Sales of the Princess Tiana Just One Kiss doll are up by over 150% and industry and media have reported it could be among this Holiday season’s sell-out toys.

The Princess and the Frog introduces Disney’s newest princess character in more than 10 years and the first African-American Disney princess. The product line from Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is supporting the film with a wide range of products spanning toys, fashion, home décor, food, personal care, beauty, stationery, books and an assortment for adults including collectibles, art, bridal wear and couture fashion.

“Generations of little girls have experienced the enchanting and magical stories of the Disney Princess characters. Now, with Princess Tiana, as the first new princess in a decade, they will experience a new adventure, woven by the master story-tellers at Disney. This modern-day princess character must muster her determination and perseverance as she faces and overcomes her challenges, providing little girls with another inspiring role-model,” stated Reyne Rice, Toy Trend Specialist at the Toy Industry Association.

“It is typical with any major Disney film to see movie-inspired product available as early as six weeks prior to the film’s release, and the same is true for The Princess and the Frog,” stated Mary Beech, vice president franchise development and marketing for Disney Consumer Products. “However, the historic nature of the release of The Princess and the Frog film has generated tremendous consumer excitement well in advance of the film – and sales thus far have been very strong, something that is remarkable for characters with which fans are not yet completely familiar.”

The Princess and the Frog is also a hit on the social media circuit, as well: DCP is taking fans and families behind the scenes with an exclusive The Princess and the Frog YouTube video series that premiered today on its channel www.YouTube.com/DisneyLiving. The series will provide an inside look at how some of the most interesting products came to life and will release new videos weekly leading up to the national release of the film on December 11^th. From never-before-released footage such as interviews with Anika Noni Rose http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0npCpcxaBc, film voice for the Princess Tiana character, to the unveiling of the Princess Tiana wedding gown live on the runways at New York Bridal Week and cooking demonstrations from Princess Tiana’s Cookbook Recipes for Kids, the videos will delight any Disney and Disney Princess fan.

The Princess and the Frog merchandise assortment:

Disney Store
Disney Store is offering an enchanting assortment of exclusive products, plus bayou-inspired in-store and window displays that celebrate The Princess and the Frog. On November 20 just before Chicago’s famed Festival of Lights, Disney Store will unveil a truly magical window display in its Michigan Avenue flag ship store featuring a beautiful scene from the new film. And beginning November 30, Disney Store will dedicate all of its 229 windows in North America to The Princess and the Frog. Products available only at Disney Store and www.DisneyStore.com include: a hand-crafted jewelry box, bookends, a snow globe featuring Princess Tiana and her prince in a wedding scene, role play costumes such as a one-of-a-kind wedding dress, plush dolls representing key characters, and exclusive dolls.

Toys & Electronics
The Princess and the Frog toy line comes alive in vibrant hues of purple, green, gold and blue and is accented with decorative elements reminiscent of New Orleans and the bayou. Available at major retailers nationwide, these new playthings include the beautiful Just One Kiss Disney Princess Tiana Doll dressed in her sparkly blue ball gown that lights up, a Princess Tiana Doll outfitted in her shimmering bayou dress, a variety of Princess Tiana role play costumes, play sets and plush dolls featuring key characters from the film and cuddly and comical The Princess and the Frog Kissing Frog plush.

Fashion & Home
Girls of all ages can live like a princess with an array of new fashion and home décor products inspired by Princess Tiana. Young fashionistas can embrace their inner princess with fashion collections available at department stores nationwide; the beautiful Princess Tiana Watch & Tiara available at JC Penney; and The Princess and the Frog girls bedding available at department stores nationwide.

DCP has also collaborated with top designers to create unique couture apparel and accessories. A Princess Tiana inspired bridal gown will be added to the successful Kirstie Kelly for Disney Fairy Tale Weddings collection in spring 2010. Trend-forward fashion tops inspired by the book “The Art of Disney Princess” are also available at specialty boutiques. Kidada Jones for Disney Couture will introduce a new line of stunning gold jewelry at specialty retailers.

Collectibles
Collectors will be eager to get their hands on a variety of beautifully crafted and detailed collectible items featuring Disney’s newest princess including the open edition porcelain Princess Tiana “Determined Dreamer” collectible figurine statue by Enesco, LLC, which comes with a certificate of authenticity and is available from Walt Disney Classics Collection and specialty dealers. A new unique oil masterpiece from Thomas Kinkade depicts Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen in a gorgeous scene from the film.

Special Note: I've edited the portion of the article regarding the WDCC Princess Tiana sculpture regarding sculpture title and type of release. Both were erroneously mentioned in the original article.

Health & Beauty
A princess is beautiful inside and out and DCP has collaborated with top health and beauty brands to create princess-worthy products including the “Magical Collection” by Carol’s Daughter, which offers hair care and bubble bath products available at specialty stores, www.carolsdaughter.com, Disney Store and www.disneystore.com. Additional products include The Princess and the Frog role-play cosmetics and Band-Aid® adhesive bandages by Johnson & Johnson available at mass retailers.

Food
The Disney food assortment also offers a selection of The Princess and the Frog items including Tummy Tickler® juices from In Zone Brands, Inc. and Kellogg’s fruit flavored snacks, available at select grocery stores nationwide.

Stationery
The Princess and the Frog stationery assortment includes craft and activity sets, journals, sticker packets, paper party sets, cake décor, calendars and Holiday wrapping paper among other offerings available at major retailers nationwide, Party City, Party America, and independent and online specialty party stores.

Fans can get regular updates on The Princess and the Frog and its inspired products by signing up to become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/DisneyLiving and following us on Twitter www.twitter.com/DisneyLiving for a chance to win unique merchandise.

About “The Princess and the Frog”
Presented by Walt Disney Animation Studios, the musical The Princess And The Frog is an animated comedy set in the great city of New Orleans. A modern twist on a classic tale, the film features a girl named Tiana who dreams of owning her own restaurant, a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. The Princess And The Frog marks the return to hand-drawn animation from the revered team of John Musker and Ron Clements and features music by Oscar®-winning composer Randy Newman. Featuring the voice talents of Anika Noni Rose, Terrence Howard, John Goodman, Keith David, Jim Cummings, Jennifer Lewis and Oprah Winfrey, the film hits theaters nationwide on Dec. 11.

Press Release
Source: Disney Consumer Products
Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 7:30am EST

Happy Birthday Mickey & Minnie!

The grand old mouse of Hollywood, Mickey Mouse, along with his gal pal Minnie turns 81 today! It's been over eight decades since Mickey and Minnie's debut Steamboat Willie, hit the screens on November 18, 1928.

Co-created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks and voiced by Walt Disney, Mickey became an icon for The Walt Disney Company.

Happy Birthday Mickey & Minnie!!

Featured is the 1997 Walt Disney Classics Collection release of Mickey from Mickey's Birthday Party (1942). Happy Birthday (4-1/2"), sculpted by Bruce Lau was released as part of the Celebration Series.

For your viewing pleasure, courtesy of YouTube.com is Steamboat Willie (1928):

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Special Event at Magic Kingdom® Park

Glimpse all the wonder and magic of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Select a chapter from the Storybook page for a close-up look at all the festive events that happen during this special holiday party. Choose as many chapters as you wish to learn more about all there is to see and do at the merriest place on earth.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a special event held each winter on select nights at Magic Kingdom® Theme Park that requires a separate ticket to attend. This festive celebration is filled with live entertainment, spectacular fireworks and an oh-so-jolly holiday parade.

Celebrate the magic of the season in the holiday wonderland of Magic Kingdom theme park. Gather with loved ones for a festive sight- and sound-filled special event that is sure to make you merry!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party features:

• The enchanted Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella's Castle
• Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, complete with a special appearance by Santa Claus himself
• An exclusive holiday fireworks extravaganza — Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season
• Live entertainment featuring Disney Characters
• Meet and greet opportunities throughout Magic Kingdom® theme park with some of your favorite Disney Characters
• Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa
• A magical snow fall on Main Street, U.S.A.
• Many of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions

The event will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on the following dates in 2009:

• November 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29
• December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18

Buy tickets early and save! Order online or by calling (407) WDISNEY (934-7639). Guests under age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Tickets may be purchased in advance and the event can sell out. Standard Magic Kingdom theme park admission tickets will not allow Guests to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. View ticket prices

'It's A Small World' Celebrates Children of all Nations in recent ad!

It's been a crazy couple weeks with things taking top priority on both the work and homefront. As Thanksgiving approaches we are so thankful for the people in our lives, both family and friends. We've been truly blessed. All the tasks at hand are almost done and now it's time to put the finishing touches on our upcoming trip to Walt Disney World!

As we research and plan our trip, want to share some cool ads over the next couple days I came across while putting the finishing touches on our trip.

Disney Parks has released a really nice advertising video for the Christmas season of It's a Small World. Frankly, it's done with tenderness and it reproduces perfectly the childhood spirit of the attraction.

Thanks Greg!

Exclusive Disney Parks Tilt-Shift Video

See the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida from a whole new perspective. The exclusive video first featured on The Disney Parks Blog was created from a series of photos snapped inside the Magic Kingdom Park. Its a sunrise-to-sunset story told without words. But the message is clear — celebrate.

Enjoy! Thanks Chris!

Art Partners Gallery Hosts an 'Enchanted Evening' with Toby Bluth & Paige O'Hara

Toby Bluth returns to Art Partners Gallery with special guest, Paige O'Hara, the voice of Belle from the Academy Award winning film Beauty and The Beast for an Enchanted Evening.

The event will be held December 4-5, 2009 at Art Partners Gallery. Friday evening (Dec. 4th) is an "By Special Invite Only" to begin at 7:00pm. On Saturday (Dec. 5th), an "Open to the Public" event will be held starting at 1:30pm.

The Art Partners Gallery is located in the Schaumburg Town Square in Schaumburg, IL. Contact them at (800) 650-2357 for more details.

Special Note: Tony Bluth and Paige O'Hara will be limited to signing items exclusively purchased in the Gallery.

Update on Disneyland Contact Info

Update on Disneyland's mail order contact information. They are no longer called "DelivEARS" but they do provide a service of offering mail order capability of Disneyland merchandise. Here is the new contact info:

Disneyland Merchandise Guest Services
Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-362-4533
e-mail: MerchandiseGuestServices@disney.go.com

This can include WDCC sculptures, Jim Shore, Gallery of Light, etc.

Surprise Retirement!

The Walt Disney Classics Collection is delighted to announce the surprise retirement of two beloved sculpture scenes - the charming Seven Dwarfs Mine Scene from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and the Bambi Winter Scene from Bambi.

The complete Mine Scene is retired, Grumpy and Doc (previously suspended in May, 2009) are being honored as a "dry retirement" (meaning stock is no longer available) and quantity on the remaining items is extremely limited!

The Dwarfs Mine Scene was released in August, 2004 and sculpted by Bruce Lau. The Bambi Winter Scene (Bambi, Thumper and Flower), sculpted by Kent Melton was released in November, 2005 and the Base was released in January, 2006.

Please contact your authorized dealer for availability.