It was only August 13th, but the 2015 Halloween merchandise collection has already made an appearance in the parks. There’s a new ‘key image’ that focuses on Minnie Mouse in her witch costume or Mickey Mouse as a vampire. Instead of a haunted house, there’s… Read More »2015 Walt Disney World Halloween Merchandise – First Look
If you’re a fan of trading pins at the parks, you’ll be excited to hear that the Hidden Mickey pins for 2014 will be released soon to cast members! The first wave will feature favorite characters and attractions from both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, as well as the “it’s a small world” collection that will be shared between parks to mark the famous attraction’s 50th anniversary.
From the selection of Disneyland pins, I’m especially loving the Tiki Faces and Oswald. And the tiles, which are inspired by the art on Carthay Circle on Buena Vista Street, are also great collectibles.
And for the Walt Disney World collection, the Parking Lot signs are back again, along with some new choices. I particularly like the Colorful Pascal (because he’s the best Disney sidekick ever) and the Character Sketch Pads.
Pictures of the Wave A pins from Disneyland and Walt Disney World are below:
Read More »2014 Hidden Mickey Pins to Be Arriving Soon
Nothing brings in the new year quite like a brand new set of 2014 Disney Parks pins! Whether you’re a longtime collector looking to add to your stash or a newbie ready to jump on the pin bandwagon, there will be something for everyone this… Read More »Sneak Peek at Disney Parks Pins Arriving in 2014
A Note on Sources
The following article is based primarily on documents on file with the Superior Court of California, County of Orange in the case of The People of The State of California vs. Larry James Allred and Robert Edward Smyrak, 11NF1191.
My research in these was supplemented by telephone interviews with the defense attorneys involved (I thank them for taking the time to speak with me); law enforcement press releases; public record searches; and, in a few instances, previous media reports from reputable news-gathering organizations such as the Los Angeles Times.—Mike Bastoli
S
eptember 29, 2011 was not a good day for Robert Edward Smyrak. At 8:00 AM in Courtroom N3 of the North Justice Center in Fullerton, California, the 52-year-old Anaheim man appeared before Judge Nicholas Thompson of the Superior Court of California, Orange County to receive his sentence.
Smyrak, who goes by Bob, was pleading guilty to one count of felony trademark infringement. The penalty, at least as paper, would be one year in jail, three years probation, plus restitution. In truth, because of overcrowding in California’s prisons, he would serve out his sentence entirely at home, through supervised house arrest. But it was still, to be sure, an unfortunate turn of events for the IT operations manager whose most serious prior conviction was for using a cell phone behind the wheel.
Smyrak’s journey into California’s madhouse corrections system had begun, at least in earnest, in the early days of 2010, with a little help from a friend, Larry James Allred, then aged 56 and a resident of nearby Walnut.
Read More »Junk Metal: Inside the California Disney Pin Counterfeiting Bust
The wonderful thing about the Disney ‘product’ is that is creates new fans all the time. So if you’re a recent convert to things Disney or a old fan who has just come back, you’ll want to check out the NFFC for all your Disneyana and collectible needs. NFFC is filled with people just like you, people who live Disney.
As it turns out the NFFC is having their winter show and sale on January 18th at the Crowne Plaza Resort Anaheim. If you can’t make it to the show, go to the NFFC website and find a local chapter near you.
The All Disneyana Show and Sale
The NFFC All Disneyana Show and Sale is a Disney pin trader’s dream come true, featuring several Show and Sale-only pin releases.
The Disney Soda Fountain Studio Store will release two new pins at the Show and Sale.
The Walt Disney Company Employee Center will be offering the first four pins from their Spotlight series of pins:
Dumbo
Cheshire Cat
Chip and Dale
Clarice
Additionally, Mickey’s of Glendale will debut, in a limited edition of 300, a new WDI Madame Leota pin packaged on a custom WDI Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary backing card (limit one per person).
(All pins and photos courtesy and copyright The Walt Disney Company)
When:
Sunday, January 18
From 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., NFFC members
From 10:30 to 5:00 p.m., Show and Sale open to the public
Where:
NFFC All Disneyana Show and Sale, 2009
Crowne Plaza Resort Anaheim
12021 Harbor Boulevard
Garden Grove, CA 92840
Toll Free Line: 866-888-8891
Plus there’s a special pin and button-trading event—also open to the public—from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. the night before—Saturday January 17—the Show and Sale begins (does NOT include Show and Sale-only pins).
Print and SAVE!
NFFC is making available a special discoutn for the readers of The Disney Blog. Print the first page of this story—including The Disney Blog masthead—bring it with you to the January 18, NFFC All Disneyana Show and Sale and get a $1.00 discount off of the regular $6.00 admission price for you and a friend.
Read More »Five New Disney Pins to Debut at January Disneyana Show and Sale