Disney has recently converted one of its merchandise carts into a much more permanent location on one end of Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom. Is this an example of Disney doing something right and ditching the tacky temporary cart or have they gone… Read More »New Merchandise Location at Magic Kingdom, too much?
Had two relatively brief trips to Disney’s Animal Kingdom this last week. The park appears to be in a stable mode right now. A few small changes here and there, like the meet and great that replaced the smoking zone, but over all the park has settled into a good rhythm.
It still needs more attractions (rides, shows, and/or parades) to help extend it into a full day park (with a 6pm closing on a Saturday, even Disney doesn’t expect guests to stick around). Much has been planned, but as far as I know, nothing is green lit for construction right now.
Labor cutbacks have taken the shine off some of the parks previously polished edges. There is more trash on the ground, fewer costumed cast members around in stores, and more management types out in the park (which is a good thing if you ask me).
I did not see new park Vice President Kevin Lansberry, but I did get a chance to explore the park and the stores. So here’s a quick update below the cut:
One of my little hobbies at Walt Disney World is to find the latest T-shirt designs they’re hoping the public will buy. Today there is a wider selection than ever before even to the point where you can customize your own tee right at Downtow Disney.
Here are a few that stood out to me this Sunday at Downtown Disney:
I like this design a lot. I had a cheesy non-Disney shirt with that saying on it in high school. Mi Casa Es Su Casa. Thanks Mickey!
I’m continually astounded by the drug culture influenced designs they find for Tinker Bell. This isn’t one of the worst, in fact, it’s part of a new line of Tees that are inspirational in nature. But on the other hand this would fit in well in the 70s too.
This is a design from street artist Bloc28. Previously there had been a line of baseball caps from Bloc28, but I never saw those for sale at the parks. There’s a little Steamboat Willy going on (although it should be all black and white). Frankly, I’m amazed that they’re selling this design since it appears to show Mickey Mouse being violently torn in two by a sea creature of some sort. That’s about as off-model as I’ve ever seen.
Two more Bloc28 designs below the cut:
Apparently it was a star filled grand opening day at Downtown Disney’s new “Tren-D” boutique. Above actor Alfonso Ribeiro shops with his daughter during the festivities. The store, located at Downtown Disney, blends both vintage and modern designs with stylized Disney characters. Apparel and accessories… Read More »Tren-D welcomes yet another Celebrity
Television and music personality Joey Fatone carries his daughter through the “Tren-D” store Friday’s Grand Opening festivities for the new fashion boutique at Walt Disney World Resort’s Downtown Disney Marketplace. The store blends both vintage and modern designs with stylized Disney characters. Apparel and accessories… Read More »Joey Fatone at Grand Opening of Tren-D at Downtown Disney Orlando
TheStreet.com TV has an insightful interview with Simon Waters, vice president and general manager, Disney Consumer Products North America. Waters explores how vast and varied the company’s product lines now are. What I would have liked to see covered is where Waters sees The Disney… Read More »Disney Consumer Products strikes Gold
I’m such a dunce. This morning I wrote that Downtown Disney Orlando update and left off the best part. FoxxFur has posted a retrospective look at Walt Disney World’s Village, listing the initial shops and vendors of Disney’s outdoor shopping mall through to the ones… Read More »Downtown Disney Retro
Last week I roamed through Downtown Disney on a Thursday night and marveled at how amazingly crowded it was. What was also amazing was that despite warnings of doom and gloom last year not one vendor has closed their doors due to the economy. Yes,… Read More »Downtown Disney Orlando, quick update