When we registered, we were given an information packet, a name badge sticker, a wristband, and a randomly drawn number. If I had known then how important that wristband would become, I would have asked for one on both arms (and both ankles·.)

Package

The information packet was full of useful information, including where to pick up what merchandise and when. If you missed the earlier articles, there were two types of merchandise. The "Logo Merchandise" was the basic souvenir type stuff. Hats, t-shirts, polo shirts, pins, jackets, etc. (You can see some of these items on the first merchandise page we put up the night of the event.) Then there were the Big Ticket items. These were mostly one of a kind or extremely limited editions, and all very expensive. We'll talk more about those items on Monday.

Terri Hardin Maleficent

When I first wrote about this event, I mentioned that there would be a Limited Edition Terri Hardin Maleficent Sculpture. However, when the registration packets came out, there was not a word about that sculpture, and many of you doubted me. Here's a big Diva "I told you so!": The Sculpture was released as an Event Surprise, and they could only be ordered this evening. The sculpture is about 5 1/4" tall, and only enough will be produced only to fill the orders placed. Each one will be signed and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Of course, MouseShoppe will be making these available to you, so please write me to join the waiting list!

Pressed quarters

After we had a chance to view the Big Ticket items, we went to Innoventions for the cocktail reception. The highlight of this seemed to be the Pressed Quarter Machines. Two machines were available, one with the Divas Logo and one with the Villians Logo. The line for these stretched around the outer ring of the building. (Note for next event - MORE machines!) I brought some of these back for you smashed coin collectors - look for them on MouseShoppe Monday.

President of Disneyland Resort, Cynthia Harriss, plus guests!

Dinner followed, (Major Kudos to the Redd Rockets Pizza Port Management and Staff), and then it was time for the show. The Divas put on a very entertaining production for us, but they were getting out of hand. Flora, Fauna and Merryweather, with the help of Cynthia Harris, came out to put the Divas in their place. We were warned that they might try more of their tricks, and that we would need protection. We were offered an Amulet as we left the theater, to guard against the pranks of the Divas. The Amulet (or, as one guest called it, a Key Chain on a rope) was an acrylic oval with a neat logo etched into it. I especially like the "Mad Mickey" pose from the Sorcerer's Apprentice.

Mickey amulet

From there, we were directed to Fantasyland for desert and "Fun". The "Fun" turned out to be trips on four of the Fantasyland Attractions. It seems the Divas had decided to have their own Fun with the attractions, and had hidden themselves inside each one. My favorite was Cruella sitting on the nursery bed right at the beginning of Peter Pan, taunting poor Nana. As we exited each attraction, we were presented with a Souvenir Pin featuring one of the Five Divas. "But there were only four attractions", you are saying. Yes, you're right. And we did get the 5th pin. But that comes later.

The pins handed out at the attractions

After we had visited each attraction and had some cheesecake, it was time for the Finale! And then it was time to pick up your merchandise. I'll save the narration of this process for another time. I will say that it was much improved over the Pirates Event, and that I think there were definitely some opportunities for improvement. It was great to finally be able to hold and see all of the merchandise we had only known from drawings! Here are some better photos of the items, so you can see how great they were in real life. (Note for next event - real photos in the brochures please!)

Logo pins

The Logo Pins are just great - very detailed, and a good size. These will be hot trading items, I'm sure! The Lenticular Pins are better than I expected. They were not square, as depicted in the brochure., and they are mounted in a nice silver tone frame. The only downside to them is that we learned they will be made available at Disneyland as an open stock pin within the next month. The Logo Pins are stamped with "Limited Edition" "Event Exclusive" "October 26, 2000" on the back, but for some reason the Lenticular Pins were not made a limited edition. I know more than a few people were unhappy with that announcement. No matter what the edition size, they are great looking pins. Here are the photos of each pin in the "Good" and "Bad" pose. (How can you tell which is which!)

Cruella

Evil Queen

Queen of Hearts

Maleficent

Ursula's "unauthorized" sister Calamari

We had all of our merchandise and we were ready to go home. We strolled toward the Main Gate, marveling at the empty park, the beautifully lit Castle with NO crowds in front of it, and deserted Main Street. As we approached the entrance tunnels, we saw CMs standing in front of folding tables piled high with white boxes. Were those what I thought those were? YES!, they were boxed PINS! A CM snipped my Wristband off, (but he offered to let me keep it as a souvenir if I wished), and handed me my 5th Diva pin and a box.

Final pin of the evening...

...as it was packaged

Inside the box was a BEAUTIFUL pin. Maleficent is posed in all her glory, and the shadow she casts is that of the Dragon. See what I meant? I would have liked a dozen wristbands! The pin is a Limited Edition of only 500, and it is Quite Nice.

From a pure merchandise aspect, this was a great night! We received a Set of 5 Pins, a 6th Boxed Pin, and an Amulet. We also got to add new Pressed Quarters to our collections, and scored a new Terri Hardin piece. We also got to see the Big Ticket items up close and personal. Look for more about those on Monday. I was really impressed with how great they looked in person, and I think you will be too!

That's all for now. I need to get some sleep, and then I'm headed back to the park to check on a rumor that, if true, is going to make you Haunted Mansion fans leap for joy!

All character art is © Disney

Mouseshoppe.com has started a waiting list for the Terri Hardin Maleficent sculpture. Please e-mail Adrienne at this link for more information. All other event merchandise has sold out, and will not be available through MouseShoppe.

Go to: Top | Section Contents | MousePlanet Main Page

Copyright © MousePlanet® Inc. | Legal Information & Privacy Policy | About/Contact MousePlanet | Link to us

MousePlanet® is not associated in any official way with the Walt Disney Company, its subsidiaries, or its affiliates. The official Disney site is available at www.disney.com. This MousePlanet Web site provides independent news articles, commentary, editorials, reviews, and guides primarily about the theme park resorts of the Walt Disney Co. All information on this site is subject to change. Please call destinations in advance to confirm the most up-to-date information.