Disneyland often releases a small collection of Christmas ornaments in the summer. These are usually samples of the collections to come for the holiday and give the merchants an idea of how well park guests like the designs. There are three neat groups included in this year's summer collection.

This plate is part of a five year collection of holiday items from Walt Disney World. Disneyland offers some of the collection each year as well, to include a mug, ceramic ornament, glass ball ornament, figurine ornament, and mantle sculpture. Each year features a different Mickey character - last year featured Steamboat Willie.

This looks to be the year of the Princess ornament. These bells and figurines appeared a few weeks ago and were quickly snapped up. I do hope they ordered enough for the holiday season!

This collection bears a striking resemblance to a certain group of ornaments from Department 56.... There is also a photo- frame ornament in the series as well as a figurine ornament. Be sure to keep checking back as the holidays get closer – we will bring you all of the latest ornaments as they are released.

In a news page update, Al told you about the Mr. Toad attraction vehicle currently being offered by Disney Auctions, presented by eBay. This is part of the Walt Disney World Artifacts and Artwork collection. There's actually quite a lot being offered in this collection - here are some of the highlights:

Promotional Photo © Disney

Store Directory map from the WDW World of Disney Store. This map of the World of Disney Store measures 7' x 5' x 2' . Imagine putting that in your front hall!

Promotional Photo © Disney

My front hall is not that large either. So, how about a flag from the WDW Railroad to hang on the wall instead?

Promotional Photo © Disney

Disney Auctions is also offering props and costume pieces from the Mulan Parade. The piece above is one of the many props that decorated the Great Wall of China float.

You will also find an assortment of original artwork from WDW. Some of these items are pretty neat – light pole banners from various events, holiday signs and the like. There is a batch of hand-painted cells as well, which do not really tie into any specific event. I always wonder about those. Do they just walk over to the Disney Design Group offices and ask someone to paint a cell for auction? Talk about printing money!

Merchandise Events at Disney's California Adventure

Promotional image © Disney

"Grizzly Peak"
created by
Disney Design Group Artist
Darren Wilson

Saturday, August 11, 2001
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
at Treasures in Paradise
Paradise Pier District, Disney's California Adventure

This is the 7th pin in the DCA Artist's Choice series. There will be eleven pins in the complete set, and they are usually offered on the second Saturday of each month. The artist is on hand to sign pins for guests at the event. Because of the Disneyana Convention next month, the September pin event will take place on Sunday, September 9.

Mickey's Top Secret Mission
August 18-19, 2001
Disney's California Adventure

Join Secret Agent MM as he takes on Operation M.I.C.K.E.Y.
This Top Secret Mission will give secret agents the opportunity to purchase a Top Secret File containing six different missions which will guide them to designated locations throughout Disney's California Adventure.

In other words, this is a pin hunt, like the pin events held at WDW this past Spring, and the 46th Anniversary map event held at Disneyland last month. As you complete your "missions," you can also purchase six different glow in the dark pins. If you complete all six missions, you also receive the event pin.

Not only do these pins glow in the dark, but some of them have motion as well. I saw these pins a few weeks ago, and was pretty impressed. Disneyland has listened to the guests, and created pins that have action, motion, and special effects. The Karate Action pin is going to be a big hit, as will the Scuba Spinner pin. I love the retro-60's look to these pins, and the James Bond / Austin Powers influence.

I walked into the Disney Gallery on the 46th Anniversary, and could not believe my eyes. Sitting on a shelf were these wonderfully huge resin character sculptures. Then I looked at the price, and really did a double-take-they are a mere $125 each.

Surely this was a typo! I asked the CM for more information about them, and she confirmed that the price was accurate. These sculptures are wonderful – about 2' tall and hand painted.

Disneyana received three of each sculpture, and sold out that same day. They have been receiving a few here and there, so you may still have a chance at one of them. I have also been told that there are three more sculptures in this collection, so keep watching!

So, Adrienne, you've just finished another column. What are you going to do now? I'm going to Disney World!

I'll be hopping on a plane to Florida next week to attend Disney's Pin Celebration: Pins Around Our World at Epcot. Check back in two weeks for a complete trip report, and lots and lots of pins!

Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix is the super-shopper behind MouseShoppe, your personal and unofficial shopping service for the Disneyland Resort, and the owner of CharmingShoppe, a Disney collectibles store located in Anaheim.

In addition to scouring the park to find you the latest and greatest merchandise, she keeps you updated on all of the merchandise events happening in the parks.

If you want to talk to her about this column, merchandise, or events, contact her here.

Visit our other shopping service, MouseMemories.com.

Don't forget to take a gander at our Disney CD and book selections available from

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