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Several artists from the Disney Design group rotated through the Showcase, some signing the merchandise they helped create for Disney's California Adventure. I thought that was a very clever way for the Disney Resort to move merchandise that is not selling - have the artist sign it, making it an instant collector's item.

Hello, baby!

My favorite moment had to be when Jutta was presented with one of her Ostrich eggs to be signed. "Hello, baby", she crooned as the egg was gently delivered into her hands. She smiled and told the new owner, "I haven't seen them since they were boxed up and taken away from me-it's so good to see them again" After talking with the owner about that specific egg, she watched as it was carefully packed back into a protective box, and assured the guest that it would be fine on the trip home. In this age of mass-produced everything, how often do you get to see a true artist deliver their work into the hands of an appreciative collector?

$30.00 and $40.00 - how could you not want one?

After rubbing elbows with the creative elite of Disney, I went to explore a new service that was introduced to ConventionEars. "Print on Demand", presented by the Disney Art Group, offered guests the ability to have any of 64 Disney images printed in the size and on the medium of their choice. A 28" x 36" image, printed on heavy art paper, was a mere $30.00 - $100.00 if you wanted the same image on canvas. The larger 36" x 46" option was $40.00 or $150.00.

Guests followed the on-screen instructions to create their own custom print

Customers used a simple computer interface to view the available images and make their selection, and their finished prints were ready the following day. The response to the program was overwhelming. When we talked to the staff on Friday, they said that they had missed Wednesday's Disneyland Party, as well as Thursday's evening auction, because they were busy printing orders until all hours of the night. What a great system - we think you'll be seeing it again soon.

Two of the canvas images available. The Neverland print was a huge hit.

At the appointed hour, Sue and I met up with our Media Host for the evening, and proceeded to DCA to attend the cocktail reception held prior to the Final Night extravaganza, "Lights, Camera, Disney!" As ConventionEars arrived in busses from the hotel, they were greeted with a real red carpet. Inside, an array of light appetizers awaited them, hot horuderves were passed on silver trays by costumed waiters, and wine and sodas were available.

We watched as ConventionEars mingled with old friends and new, and asked some of them for their thoughts about the convention as it drew to a conclusion. How many conventions had they attended? For some, it was their first. For most, this was their 3rd, 5th, 10th.

ConventionEars got the full red carpet treatment, including the paparazzi. Say Cheese!

Why do they come every year? While almost every guest mentioned the array of merchandise available, most also said they came to Disneyana for the memories. For the chance to do something that not everyone gets to do. The guests told us about seeing Walt's apartment, eating at Club 33, meeting a favorite Mouseketeer or artist, and attending a private showing of Fantasmic! We met guests who had met at prior conventions, and who used their annual trip to Disneyana as a way to catch up with one another. They felt the theme of the 2001 convention, "A Disney Family Reunion", would really apply to any year.

What a great backdrop for a party.

As we spoke with guests, we really understood that the merchandise aspect of the convention, which is what it is best know for to outsiders, was a secondary consideration for a number of repeat guests. One told me, "I could have waited to buy this stuff on auction next week, and would actually have paid less for it by not paying for the convention registration. But I would not have the memories of the convention that would make the souvenirs mean anything to me."

At 6:45, guests were encouraged to take their assigned seats in the theater, so that they wouldn't miss a moment of the show. We said good-bye to the group we had been chatting with, and made our way to the front of the theater. Where we discovered...

No cameras and no media - it was a big secret

Actually, we had already been instructed that we would not be allowed to attend the show due to contractual obligations. Of course, convention guests told us all about it the next day.

BACK | CONTINUED

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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