It looks like the Disneyland Resort and Downtown Disney have a whole calendar of events for December.

Most importantly, they have finally announced a park event for Walt's Birthday, on December 5th, here's the information they are distributing to folks:

Walt Disney Centennial Celebration

On Wednesday, December 5, 2001, Disneyland invites all Park guests to join us at 11:30 am in the Plaza Hub at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. for a very special ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Walt Disney.

Hosted by Disneyland Resort President Cynthia Harriss, this special program pays homage to Walt Disney in story and song with special appearances by legendary Disney Imagineer John Hench and Academy Award¬- winning composer Richard M. Sherman.

This once-in- a- lifetime experience for Disney fans of all ages will include a special rededication of the "Partners" statue along with appearances by your favorite Disney Characters.

We hope you can join us for this very special milestone as we salute Walt Disney in the Park "Where the Magic Began."

The rest of the event list is below, but first, let's catch up with merchandise happenings at the parks:

Patriotic merchandise is everywhere you turn

In response to customer demand following the September 11 terrorist attacks, the Disneyland Resort has brought back merchandise with the 2001 flag logo, and has produced a whole slew of new items. Some of this merchandise is great. The apparel is really well-done, and the new addition of a polo shirt, denim shirt, fitted tee and denim jacket really round out the collection. The infusion of 6 new styles of lapel pins has been enough to make everyone happy.

Some of the items, though, are really, really bad. Car window flags just don't belong at Disneyland, nor do the annoying pens which LOUDLY, and poorly, sound the National Anthem. The worst of the group are the small hand-held flags, which look to have been massed produced in a country which really does not respect our flag. The jagged edges and unfinished seams are an insult.

After I showed you all of the neat Christmas decorations available at the park, readers asked me where they Hanukkah items were. I am still scratching my head over the collection that has popped up this month. Where are the characters? Walt Disney World has a whole collection of Hanukkah merchandise, dripping with the Fab 5. Disneyland gets... this?

I asked why we had not received the same collection as WDW, and was told there were two main reason. Disneyland has not had the same success with Hanukkah merchandise as had the East coast park, and decided to offer a smaller selection this year. And it seems that a few, but very vocal, customers were extremely offended by the Mickey and Pooh-themed Hanukkah items offered last year. But the CM was quick to point out the half page of Hanukkah items available in the Disney catalogue, and told me that park CMs were instructed to send guests to the catalogue for merchandise this year.

In better news, the Nightmare Before Christmas / Haunted Mansion Holiday merchandise has begun to pour back into the park, and there are even new items to add to your collection. The small resin doombuggy above has been a huge hit, as have the holiday ornaments. All of the pins have been restocked, and two new styles have been added.

LEGO Harry Potter merchandise

Meanwhile, over in Downtown Disney... The LEGO store has been enjoying their placement next to the AMC theater, as their collection of Harry Potter merchandise leaves in the arms of customers heading to and from the movie next door.

Upcoming Resort Merchandise Events

Saturday, December 1, 2001

Photo courtesy of DizPins.com

WHAT: DCA Pin of the Month, "Mickey's Wreath," last in the 12 month Artist Choice Series - Limited Edition 2001, limit 2 per customer

RETAIL: $12 each

WHERE: Treasures in Paradise at Disney's California Adventureœ Park

HOW: Folks who arrive prior to park opening should queue at pin of the month line outside DCA Main Entrance

Build-A-Bear Workshop is partnering with the First Book program, to offer customers a discount when they bring in a new book to donate.

WHAT: Build-A-Bear Workshop Book Donation Drive

WHEN: December 1-2, 2001

HOW: Donate a new book at the store, and receive $5 off your $25 purchase.

WHERE: Build-A-Bear Workshop, in Downtown Disney

The Department 56 LEGO Factory

Department 56 and LEGO have teamed up to offer a new LEGO Building Creation Station collectible house. You can meet the artist who designed the piece, and have it signed, at the LEGO store this weekend.

WHAT: LEGO Artist Tour and Signing

WHEN: December 1, 2001; 3 - 6 p.m.

WHERE: LEGO Imagination Center, in Downtown Disney

Sunday, December 2, 2001

The Snow White Mini Pin series ends this weekend

WHAT: Gift With Purchase Sunday - Last in Snow White GWP series, a new program will begin the first Sunday in January

WHERE: All DCA and DL pin locations

HOW: Customers receive a free "mini-pin" with every $15 purchased in pins (after discount, before tax)

Wednesday, December 5, 2001 - Walt Disney's 100th Birthday Celebration

An Elizabete Gomez charger plate, part of the 100th Birthday Celebration merchandise

In addition to the Limited Edition merchandise listed below, a new collection of core celebration merchandise will be released at Disneyana and the Disney Gallery at park opening. This collection includes posters, mugs, shirts, a crystal paperweight, a silver charm bracelet with Sleeping Beauty Castle charm, magnets, key chains a figurine and an assortment of other collectible items.

WHAT: Annual Passholder Exclusive, Walt's 100th pin - Limited Edition 5000, limit 5 per customer

RETAIL: $10.50 each

WHERE: The Disney Showcase at Disneyland

HOW: The Disney Showcase opens at 9:30 am. Customers will be given a voucher valid for a maximum of 5 pins. They must redeem this voucher by 2 pm on Dec 5. Vouchers are being made available so customers may attend the Walt's 100 Years Ceremony at 11:30 am. Guests must show valid Annual Passport to receive the voucher and to purchase pins.

WHAT: Walt's 100 Years dated pin, first in a series of 6 pins to be released throughout the year - Pin #2 of the series will be released Feb 16, 2002 at Showcase and Treasures - Limited Edition 5000, limit 5 per customer

RETAIL: $8.50 each

WHERE: The Disney Showcase at Disneyland and Treasures in Paradise at California Adventure

HOW: The Disney Showcase opens at 9:30 am. Customers will be given a voucher valid for a maximum of 5 pins. They must redeem this voucher by 2 pm on Dec 5. Vouchers are being made available so customers may attend the Walt's 100 Years Ceremony at 11:30 am.

WHAT: Walt's 100 Years watch, first in a series of 6 numbered watches to be released monthly through May - Limited Edition 100, limit 2 per customer. People purchasing the first watch may sign up for a setholder spot, and get the same number on each subsequent watch. Those purchasing all 6 watches will also receive special commemorative artwork at the conclusion of the series.

RETAIL: Watches 1-5 will be $140 each, Watch #6 will be $200

WHERE: New Century Timepieces at Disneyland

HOW: The shop opens at 9:30 a.m. Customers should queue outside the store.

Friday, December 7, 2001

WHAT: Walt's 100 Years core pins, 5 styles - Open Stock, limit 5 per customer

RETAIL: $8.50 each

WHERE: World of Disney only for initial release, other pin locations will receive at later date

WHAT: Patriotic Mickey Pin by Eric Robison, pin is framed and on a mini- easel - Open Stock, limit 5 per customer

RETAIL: $15 each

WHERE: The Disney Gallery, Bonanza Outfitters, Lincoln Lobby Cart at Disneyland, World of Disney at Downtown Disney

Saturday, December 8, 2001

WHAT: Marie Osmond doll release and signing, presenting the new Adora Belle Tour Guide doll - Limited Edition 1000, limit 2 per customer

WHEN: December 8, 2001, 11 am - 3 pm

HOW: Marie Osmond will be signing 2 dolls per guest. Guests should queue outside the store.

WHERE: Geppetto's Toys & Gifts, in Fantasyland at Disneyland

Sunday, December 16, 2001

WHAT: Annual Passholder Exclusive Abominable Snowman with blinking eyes - Limited Edition 5000, limit 5 per Guest

RETAIL: $12.50 each

WHERE: The Disney Showcase at Disneyland

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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