This page was updated on 7/26/02 - visit this link for the latest information on this event

During our coverage of the 2001 Official Disneyana Convention last year that I attended with Sue Kruse, our instructions were to "keep it simple – everyone who really cares about the convention is already there." Judging from reader feedback, that was not precisely the case, and after reading all three columns about the event, many wanted to know how they could become "ConventionEars" in 2002.

Last year, this giant scrapbook was at the entrance to the convention area.

As we noted at the time, plans were already underway to pare down the size and complexity of the 2002 convention. We were told that the gathering would be a smaller, merchandise-based event, lasting only three days. The smaller event would have only one party and no public day. The Disneyana Discoveries, seminars and special opportunities faced severe cutbacks, and it was even suggested that the traditional auction would be scrapped. ConventionEars protested this proposed change, and Disneyana hosts told concerned guests to "stay tuned" for an announcement about the next convention.

In November, returning delegates received a letter that thanked them for their past participation, and which offered them a glimpse at the reasoning behind the scaled- down 2002 convention. The letter said that Disney had "tried to continuously surpass the previous year, whether it is with gifts, special product or entertainment," but admitted that the "bigger is better‰ philosophy only makes for a cost-prohibitive package."

To make the event more affordable, the 2002 convention were shortened by several days, and some activities were removed altogether. However, the planners said that they "kept many of your favorite activities, including the theme park party, auction, and Disneyana Discoveries."

After having such a great time at the 2001 event, Sue and I were both determined to attend the 2002 convention - this time as ConventionEars. After receiving the details of this event, and comparing it to the Walt Disney Classics Collection Celebration to be held here in April, personally I am undecided on whether to make that trip to Florida in August. Additional convention details should be released in April, so I think I will "stay tuned" a little longer.

At last year's convention in Anaheim, a row of shiny Autopia car bodies were lined up, ready to go home with collectors.

The 2002 event, entitled the "Official Disneyana Mystery," is scheduled for August 21st through 24th. The tentative itinerary along with package and registration information are:

Tentative Itinerary:

Wednesday, August 21st

• Early registration
• Auction preview
• Limited edition and logo merchandise pick-up
• Disneyana Discoveries: optional tours and events, not included in the event registration

Thursday, August 22nd

• Registration
• Auction preview
• Limited edition and logo merchandise pick-up
• Walt Disney Company Showcase
• Antiques and collectibles show
• Disneyana Discoveries
• Auction

Friday, August 23rd

• Workshops of the Masters, featuring limited edition artists and Disney Design Group artists: similar to the 2001 Artist Showcase
• Walt Disney Company Showcase
• Antiques and collectibles show
• Minnie's Attic: similar to the 2001 Walt's Garage
• Workshops and seminars
• Theme park party

Saturday, August 24th

• Breakfast
• Workshops of the Masters
• Walt Disney Company Showcase
• Minnie's Attic (Similar to the 2001 Walt's Garage)
• Workshops and seminars

Individuals can purchase tickets to the convention only, or take advantage of event and room packages at either Disney's Port Orleans Resort or Disney's Yacht and Beach Club.

Packages include admission to the events, theme park tickets valid August 22 through 24, and two- night accommodations. WDW Annual Passholders can deduct $60 from these rates:

Event Only Packages:

Event and Hotel Packages:

Yacht and Beach Club Resort at Walt Disney World

Disney's Yacht and Beach Club (Rates are per person)

Disney's Port Orleans Resort (Rates are per person)

Additional nights can be added before or after the convention at the following rates, subject to availability. Prices are per room, and include tax:

For questions, or to make reservations, contact Walt Disney Event Services (407) 827-7600.

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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