My first trip to Disneyland was in late 1957. I was five years old and I only have a few recollections of that trip. But since my family lived in Southern California, we made yearly outings to “The Happiest Place on Earth” and my memories began to build. On these visits, I never bought souvenirs. My parents considered these mementoes junk and a waste of money.
For my 8th birthday in 1961, my parents gave me a fairly elaborate HO electric train set. It was mounted on a 4’x8′ piece of plywood and had a mountain, houses, bridges, switches, and a decent amount of track. This was a pretty cool present for a kid of 8.
I’m the kid on the left with my hand on the throttle.
I remember going to Disneyland in 1962, a couple of years after the monorail had opened. While in Tomorrowland, I stumbled across a magnificent treasure – an electric monorail set. I think it cost about $15, which was a lot of money in those days. I begged my parents to buy it for me, explaining that it would make a wonderful addition to my train layout. (The monorail was not HO scale, but I was a kid of ten. What did I care?) My parents gave me an unqualified “no” and told me if I really wanted it, I would have to save my money and buy it myself.
Well, that’s what I set out to do. I saved my money and approximately a year later, we returned to Disneyland. When we reached Tomorrowland, I had to search, but eventually found my treasure. It was still available. Thank goodness.
It was at this point in time that parental guilt and pressure came into play. My mother said to me, “Fifteen dollars is a lot of money, dear. Are you sure you want to spend it on that?”
“Yes. I’m sure.”
“Are you really, really sure?”
“Yes. I’m really, really sure.”
Then in a disapproving tone my mother says ever so sweetly, “All right dear. It’s your decision. Do whatever you think is best.”
I knew how my parents felt about Disney souvenirs and I knew how to read my mother’s tone. Needless to say, guilt won the day and l left Disneyland empty handed – a decision I have regretted to this day.
In its day, this monorail was not considered a collectible. It was just an expensive toy. For that matter, there weren’t any Disney theme park collectibles in the ’60s and ’70s. Even though Disneyland had already established itself as the king of amusement parks, there were no quality items for sale representing the park. Even the hand-painted cels that today sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars were considered junk in the 1960’s and sold in Tomorrowland from between $2-$5.
If someone had one of these monorails today in good condition, it would be worth hundreds. I remember seeing a set for sale about 10 years ago for around $750. Of course, if I had bought this monorail as a kid, it would have been used (and probably abused), and not worth nearly that much.
Over the years, my love for trains never faded. As an adult, I have built several HO train layouts. And on one cityscape I created, I even had a working monorail. It wasn’t the Disneyland version. But it was scaled correctly.
The only Disneyland souvenirs I collected in my youth were annual stock reports, pictorial books and those large maps that needed to be unfolded to view.
When I moved from Anaheim to San Francisco in 1985, I missed Disneyland terribly. Now that the park was 400 miles away rather than just around the corner, I could no longer visit anytime I wanted. I needed a Disney fix.
In 1987, a reasonable compromise presented itself and helped alleviate my Disney need — The Disney Store opened at the end of Pier 39 in San Francisco. This was the third store in the soon to be growing chain. I visited often. It wasn’t Disneyland, but it was filled with Disney music, a Disney motif, and in those early years, quality Disney merchandise. My first purchase was of a cel featuring Donald Duck and Cyril the horse from “Mickey’s A Christmas Carol.” I hung it on the fireplace over the mantel so I could see it each evening. As the months passed, I continued to visit The Disney Store. And I continued to buy animated cels.
In that same year, The Disney Gallery opened above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland. This location featured a changing exhibit of artwork from Walt Disney Imagineering. In addition, some of the displayed works were recreated in limited quantities and signed by the original artists. Here are a few examples of what was available.
As the years passed and my collection grew, I realized that I needed a direction. There were now many, many Disney pieces of quality available and it would be impossible to do any one genre justice. After a lot of thought, it came to me. I have always been interested in Disney theme parks above all else, so I decided that all future Disney purchases must be related to this topic. This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but it is a guideline I try to stick to.
Today, every room in my house is filled with pieces of Disney art. I love it. I realize it’s not everyone’s taste. But it makes me happy to surround myself with reminders of places and things that have brought me so much joy over the years.
When first-time guests visit my house, one of the initial questions they ask is, “Where did you get all of this stuff?” The truthful answer is, “All over the world.” But a more helpful answer would be, “From the Good Stores,” which brings me to the reason for this blog.
Disney makes a ton of money selling merchandise. The vast majority of these goods are what I would qualify as “souvenir quality.” These are tchotchkes, mementoes, toys, trinkets, and the like. These items are relatively inexpensive and not really meant to stand the test of time. These are perfect “vacation” purchases and this is what the vast majority of Disney guests want to buy. But there is a niche audience (like me) who want items that will stand the test of time – and possibly increase in value. Disney has accommodated this group of people with special shops. Although these shops have real names, I collectively call them “The Good Stores.” This is because these shops sell “good” or quality merchandise rather than traditional souvenirs.
In the Magic Kingdom, “The Good Store” can be found in the Main Street Cinema and Uptown Jewelers.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, “The Good Store” can be found off of Animation Courtyard. Guests exit through this shop after experiencing “The Magic of Disney Animation” attraction. Here the shop is called “Animation Gallery.”
In Epcot, “The Good Store” is actually called, “The Art of Disney” and is located to the west of Spaceship Earth.
And finally, at Downtown Disney Marketplace, “The Good Store” is also called “The Art of Disney.”
For a number of years, the Animal Kingdom also had a “Good Store” located in “Disney Outfitters” on Discovery Island. However, the collectible merchandise once found here is no longer offered.
So just what is available at the Good Stores? A ton of quality items. To begin with, paintings and lithographs. A number of Disney-approved artists create works of art which are then reproduced on canvas or quality paper. These can range in price from $35 for an 8″x10″ litho to $5,000 for a limited edition oil painting.
At the Good Store at Downtown Disney, kiosks are available where you can select from a wide variety of topics. Disney characters and theme park attraction posters are just a few of the subjects offered. Once you find a picture you like on the display screen, you can then select the size and medium it will be printed on, paper or canvas. The larger the size, the higher the cost. Canvas is also more expensive than paper. After paying for your treasure, the artwork will be printed while you wait. Custom framing is also available. However, if you add this option, the print will be shipped to you at a later date as framing is contracted out to a local company.
A very popular collectible are the character sketches created by artists in the various stores. Here you can actually watch them start with a blank piece of paper and create your favorite Disney character. In some cases, pins, watches, and personal photos can be added to the drawing. In the case of the timepieces, the watch’s face matches the larger sketch.
Just to make sure there is no misunderstanding, these artists are not the same animators who create the movies we all love. These talented individuals start with an approved “original” and reproduce and embellish the various characters.
For those of you on a tighter budget, posters are available. These come in a sturdy cardboard tube so you can hopefully get them back home in good condition.
BigFigs (Big Figures or Figurines) have become quite popular over the years. At Disney World, the collection is pretty much limited to characters, but for a while at Disneyland, attractions like the Haunted Mansion and Splash Mountain were offered. Below you can see a BigFig of Fantasyland. I really wonder why similar attraction BigFigs aren’t offered here in Florida.
Smaller figurines are also offered at the Good Stores. Brands like Lenox, Precious Moments, Royal Dalton, and Lladro can be found. At one time, the Good Stores also offered a large selection of Walt Disney Classic Collection pieces, but for the last several months, these items have not been replaced as the stock dwindles.
Time-specific and topic-specific goods can also be found in the Good Stores. For example, when Disney World was celebrating its 40th anniversary, many fine-quality collectibles related to this celebration were available in these shops. And currently, paintings, figurines, plaques, coins, and clothing highlighting Disney trains are being showcased.
The merchandise is always changing in the Good Stores. Since much of what is offered is limited in quantity, if you see something you like, I suggest strongly buying it NOW rather than later. Chances are good it will not be here when you return next year. In addition, the four Good Stores do not carry the exact same pieces. In theory they do, but in reality, they don’t.
My trips to the Disney parks vary from visit to visit. But one thing is constant. I always visit the Good Stores on every trip. I want to make sure I don’t miss out on a treasure.
where can I get the Fantasyland Big Figurine?
Hello Jack!
We too have fallen “victim” to the “that’s a lot of money for a _______ “. And regret almost always follows. Our first incident was over a Mr. Toad big fig. We eventually found him on ebay much later. Our rule since then has been, if you love it, buy it. You can always make more money, but Disney may not make more of that item. Thanks for another wonderful article.
Hi Jack,
I, too, love the “good stores”. I love the Thomas Kincade Disney series that I’ve spied there.
We’ve just returned from the World, and had such wonderful time! We went to the China pavilion and watched the captivating film there again. I was wondering if you would know if there is any documentation as to the places visited in the film. Because of the language barrier, I can never remember which place goes with which name by the end of the film.
Thanks for the informative blog!
Jack’s Answer:
On February 13 I have a blog coming out about the China Pavilion. In it, I list all of the locations visited in the Reflections of China movie.
Love your blog Jack! Thank you! A Schuco Disney monorail sold on the Shopgoodwill.com site last week for over $300. I’d never seen one before and would have loved to win it but too rich for my blood!
You can draw a Disney character yourself in HS inside Disney’s Magic of Animation. In 2009, we had an instructor let us take home his drawing of Mickey. When we went back in 2011, we had the same instuctor, drawing Minnie. Would we be so lucky as to get his Monnie, too? YES!!! Now we have the couple matted and framed side by side. What a magical memory. 245 days til our next trip.
Jack–what a GREAT blog! These stores are always “must visits” for us and we rarely leave empty-handed–much to the dismay of our pocketbook. But, the joy we get from seeing our stuff from our HAPPY place is definitely worth the money. I’m glad your “good stores” are some of our favorites.
As always, my favorite blog to read! I always learn something or have a flashback to a wonderful memory of my own. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Loved this! I too frequent these stores on every WDW trip…I like buying the things that stand the test of time:) We love the Art of Animation at Hollywood Studios…we make sure we do at least one sketch per trip…fun to see the progression over the years! To get our sketches home safe and unwrinkled we always stop in the shop on our way out to buy some unframed art in one of the black tubes…before they deliver it back to our hotel room we slip in our sketches too!
Have a most magical Disney day Jack!
My husband and I totally understand your “good stores” blog and decked out Disney house. We love all those stores and visit each trip. We usually return home with something too. We know they are a little expensive but that doesn’t compare to the magic memories it brings us when when put them in our home.
When we got married I had about 50 WDCC figurines and 3 Big Figurines as well as numerous smaller Disney knickknacks. Now with my husbands love of Disney too we are up to about 100 WDCC figurines and have recently started collecting artwork.
When people visit our house their mouths drop open. We even have pictures of each of the packs icons hanging in our living room. Our favorite resort is the Wilderness Lodge and have themed our bedroom with items we have gotten there.
I love reading your blogs. They show that you really “get it”. Can’t wait for the next one.
The good stores are a great place to find things – we found a very rare hat/vinyl set from the Room for One More event while we were strolling through the watch store on Main Street this weekend.
I’d like to mention that the Animal Kingdom sort of has a little bit of a good store left. After you cross onto Discovery Island, the first store on the right – Island Mercantile? – has a small area near the carved ostrich eggs where they sell a few resin figures, light boxes, and prints (on paper, no giclee or actual paintings available). Hardly enough to call the whole store a good store, though.
Thanks for posting!
Hello Jack: Another good one! Although I’ve only recently discovered your blog, I can see that I’m going to have to check in frequently.
When I read “I knew how my parents felt about Disney souvenirs and I knew how to read my mother’s tone. Needless to say, guilt won the day and l left Disneyland empty handed”…..I actually moaned “oh no!”. BTW, I always thought that the HO scale was the way to go, however, I was a little more into road racing than the trains….
Regards,
BW
As somebody who’s not a collector, I’m more like your mother. I like to look at the stuff in the “good stores”, but can’t imagine buying it.
Jack, when I read about the monorail set that you didn’t get, I felt so bad for your little 10 year old self. Maybe it’s because I’m a mom who likes to say no to a bunch of Disney junk. (Maybe because I’ve said yes so many times I could furnish an entire gift shop of Disney stuff.) Now the next time my kids ask for a $15 toy at WDW I’ll have to buy it.
Jack’s Comment:
Before you say “yes” to your kids, remember, in 1962, $15 was more like $100 today. In my mom’s defense, she was only trying to be prudent.
Parents have no way of knowing which items they say “no” to will have an impact on their kids 40 years later. I’m sure you’re a wonderful mom. 🙂
Hello Jack,
Cool post. My one son saw the monorail train set you almost bought and really liked it. Sooo, to Ebay I went. There are 4 sets just like it. Three are “buy it now” for about $540 to $580. One set for the current bid of $510 was never opened!
My twin boys like to collect posters of their favorite rides. We will hit the kiosk in the Studios this June.
Thanks for all the info you give us.
Hi Jack,
Living on a pension has certainly cramped my shopping taste, but I have a “lottery wish list” in my head, and all of your “good” stores are on my list. I’ve actually heard from a cast member at The Art of Disney Store at Epcot, and a lottery winner actually did come in one day and made some massive purchases. I could really relate.
I have learned to make do with items not designed to be souvenirs. I purchased a set of cardboard coasters from the 2010 Epcot Food & Wine Festival, then mounted, matted and framed them in a grouping, and hung them up in my kitchen.
I bought some of those fun boxes of candies with Disney characters and puns on them, which you highlighted in one of your blogs last year. I put lead fishing sinkers in the empty boxes to stand them in a bookcase. I’ve also collected many of the Disney art mugs in the 90s.
If I ever do win the lotto, I’ll have to buy a larger house, just for the wall space.
I remember those cheap “junk” animation cells at Disneyland. Oh if we’d only known! I do have a Donald Duck mug and Ludwig Von Drake mug from 1960, and they are of my most prized possessions. Those wonderful memories from childhood!
I read your column with mixed feelings. I, too, have collected Disney for many years, and enjoy the “good stores,” but I think our definitions vary a little. What I love (and enjoy collecting) are what I call “real” things: postcards, production cels, etc., not things purposefully made to BE a collectable. To me, sericels, giclee prints,and limited edition artworks are just–to use your words–“tchotchkes, mementoes, toys, trinkets” but at a much higher price point. They are no more a Disney collectible than a plush character or child’s toy. An expensive hand-drawn Disney watch is no more valuable–to me–when drawn by an anonymous artist sitting in a Main Street kiosk than if it was done by a talented friend or next door neighbor, and might actually hold less sentimental value. And I might argue that for many, that favorite childhood Disney purchase, whether it be a doll, book, or mouse ears retains the real Magic of Disney memories long after they have stopped dusting their snowglobes. But like so much else with Disney, part of the fun is that everyone can have their own favorites, whether it be in films, attractions, or even merchandise!
Laura S wrote:
Those are the stores that I always must visit. You forgot to mention the cross stitch kits that they have carried in the past. Unfortunately, they seem to be a thing of the past. At the EPCOT store, I was able to buy prints of the park pre-framed by an artist who also did lots of beach themed prints. I only bought 2/4 parks and now they are only on eBay 🙁
In October 2011, I purchased a cross stitch kit in Disney Studios animation Gallery…..
Jack: Great article. We always visit these shops on our visits, although we haven’t purchased anything. But they are fun and taking photos helps of the artwork helps. However, on our bookcase in our family room, we have stuffed Waldorf & Statler and Sorcerer Mickey all from WDW. They are always conversation starters. We also have items purchased from Animal Kingdom Lodge that are from Africa (decorative plate and wooden bowl).
And since we went to Universal in Dec., and I am a huge Harry Potter fan, stuffed puppet Hedwig (who makes sounds) is now seated next to my HP books as well as a time turner. Even though not Disney, they fit in very well.
We also have, in the midst of our book collection, mementos (sculptures, small paintings, tea pots (which I collect), etc.), from other travels–they all tie in nicely.
Thanks for an interesting and different post.
Great information, Jack!
My big question is… what happened to the ‘Good Stores’ Disney Stores – the ‘Real’ ones? I know about the transition in owernership, but I had thought they were back ‘home’ and owned by Disney. I really wish they would go back to offering quality merchandise and collectibles the way they used to in the 90’s when I was a castmember. What amazing embroidered shirts and jackets! Incredible statues, figurines and don’t forget pins.
Do you have any ideas whay that is a thing of the past?
Jack’s Answer:
A couple of years after The Disney Stores premiered, Disney opened The Disney Gallery. These shops sold high end Disney collectables. I visited three, one in Costa Mesa, one in San Francisco, and one in Las Vegas. I really don’t know the whys and wherefores as to their demise. I suspect there just wasn’t enough products and patrons to support them.
Greetings Jack,
You are so lucky to live so close to WDW–within a quick drive to the gates. It’s always been my dream to retire near WDW (just wish Florida weather was more like Calif. weather…). I noticed your folded-out DLR map, just like the 1961 map i have framed and hung on my dining room wall. That piece of early park history was acquired when i was a boy of 10 y.o. living in San Pedro at the time and it kick-started me to acquire more “memories” on assorted Park visits throughout my life. Just wish i had more time, money and space to acquire more good pieces from the Good Stores.
Here’s to more Park visits and reports in 2012!
Cheers,
Gary in SF
Jack, what a wonderful story. I also love the good stores and try to buy the least expensive items from these stores. But I also just love to browse in them, I find them an attraction in themselves!
Dear Jack,
I also collect the souvenir books from the parks. Once, I bought an odd-looking one from my uncle’s antique store for $4. It was a small Disneyland brochure with no photos, only artists renditions of the different lands and showing what was coming soon. I think this is one of a series that was sold in the park right after it opened but before any photos could be sent to the printers. The map inside of the park is only a rough grid. I think it’s worth $100 to $200 now. It probably only sold for a couple of bucks in ’55.
I also collect postcards of the parks. Not new ones, only old, preferably used ones. If it hasn’t been used, it’s just a picture of the parks, but when it’s used, it’s got a little history of it’s own. Someone, long ago, sent their sentiments on that little card, and for just a moment you can peek into their life and their experience at the parks that day. It’s cool.
during my last trip to disney i was lucky enough be in “one of the good stores” and meet larry dotson! he was wonderful he signed every print that i purchased with a special message and spent a lot of time talking with me about his work…what a lovely guy! i love when you can find these types of things at disney it makes the peice that much better!
Mr. Jack,
The stores you write about are all favorites of mine. The one item that I wish I could afford is a “Partners Statue.” I actually bought one about 10 years ago, but sent it back because it was just too expensive for us. We had 3 small children at the time and very high fuel bills for winter in WV. The statue was magnificent for the 3 days I had it. ~ Debbie
Hi Jack!
What a Great blog on a subject that would ordinarily be thought mundane, but you managed to make extremely interesting.
I especially enjoyed the parts about the model trains (nice layout BTW.) The connection I’ve always felt with Walt is our love of trains. I would’ve loved to have been in his back yard in the 50’s.
Thanks for the all the great info. ~ Johnny.
I always wish they had these stores offerings available on line. I would purchase many items if I was able to peruse at leisure at home
Jack, would you believe my daughter and I were in the Art Of Disney Animation store at the studios Saturday and I was explaining that, thanks to faithful reading of your superb blog, I knew these large character statues were called Big Figs!? Regardless, I had to write in to praise your tremendous model layouts-they put my early ’80s attempt at building a Big Thunder Mountain Railroad layout to shame! All you need is a Godzilla Big Fig to wreak havoc on the hapless metropolis. Of course, all your Good Stores are on my must-list as well, although budget and storage restraints have limited me to a few prints and my one big splurge-a statue of Mr. Incredible from that very store. And I’ve been wanting to sound off about how much I loved and miss The House Of Magic since your merchandise blog. I wish WDI would wire the faux HOM shop door at the Studios so that a spooky effect would ensue when the handle is jiggled. Add that to our cheap improvements list. Like you, I’ve always been a “The Park Is The Ride” guy, fascinated by the whole design/construction/operation process. What is a theme park if not, to paraphrase Orson Welles, “The best set of electric trains in the world”? Thanks for sharing so much with us-it’s very much appreciated.
Those are the stores that I always must visit. You forgot to mention the cross stitch kits that they have carried in the past. Unfortunately, they seem to be a thing of the past. At the EPCOT store, I was able to buy prints of the park pre-framed by an artist who also did lots of beach themed prints. I only bought 2/4 parks and now they are only on eBay 🙁
This is a great article. When I was a kid I always oogled the crystal castle that used to be in the window of a store behind the World of Disney in downtown. Of course, my parents never bought if for me considering it was well over a thousand dollars. Someday I’ll have something like it.
Thanks for a great post Jack.
The Good Stores are far and away the best and I totally agree with your WDW list.
My family have some great treasures from the Downtown Disney Art of Disney store. Ranging from recent purchase of Walt walking toward the castle titled ‘Belief’ to the classic ‘Self Portrait’ poster.
We also have some wonderful Mickey and Minnie figurines from there. And I have whiled away many a happy hour in the Art of Disney Animation store in DHS too.
Also I always grab the more artistic postcards from those stores too, small things that i treasure and hold wonderful memories.
Good stuff from the good stores.
Also, I caught a remark in your previous Norway, pt. 2 blog comments section that you are working on a blog for the China pavilion, so in the remaining 42 minutes (eastern standard time) of the day: Happy Chinese New Year!
Jack,
Thank you for the blog. My wife and I are having a hard time narrowing our focus on what we would like to collect because we love all things Diseny…but we have begun collecting the lithographs of the DVC resorts that we have stayed in. They bring back great memories for us.
Thanks again Jack!
Jack…
LONG time reader and first time to ever comment (although I swear I want to each time I read one of your posts)… I just LOVE your blog. I always refer to you as “my friend Jack” when I tell my husband and son something I have learned from you. My 16 year old son thinks I am crazy but I don’t care~ 🙂 Thank you for a wonderful read… I look forward to every post! Keep up the great work!! (Need an assistant???)
xo
Hi Jack,
I tend to agree with you about collectibles. For a long time, I would get my Disney fix by buying from my local Disney store. I mostly bought snow globes of some of my favorite characters and movies. Disney stores have changed and no longer really carry quality things for adults. I will take a good look at the “Good Stores” on our next trip to Disney (hopefully Disneyland next December).
Anna
Loved the blog, Jack. I totally agree about the “good stores”, and those are the place where I make my, now, very selective purchases. But I still mourn the loss of the all time best “good store”. It was inside the castle, and absolutely beautiful. I loved that store, and I still just want to cry that they turned it into the Bibbidi Boutique. Our last purchase, the day before they closed, was a limited edition “figurine” of the Skyway in Fantasy Land. Complete with swinging cars. I treasure it, and the memory of where we purchased it.
just loved the blog.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that our “good stores” list match 🙂 I’m so happy that they still have them in the parks (yes, having stores that sell plushes are important to the theme park setting but you REALLY don’t need to sell the same things in EVERY STORE) Its such a shame that next to none of the Disney Stores throughout the country sell art anymore.
On a completely different but somewhat related note I can only imagine what a blog on all the Disney art you have around your house would be like…(hint hint lol)
Hi Jack! What a great blog! The Disney art is amazing, and I never tire of looking at it when I visit. I love the Art of Disney shop downtown. It’s one of my favs.
What a great blog! As are all of the ones you have written. My husband and I always make sure to visit those “Good Stores”, too! Right now we live in a small cape cod home in NJ and we have a room (computer is in there, too) that is dedicated to all things Disney, including art. But we are looking forward to moving to Florida in about 3 years, when we retire. I am planning on purchasing a “Florida” style home with high ceilings and BIG walls, so that we might expand our collection. I understand how looking at these treasures make you feel…We feel the same way! Keep up the great stories!!
Thanks,
Denise
I have Disney in every room except my bathroom (might have to change this).
My favorite item, I have a hand drawn picture of Bambi and his friends. It’s signed by the artist (can’t remember who though). We got it in ’92, I believe when I was 13. It’s framed and hanging in my bedroom with my Bambi lithographs I have.
I love having a touch of Disney in every room!!!
I love reading your blog. The information is invaluable.
I have only one Disney art piece. My son gave me for ny 60th birthday,an original drawing of Mickey and Pluto with Mickey saying “Gosh Pluto, we’re in society now”. I have placed this drawing over my desk so I can look at it every time I need a Disney fix. I do not know what feature the quote is from, but it doesn’t matter, I love it.
I will check out the stores you recommended on my next visit to WDW.
Thanks,
MaryAnn
Thanks for another great article! I don’t have room or $$ for the larger purchases, but I always make sure to buy some postcards each trip usually from the Animation Gallery. They offer many of the posters in postcard size. This way I can store them in photo albums to enjoy for years to come.
Jack
Great Blog! I actually had a great experience with those printing kiosks last year. My wife and I had recently purchased a new home, and were looking to add some art to the family room. I had become really interested in the “attractions posters” for the various rides that you see when entering the park, but was floored at the prices I was finding and the scare availiblity. I managed to learn those kiosks have a number of them ready to print. I called the store, and the cast member patiently worked with me as I rattled off what I wanted and then ran across the store and checked if it was avail in the kiosk.
We found 5 that I liked (me searching them on Google at the same time to see the image) she took my payment info, and a week later they came via Fed Ex. Price was very reasonable, shipping was great, and the paper stock they came on was excellent quality. All in all a great experience, and the 5 cost me less then what I was finding 1 for online!
Hey Jack,
Fist off – congratulations! I could find no spelling errors. 😉
I was glad to learn that you have bulit HO scale systems. I used to do that as well (nature scenery was my specialty – unfortunately I was not into photography back then and have no pictures). Very cool layout you showed!
Keep up the great work.
Your friend,
Dan
Another excellent blog! I love these stores so much and I visit them whenever I’m at the parks or DTD (which is about once or twice a month since I’m a local).
I love the character sketches you can get. My fiance adores Basil of Baker Street but there isn’t much (if any) art of him. Luckily, one of the disney artists they had knew how to draw Basil and I got the cutest sketch for his xmas present. 😀 The process was really easy too, I just called the store, told them what I needed and they had it ready for me to pick up a few days later.
Oh, this is awesome! My dad is a lifelong train collector, and has a working monorail (although of the modern variety, and probably not worth a whole lot). A couple Christmases ago I bought him the model Contemporary for it to run through, and every time I go down to WDW he asks me to look for the GF and Poly. Alas, they are nowhere to be found — except on eBay, where they cost a very pretty penny. Until I become the millionaire I was born to be, he’ll have to be content with looking at them in the “Faster, Monorail! Kill! Kill!” video.
Great blog Jack! I love wandering around in these stores, and dream of one day filling my home with the artwork. So beautiful.
hey jack
like you i have a passsion for collecting anything disney. currently i am finding myself collecting disney items that no longer exist. this blog was a perfect fit for me since i love disney art. even though most of the pieces are a little out of my price range i always find a poster or lithograph that i like. can’t wait for your next blog and as always keep up the great work.
I totally agree with your choice of “good stores”! My husband and I have always enjoyed hitting all these stores each time we visit. Our collection we have added to over the years are the hand painted cels they sell at the Art of Animation at Hollywood studios. And we are on the mailing list so when a new cel is going to be released we won’t miss it and they’ll ship it right to us. So that is our good quality splurge each trip. I love the unique pieces of Disney art and memorabilia. Last trip my husband surprised me with a signed Malificent print by Don “Ducky” Williams (I love the Villains!) and just to make me envious, he also met and chatted with Mr. Williams!!
Thanks again for a wonderful blog! Have a magical day.
Claire
Jack, thank you for another wonderful article!
hello Jack, over the years we have pick up some good disney things out of the Good Stores, the one DTD store in the mid 90’s i got a T-Shirt with Mickey sitting down in front of a mirror and paint brush in his hand and painting a picture of Walt Disney.
PS, found 2 of your pictures one EP,HS but could not fine the one in MK
Hi Jack,
I enjoyed this blog and we always visit
these stores too. We have never purchased any item though but now that I know more about purchases we will look into buying on our next trip.
I miss the Disney Stores because I would go to the one close to our town and get my Disney fix.
Thanks Jack for another interesting blog.
Love this blog!
In the mid 1970s I bought an original Disney cel, matted and framed, for about $150 from a gallery at The Pier in St. Petersburg and never heard the end of it, spending “that much for a cartoon?” Now I wish I’d bought 10 of them. As you say, grab it when you can.
Hi Jack,
That was a wonderful article. We have learned over the years as you have that if you really like something and don’t purchase it when you see it that it will definitely be gone when you go back.
Less than three weeks to go until our next visit 😉
Wendy