From Disney Parks Blog, by Steven Miller:

By now, many of you know from previous Disney Parks Blog articles that I am a huge fan of science fiction. I love all genres probably because of the former Epcot attraction Horizons that taught me “if I can dream it, I can do it.” That is one reason why I can’t wait for the Disney Trading and Collectible Experience we have planned for Summer 2011 at the Disneyland Resort. We recently announced the theme of this one-day event at the Dateline Disneyland 1955: Pin-Vited Press Event in July 2010. I caught up with Chris Chapman, the lead designer for this event, to discuss its evolution.

“We started work on this event in May 2010,” explained Chris. “This event will feature some of the most involved storytelling we’ve ever done. The event will be for every fan whom has ever visited Tomorrowland, enjoyed science fiction entertainment, played video games in the Starcade and more. We want to immerse our Guests into the story from the event experience to the product packaging to the merchandise we are designing.”

Mike Sullivan (http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/03/the-mechanical-kingdom/) from Disney Design Group is the leader character artist for this project. He shared some details about the story created for Sci-Fi Academy.

“Mickey has always loved adventure stories,” explained Mike. “His good friend Professor Ludwig Von Drake created a device making it possible for Mickey to be transported into his favorite Sci-Fi tales from the late 1800s to today. After each trip, Mickey would return with otherworldly keepsakes. As time passed, he realized he could not study all of the great Sci-Fi movies, books, games and television artifacts he collected. So, Commander Mickey created the Sci-Fi Academy, where recruits could help him collect, analyze and catalog these treasures.”

As a child, I remember spending many hours in Tomorrowland watching people and listening to ambient sounds of the future. I recall riding the People Mover during my first visit to Disneyland in the early 1990s (gosh, I loved that soundtrack). Chris explained that this event will pull from those nostalgic childhood memories and experiences.

Chris also created the teaser poster and the four logos representing the different science fiction genres that will be featured at the event. Doesn’t that poster look like advertisement for a brand new motion picture? How I wish it was – sigh. Nevertheless, stay tuned to DisneyPins.com as we reveal more details in the coming months about this event. And I hope to see you at the Academy.

Christopher Avalos of Evilos.com took a trip to the most recent Vinylmation Artist Party on July 25th at the Disneyland Resort D Street and was kind enough to share some pictures.

Christopher with Disney Design Group Artist Thomas Scott

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From Disney Parks Blog by Steven Miller:

Fellow Disney Parks blogger Michelle Harker recently wrote about several upcoming events at Disneyland Resort. She said she didn’t want to “steal my thunder” regarding a special event taking place at D-Street at Downtown Disney District in California. So here is “my thunder” (more like some additional details) about the Vinylmation Artist Signing and Meet and Greet scheduled for Sunday, July 25, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The particularly cool part is this event will feature the core Vinylmation art team from Disney Design Group including Thomas Scott, lead designer for Vinylmation; Eric Caszatt, Senior Graphic Designer (known for the previously discussed Vinylmation Oh Mickey!; and Lin Shih, production artist, who has designed figures, packaging and other three dimensional product modeling. Donald Ferro, Product Developer for Vinylmation, and I will also be there to meet with Vinylmation fans. It’s not often that the artists visit the West Coast, so I’m happy we will be holding this event (especially since many blog readers had asked for one in previous postings).

The artists don’t physically get to visit Disneyland Resort that often as Disney Design Group is located in Florida. The Disney Theme Park Merchandise headquarters is a non-descript building at Walt Disney World Resort, but inside the building is where the magic takes place. Merchandise, artwork, visual designs, store concepts and more are created by teams of merchandise Cast Members. Disney Design Group creates the merchandise artwork for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line and more. It’s pretty inspirational (okay – it’s down right awesome) to walk through their area and see artwork for upcoming merchandise items (by the way, the Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary merchandise looks fantastic – but that’s another story).

At the recent Artist Party at D-Street on July 11, we featured Randy Noble, Dan Howard, Tyler Dumas, and Monty Maldovan. It was a big success and a lot of fun (pictured above is Monty showing off his favorite figure he designed, Kermit the Frog). The July 25 party is the sequel to the July 11 party. For those who have never attended an Artist Party, it is an opportunity to meet the artists behind favorite your Vinylmation figures. The artists will also sign autographs, so please bring whatever Vinylmation figures you would like (even the previously purchased ones). Just remember there may be a limit to autographs (to keep it fair for all Guests).

Also, don’t forget to sign the “I Was There” Vinylmation. Above is a photo of the “I Was There” Vinylmation from the July 11 party, which will be displayed in D-Street. I hope to see you there.

From Official Vinylmation Blog:

Happy birthday Disneyland® Park!