DISNEY TRADITIONS "FOWL TEMPER" DONALD DUCK FIGURINE BY JIM SHORE

In December of 2013 I picked up this Jim Shore “Fowl Temper” figurine at the Animation Courtyard shop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While in the process of purchasing this item, I got into a conversation with the cast member at the register about Donald Duck. I had told him how Donald was my favorite character and how much I loved this piece. We started talking more about Donald and the cast member stated he liked Donald Duck but would not purchase Donald Duck unless he had a happy face. 

I, at once, disagreed and feel exactly the opposite. I told the cast member that the main reason that Donald appeals to me is that he exhibits human characteristics. In fact, Donald is the most human of the Mickey and Friends characters. Most Disney characters appear happy and squeaky clean. Donald has many faces and most of them are not the happy and smiling ones we’re used to seeing.

Well, there’s nothing wrong with a character showing a little emotion, even downright indignation, frustration or anger.   And as we all know, Donald is the epitome of frustration and the master of the slow-burn. At times, we even feel sorry for him. Donald is, in some respects, the yin to Mickey’s yang. Donald is the “Doubting Thomas”. Donald has to be convinced, cajoled and even converted to see the positive side of things. I mean, isn’t that like many of us? When things are going really well, don’t we feel that it’s only a matter of time before something bad will happen? Don’t we, in bad times, need reassurance that everything is going to be alright? When we’re in a mood, some of us, myself included, get frustrated or angered by just the simplest of things. Because of these reasons, I totally relate to Donald and his many faces, even the angry ones.

Donald isn’t the bad guy or a villain, nor is he a saint, he’s just like us, is all.

I didn’t realize until after I left the store, I should have asked the cast member what he thought about a certain dwarf or those famous Disney Villains.

DISNEY HAUNTED MANSION 45TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION SHIRT

One of my favorite attractions at Walt Disney World and Disneyland celebrated the 45^th Anniversary at Disneyland. The Haunted Mansion is such a classic Disney ride and is arguably the most popular Disney Theme park ride.  It is certainly is one of the most iconic attractions at any of the Disney Parks.

I remember my first ride on the Walt Disney World attraction in the summer of 1972 (sounds a bit like a movie title?). I was just into my teens and scared to death. I mean this is the “Haunted” Mansion and it looked so creepy from the outside that I couldn't conceive ever going inside. Heck, I’ll admit, I was kind of a wimpy kid! This Disney World trip was my first of many things, one among these, was my first plane ride. As one person in our party stated emphatically, if you can get on a plane and fly 30,000 feet in the air, you should have no problem with this! So after some rather prolonged convincing, I made my way, along with a large and rather cheerful crowd, through the doors to the main portrait hall. Now my favorite part, by the way, but at the time, I was literally shaking!  The creepy cast member didn't exactly ease my trepidation. Well, I think you can all guess what happened after that. The Haunted Mansion quickly became my most beloved attraction at any Disney park. Thanks Mom!

It seems I'm not alone. Not only does the attraction itself top many a Disneyphile's favorite ride list but the Haunted Mansion merchandise has become extremely popular and highly sought. So when Disney came out with a 45th Anniversary limited edition shirt, I just had to have one.

GLOWS IN THE DARK

This shirt is a 100% cotton ribbed crew neck tee with Haunted Mansion screen art on a grey background and it includes glow-in-the-dark elements. It celebrates the 45th Anniversary of The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland (August 9, 1969). 

This item is no longer available from the Disney Store but it can periodically be found on Ebay and at some online stores selling Disney items.

80TH ANNIVERSARY DONALD DUCK SCREEN ART COMMERATIVE COTTON TEE SHIRT

As you already know, I’m a huge Disney fan and one of my favorite Disney characters is Donald Duck. Sure, I love many of the Disney characters. I mean who doesn’t love Mickey Mouse but there has always been something about Donald that I’ve found endearing. Maybe it’s his episodic crankiness or just the fact that he has many of our human traits. Besides, I just love his quacky lisp.

As some of you may already know, June 9, 2014 marked the 80^th Anniversary of this Disney icon and when I saw the Disney Store limited edition tee celebrating this event, I simply had to have it.

I believe Donald gets short shrift when it comes to apparel next to the more famous and identifiable Mickey and Minnie even though Donald tees look to sell pretty well. But again, I’m still steamed that Disney didn’t come out with a 30^th Anniversary EPCOT Figment tee in an Adults Men’s size!

A tidbit that not everyone may know this but I remember years ago being on one of the Disney Cruises and and Donald was nowhere to be found. Well, I was told by a cast member that Donald wouldn't be taking the cruise because his tail, although adorable, was a bit too big to maneuver around the boat, particularly in the elevators. Don’t know if he was kidding or not, but if that was true, I’m very happy to say that since then they may have rectified the problem with Donald’s backside because he’s been back on DCL for a while now.

This 80^th anniversary t-shirt is Donald Duck screen art on a Hanes jersey knit celebrating the 80th Anniversary of Donald's debut in Walt Disney's Silly Symphony cartoon classic The Wise Little Hen (June 9, 1934). It’s a 100% cotton ribbed crew neck. Now sold out through Disney but if you search online you can still find some availability online.

About Me

Hello everyone! My name is Nancy and I’m a Disneyholic.

Well I don’t know if there is such a thing but in today’s society since many people too quickly attach the term “addiction” to ANY human weakness, then I guess Disney is mine.

For as long as I can remember Disney has been part of my life.  I can remember my first Mickey Mouse and as a child sitting down to the Wonderful World of Color every Sunday night. I’m well into my 50s now and my passion has never waned. Disney conjures up some special feelings and memories that for me, will last forever.

This site will be dedicated not only to Disney collectibles, but also to experiences in my life that have led to my love and appreciation of all things Disney. 

My real interest in Disney collectibles didn’t begin until the family’s first trip to Walt Disney World in 1971 and then with the inception of the Disney Stores chain, well, that really led to my obsession.

I have collected everything from pins to cookie jars and snow globes but my absolute favorite items to collect are Disney character figurines and theme park souvenirs. When I say theme park souvenirs, I don’t just mean pins, figurines or t-shirts but collectibles that are exclusive to the theme parks and are hard to find anywhere else other than, maybe, on the secondary market.

On my site you are going to find primarily Disney related collectibles such as shirts, pins, figurines, dolls, ornaments, and Disney’s unique Vinylmation figures. Occasionally you may even find trinkets discovered while just walking down Main Street USA or strolling through Epcot’s World Showcase.  What I really hope you will find above all else, is love of Disney and loads of fun!

If you have a favorite Disney collectible or just want to share a Disney related experience, feel free to leave a comment below and make sure you visit my site regularly as I will be regularly adding many Disney treasures and even some personal experiences that I hope will evoke an emotion or raise a smile.

I wish you all the best and thanks for dropping by and well….you know what’s coming, right…

Have a Magical Day!

Nancy