NEWS: Disney Previews New Merchandise Ahead of Grand Reopening of World of Disney

World of Disney has been undergoing a refurbishment for quite some time. Sections of the store have already undergone some major changes for a whole new look and feel that we just love. The grand reopening will be on October 27. Ahead of that grand reveal, Disney invited us to a sneak peek at some brand new merchandise that will be available at the flagship store and then across Disney World. Check out all the details below:

Whose the Leader of the Pack?

A new vintage-inspired collection features the classic TV series, “The Mickey Mouse Club.” There are so many items in this collection!

“We’ve taken a beloved part of Disney history that Guests have enjoyed watching since 1955 and designed fashionable and fun apparel for today’s family,” said Laura Caszatt, Merchandise Manager with Disney Parks Merchandise.

Disney Cast Member Steven Miller shared, “The classic-yet-modern collection offers something for everyone, from eye-catching apparel to Mouse-themed accessories. T-shirts and varsity jackets are emblazoned with the “leader of the club.” Hats, headbands and handbags will make outfits as welcome as can be, especially for those in party-prep mode for the upcoming 90th celebration of Mickey Mouse next month.”

We had a chance to speak with Stephanie from the Merchandise team and she shared with us that this new collection was developed to debut at the grand opening of World of Disney and it celebrates Mickey Mouse in the classic 50s show that we all know and love. Because the ear hat comes from the show, Disney felt like it was the perfect time to update the classic Mickey Ear Hat. Not wanting to mess with a classic, the team didn’t make any changes to the outside of the hat, rather they added a new liner that has the lyrics of the Mickey Mouse Club theme song. The hat can still be embroidered on the back.

Another piece from the new collection is the Minnie Ear Hat Headband. Stephanie shared that with the headbands popularity this year, they wanted to develop a headband for the Mickey Mouse Club collection, but stay with the ear hat because it is so iconic for the Club. They designed a small yet complete ear hat with a bow and placed it on the headband at an angle. The small hat is completely covered with shine and has the “Mouseketeers” logo. It’s a great option for women looking for an accessory that is a bit different than the traditional ear hat.

Finally, Stephanie showed us a Mickey baseball cap that has the Mickey Mouse Club patch on the front. On the back, the words, “Official Mouseketeer” embroidered on the back since often the back is just as important as the front.

2018 Holiday Season Merchandise

With less than two weeks until Halloween, Disney has now turned its attention to the upcoming holiday season and released the full line of products including decor, delicious treats, apparel, and more. I had a chance to speak to Elizabeth Smith another member of the Disney Parks Merchandise team. At World of Disney, you’ll find the biggest selection of the holiday merchandise. There are two new collections this year: the Turn of the Century collection featuring Mickey and Minnie and then also the Nordic collection. This year you’ll find fresh new offerings for guests of every age as well as every price point.

Disney is also offering “family dressing” where there are apparel options for members of the entire family. Some are matching, like certain t-shirts of the spirit jersey, others are complementary patterns that go well together.  You’ll also find some gifts to go including socks in a Mickey ornament, toys, advent calendars, chocolates, popcorn, etc.

New this year is a jingle bell necklace, only available at Disney World, that is custom made with die-cut Mickey head inside of them. There are also three different ear headbands to choose from. There is the green holiday snowflake, the holiday plaid, and then a pom-pom version.

For a look at the Holiday merchandise, be sure to view our highlighted story from our Instagram account here.

The grand reveal of the completed World of Disney will take place on October 27. We’ll be there to bring you photos and video of the reimagined store. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to get our complete coverage of the event!