A Disney Keepsake Box

Speaking of where to keep all that ephemera... have you seen these keepsake boxes? I'm not sure how long they've been around, but I first saw them last month at Disney's Boardwalk Inn. There were two styles- a medium size featuring Wishes, and this larger version- Once Upon a Time.  

Designed to look like a book and fit nicely on a shelf, the cover features a slot to slip a photo in (though I really like the look of the default picture of Sleeping Beauty Castle). The inside features a spot for writing down dates, info, or special memories  from your visit. There's plenty of room for holding a variety of items, ephemera and souvenirs alike. The magic band in the photo below will give you a size reference.  

The spine is nicely designed, with faux leather and goldtone detailing. 

Have you seen these keepsake boxes? 

Which style is your favorite? 

Tell us about it in the comments. 

Ephemera

Ephemera: (n)-

n pl -eras, -erae [-əˌriː]

1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) a mayfly, esp one of the genus Ephemera

2. something transitory or short-lived

3. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Antiques) (functioning as plural) a class of collectible items not originally intended to last for more than a short time, such as tickets, posters, postcards, or labels

What is it about these bits of paper, these flyers, tickets, maps, schedules, and assorted brochures that I just can't get enough of? I think people who frequent the Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts might just have a higher rate of ephemeraphilia than the general population. Admit it- don't you always go home with these little treasures tucked inside various pockets, purses, and bags? My favorite souvenirs have always been the bits of ephemera I've collected along the way. They are tangible reminders for me, much more so than articles of clothing, pieces of jewelry, or household items.

For those of us fortunate enough to make frequent visits, these collections can get a bit out of hand. Where to store or display ephemera is a never-ending struggle.

How much is too much? I ask myself every time, "Do you really need another full set of park maps?"

The answer is usually YES. Yes I do.

And no matter where I am, even though paper FastPasses have long been gone from WDW circulation, it's a very good bet that there's at least one FastPass in my wallet or purse....

Do you collect ephemera? Do you revisit your stash to remember special visits? How do you store or display it? Tell us about it in the comments...

The vintage ashtray...

I'm a sucker for vintage WDW merchandise. Anything with old logos, opening attractions, and iconic signage catches my eye right away. This 70s-era green ceramic ashtray I recently spotted on ebay fit the bill for a must-have part of my collection. It was in great shape, with no visible wear, scratches, or chips in the ceramic. The green hexagonal starburst design is surrounded by the WDW logo, and five iconic attractions: Haunted Mansion, the Contemporary Resort, Cinderella Castle, Jungle Cruise, and the Admiral Joe Fowler.

And on the back? It's been a while since I noticed this on anything in a gift shop:

Walt Disney Productions- made in the USA

I have no idea of the age of this piece, but I've seen a few of them on ebay recently- including a beautiful red/orange sunburst version, which might just be my next purchase. If any of you readers have an idea about when these ashtrays were sold in the park, I'd love to hear about it.

Do you have any vintage Walt Disney World pieces in your collection? What's your favorite source for rare finds? Tell us about it in the comments...

Favorites on Friday: The Epcot Glass

I first saw the glass a few years ago in MouseGear, the shopping mecca located in Epcot's Future World. This gorgeous cobalt blue pint glass, with retro logo and a mirror-finish inside- it was calling my name. There was a whole corner of the store displaying these beauties. I had to have one, despite not having any room for it in my suitcase. I ended up carrying it in my hand on the flight home.

I returned several months later, and much to my surprise- there were now matching shot glasses! How could I pass that up? I started chatting with a Cast Member stocking the shelf. He told me that there are technically no shot glasses at WDW- they're officially called "tiny glasses", a term which supposedly has a more family-friendly ring to it. True? I'm not sure...but I like that tiny glass moniker.

I considered buying more of the pint glasses- why not go for a whole set? I'm a firm believer in having back-ups of favorite items, especially when they're breakable items. But one thing led to another on that trip, and before I knew it, I was returning home- no pint glasses secured. At least I had my new tiny glass.

I then found myself in the unbelievably lucky position of having to attend a work conference in Orlando just a short time later. I extended the trip by a few days- of course- so I could return to the parks. This time I was prepared! I used a larger suitcase, and made sure I had plenty of room. I was on a mission! I headed straight to MouseGear. Straight to my cobalt corner.

But wait a minute- hang on- what were all those tropical colors I saw up ahead? What's with all the floral? Where's my cobalt??

A new design scheme had taken over. Reds, pinks, and oranges were everywhere. Characters had taken the place of Epcot logos on the merchandise. No, they didn't have them displayed elsewhere. No, they didn't have any remnants "in the back".

My retro Epcot cobalt ship had sailed.

Consider this a Public Service Announcement:

Do not wait to buy something you really want. It may not be there when you return! Take heed of the moral of this story: if you like it- get it! Don't wait! You never know when something might be gone for good...

_______________________________________________

How about you? Have you ever waited too long for a special item, only to be disappointed later? Did you learn your lesson? Do you have a favorite glass from WDW? Tell us in the comments...

Favorites on Friday: Souvenirs

From time to time on Fridays, we feature various favorites from Disney Parks- favorite foods, favorite attractions, favorite spots, and more. This time, we're talking souvenirs...

Do you have favorite souvenir, something you get each time you go on vacation? For some it's a t-shirt, or maybe a new set of Mickey ears. Others swear by the snow globe, or maybe a keychain.

For my favorite souvenir, we once again visit the Japanese pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase. This is the second visit back to Japan for Favorites on Friday, the first being the scrumptious Okonomiyaki.

Some of the best shopping in Epcot can be found in the Japanese pavilion. Mitsukoshi Department Store is home to one of the most varied arrays of souvenirs found anywhere. From Hello Kitty to traditional Japanese calligraphy brushes, fine jewelry to anime hair clips, authentic kimonos to books and toys- it can all be found in this spacious shop, stretching the length of the pavilion. A Pick-a-Pearl station is found near the front of the store, and the far end houses an assortment of packaged Japanese snacks and candy that I can only describe as... well, indescribable.

Just before you get to the snacks, you’ll find a room full of the souvenir I can never pass up: ceramic sushi bowls. Bowls and plates in all shapes and sizes, all colors and patterns, each one a beautiful piece of art. The bowls range in price, but most are from $4.00 to $9.00 each. At least a few of these come home with me, every time… 

Have you ever visited Mitsukoshi? Do you have a favorite WDW souvenir? 

Tell us about it in the comments...

Plussing the coffee

Many people in the WDW community are familiar with the trials and tribulations of finding a good cup of coffee in the world. Nescafe has been the brand partnered with Disney throughout the parks and resorts, but that's about to change soon! (Was that a giant sigh of relief I just heard)?

News broke last year that Starbucks would be entering the parks, setting up shop in the Main Street Bakery.  People lined up on both sides of the aisle to express either their outrage ("How could they sell out?" "Too corporate for Walt's Main Street!" "I won't pay $6.00 a cup!")  or their glee ("Finally-a decent cuppa joe!"). I see it as a good thing, and I welcome the change. Disney is plussing the coffee, for sure. 

In addition, Disney has just partnered with Tampa-based Joffrey's Coffee & Tea Co. Joffrey's will become the official specialty coffee provider for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Vacation Club resorts in 2013.

But how do I plus the coffee at home? By serving it in one of my very special mugs. Mugs make great souvenirs- they can be a daily little reminder of a particular trip or a special memory, or they can serve as a gentle nudge to get you thinking about next time. Do you drink your morning brew from a souvenir mug?

My current favorite: the E-Ticket Mug

*Post updated in February to include the new Joffrey's info.