Olszewski Signing Event Report for 5/9/09

Disney Journal

5:52 AM - My morning doughnut. disney

Date: May 9, 2009 6:52 AM Number of Comments on Photo:0 View Photo

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6:18 AM - mypalal: just arrived at the early morning ghost town called Disneyland - (Twitter)

6:18 AM - MyPalAl checked in @ Disneyland
MyPalAl checked in @ Disneyland - (Brightkite)

6:20 AM - mypalal: is at Disneyland for the Olszewski signing event. Man, it's early. - (Twitter)

6:20 AM - mypalal: not looking forward to the fact that I'll be standing in lines that don't move. - (Twitter)

6:26 AM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Disneyland

Where I'll be standing for the next 35 minutes. - (Brightkite)

6:28 AM - mypalal: If I stayed at one of the Disneyland hotel, I'd be in already. - (Twitter)

6:33 AM - mypalal: Was just told by a CM to make sure I'm standing in an even numbered line. - (Twitter)

6:35 AM - mypalal: I should mention that I'm here to get the Main Street Electrical Parade Set #2. Robert Olszewski is here to sign it. - (Twitter)

6:37 AM - mypalal: Lines getting longer. disney
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6:37 AM - mypalal: I need to sit down. CM's are passing out programs. - (Twitter)

6:44 AM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Disneyland

The entrance cage. - (Brightkite)

6:51 AM - mypalal: Sorry about all the updates but I'm so bored. disney - (Twitter)

6:56 AM - mypalal: @ScoutingMouse Thanks. Only so much I can do while standing in line. disney - (Twitter)

6:57 AM - mypalal: The buzz of opening is high among CM's. disney - (Twitter)

6:58 AM - mypalal: they just broke my line in two. Exciting. disney - (Twitter)

6:59 AM - mypalal: 2 minutes to go. disney. I'm fourth in line. - (Twitter)

6:59 AM - mypalal: I'm in. disneyland - (Twitter)

7:02 AM - mypalal: In the second line for the next hour. This line is for the signing. - (Twitter)

7:03 AM - mypalal: The line starts at Disneyana. I'm near the south entrance of Disney Clothier. - (Twitter)

7:05 AM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Disneyland

Olszewski signing line. Disney - (Brightkite)

7:05 AM - mypalal: I've been in line for 2 minuts and it already stretches to the Palm Parlor. disney - (Twitter)

7:07 AM - mypalal: They move the line up a little. I'm five peopel from the crosswalk between Clothiers and Market House. disney - (Twitter)

7:08 AM - mypalal: Is listening to the #MouseStation in line. Not sure how excited I am about Cruiseship repositioning. disney - (Twitter)

7:10 AM - mypalal: The line is not growing much right now. The die hards are here. disney. - (Twitter)

7:11 AM - mypalal: I come early yo the because I've been caught in the past not getting the pieces and not getting them signed. - (Twitter)

7:15 AM - mypalal: Wow they're starting early. The line is already moving. I see people walking out with figurines. - (Twitter)

7:18 AM - mypalal: Just crossed the street to the Market House. - (Twitter)

7:21 AM - mypalal: 15 people to go. - (Twitter)

7:21 AM - mypalal: Anyone know where the new windows are? #disneyland - (Twitter)

7:22 AM - mypalal: I'm starting to thing that Travis is not coming with the full Main Street set up - (Twitter)

7:27 AM - mypalal: 11 to go. disney - (Twitter)

7:31 AM - mypalal: 9 is the new magic number. - (Twitter)

7:36 AM - mypalal: I believe they have set up a sign line. disney - (Twitter)

7:40 AM - mypalal: I'm going to try and get a pre-sign. I have a long day ahead including a trip to San Diego. - (Twitter)

7:40 AM - mypalal: 7 to go. disney - (Twitter)

7:41 AM - mypalal: Make that 4. disney - (Twitter)

7:45 AM - mypalal: Ahh. Travis has arrived. Bob's assistant. disney - (Twitter)

7:46 AM - mypalal: 1 down then me. disney - (Twitter)

7:47 AM - mypalal: Disneyland is starting to get crowded now. - (Twitter)

7:52 AM - mypalal: It's been bought. disney - (Twitter)

7:54 AM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Disneyland

Splash Mountain Gallery of Light - (Brightkite)

7:55 AM - mypalal: The monorail miniature looks awsome.disney - (Twitter)

7:58 AM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Disneyland

Main Street Electrical Parade #2. disney - (Brightkite)

8:03 AM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Disneyland

Packing. disney - (Brightkite)

8:03 AM - MyPalAl posted a photo @ Disneyland

Bob and Travis at Disneyana - (Brightkite)

8:24 AM - mypalal: Very slow at the hat shop. disney. i have a big order - (Twitter)

8:44 AM - mypalal: is waiting for last hat. now to World of Disney - (Twitter)

8:48 AM - mypalal: That was cool. They stopped the moving parking tram so that I can get on. Kudos to CM's. disney - (Twitter)

8:50 AM - mypalal: Back to the car and on my way home. Disney - (Twitter)

8:55 AM - mypalal: I'm going to hate giving up my great parking spot. But I'm not spending the day here. - (Twitter)

8:56 AM - mypalal: Good bye awesome parking spot. now to homw for a nap. disney - (Twitter)

Olszewski Main Street Electrical Parade Signing Event

I'm at the Olszewski signing this morning. I don't think this one will be at busy one like the past two. All of the main street collection is out and now we're collecting the accessories. Today is a great accessory. Its the Main Street Electrical Parade. This collection is just the first four floats including Train and drum, Elliott, Wonderland Floats.

7:30 - Arrive at Disneyland.

7:43 - I'm in the ticket line and there's a lot of people but the gate is not open yet, except for hotel guests.

7:49 - Gates open.

7:54 - through the gate. Pet Peeve-please have your tickets ready before you get to the gate. I found myself standing, not moving because guests don't know that they need tickets to get in. You actually have to purchase them before hand.

7:56 - in line. My spot is in front of the Disney Showcase store. Now I'm listening to the Disney Parade music because the park just opened. I love my new cellular phone.

8:08 - line is not moving, as expected. It currently ends in front of the opera house.

8:10 - I was just notified that they are out of wristbands. Distribution stopped about 3 people in front of me. We were told the if you have a wristband you are guaranteed to get a set. In my case thay said I have a chance to get a set, but I'm not guaranteed.

8:20 - I'm confident that I'll get a set but nervous at the same time. The people in front of me are not happy with the way Disney is handling the whole situation in general. They don't like to have to get up early pay admission into the park and not be guaranteed to get a piece. Then there's the ebayer who are ruining the fun for everyone. Oops.

8:30 - Celebrity sighting. Mickey Mouse just walked by.

8:39 - people really hate eBay.

8:47 - the line moved. Good sign.

8:57 - it was not a good sign. Have not moved.

9:02 - ok it has begun. I'm finally around the corner and their letting people in.

9:14 - just rounded the corner and I'm in front of the Magic Store. I'm so glad I have my iPod. Listening to a lot of poker stuff. Called the wife and told her about the situation. Feeling good at the moment. No real olszewski news. There's another tree accessories pack coming out and Dumbo in the fall.

9:26 - News item. If you buy this piece online on April 2nd, the piece will come with a first day plaque.

9:45 - in front of 20th Century Music. This just feels slow. I'm just glad I got here early. Thanks wifey for getting me up way too early. I can't wait to take a nap.

10:03 - getting close. 6 people away. I love the Tinkerbell box.

10:08 - next in line. They tell me I have a chance.

10:11 - an elderly couple with a awristband just got in line in front of me. I'm starting to get worried.

10:20 - I was not able to buy the pieces. I have to wait until 100. Just frustrated that I got in the wrong line at the gate. I'm guaranteed to get a signed set then. So I bought the tinkerbell light box and regular box. And waiting to get it signed.

10:40 - the signing. I finally got to Bob. He's a great guy. We talked about the rocket piece coming in July. I really liked his haunted mansion pokit pal. It the girl on the tightrope and she's stretches to the full image as you open the box.

10:44 - I'm done and I have to wait until 1230 to get in line for the light parade. I'll sign off for now. Thanks for joining in.

Robert Olszewski Interview

Last year, I had to make one of the hardest decisions in my life and I sold my Robert Olszewski Disneyland Main Street Collection.  I was just a few buildings away to complete the set, but I found I could not afford to complete it and I needed the money badly.  I sold my set for a really nice profit, but every time I see the completed piece, I feel sad.

On Sunday I was at the NFFC event and saw the completed base.  Main Street has never looked better, especially with the Main Street Electrical Parade in the center.

My brother is the sound engineer for Mouse Planet.  He was able to score a great interview with Bob.  You can listen to that interview here - http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=pc080123pc

They talk about Bob’s Gallery of Light, Pokit Pals and the Main Street miniatures.  My favorite part of the interview was Bob’s dreams to have all of Disneyland available one day.  It would fill a small to medium size bedroom.

Dreams…

Olszewski Peter Pan Signing Event (12/8)

I'm freezing my butt off at Disneyland. At least it isn't raining like last time. Here's the minute by minute report.

I'm really excited about this piece. Peter Pan be far is our favorite ride in Fantasyland. I was riding it with my niece on Sunday and though she didn't care about the ride I told her I love the ride because of the flight over London and Neverland.

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7:00 - trying to get my wife to wake up.

7:15 - wife wakes up and I'm anxious and grateful. She a real trooper to help me. Plus its my nephew's birthday party today and I have to rush to it after the event.

We drink our morning breakfast shakes, thanks to HerbalFolks.com. It a great way to have the nutrition and energy that we need for the morning. I'm also recovering from a cold so I'm taking a lot of drugs.

7:35 - We're on our way and Lexy gets to come too.

8:00 - Disneyland officially opens. We arrive at Disneyland parking and they are directing everyone to park in Pinocchio. We get awesome parking in the disabled area.

8:25 - we finally enter the park and get in line. I'm standing by the mad hatter. This time its more organized. Ilm in line and there are two cast members ready to give us wrist bands. We get one band for each piece we wish to purchase. I have two band and Laurie has two. Laurie immediately take money from me to buy coffee.

View Picture of Line

8:37 - I am officially caught up on this blog. I'm reporting live now. Amazingly its been 12 minutes and no one has gotten in line after me.

8:40 - laurie returns with coffee and nothing for me. I'm cold. if you read the last event it was raining at this moment in time.

Interesting item. When normal guests see this long line they always ask what the line is for. What's the response been? Most people can't believe this is the line for the lockers.

8:42 - a nice family gets in line behind us. We are no longer the last people in line. Based on the number wristband the cast member is holding there are still a lot of pieces left.

8:46 - yesterday we thought that selling engraved glassware would be awesome for the themeparkshopper.com website. I'm now at Crystal Arts getting Mickey and Minnie Champagne glasses engraved for us. I think this will be a great new product line.

I also just passed Disneyana and there is a second line for people wishing to meet Bob. I'm told there are still presigns left.

Travis is out front and he's got half of Main street set up. Its such an awesomw collection.

Another picture of the line

8:55 - another person just entered the line. There are now two groups behind us..

Here's a scoop: they had Town Square, Astro Orbitor, and Haunted Mansion in stock. They are gone! Nothing for me.

9:03 - we are now in front of Disney Showcase. My wife really wants to leave at 10:00 hate to break it to her that probably will not happen.

9:15 - we are bored. I'm listening to my iPod and Laurie is shopping. This line is getting to be really expensive.

9:25 - I'm at the entrance of the Main Street Hotel. The line is moving real slow, but its really not that bad. They payment line ends at the Main Street Cinema. I really hope to get a presign.

9:48 - this is a real slow moving line. Laurie came back from shopping so now its my turn to wander. I went to see Travis. He has the Main Street Electrical parade 1st set on the base. Its the train, MSEP drum Elliott and bug. Should come out in March. Also Dumbo will be release this time next year. There was also a discussion about the Matterhorn. If Bob builds it with the current resin material the piece will cost $600. If he uses paper then it will be less than $300 but the question is detail and whether or not he can achieve it through paper.

Picture of Main Street Electrical Parade

10:05 - the line is picking up. I'm in front of the 20th century music company. There's about 20 people in front of me.

10:25 - 11 people to go. I believe there are going to be left over pieces from this event. I could have come later if not for the birthday party.

10:36 - we are next in line. Finally!

10:38 - we paid and are inspecting 4 pieces. They are huge! And quite beautiful. They also just out of the presign, literally right in front of me. We then move to the sign line and had a good but brief conversation with Bob. We talked about the MSEP piece and the Dumbo piece. I also told Bob my favorite part of the ride was the flight over London. Now we move on to packaging.

11:00 - done. Now off to the party!

Olszewski Signing for Plaza Gardens and Frontierland entrance

Today I'm at Disneyland for the Bob Olszewski signing. Today is the release of the Disneyland Main Street pieces Adventureland and Frontierland entrances and Plaza Gardens.

8:20 - I'm currently at Disneyland on the tram. Dland opens at 9:00 am, so I'm early. The tram took about 10 minutes to arrive. The weather is gloomy with intermittent rain.

8:30 - in line for purchase. It's raining real heavy and I'm trying to find cover. It appears as is that the park is officially open due to the rain.

8:43 - have not moved in the line at all. Not sure if they've started selling or not. The signing is at Disneyana. The line is long. I'm standing at the Photo store near the hub.

8:51 - I've moved forward in front of the China Closet. The rain has stopped hopefully for good.

For Disneyland Park Hours on your mobile phone @ www.dinseytown.com

9:15 - We've moved for the second time. Crystal Arts is quite Beautiful at this time of the morning. Thank God I have my iPod. I just watched the Inside the Magic videos of WDW Haunted Mansion (cool) and O Canada.

9:30 - have not moved. Last time I was done at this point. Oh well. The park is starting to get crowded. I wish I was on a ride right now.

9:40 - still haven't moved. A horse pulling the carriage has just pooped in front of me and it stinks.

9:43 - Disney Custodian picked up most of the poop. There was too much poop and it filled his recepticle. There still some left and it still stinks. The omnibus was very careful not to run over it.

9:50 - the poop is gone. Still not moving.

10:03 - still haven't moved. A tour just walked by. It was interesting. All of the tour participants had headphones on. The guide had a headset with mic. She wasn't saying anything. Curious.

10:05 - Things are picking up. I just took a few step. Now I'm in front of the Castle Bros entrance. I love my iPod.

10:10 - An employee just walked by finding out how many sets people want. Apparently they did not anticipate the demand. I was told that all of the presigns will be sold before I get to Disneyana. It's going to be a long day.

Also only one of the two accessory pieces is here.

10:24 - horse just pooped in front of me again. Cast member was there when it happened and is picking it up as I write.

10:31 - part of the reason the line is moving slow is due to the line crossing between Disney Clothiers and the Market house. Hopefully after moving past the crossing I will feel like I'm actually getting somewhere. People around me are getting annoyed.

They are complaining primarily about the two cash registers and the packing and unpacking for inspection and then the second line to get the piece signed.

11:14 - just crossed the street to the Market House. I was told its another half hour from here. Sigh.

11:25 - I was handed a preorder form. Was told that I'm guaranteed to purchase the main pieces. I might be able to purchase the accessory pack. I'm 16 people away.

11:39 - they are officially sold out of the ticket gate accessory pack. They expect more later this week, but it won't be signed. 9 people away from going inside.

11:53 - being in line I notice things I didn't know happened here. Dapper dans are performing on the Horse and Carriage. Horse and carriage moves pretty fast. The drivers are constantly warning pedestrians that they are on the way. I'm standing next to a broken gas lamp and a cast member is trying to fix it.

Best I can tell is the end of the line is at the China Closet. Travis has the main street in a covered base to show off the electrical lighting.

I was just aske how many sets I'm buying. I'm glad I didn't show up an hour later than I did. 4 people away.

12:00 pm - 1 person away.

12:05 - just paid for it. Next the inspection table. I'm notified that I can only have one set signed by Bob. this really stinks.

12:28 - signed. Spoke briefly to Bob. He said to order the electrical kit now.

12:30 - done. My long morning is over and I get to carry four boxes in the rain. Nuff blogging for today.

2007 Disney Halloween Decorations and Collectibles

Just wanted to let you know that our online store ThemeparkShopper.com has the Halloween line ready to go.  Please take a moment and visit our site for your Halloween purchases.

 

http://www.themeparkshopper.com

 

Alan Ng

 

Alan Ng Home Page

Disney Collectibles Store - www.themeparkshopper.com

 

NFFC and the Collectibles

I haven't had a Disney Blog in a while, so here goes.

 

Last month, Laurie and I went to the NFFC convention (National Fantasy Fan Club).  It's basically a Disneyana convention.  Laurie and I tend to go to the Dealer show on the last day to find collectibles.  And yes, we found quite a few collectibles.  One that we got is on eBay right now - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=250157585628&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=015

 

This is a limited edition Cinderella Musical Carousel.  It's a great piece, and we wanted to keep it but it's a very expensive piece.  It's a working carousel and music box.  The top of the carousel features scene from Cinderella and the music box plays a Dream is a wish your heart makes.  We bought it from a new business that just started selling Disney collectibles.  I hope you like it.  It's a wonderful piece.

 

As I was wandering the convention floor, I ran across Paul Barrie and Jeff Lange.  Paul is the person that I purchase DVD's from and I just recently placed an order from him for more DVD's.  Look at my store and you'll find them.  I just got the Wonders of Life and Fantasmic DVD's.  Jeff Lange is the person who shot a lot of the Disney DVD's.  I was interested in the 40th anniversary DVD of Disneyland.  It has the opening of Indiana Jones and a few of the Parade, but what is missing is the 40 years of adventure show.  I really like this show and now it's just a memory.

 

Laurie had a great time at the convention and I'll talk about that next time.

 

Alan Ng

 

www.mypalal.com

www.themeparkshopper.com

 

Precious Moments Event

Laurie and I were at the Precious Moments event yesterday at the Paradise Pier Hotel.  We had a pretty descent time.  I was a little disappointed in the event but not enough to feel my money was wasted.  The key to this event was the merchandise.  I was able to get a hold of the latest line of Disney Precious Moments figurines signed by Precious Moments Creator Sam Butcher.

 

We showed up and we were pretty much the last people in line.  Laurie has to use her wheelchair because of her surgery and all of the disabled spaces were taken.  We had to park on the second floor of the parking structure and lo and behold there is no elevator.

 

We then got in the ticket line and received our packets and picked up our merchandise.  I dropped off my merchandise in the car.

 

We got back in the meet and greet line and were greeted by the Disney hostesses.  They were very friendly letting us know what was up.

 

Once we got to meet Sam Butcher, we got our photos taken very quickly.  The lady before us had a flat Sammy.  We received our photos and we went right to breakfast.  The best part of this event was that the seats were reserved.  We found our table and immediately got Laurie's picture with Princess Aurora.

 

We had breakfast which was quiche, not Laurie's favorite.  Sam's assistant said a few words and we were done.  The event was scheduled to be 2 hours, and wound up being 1 hour.

 

As I was loading up the wheelchair in the car, Sam's assistant walked by and thanked us for coming to the event.  Some of those items will soon be up on our ebay site.  You can see it there soon - http://stores.ebay.com/The-Humble-Folks-Themepark-Shopper_W0QQsspagenameZMEQ3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm

Olszewski Signing Event - September 23

What a tiring day, but a good one no less.  Laurie and I went to Disneyland this morning to the Robert Olszewski signing event for his new pieces in the Disneyland Main Street USA series.  Here's what we have:

• Crystal Arts - China Closet - Main Street Photo - East Plaza St - Disneyland Minature (http://www.themeparkshopper.com/servlet/the-409/Olszewski-Main-Street-USA/Detail)
• Disney Clothiers - Castle Bros. - East Center St - Disneyland Minature (http://www.themeparkshopper.com/servlet/the-408/Olszewski-Main-Street-USA/Detail)

I have about 2 each signed by Robert Olszewski himself.  We also got to look at the soon to be release Main Street base.  It's huge and I wish I had a picture, but I didn't bring my camera that day.  Darn.  It's great.  It feature all of Main Street and the Central Plaza hub.

 

We got a sneak peek and the new Frontierland and Adventureland entrance.  More to come.

Olszewski Signing This Saturday

We'll be at the upcoming Olszewski signing this weekend at Disneyana. He's been working on all of the store on Main Street USA and the last two buildings are available.

If it goes like the Haunted Mansion, these signed pieces should go for a lot of money on ebay.

We're hoping to pick up 4.