shopDisney is a blog focusing on Disney merchandise and products sold in the parks, in Disney stores, and in other retail markets. We will explore product reviews, affordability, and to whom the products are marketed. Some of the posts will contain a rating scale for several different key components: price, age group, and whether the product is a “must have.”
It has been quite a while since my last shopDisney post and for that I am terribly sorry! If you have been following any of my other posts then you know that I have had a baby and been traveling! Anyway, I have a wonderful topic to cover as my return to Disney shopping – Christmas ornaments!
Most of you are still enjoying the warm summer weather, swimming, outdoor activities, and vacations! Reading this blog about the cold season that will be upon us in just a few short months makes you want to stop reading and unfollow my future blogs. I don’t blame you! However, I just wanted to give you a glimpse into the new collection of Christmas ornaments that Hallmark has already released and will continue to release during the fall and winter months. (Be sure to click the thumbnail photos to see a larger, detailed image!)
Mickey’s Fire Brigade:
I think my favorite, currently released, ornament is titled “Mickey’s Fire Brigade” based on a 1935 short with the same title. Of course, my favorite just happens to be the most expensive of the ornament collection at $39.95. This ornament is almost 5 inches tall and features not only sound, but lights! It does appear to be the centerpiece of the collection and one that lots of Disney fans will enjoy.
MARVEL/Star Wars:
The two MARVEL ornaments they currently have on display feature Hulk and Iron Man. What I enjoyed most 
about the Hulk ornament is that it ties into the most recent Avengers movie and features Ultron in a battle with the green superhero! I did not expect them to tie into individual movies, but this allows some comic fans to finally adorn their Christmas tree with smaller Marvel characters!
The Star Wars Christmas ornament shows Luke Skywalker in his famous handstand balancing Master Yoda on his feet! This is one of my favorite scenes in the Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back movie, mostly because I love Yoda.
Princess Collection:
At this point (August) Hallmark does not have a Frozen Christmas ornament in their collection, but the catalog does show a couple coming soon during the future release dates.
However, Disney and Hallmark have done a wonderful job this year by having a diverse selection of princesses! I like that they have released a Princess Sophia ornament which was on display at the 2013 D23 Expo with the release date of this year! When I spotted it at the store I was surprised that they had kept true to their word and actually were selling it. It just goes to show you how many years ahead Hallmark designs are planned and already in place.
I was, however, quite confused about the Tiana ornament which features our Frog Princess as a ballerina. I have thought back several times to the movie and cannot think of any scenes in which Tiana dances a ballet? Strange to me, but maybe they thought it would appeal to those little dancers in the world.
Those are all of the ornaments that I have to review at this time and I hope that some of them appeal to you or a family member! I plan on visiting the stores as soon as the next group is released and will also plan on visiting the Hallmark booth at the D23 Expo (assuming they follow suit again this year) to see what exciting ornaments are planned for the future years. Last Expo they also released two current Disney ornaments that were handprinted instead of mass produced. These were limited edition, and I now regret not purchasing one of them!
Please keep enjoying the sunshine and warm weather and forget that Christmas is less than 5 months away! Happy new school year to my younger readers, and I wish the best for you in this upcoming academic year! Remember to get those school supplies and maybe purchase some Disney items to keep you smiling!
(All photographs are from the authors personal collection)
Alyssa Wiseman (also known as ajwiseman09 in the box), her husband Brandon, and infant son, Walt, reside in central Indiana (too far from Disney). Alyssa and Brandon enjoy traveling to Disney several times a year to see what is new and enjoy classic Disney. While traveling, and at home, Alyssa is frequently shopping for Disney products and making a list of items to buy while in the parks. Please follow Alyssa on twitter @ajwiseman09.
