You already know that there is always a reason to celebrate at Walt Disney World. Whether you are traveling for a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, or just a family vacation – the opportunities to celebrate are endless. But once in a while, Walt Disney World has something to celebrate as well. This Fall, Epcot will celebrate its 35th anniversary. And to commemorate this milestone, the Disney Parks Merchandise team has created a retro-inspired merchandise collection that heralds back to Epcot’s beginnings.
The Disney Parks Merchandise team worked with the phrase “We’ve just begun to dream” when creating this new collection. Eric Caszatt, Creative Manager with the Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media Creative Group, spoke with the Disney Parks Blog about how research played an important role when designing the artwork for the new collection.
“Many of the artists on my team are long-time Epcot fans,” explained Eric. “We wanted the art to have a distinct vintage feeling, and take its cues from artwork, logos, signage, and in-park graphics found in the early 1980s. We also referenced actual merchandise released during the first few years of operation. Many products then did not incorporate Disney characters into the artwork with the exception of Figment from the Journey Into Imagination attraction. I’m excited to see several products being released this fall can trace their heritage back to those original items.”
The colors of this new collection really make the retro vibe pop! Deep oranges and dark purple are really great colors to make you think retro, and of Epcot’s beginnings. In fact, the team stuck with 5 colors throughout the new designs: purple, pink, red, orange, and gold. That’s because these colors were prominently featured on a variety of opening year products, from license plates to coffee mugs to jewelry boxes. Unfortunately, that gold shirt would look terrible with my skin tone, but I’m definitely jealous of those you are able to pull it off!
If you take a closer look at some of the products, you will see that they say “EPCOT Center” in their design. This is because the art team wanted to use the park’s original name in some of the designs. I think this is a really cool nod to Epcot’s long history.
Let’s play a little bit of I Spy here! I spy a lanyard, a sweatshirt, a visor, a Magic Band 2, pins, and more! I also spy some really really bright blue designs and a rainbow EPCOT Center shirt that i really want! Is there anything that is standing out to you in this collection?
Any fans of Figment out there? You’ll be happy to know that Figment is featured on several items in the new collection included a backpack, wristlet, logo pin, and apparel. Now, I’m the first to admit that I’m not the biggest fan of Figment. But even I have to admit that backpack is really really cute.
The design team also incorporated the EPCOT Center logo that “symbolizes unity, fellowship and harmony around the world.” Guests will also find original Future World pavilion logos on select products such as a baseball cap or a mystery pin set. I’m personally loving the gray and purple t-shirt, sweatshirt, and coffee mug.
The Epcot 35th Anniversary collection will be released in late September in select locations throughout Epcot. Guests may also find select items via the Shop Disney Parks App once released.
What do you think of the new merchandise collection for Epcot’s 35th Anniversary? Are there any products that are jumping out to you as must-own merchandise? Let me know your thoughts and your wish list in the comments.
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