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We are weeks away from Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, and new details are starting to emerge on the wide variety of merchandise that will be available for the occasion.
In an interview with Disney Parks Blog, senior manager of the Hardlines merchandise brand Kevin-Michael Lezotte revealed some of the influences behind the Vault collection, which draws on the history of Walt Disney World merchandise to create new items. . Plus, we got our first look at a new Loungefly crossbody bag inspired by a classic souvenir lunchbox featuring the Country Bears. (The same lunchbox was honored as part of this year’s D23 Gold Member giveaway.)
Q: Can you tell me what it was like to design the collection?
A: Where to start? My love for the Vault Collection literally started 35 years ago when I started my Disney career at EPCOT! I’ve always been a huge fan of the Disney brand, the amazing experiences we bring to theme parks around the world, and our amazing merchandise. Over two years ago, I was asked to be part of our first task force to brainstorm merchandise for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration. The small team of which I was a part had the idea of going back in the history of our merchandise to “bring back” key memories and inspire new products. Hence the Vault collection.
Q: I love the retro look and feel. Can you describe the collection and the inspiration behind the magic?
A: The Vault collection is made up of two main categories:
- “Replica” – Look into the 70s for those key memories we lovingly recreated for this celebration.
- “Inspired By” – Taking inspiration from art and retro styles over the decades, we’ve created a collection of modern and relevant items that appeal to our customers today.
For me, inspiration was our most avid fans and collectors. I’m a huge fan and collector myself, and I know what it’s like to get something you love and never thought you would find. These replica items will take some of our guests back to a long time ago, when they were little kids and first discovered the parks with their friends and family. Fun Fact: A bunch of our team members went to the Walt Disney Archives to photograph many amazing keepsakes and used these photos to help create some of the Vault Collection pieces you’ll see starting October 1!
Q: There are so many great items coming up for the 50e birthday party, but I can’t wait to pick up the Minnie Mouse Ears Replica and Loungefly Shoulder Bag. They are so cute! KM, what are your collection must-haves?
A: I love the retro items in the home decor assortment. The castle trinket tray and classic “milk glass” mugs are so cool!
Q: I have to ask you … do you have any favorites among the original items the team replicated in the new Vault collection?
A: There are too many choices, but here are two. First, the Minnie retro plastic headband. This is one of the first things I bought in the late ’80s. I took the knot off and proudly sported Mickey Ears on my visits to the parks, and I still have my pair of them. ‘origin! Second, it’s a drop from the Vault collection that will arrive later. It’s inspired by the looks of the year I started working at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Vault Collection will launch at Walt Disney World, including Disney Springs, starting October 1, with additional items making their debut throughout “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” Some items from the collection will also be available on ShopDisney.com.
As always, keep following WDWNT for all of your Disney park news, and for the latest news, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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