Thirteen is a very lucky number for Disneyana fans …

Jim Hill

16 years ago

It’s times like this that I really wish that I could borrow Santa’s sleigh.

Why For? Because tomorrow — to be specific on Saturday, December 13th — there are going to be all of these amazing Disney-related sales & fan events held in Anaheim, Lake Buena Vista, New York and Burbank. And there’s just no way that one person can ever take advantage of all these golden opportunities.

“What sort of opportunities?,” you ask. Well, let’s start out on the East Coast. Where it’s definitely going to be worthwhile for WDW passholders and DVC membersto get up before dawn tomorrow. So that they can then take advantage of that exclusive sale that’s being held at the World of Disney at Downtown Disney from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

I mean, take a look at these Hourly Door Busters:

6:30 a.m. — Select plush and other items $3.00 each
7:30 a.m. — Select jumbo mugs, 2008 dated merchandise and other items $5.00 each
8:30 a.m. — Select adult and children’s apparel $7.00 each

And did I mention the first 450 Guests to enter the World of Disney on Saturday morning will get a complimentary, limited edition pin. And that the first 1000 Guests to enter this Downtown Disney store also get a free silver or red Disney coil ornament.

Also this — plus complimentary tastings of Disney branded coffees, hot cocoas & selected treated between 6:30 – 7:30 a.m. Plus — on top of these Door Buster bargains — passholders will receive their usual 10% discount on any merchandise purchased at the World of Disney (taking into account any pre-existing passholder discount restrictions, of course).

Mind you, WDW’s World of Disney isn’t the only World of Disney in the land. Up in New York City — at the corner of 55th & 5th — sits the company’s flagship store. Which is also getting into the spirit of the season.

So — as you wander through this three story store — expect to encounter various Holiday Elves who will be looking to play with you. Not to mention (Up in the Friendship Room on the third floor) your favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday finery as well as some Disney Princesses who will be happy to pose for pictures with you.

And if you want something special to remember your trip to NYC’s World of Disney store with, you can receive a Holiday Disney Bear for just $10 with any purchase.

Now if you could fly like Dumbo, winging your way from New York to Anaheim in just a few hours, you might be able to make it to Disneyland Park in time for Robert Olszewski‘s appearance at the Disneyana Shop. Where this renowned miniaturist will be signing copies of his latest creation from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

“And what is Robert’s latest creation?,” you query. Would you believe that it’s a miniature version of Disneyland’s Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride?

Of course, as nice as all these sculptures and plush are, it’s important to remember where all of these characters originally came from. And — for the most part — that’s Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. Which — this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — is throwing open its gates for its Fifth Annual “Open to the Public” sale.

After entering through the lot’s Buena Vista Gate, you can then shop for holiday gifts at the Walt Disney Studio Store. Better yet — between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. — you can grab lunch at the Commissary. (Mind you, Walt Disney Studios will also be open to the public on Sunday, December 14th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. But the Commissary will only be only on Saturday.)

And this is just really the tip of the iceberg when comes to Disney-related events that will be held this Saturday. There’s also going to be the release of a brand-new cel (One that pays tribute to the three animated features that were produced at Disney’s now-defunct Florida animation studio) at the Animation Gallery at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Over at Epcot, the Lennon Sisters & crew members from that hit Discovery Channel series, “Deadliest Catch,” will be on hand to greet their fans as well as autograph merchandise.

And did I neglect to mention the biggest event of the year (at least for the online Disneyana community), MouseFest? And how — on Saturday morning — fans from around the globe will gather at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club convention center to meet with their favorite authors, webmasters and podcasters at the Mega Mouse Meet.

So as you can see, thirteen — at least when it comes to Saturday, December 13th — is a very lucky number indeed. But now comes the tough part: Trying to decide which event you should attend.

Your thoughts?

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Happy Holidays!