Disney Merchandise Hunting: Kitchen Kabaret, Joe Rohde Ears, and Irwin Allen

Chasing Disney Collectibles

• 🎯 Shelly Valladolid and Jim Hill discuss the challenges of finding specific Disney merchandise, especially during times when physical shopping is limited.
• 💡 The conversation highlights how online marketplaces like eBay have seen price increases for vintage Disney items, such as Epcot's felt banners, due to increased demand from people staying home.

Kitchen Kabaret and Food Rocks Merch

• 🧩 Shelly shares her long-term quest to collect plush toys from the original Kitchen Kabaret attraction, successfully acquiring Mr. Broccoli, Mr. Tomato, Mr. Eggplant, and Mr. Pineapple.
• 🎤 The discussion touches on the history of Kitchen Kabaret and its successor, Food Rocks, noting the surprisingly limited merchandise available for Food Rocks despite its unique characters.
• 🎭 A fascinating connection is made between the Ham and Eggs characters from Kitchen Kabaret and Imagineering writer Albertino, who also inspired the character of Big Al in the Country Bear Jamboree.

Irwin Allen's Influence on Disney

• 🎬 Jim delves into the parallels between Irwin Allen's disaster films and Disney's productions, noting how actors from Poseidon Adventure and Towering Inferno appeared in Disney films like Pete's Dragon and The Black Hole.
• 📚 He also explores Irwin Allen's own inspirations from Walt Disney, leading him to create films based on Jules Verne and Alice in Wonderland, and his brief foray into theme park management with Marineland of the Pacific.
• 🎥 The segment also covers filming locations at the former Marineland of the Pacific for Pirates of the Caribbean movies and the short-lived CBS special, Marineland Circus.

Designer Ears and Collectible Trends

• 🎧 The hosts discuss the frenzy surrounding Joe Rohde-designed Mickey Ears, which sold out instantly due to bots and quickly appeared on eBay for significantly inflated prices, highlighting Disney's approach to managing demand and secondary markets.
• 🧱 They also mention the availability of customizable Walk Around the World bricks at Epcot, noting the inscription limitations and pricing for annual passholders and DVC members.

Nightmare Before Christmas and Prop Culture

• 🎃 A significant portion of the show is dedicated to Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise, including Hallmark's storytelling ornaments and mini Christmas trees, reflecting the enduring popularity of the film.
• 🌟 The discussion shifts to the Disney+ show Prop Culture, celebrating host Dan Lanigan's dedication to recovering and preserving iconic movie props, such as the Mary Poppins carpet bag, for the Disney archives.
• 💔 The hosts lament the disposal of original Nightmare Before Christmas set pieces from the tram tour, a decision made due to the film's initial lack of immediate success.

Supporting Disney Fan Communities

• 📚 Jim highlights the importance of supporting niche publishers and retailers, specifically mentioning the Fantasy Worlds of Irwin Allen book and Steuart Ing Books for animation and art enthusiasts.
• 🗓️ The episode concludes with a discussion about the uncertainty of future Disney events and park reopenings due to the ongoing pandemic, encouraging listeners to stay optimistic and connected through various Disney fan communities and podcasts.