Something Green for St. Patrick’s Day from Disney Parks

I was recently in a team meeting discussing St. Patrick’s Day traditions. One of my team members (who shall remain nameless) broke into song, carrying a great traditional Irish tune for about a minute. I began thinking about the traditions I associate with St. Patrick’s Day. Immediately, the thought of wearing green flashed in my head. It seems like throughout the entire month of March I see green, especially between St. Patrick’s Day and the great thaw that symbolizes the coming of Spring. With visions of green dancing in my head, I set out to find some St. Patrick’s Day merchandise perfect for March 17.

My first stop – Duffy the Disney Bear who is dressed in his finest green for St. Patrick’s Day. This pre-dressed Duffy continues the series of holidays-themed bears (the most recent being Valentine’s Day). I asked Monty Maldovan, the artist behind the design of the bear, about his St. Patrick’s Day traditions and memories.

“I’m part Irish, so celebrating St. Patrick’s Day is a requirement,” explained Monty. “I typically wear green to celebrate. When I was younger, I remember my mom making sugar cookies with green icing. She also made a traditional meal but I don’t recall liking it [laughs].“

The St. Patrick’s Day-themed Duffy the Disney Bear has a retail of $30.00 and can be found at multiple locations at Disney Parks in California and Florida.

If you want to sport some green like Duffy (or Monty) on March 17, then pick up this Disney earhat. The hat has a retail of $14.95, and is the perfect accent to your St. Patrick’s Day outfit. It can also be found on the Disney Parks on-line store.

There are several items specifically created for this holiday including tee-shirts, Disney pins, a neck lanyard with sublimated printing (it’s gorgeous!) and a few others. I found this display at the Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A., in Magic Kingdom Park one recent afternoon. This rather green visual statement also includes green-colored items like sandals and a Mike Wazowski coffee mug (for those who may not like to wear green but still want to fit in on March 17).

Jeanne Lewis, developer for the two St. Patrick’s Day limited edition pins, shared with me her favorite St. Patrick’s Day memory.

“My son and I found a four-leaf clover in our yard about two years ago,” said Jeanne. “We pressed it in a book with the hope it would bring us good luck. It has so far.”

Jeanne also serenaded me with an Irish tune while I was in her office. Gosh, so much singing and so much green at Disney Theme Park Merchandise! How will you be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year?

Something Green for St. Patrick’s Day from Disney Parks by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Via: Disney Parks Blog