experience!
All The Buzz About NFFC
Name Change
Communications Committee Openings
25th Anniversary NFFC Disneyana Convention and NFFC All Disneyana Show and Sale
Dream…An NFFC Silent Auction and Wine Tasting
And more…
June 26, 2009—yep we’re late, thanks name change committee!
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes!
The NFFC Board of Directors recently notified our worldwide membership via e-mail and post of a momentous event in the club’s history. In a letter to members the Board stated:
At the March 2009 NFFC Board of Directors meeting, the Board determined that changing our name had become critical to the continued long-term success of our club. The Board voted to change our name from National Fantasy Fan Club (NFFC) to Disneyana Fan Club, which more accurately describes who we are and lessens the need to explain what our club is about to people who aren’t familiar with us. (Link to full letter)
The process of changing our name by promoting the word Disneyana in our tagline, The Club for Disneyana Enthusiasts, to our primary designation began over 18 months ago when NFFC President Kendra Trehan asked NFFC V.P. of Finance Gary Schaengold to consult with Disney’s legal counsel regarding the company’s thoughts about such a move on the club’s part.
Disney thought it was a good idea and had no objection.
Voting is now taking place. As a member you can vote either by mailing in a completed copy of the Name Change ballot or by e-mailing your vote (Ballot and voting instructions). Voting will end on July 22, 2009.
Since notifying our members about the voting, a vigorous debate about the idea of changing our name has been taking place on our member forum on nffc.org, as well as on the LaughingPlace.com discussion boards.
editor’s note: A bug has been discovered in the nffc.org software used to communicate with NFFC members via e-mail resulting in the inability to send out the Board’s Name Change letter and ballot to a dozen or more members with valid e-mail addresses. You will receive a copy of this information shortly after receiving this edition of The NFFC Disneyana Dispatch.
The NFFC Board of Directors apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.
Join the Fun!
As mentioned in the section prior to this, a “lively” debate has sprung up on both the nffc.org member forum and the LaughingPlace.com discussion boards around the vote, now taking place, to change our name to Disneyana Fan Club.
A lot of that debate has to do with the way the Board communicates with our members. As NFFC V.P. Media Relations and Communications, C. W. “Chuck” Oberleitner (that’s me) is responsible for how the club keeps members and the world informed of NFFC polices, promotions, activities, and events.
“Its more than one man can handle!” Oberleitner recently said to himself in an interview with The NFFC Disneyana Dispatch.
“Fortunately for me,” he continued, “our by-laws provide for the establishment of a committee that can assist with the task of keeping anyone and everyone interested in NFFC informed.”
Applications are now being accepted for the NFFC Media Relations and Communications committee. The only qualifications for becoming a member of the MR&C committee are that you: first, be an NFFC member; and second, that you are not currently serving on another committee.
The committee will meet once a month at the chairman’s home in North Hollywood, California or the Disneyland or Walt Disney World resorts, depending upon club events in those locations.
Meetings will be open to the entire membership and the date, time and location of each meeting will be posted on nffc.org.
Members who would like to join the committee but can’t make regular trips to North Hollywood are still encouraged to apply. Teleconferencing will be arranged, where possible, to accommodate volunteers from other parts of the country or chapters in countries outside of the United States.
“I’d really like to see a diverse cross section of our membership working together on this committee,” Oberleitner said.
In addition to helping develop and format NFFC communications tools, committee members will, from time to time, also have the opportunity to meet and interview notable past and present Disney personalities.
Writing and photographic skills aren’t required to join the committee; however, if you possess either or both of these skills, you’ve just found the perfect opportunity to promote yourself within these fields.
Members interested in joining the Media Relations and Communications committee should contact NFFC V.P. Media Relations and Communications C. W. “Chuck” Oberleitner at chuck.obe@nffc.org.
“If you’ve had a problem with the way NFFC gets its message out to its members and the public,” Oberleitner concluded, “now’s your chance to do something about it and make a difference!”
Last Chance to Save!
Preregistration is rapidly coming to an end (if it hasn’t already by the time you get this) for this year's 25th Anniversary NFFC Disneyana Convention and All Disneyana Show and Sale from July 14 through July 19 at the Anaheim Crowne Plaza Resort in Garden Grove, CA.
Download, fill out, and mail in this year's convention registration form now. Do it now before prices go up.
On July 1, convention package pricing and special dining event ticket prices go up as we draw nearer to the start of the big celebration (see table below).
25th Anniversary NFFC Disneyana Convention Registration Form
25th Anniversary NFFC Disneyana Convention Online Payment Form
Late Preregistration must be postmarked no later than July 8, 2009. You must still complete a registration form and mail it in with your check or a copy of your PayPal receipt.
Package Pricing |
As of |
Anniversary Package |
$370 |
Celebration Package |
$190 |
Magic Package |
$90 |
Additional Family |
$75 |
Dining Events |
|
Welcome Reception |
$50 |
Collectors’ Brunch |
$35 |
Celebration Banquet |
$75 |
Legends Luncheon |
$70 |
Producers, Princesses, and Dragons, Oh My!
As they always do at this time of year, things are beginning to come together quickly for this year’s 25th Anniversary NFFC Disneyana Convention and NFFC All Disneyana Show and Sale.
Tuesday evening, July 14, you won’t want to miss this year’s Welcoming Reception, which features a special presentation of There and Back an NFFC Journey, a retrospective of 25 years of NFFC, fun, events, and honors.
On Wednesday, July 15, there’s the Collectors’ Brunch. Come prepared to be part of the fun. Wear your favorite article of Disney clothing, accessories, and/or hat(s). And bring along your favorite collectable acquired at a previous NFFC Disneyana Convention from the past 25 years.
Also scheduled for that day is an authors’ panel featuring Pam Burns-Clair, Don Peri, Tom Tumbush, and Eleonora Duviver. Later that afternoon, Herb Ryman a Personal Presentation will be presented by retiring Disney Company Ambassador Marty Sklar.
On Thursday, July 16, Rebecca Cline, manager of the Disney Archives, is scheduled to give a presentation of rarely seen film footage and items from the Mickey Mouse Club Circus. Later, Rebecca will join Steven Clark, head of D23, Disney's new official fan community, for an in-depth look at the history of D23 and some of its future plans.
After lunch on Thursday, we’ll hear from Garner Holt, head of Garner Holt Productions, the world’s largest manufacturer of animatronics and animatronic figures. Garner Holt Productions is the builder of the new 40-foot-tall mechanized Maleficent Dragon, which will soon be appearing in the Disneyland nighttime spectacular Fantasmic.
That evening, be sure to have your tickets ready for the Celebration Banquet, A Royal Gathering, featuring Don Hahn (Disney producer extraordinaire), Paige O'Hara (the voice of Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast), Jodi Benson (the voice of Princess Ariel in Disney's The Little Mermaid), and Sherri Stoner, the animators’ reference model for both Belle and Ariel.
These are just a few of the highlights from this year’s 25th Anniversary NFFC Disneyana Convention. There are plenty more surprises in store for NFFC members and their families.
So, don’t delay! Send in your registration today and save some dough before prices go up.
2009 NFFC Disney Legends Luncheon Honorees
The NFFC Board of Directors and NFFC Legends Committee are proud to announce this year’s NFFC Disney Legends honorees:
Frank Armitage, artist and animator
Eric Jacobson, Imagineer
Bill Farmer, voice actor (Goofy)
Tony Anselmo, voice actor (Donald Duck)
And a very special tribute to two very legendary NFFC members: Bruce Gordon and David Mumford
Click for full size image and remember to check back often for updates.
NFFC All Disneyana Show and Sale
Sunday, July 19, will be our grandest All Disneyana Show and Sale ever! There will be new limited edition collectors’ pins from the Disney Employee Center and Walt Disney Imagineering’s own Mickey’s of Glendale.
Additionally, some of the biggest and best purveyors of classic Disney memorabilia and collectables will be offering great deals on some fantastic bits of Disneyana.
Non-NFFC members paying the full general admission price can clip the coupon below and save $1.00 on admission. Share it with your friends or, better yet, ask them join NFFC!
This year's All Disneyana Show and Sale hours are:
9:00 a.m. - NFFC Disneyana Convention Attendees
10:00 a.m. - NFFC Members
11:00 a.m. - Open to the public
5:00 p.m. - NFFC All Disneyana Show and Sale closes
Coupon good only for full-price general admission.
Volunteers Needed: Convention - Show and Sale
Larger Show and Sale and lots more convention means one thing: We need lots more hands on deck to help make sure everyone has the best possible time at this year’s anniversary events. If you’d like to help out, drop a note to info@nffc.org!
Dream...An NFFC Silent Auction and Wine Tasting to Benefit Ryman Arts
This year’s NFFC fund raising event, Dream...An NFFC Silent Auction and Wine Tasting, will take place Wednesday, July 15, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. in the Sleeping Beauty Pavilion at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California.
It is open to the public and separate from the 25th Anniversary NFFC Disneyana Convention.
This extraordinary event will feature some very special guests and exciting surprises. There will be a two-fold silent auction featuring artworks donated by Disney artists and Ryman students, and the opportunity to bid on a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience:
A Disneyland ride-along with some of your favorite Disney personalities and Imagineers!
During the Wine Tasting event, you’ll be able to meet and talk with people charged with putting the magic in many of Disneyland’s most beloved attractions. After bidding concludes, the lucky winners will join their Disney companions on Friday, July 17 (Disneyland’s 54th Anniversary) at The Happiest Place on Earth for their ride-along.
Among those scheduled to take part in Dream…An NFFC Silent Auction and Wine Tasting are: NFFC and Disney Legend Imagineer Bob Gurr; the one the only original Tinker, Belle Margaret Kerry; and the voice of Jiminy Cricket, actor, author, comedian Eddie Carroll.
Tickets for Dream...An NFFC Silent Auction and Wine Tasting are $100 and are available to the general public; NFFC membership is not required to participate. A tax-deductible portion of the proceeds directly benefits Ryman Arts (see an event host for details).
Registration forms and further event details are available at:
All scheduled events and guest appearances subject to change without notice.
About NFFC
The National Fantasy Fan Club (nffc) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich legacy of Walt Disney. Our common goal is to provide Disneyana enthusiasts of all ages from around the world with news, information, and events that enhance their experience with, and love of, all things Disney.
This goal is achieved through the publication of a member newsletter, the Fantasy Line Express, and by hosting national and international members, along with local nffc chapters, where members can trade information, learn more about their favorite collectables, hold group outings and activities, and just have fun!
The nffc is equally dedicated to sharing Walt Disney''''s artistic legacy as well as Disney magic with those in need. Through a series of charitable fund raising events, the nffc helps to support inner-city arts programs and to assist families and children affected by major illness to find a little happiness at Disney parks.
By far, the biggest and most popular means of expanding the magic are the nffc All Disneyana Conferences and Expos—held at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts—where members are informed and entertained by Imagineers, animators, entertainers, authors, and artists from every facet of the Walt Disney Company, along with many independent Disney experts. Additionally, the nffc All Disneyana Show and Sales, which are open to the public, provide an unparalleled experience and opportunity for Disneyana and autograph collectors.
Website: nffc.org
Fine Print:
Unless otherwise indicated, the nffc is not affiliated with or maintained by the Walt Disney Company, its divisions, or any other corporation, business, entity, person, or persons referenced in nffc informational material.
For More Information Contact
Chuck Oberleitner
NFFC VP Media Relations and Communications
Phone: 818 209 2114
Email: chuck.obe@nffc.org
Website: www.nffc.org
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