The Latest California Convention News!

One of the best of the many benefits of becoming an NFFC member is coming up soon. Right now we’re busy finalizing the events and guest speaker’s for this summer’s NFFC National Convention and all Disneyana Show and Sale 2008.

Join now and you’ll be eligible to register for what has become the biggest and most talked about all Disneyana event to take place each summer right next door to the Happiest Place on Earth. Okay, actually the convention takes places three blocks down the street from the Disneyland Resort at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, but you get the idea.

UPDATE—THIS JUST IN: Added 07/01/08. In keeping with Disney CEO Bob Iger’s earlier announcement to work more closely with the Disneyana and online Disney enthusiast communities the Walt Disney Company has just made a special NFFC National Convention presentation by Legendary Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter part of this summer’s convention. This truly awesome event will take place July 17 in the Team Disney Anaheim Auditorium backstage at the Disneyland Resort. Sorry this event is for NFFC convention attendees only.

Here’s a brief look as at some of the fun, fascinating and exciting events we have planned for you this year.

Making the Dream Come True: Kim Irvine presents a fascinating look at the genesis of the Walt Disney Dream Suite at the Disneyland Resort. From the earliest days of Walt’s original apartment above the Fire House on Disneyland’s Main Street USA to the building of New Orleans Square Kim takes her audience on a richly detailed tour of the history of this fabled space above Disneyland’s beloved Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. You won’t want to miss Kim’s captivating presentation with an insiders look at how Disney artist and designer Dorothea Redmond’s original design work inspired today’s Imagineers to create the Walt Disney Dream Suite.

Who Let the Toys Out? Join us as WDI (that’s Walt Disney Imagineering for you newbies) representatives take us on a behind scenes journey to see and hear how Toy Story Midway Mania made the transition from concept and design to "must ride attraction." This will be your chance to get the folks who know to share some hints on how to rack up the highest scores on this amazing 4D adventure. After this fun-filled presentation you’re gonna want to head over the Disney’s California Adventure to try your luck on this new and exciting attraction.

A Peek Behind the Curtain: Tired of reading about far away "media only" events talking about what may or may not be happening at your favorite toon studio? Well here’s your chance to get the straight skinny right form the Mouse’s mouth. Join us as the folks from Disney/Pixar Animation Studios take us on a guided tour and previews of what’s coming between now and 2012 from the world’s foremost animation studios.

A Blast From the Past: From the future of Disney animation to its highly acclaimed past, David Pacheco Creative Art Director for Walt Disney Art Classics will take us on a compelling look at some rare and historically significant Academy AwardÆ nominated animated shorts from the Walt Disney Studios. With a background that includes artistic contributions to such Disney animated films as The Fox and the Hound, Mickey's Christmas Carol, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and†The Little Mermaid there’s little doubt that David knows his stuff when it comes to Disney animation and this is your chance to ask him all those burning questions you have about Jessica Rabbit.

The Art of Disney Parks: Ever think to yourself that no matter which of the 11 Disney parks you were visiting, "Gee this place looks like a work of art." Well you were right and there’s a reason for it. Join former Imagineer and author Jeff Kurtti as he delights everyone with tales of talented individuals who have created some of the most beloved places on earth.

Always a Very Pleasant Surprise: Everyone loves Disney. Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily really love Disney. From sharing their love of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room to enticing NFFC Disneyana fans with the latest collectables they have been delighting National Convention audiences for several years now. Come see what they’ve got cooked up for this year. You’re bound to find something you’ve just got to have for your collection.

Is This Thing On? You may have heard Disney CEO Bob Iger being asked about it at this year’s Walt Disney Company Annual Meeting, now it’s your chance to get up close and personal with Disneyana Podcasting and Blogging. Stop, chat, and say hello to the world (literally) with:

I’m Game: Come and find out what’s new at Walt Disney Interactive

The Great Disneyland Pancake Races: Get the butter and syrup ready as the Walt Disney Archives takes us on a historical behind the scenes look at Disneyland. Rarely scene vintage footage of classic early Disneyland events from the television camera’s point of view highlights this very entertaining presentation.

Meet the Disney Web Writers: Meet the men and women of the Internet who bring you, all the latest information, gossip and dish about all things Disney. Tentatively scheduled to speak at our Saturday morning after breakfast session are writers, bloggers, and photo journalists from some of the best known "unofficial" Disney fan sites.

ACME Archives: Once again this year our friends from ACME Archives join us to unveil their newest fine art reproduction releases.

Giant All Disneyana Show and Sale: The biggest expo of its kind, the ultimate Disneyana flea market experience for the novice and serious collector alike. "It’s like eBay in real time, only better." The Show and Sale are open to the public but NFFC members get first crack at all the goodies.

There’s a lot more to come. We’re still finalizing the complete schedule but we think you’ll agree there’s plenty of reason to join and register TODAY! for this year’s NFFC National Convention and all Disneyana Show and Sale 2008, July 15 - 20.

All speakers and events subject to change.