About a year ago I wrote a blog describing several Disney fan events that take place around the country.
Carol and I really enjoy them; it’s an easy way for us to keep the magic alive without making that long trek south!
It’s always fun sharing good times with people who also share our Disney affliction!
Whenever I publish a blog describing one of the Disney collectible or trading events we have enjoyed there is a recurring theme in the comments:
– “I wish I had known about this, I live very close by.”
– “I would love to know when this is next year!”
– “That sounds like so much fun; I’d love to go some time.”
So if you’re looking to spend some happy times with fellow Disney fans, here is an updated version of last year’s blog. It’s a list of a few of those “non-theme park events” coming up in 2016.
These can help you put the maximum “Disney magic” in your life!
1. Trade ‘til You Fade — Apr 29-May 1, 2016 — Somerset New Jersey
This weekend-long event, organized annually by Central Jersey Disney Pin Traders, is a fun-filled experience for those who collect and trade Disney pins and Vinylmations.
There are games, raffles and even an optional gift exchange which can be hilarious! Full details are available on the Central Jersey Disney Pin Traders web site HERE.
Read a blog about the 2012 event HERE
2. Southern Ontario “Canadian Disney Addicts”
In June 2015 twenty-four strangers met in a Denny’s restaurant in Whitby Ontario. The only thing we had in common was a love of all things Disney. We spent a wonderful afternoon talking about our happy place, sharing ideas, trading Disney pins and Vinylmations and most importantly, making new friends.
You can read about the first event in an AllEars blog HERE.
It was so much fun that we decided to meet every three months. If you live in Southern Ontario please come out and join us at Denny’s Restaurant, 75 Consumers Lane, Whitby from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
3. Dayton Disneyana — Jun 11 – 12, 2016 — Dayton Ohio
Another wonderful weekend-long event, however this one caters to Disneyana collectors. The Dayton “Plane Crazy” Chapter of the Disneyana Fan Club does a terrific job organizing this annual bonanza for Disneyana collectors.
A hotel ballroom is chock full of vendors tables overflowing with high quality collectibles. This is not a flea market, these are real collectors selling quality product.
There are always a few interesting speakers who pass on some fascinating tidbits of Disney history and gossip during afternoon and evening seminars.
This year’s event will feature some well known guests:
– Margaret Kerry, the original reference model for Tinker Bell
– Terri Hardin, a former Disney Imagineer and Puppeteer
– Jim Hill, a well known Disney blogger and historian and a very entertaining speaker
A few meeting rooms are set aside so attendees can mix and mingle, there are even some Disney pin and Vinylmation traders.
Full details are available on the Dayton chapter’s web site HERE.
Read about previous events in these AllEars.net blogs:
Dayton Disneyana 2013
Dayton Disneyana 2014
Dayton Disneyana 2015
4. Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet — Jul 9, 2016 — Lynnwood Washington
Carol and I have not attended this annual weekend event held near Seattle, it’s a long way from where we live! But we’ve heard very good reviews from friends who have been there.
There are always some top-notch speakers and interesting activities. Tickets always sell out quickly, so be sure to register early! It’s a good idea to book a room at the host hotel for the evening before the event; there are some special activities for those who check-in early!
Fellow AllEars blogger Jeanine Yamanaka wrote about the 2014 event, you can read about it HERE.
Arrangements for the 2016 meet are not yet finalized, but you can read more details on their web site HERE:
5. Swap ‘til You Drop — Oct 28-30, 2016 — Somerset New Jersey
Another fun-filled weekend-long event, organized annually by Central Jersey Disney Pin Traders. The format for this event is very similar to the Trade ‘til You Fade event held each spring. Refer to their web site HERE:
So . . . if you’re feeling blue because you can’t get to one of the Disney parks . . . why don’t you plan to attend one of these locally organized fan events!
Disney fans always make a fun-loving group; imagine how easy it is to make new friends when you are surrounded by kindred spirits.
Maybe Carol and I will see you there!
I’m wondering about the Central Jersey Pin Traders. Are they still active? Their website is not being updated, I can’t find them on Facebook. Are their two big yearly trading events really going ahead? They seem to have petered out.
[Gary writes: Yes Laura, they are definitely still active! Check their Facebook page . . . simply search in Facebook for “Central Jersey Disney Pin Traders” and a link to their page will pop up.
Carol and I are definitely going in April, maybe we’ll see you there!]