March 31st Olszewski release event - Ariel's Grotto, Plaza Inn

[Fishbulb]

This past Saturday morning, March 31st, Dustysage and I got up bright and early to attend the release of the two new Olszewski Miniatures, Plaza Inn and Ariel's grotto. Our dear friend from Main Street Miniatures, Katrina, planned on meeting us there for the event.

The park opened at 8am and the signing of miniatures began at 9. Dusty and I got to the resort about 7:30am. Yipes! Early! The crowds at the trams were scant and we quickly made it to the gates of Disneyland.

At 8am the gates were opened and we made our way to the front of the Disneyana shop on Main Street. Upon arrival we noticed that there were two lines. One line for purchasing Miniatures and one for getting them signed.

I got in the Signature line to be ahead of the game.

Dusty and Katrina in the purchase line

Dusty bought his miniatures and joined me in the Sig line.

Soon Ray Olszewski, Robert Olszewski's brother came outside to greet Katrina and we were introduced to him. He was such a nice guy.

Ray Olszewski

We were then invited inside Disneyana.

Katrina Introduced us to Robert Olszewski and left us to chat with him.

Olszewski welcomed us with a warm smile and a hearty handshake.

He talked to us at length about the many pieces he produced for Disney and how very much he enjoys putting these pieces together. Robert explained that what he really likes to aim for in creating any of his pieces is not just a likeness but a feel. The miniatures he produces are made to capture the visual essence of the subject.

I asked Robert Olszewski what his favorite piece was that he had created.

He thought for a moment

"Out of all of them?" He asked
"Disney pieces. Your favorite Disney Miniature."
He thought for a minute. and answered, "The Haunted Mansion piece"
"Why is that?" I queried.
"Well because it was a big challenge to recreate that attraction. So many people love that ride and it took a while to come up with a way to really capture the feel of it with all those show scenes. I wrote about the process on Main Street Miniatures, you should read it."
"I will, it sounds neat."

"That's what I am trying to do with these shadowboxes." Olszewski motioned to a display to his right that featured new shadow boxes featuring scenes from some of Disney's most cherished films.

He continued, "I really like to catch that feeling that moment. That's why I did those."
"Yeah love them." I said.

Sorry about the flash

"Did you see the platform? The Display out front?" Olszewski asked referring to the display out front of all of Main Street and the Castle Hub.
"I did. It's Wonderful." I replied
"I love to turn off all the lights and, you know, turn on all the lights on the miniatures and play the Main Street Music. It's like, you're there."
"Yeah Dusty and I have done that. Although we are still missing like three Main Street buildings. It's really cool."

Dusty and I thanked Robert Olszewski for the time he took to chat with us. He was so warm and approachable.

After we finished up inside we took one last look at the display outside and said goodbye to Ray Olszewski.

A really nice guy came up and introduced himself as a lurker and said he really enjoyed reading my little trip reports. How nice is that? I introduced myself and we took pics. He was so nice.

We then headed home for the day to catch up on our sleep.

That was a lot of fun. I can't wait for the next Olszewski event.

[figment1986]

nice report, makes me wish i had cash...

(gas or miniatures.. real hard decision..)

[SusieP.]

I don't collect the park pieces, but I could get into those shadowboxes!

[Skywaygrl]

Beautiful report! I'm going to take my miniatures out and turn them on.

[disneyballerina]

Lovely Trip Report! Very interesting questions you asked, and great pictures Fishy.

Originally Posted by Skywaygrl

Beautiful report! I'm going to take my miniatures out and turn them on.

I know you will!!

Crazy girl.

I miss you! How many days has it been?

[NeverNeverland]

Love the MSM/Dusty pic and Dusty w/a
ll his bags!

How much are those shadowboxes?

[Skywaygrl]

Here are the pictures of the King Triton's Garden-Snow White's Grotto and the Plaza Inn miniatures that were released on Saturday. I hope everyone enjoys them. For more information on the Olszewski Main Street Collection please visit www.mainstreetminiatures.com

Katrina

[Dustysage]

If you are interested in this collection, you'll certainly want to check out www.mainstreetminiatures.com, they've got the entire collection online and a lot of great information. Simply fantastic!

[Skywaygrl]

Originally Posted by disneyballerina

Lovely Trip Report! Very interesting questions you asked, and great pictures Fishy.





I know you will!!

Crazy girl.

I miss you! How many days has it been?

I miss you too! Do we start counting the night after the flat tire?

Originally Posted by NeverNeverland

Love the MSM/Dusty pic and Dusty w/a
ll his bags!

How much are those shadowboxes?

I will find out tomorrow and let you know.

[Coheteboy]

Man, those pieces are awesome, but I have to stop getting Main Street. There's just too many!!

Call me when the Matterhorn comes out.

[Aladdin]

Those shadow boxes look Fanstastic, especially
the Cinderella and Nightmare ones!

[Crazy Legs]

wow amazing I love the report thanks

[mikeland]

What an honor to meet Robert Olszewski himself! I really kick myself for not personally going to the WDW signing he had last year.

[sir clinksalot]

Awesome pictures, it was great hearing about the event from you guys on Saturday.

Dusty ... you just HAD to link that site didn't you!!!! Were supposed to be saving our money to actually go to WDW, not to be buying stuff!!!

[cstephens]

Originally Posted by NeverNeverland

How much are those shadowboxes?

From what Travis said, they expect them to each be in the $60 to $75 range.