Ok all, I am back from DL and here is my adventure of the day. First off, I did try and buy one from the gallery directly over the phone, but they wouldn't sell one to me. Their phone number is (714) 781-7531. I had to leave a message but they did return my call.
Anyway, I had to go to DL to purchase one in person (like I needed another reason to go to Disney right
). When I got there, about 20 after noon, the place was packed and they were lined up buying. My wife got in line while I tried to get some questions answered about what was in stock. The place was a zoo and those CM's were saints today. Anyway, I was going for the largest size in the Artist Proof (A/P) edition because I heard they had some stashed in the back. Turns out that all the A/P's were truly gone. Since Disney only sells the A/P and the S/N editions, I had the choice of waiting and possibly ordering an A/P from a gallery at a later date, or going with an S/N. Now normally, I wouldn't have gone with an S/N (too many paintings in each edition for my taste), but at the rate these were selling, I figured I should get something. So I wanted the S/N in the largest size - but I wanted it with the Kinkade personal signature on the back that was signed last Saturday. Turns out, they were sold out!!! Then I went for the mediun size - turns out the guy in front of me took the final 2 middle sized ones
!!!!! My last hope was a small on canvas, and fortunately, I got one. It was signed by Kinkade, but the number was 149 of 1955, and I always prefer numbers under 100 (doesn't mean much, just my preference) - but at least I got one.
I took it unframed because to be honest, the frames were not that great (JMHO - I am sure others liked them). The gold frames were nice though, but we have golden color walls so it wouldn't work so well. Anyway, I will send it to my mom's gallery for a custom frame. Now I did check out the frames and there were definately no Hidden Mickey frames. The only frame that had any Mickey on it was for the prints on Paper, and those came with an added Mickey that said 50th anniversary inside of it. The frames for the canvas art was the standard wood (which really felt like plastic to me) and gold which did look nice.
Here is some more inside scoop from the CM's (who by the way really didn't like me once a few guests heard me talking about their stock with Kinkade signing the back of the paintings - it caused a frenzy). Anyway, they said that they would be getting more paintings in, they just didn't know when, but they would not have the Kinkade signature on the back. Disney is the only ones allowed to sell the A/P's and S/N's for 9 months, then the galleries can sell them after that. Until 9 months is up, the galleries can only sell the G/P's, which Disney will never be able to sell. The problem is, I can't see these lasting 9 months!!! It was ridiculous today because people were there to just look at the painting and were in shock when they found out they could buy it. The registers were ringing like I have never seen in my life - and these are big ticket items. If you still want one and can get to Disney, call ahead, see what they have. I have a feeling they have more, but are releasing them a few each day to spread it around. They really should limit it to one per customer, just like the galleries do. This way, more people will have a chance to get one. Good luck to those still in the hunt!!!
Have fun!!!
