It's that time of year again. Christmas is right around the corner and Jessica once again filled the months with more merchandise than we could imagine. Over one hundred thirty items have been released so far, which is more than any previous year. Of course a bulk of the merchandise is pins. This year Jessica has spent lots of time at the beach, dancing, visited New York, has dressed like Minnie Mouse, a cheerleader, a Native American, a she-devil, vampires and of all things a french maid. I always knew it would be changed forever if Disney had Jessica dressed as a French maid. It's something I never thought I'd see Disney do.
What I mean by "changed" is that the day is long over for Jessica being an obscure or underused character.
Disney Auctions ceased to be in September and while Disney claims they are just taking a break, many feel the closing was due to poor quality pins and service. Toward the end people were bidding on pins only to get a letter stating the pin was not available. The most infamous being Jessica Rabbit as Marilyn Monroe, in which Disney stated the pins were lost, yet one of the pins was given out as part of a prize pin package at a Disney event.
Disney Direct became Disney Shopping, now pins are being listed at all strange hours and as far as Jessica pins – they sell out within a few minutes, especially these Limited Editions of only 100. Often, many buyers are getting e-mails the next day saying the item was sold out the time they paid anyway so they will not be getting it and their money is returned.
I have it on good authority that there were big changes made in the Disney pins and art departments. With the closing of Disney Auctions and the loss of the Disney Catalog, the creative departments are no longer the same.
Some of the best items this year came from Disneyland Paris with the most impressive being a new small statue of Jessica, a chalkboard, a clock and a light up picture frame. These items are hard to come by so definitely buy one if you get a chance, it's well worth it.
The most incredible item released by far has to be the life-size Jessica statue. Standing at a perfect 5,9" I can't imagine who would buy this but if I had the money and the space, who am I kidding, I sure would. Finally there was some type of home merchandise released like the salt and pepper shakers and even the journal and phonebook - we could still use more items like this.
It only leaves one asking what 2007 will bring for Jessica! I guess we'll have to wait and see.
