After battling the Magic Kingdom's Pin Drop Tuesday series in January and earlier this month for coveted Kingdom Hearts pins, I was relieved to experience a much more relaxed and community-driven event at Disney Parks. Since Disney Lorcan was holding an event during the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, I had high hopes for what I thought would be a simple meet and greet or card trading.
What I didn't expect was the scale of the action. Disney seems to have learned from previous overcrowded events where the lack of product seems to be an integral part and set up accordingly, creating massive hype and intrigue for newcomers and veterans alike.
Planning short-term events throughout the park
Several promo cards have been released for Disney Lorcan, though they are usually limited to local game stores or specific purchases. This time, you can get two free promotions at Epcot by trading with other park guests to get four specific cards to complete the World Showcase map based on the giant Lorcan cards displayed in each country.
I had a chance to ask Ryan Miller, Director of Product and Gaming at Ravensburger, how the team decided which cards would get the promo treatment for the event.
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“Together, we selected cards that highlight three different types of art that guests can celebrate at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts,” he tells me. “Fine Arts with 'Rapunzel – The Grateful Artist', Culinary Arts with Chef 'Donald Duck – Pie Slinger' and Performing Arts with one of our favorites 'Stitch – Rock Star'.”
Miller, as usual, was in person to talk to guests, do business with players and generally make sure the vibe remained light and upbeat. Things went smoothly, kids and adults alike all embraced the colorful trading cards and cooperative elements of the community.
I ask Shane Hartley, vice president of creative at Ravensburger, if there were any surprises in planning such a large event that would be relatively open to the public, compared to previous events like the Disney Lorcana Challenge in Chicago.
“What surprised me the most [at opening weekend] saw people experience the Disney Lorcan TCG for the very first time and immediately start sharing and trading cards with complete strangers,” he says. I honestly witnessed a spontaneous community of joy come together in real time centered around a shared love of Disney.”
As someone who also experienced the opening weekend, the line to hand out cards wrapped around the kiosk. While there were obviously a lot of people at the event, there were also a few newbies who happened to be interested. My partner and I got to share our shared items and accessories with some of the kids who were visiting the park for the first time and were so excited to see their favorite characters in a new way.
“We're at a stage where we're really focused on getting Disney Lorcana TCG into the hands of as many people as possible. It's a game, but it's also a collection of beautiful artwork and fun new moments,” explains Hartley. “The Disney Lorcana TCG is really fun to collect. We've been close since the very beginning.” [it] as a game with something for everyone. Disney has such a rich legacy of storytelling that has touched billions of people around the world, and we aim to reach those same hearts, one card at a time.”
Upscaling cards to make them larger than life
Even before you get to the Illumineer passport kiosk, there are several Disney Lorcan cards that are larger than life – making my 6'3 partner seem small. Each one is strategically placed to make you want to walk around the entire park, but also complement the scenery around it.
No spoilers for the event, but it's exciting to try and guess which characters will appear in each country. It's easier than you think!
Like Hartley, I ask Tracy Thurman, VP of Global Product Design, what it's like to work with so many different artists this time of year at the festival, as well as the cohesive yet diverse artistic styles presented in each Disney Lorcan ensemble in general.
“Having the opportunity to work with a variety of artists across both of our companies who specialize in different styles of artwork is a very exciting and unique experience,” says Thurman. “We're building on ideas to see how we can create even more original pieces in the fantastical world of Lorcan, inspired by Disney's beloved characters and landmarks. The art is engaging and unique, reminding people why they love Disney.”
“Honestly, it's one of the best parts of my job. Hartley admits. “I love seeing how each artist brings a postcard to life. Our artists have such a deep passion and respect for Disney characters and stories, and it's an honor to build on that legacy.”
It's a fun opportunity for both us and the artists to push our creativity and create moments of surprise and delight for the fans. – Shane Hartley
Fans at the International Arts Festival
Everyone has their favorite card. From reimagined princesses like Belle as a mystic and Cinderella as a stalwart soldier to Stitch living his best life as a rock star and Winnie the Pooh rocking as the Hunny Wizard, there's something for everyone. When I ask about his favorite card, Hartley laughs.
“That's always a tough question. There are so many incredible cards out there and I'll admit that I'm definitely partial to this art. But if I had to pick just one, I'd pick one of the iconic cards that are in our upcoming set, Winterspell: 'Pocahontas – Peacekeeper'.”
It is definitely a unique card designed by Miguel Lasarte with a unique colorful and whimsical style. The art fits in with other artists previously featured at the International Art Festival, such as Ryan Riller.
Artists like Dylan Bonner are regular performers at the festival and have contributed to the TCG by producing beautiful artwork for both common and rare cards so that collectors of all levels can appreciate the iconic Disney character they love in a new way.
As for the future of Disney's Lorcan, Hartley couldn't reveal much. However, he shared that “the team is brimming with ideas to expand the reach even further through new art, new gameplay, and new glimpses of these beloved characters.”
My heart is set on a potential Kingdom Hearts card taking center stage one day, but I'll continue to patiently wait to see what the team has in store. However, one thing is certain. Now that Disney Lorcan has passed the initial risk of launching a TCG, the game will only expand from there. It's more than just a TCG for collectors – it's something anyone of any age can get into and the community is thriving.
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