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(Personal pieces are rare for me, so I apologize if the format of this article feels different from the normal tone.)
What an incredible day.
Since falling in love with sneakers as a kid, getting my first job at a shoe store, and working a blog about sneakers for nearly a decade, I can’t think of a more memorable time with a brand than today when Vans hosted a select group of individuals at Disneyland for the launch of the “Young At Heart” Summer 2015 Collection.
The occasion was something of epic magnitude as the two worked together to tell the story of the two Anaheim originated American icons both from the same era. As Disney celebrates 60 years of Disneyland in Anaheim, Vans is also preparing for their milestone of 60 years coming in 2016.
Hosting the festivities and sharing priceless and unforgettable stories was the OG himself, Steve Van Doren, who was front and center when we all walked into the event space for the first time to greet everybody.
Matt Halfhill and Steve Van DorenThe lineup was introduced when Steve Van Doren stood in a Vans Sk8-Hi car because a stage that was prepared would just be too predictable and the norm.
Following a lunch greeting, attendees broke off into separate groups where we were led by Disney and Vans representatives and other members of sneaker media. Our group was nothing short of amazing with the likes of my wife and Nice Kicks co-founder Allison Halfhill, Jazzy Rae and Marquella of Kicks on Fire, Karina aka @AirKarinaBX23, and a Vans dedicated blogger Billy of Under The Palm Leaves. Also in our group was none other than Steve Van Doren himself.
Our Group Forming a V for Vans at DisneylandSteve was on his home turf. It was pretty clear early on.
From whistling the tunes from different Disney songs, to talking like Donald Duck, Steve was enjoying himself like he was 10 years old again at Disneyland. It was during this time that I learned more about Vans from speaking with and spending time with Steve Van Doren that I learned more about the brand than all of my years blogging.
From skate, to punk scenes, to sneakerheads, to every day wearers of Vans – Vans has a loyal and dedicated fan base that adores the products it creates. People of all ages were wearing Vans were all over the park, and it was humbling to see with a smile on his face all day long just the sheer number of people walking by that did double-takes when they saw the Skateboard Hall of Fame inductee walking around Disneyland.
Speaking with representatives from Disney was equally as exciting. Daily, thousands of people from all around the globe flock to the Land of Magic to experience the brand of Disney. Scores of kids dressed as their favorite Disney character, people of all ages wearing Mickey Mouse ears, and the dedication of lining up to experience the rides and the brand.
Steve Van Doren holding his Disney x Vans Slip On with Mickey MouseSteve Van Doren is Young At Heart.
“Young At Heart” is the title of the collection between Vans and Disney that will hit Vans stores and other Vans retailers starting in June, but the day couldn’t have had a better title and theme.
Steve Van Doren illustrated just how young at heart he really is still to this day and it is with that energy and excitement that one can understand how the brand continues to elevate its products for its loyal customers season after season.
There were so many great moments throughout the day that it would be too hard to list them all. One on one conversations, bloggers having a great time together, and experiencing the Magical place called Disneyland together with Vans made this one of my favorite sneaker experiences I have ever lived.
The Disney x Vans “Young At Heart” Collection comes this June featuring the Slip-On, Authentic, Era and Sk8-Hi from the Vans Classics line, as well as a solid line of apparel and accessories that include hats, backpacks, keychains, and socks. Disney characters represented in the collection include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Winnie the Pooh.
Special thanks again to Vans and Disney for the epic time and all of the wonderful people with which I had the pleasure of spending time and conversing about kicks.
Disney x Vans Sk8-Hi Disney x Vans Authentic & Sk8-Hi Disney x Vans Authentic Donald Duck Disney x Vans Slip On Minnie Mouse Disney x Vans Slip On Mickey Mouse
