Post #593896 by Tropical_Icebergs on Thu, Jun 16, 2011 5:19 AM

Way back in 2007, we first reported that this might happen, and finally its become a reality: hipster/tiki artist-extrodinare Shag (a.k.a. Josh Agle) has been tapped by Disney to create imagery for a new line of merchandise celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Walt Disney World and the Disney Crusie Line. The success of his previous work for Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary, the Haunted Mansion’s 40th Anniversary and The Enchanted Tiki Room’s 40th Anniversary had to be a huge factor in making the decision and I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling excitement for what’s to come.

Walt Disney World hosted a very under-publicised meet-and-greet with Shag on January 31 (a Monday!) where he signed prints of the “40th Anniversary Map.” The art, an interpretion/combination of several maps used as souvineers and in advertising, was on sale for that one day only and is now “in the vault” until the summer of this year, when the rest of the merchandise will be revealed. Tiki fans will appreciate his take on the Polynesian Resort which comes complete with hula dancer (a nod to map artwork in the rare WDW Preview book).

No specific dates have been given yet, but one they’re announced, we’ll let you know