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Disney's Hollywood Studios

I have purchased a few Star Wars autographs from Tatooine Traders in Disney's Hollywood Studios that I am sure are authentic but someone has recently informed me that I should be cautious about purchasing in Walt Disney World. The autographed photos are all from Michael Wehrmann as are all of the other autographs sold at the Studios. There used to be an autograph store in Downtown Disney a few years ago that I did not trust and did not purchase from. They did not carry Michael Wehrmann pieces. Any thoughts? Thanks for your opinions in advance.

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Permalink Reply by DB on October 7, 2012 at 5:21am

the hobby has now come to the point were not only do you have to have the autographs authenticated but now the COA's need authentication from Frost via Wehrmann seems to be right on target.

Even if an older COA was in fact issued it seems an ever increasing claim that it wasn't one that "we" issued can be heard. How does one really determine fact from fiction.

What's next a COA for a COA.

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Permalink Reply by JXE on October 7, 2012 at 6:28am

I think you guys have to remember that these are Disney parks stores. They want the best inventory for their stores so they went to the best supplier. There is no way Disney was forging Wehrmann COAs. Most of the people who go in there don't know who he is anyways. This isn't a hardcore base, but rather any tourist who walks through Hollywood Studios. However, the COA does make someone like me more comfortable buying from the shop without pulling out the smartphonne and sifting through exemplars.

And remember, the two shops inside Disney parks are very different from the junk at Downtown Disney. Sid's and TT are actual Disney Parks stores. And Disney takes their Parks stores very seriousy. They wanted the best supplier so they got him; plain and simple.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Shepherd on October 7, 2012 at 7:51am

I don't think that the concern was ever that Disney was forging autographs and COAs. The only possible concern would have been that a supplier was using the name of a very reputable dealer and since Wehrmann himself has assured us that he is in fact supplying both Sid's and TT this discussion has resulted in a positive end. By the way, where else can I purchase Michael Wehrmann's items besides Disney's Hollywood Studios? I haven't been successful locating them in the past.

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Permalink Reply by JXE on October 7, 2012 at 7:59am

Still, even the possible concern is a little crazy. I have some Disney COAs that are hand signed from Werhmann. And like I said, while hardcore collectors know Wehrmann is top notch, Disney's main clientele doesn't know that.

As for where to buy more Wehrmann material, I have no idea. Some items are listed on ebay as haing a Wehrmann cert, but that's all I've seen.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Shepherd on October 7, 2012 at 9:30am

Agreed. Thanks JXE.

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Permalink Reply by DB on October 7, 2012 at 10:24am

I've seen some from time to time on R&R.

I still don't understand why they don't open it up to online shopping -vs- having to be on Disney to do the shopping. Of course, the last thing many think of while being On Disney is going to an autograph memorabillia shop. At least, that is not on my top ten things to do there when having vacationed there.

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Permalink Reply by JXE on October 7, 2012 at 11:26am

Anything in the parks can be bought through Disney's mail order service. The number is 877-560-6477. I would only suggest trying it if you know something is in stock they can locate. Each item doesn't have it's own sku, but rather a generic number and price. Also, the prices are so high you can probably do better elsewhere online. I bought an Eva Green there, and I know I paid too much but it was a nice photo and a beautiful full signature.

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Permalink Reply by DB on October 7, 2012 at 11:46am

thanks jxe. I tried that once on an item and you are right you really need to have the specific type of item you are looking for. I didn't try an autograph and the item I was looking to replace has gone unnoticed that I dropped it and it shattered...

what I was implying though was having an accessable online store of items to look at even if the prices are high. I shop steiner and their prices are high but sometimes it just worth the piece of mind especially since I have no intention of selling them.

Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on October 7, 2012 at 11:00am

I didn't know these were Disney owned stores. I had no idea they even sold autographs. Only autographs I've seen sold at Disneyland were in Starabilias. But I haven't been to Disney World in 20 years.

I do think it says something about other autograph stores in tourist spots that Disney has managed to find reputable autograph sources, yet the others generally sell highly questionable material.

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Permalink Reply by Bradford on March 29, 2014 at 3:45pm

Just came across this thread thanks to JXE. I know this thread is old and you can contribute to the conversation I started on this subject recently. Would love to know your thoughts on disney authentication. Thanks