The Art of Disney Forever Stamp 2005
The Art of Disney Series
On June 23, 2004, the USPS launched the Art of Disney Series, introducing a new collection of stamps that celebrated the beloved world of Disney. Prior to this, Disney had appeared on only two U.S. stamps: one in 1968 honoring Walt Disney himself, and another in 1998 as part of the Celebrate the Century Series, depicting a scene from "Snow White," the nation's first feature-length animated film.
In collaboration with Walt Disney artists, the USPS unveiled the inaugural set of the Art of Disney Series in 2004. This series marked the first U.S. stamp to feature Mickey Mouse, despite many other countries having issued Disney and Mickey stamps before. The debut set, named Art of Disney: Friendship, highlighted enduring friendships from Disney's rich history.
The first-day issue ceremony took place on June 23, 2004, at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, in front of the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. The event was graced by the presence of the postmaster general and Disney's CEO, Michael Eisner. The postmaster celebrated the stamps as a way to "capture the spirit of friendship as it appears in the art, the imagination, and the creative tradition of Walt Disney." Eisner expressed his delight that millions would be able to brighten their correspondence with stamps featuring Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, and other beloved Disney characters.
The series continued in 2005 with the Art of Disney: Celebration stamps, featuring Disney characters in joyful celebrations. Issued on June 30, again at Disneyland in Anaheim, these stamps also commemorated the 50th anniversary of Disney's theme parks.
In 2006, the theme shifted to romance with the Art of Disney: Romance stamps, issued on April 21. Each stamp depicted one of Disney's famous couples and was released in Orlando during the 13th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival at Disney World.
The 2007 series, Art of Disney: Magic, celebrated magical characters and moments from Disney's storied past. These stamps were issued on August 16, 2007, at the American Gardens Theater at Walt Disney World in Orlando.
The final set in the series, Art of Disney: Imagination, was issued on August 7, 2008. This set specifically honored Walt Disney, featuring characters from films that bore his creative touch. The stamps were unveiled at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.
Though the Art of Disney Series concluded in 2008, the USPS continued to honor Disney characters with additional stamps in subsequent years, celebrating the timeless magic and imagination that Disney continues to inspire.
