Expedition Mickey Collection

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Expedition Mickey Collection

Voice of Mickey Mouse, Bret Iwan, Designs New ‘Expedition Mickey’ Collection for Disney Parks

A new adventure-themed merchandise line, the Expedition Mickey Mouse collection, is launching soon exclusively at Disney Parks, and it comes from a uniquely qualified designer: Bret Iwan, the official voice of Mickey Mouse.

While fans have known Iwan as the voice of Mickey since 2009, he is also a talented visual artist. For this new collection, Iwan is stepping into the spotlight as the lead designer, creating a new vision for Mickey Mouse inspired by his own lifelong passion for art and the Disney Parks.

Ahead of a product launch event at Disney Springs on November 1st, Iwan sat down with Disney to discuss how he combined his two greatest passions for this project.

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“Being a Disney artist was my dream from an early age. Becoming the voice of Mickey Mouse is an opportunity that I’m beyond grateful for, but never expected,” Iwan explained. “In some ways, being an artist and voicing Mickey have gone hand-in-hand… when I’m recording Mickey, it helps to picture a little hand drawn character bouncing around.”

Iwan said the “Expedition Mickey Mouse” line is the first collection based entirely on his vision. Beyond creating all the artwork, he was involved in every decision, from color and fabric to stitching and overall construction.

He noted that the same detail-focused mindset he uses to voice Mickey—knowing the character’s history, legacy, and how he thinks—was applied to developing this collection.

“It’s thinking about how things are going to fit, how things are going to feel, how different pieces will be paired together, and what little visual pops are going to really set it apart,” Iwan said.

The collection, which is heavily inspired by the aesthetic of vintage National Parks, includes products designed to be both stylish and rugged. Iwan also revealed that fans should look closely for Easter eggs hidden in the merchandise, a nod to his love for the parks.

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The collection’s adventurous, outdoorsy, and rustic vibe stems directly from Iwan’s personal passions. He explained that his own aesthetic is heavily based on vintage National Parks and a love for the outdoors.

“You’ll usually find me in boots, denim, flannel, and lots of layers,” Iwan said, noting that the collection was an opportunity to design what “Bret Iwan’s Mickey Mouse collection would look like.”

This apparel line is also a natural extension of his previous work. For the past decade, Iwan has created a popular poster series for Disney Fine Art, inspired by WPA posters from the 1930s, which features Mickey visiting various National Parks.

According to Iwan, the title “Expedition Mickey Mouse” reflects one of his favorite qualities of the character: his adventurous spirit, which he sees as a personification of Walt Disney’s own legendary curiosity.

“Walt was somebody who was always looking towards the future while celebrating the past,” Iwan said. “Walt and Mickey are kind of synonymous.” He hopes the collection inspires that same sense of adventure and curiosity in those who wear it.

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The collection includes a variety of items, from cozy flannels and utility jackets to baseball caps and t-shirts, all heavily influenced by Iwan’s personal style.

“100%,” Iwan confirmed, “this collection is made up of pieces that I selfishly wanted in my own closet.”

He explained that the flannel shirt, a staple in his own wardrobe, was a particularly exciting piece to create because he designed the flannel pattern himself using the collection’s color palette. For the sweatshirt, he aimed for a “vintage crewneck” feel that gets comfier as it’s passed down.

“The utility jacket,” Iwan noted, “is one of my favorites!” He pointed out its heavyweight canvas, utilitarian pockets, and the small accents on the buttons and tabs. “The patches, including the large appliqué on the back,” he added, “leave no doubt that you’re ready to hit the trails, or in this case, explore the parks.”

DCP Bret Iwan Collection x

Beyond individual garments, Iwan was particularly excited about establishing a cohesive color palette that works with the collection’s theme, stating that it “helped the rest of the collection really come together.”

He also relished the opportunity to create new art assets, applying his drawings of Mickey “geared up for an outdoor adventure” as patches, appliqués, and embroidery.

Fans will also want to look closely for hidden details. “And there are some great Easter eggs too!” Iwan revealed.

He pointed to the short-sleeve button-down shirt as a prime example. “If you look at the pattern… tucked in amongst lanterns, trees, and even Pluto, you may catch a glimpse of a few park icons like Big Thunder Mountain, The Matterhorn, and Everest.” Iwan explained it was fun to tie Mickey’s exploration back to the Disney Parks, which he feels are the best places to experience so many different landscapes.

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Here are more photos from the Mickey Mouse Collection by Bret Iwan:

Guests can meet Bret Iwan and be the first to shop the new collection at the official launch event on November 1st at Disney Springs.

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