Hunch Is Here; Dalmatians on the Way

The Disney merchandising machine is cranking into high gear for the upcoming release of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” The film’s Hollywood premiere isn’t until June 21, but Disneyland visitors can already purchase T-shirts, plush toys and other Hunch tchotchkes at the park.

A couple of gift shops are being reconfigured to sell nothing but Hunch merchandise, while Disney also will hype the film with its medieval Festival of Fools, the park’s upcoming live stage show that will also open June 21.

Still, the marketing blitz for Disney’s upcoming live-action film version of “101 Dalmatians,” could prove even more bodacious. To plug the film’s Thanksgiving release, Disneyland will give its dog-eared Autopia a much-needed face-lift with a new “101 Dalmatians” theme, park sources have confirmed.

Sharp-eyed visitors can already see the new black-and-red design on the front of the attraction. Word has it that the cars will be repainted with Dalmatian spots. Throw in a few creepy cutouts of Cruella DeVil and Disney brass have got themselves an updated attraction for the cost of kibble.

Marla Dickerson covers tourism for The Times. She can be reached at (714) 966-5670 and at marla.dickerson@latimes.com