Destination Disney Podcast: May 25, 2011

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

So much to talk about from the last few weeks. I recap my coverage of D23 Destination D: WDW 40th event. It was an amazing weekend, and I will take you inside the convention walls. I review the new Star Tours atraction at Hollywood Studios. It was an exhaustive day, but I meet all the Pixar characters at Pixar Weekend at EPCOT. I’ll share my experience with you. We also have a review on Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. And of course, cover the latest news around Disney. Thank you for joining us!

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Listen live to Destination Disney every Friday night at 6pm EST on Heartbeat Radio. Visit the Destination Disney website for Disney stories. Subscribe to the podcast at iTunes.

Packing a Lunch for the Florida Project

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

It’s been a while since we’ve just pointed to another blog for a story because we like to try to give you all the info we can, here and now. This story is just off the subject matter for Destination Vinylmation, and we wanted to point you to it, without rehashing too much of it.

Over the the Disney Parks Blog, Dara Trujillo wrote up a nice article about another piece of the Florida Project’s exclusive products mystery. She interviewed Disney Design Group Artist Quynh Kimball (Holiday 2 Cupid 9″ and Urban 2 Cosmos) about his cool Lunchbox and Pin set.

Read the whole article over at disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/

ZoMG: Monty Maldovan and Muppets 2

WDWNT on January 1, 1970


The Muppets 2 Set looks even better in person!! I love them! I went to Downtown Disney yesterday for the signing and had such a great time! I love talking with other Vinylmation fans, trading and just having a great time!


I bought a few blind boxes of Muppets #2 and ended up with Dr. Teeth. (I love the colors on this one! This is also Monty’s favorite one!) Pigs in Space Miss Piggy, and Zoot! I really was hoping for the chaser because I love it! It reminds me of going to Disney World with my Mom when I was younger (before they moved Muppet Vision 3D to California Adventure) and watching Muppet Vision 3D in the park!
The line for Monty was huge! He was busy signing Vinylmation and talking with fans from 2 – 5pm..

I got a chance to talk with Monty about Muppets 2, the 9″s that he designed, as well as his take on the new shape of Vinylmation.
Monty told me that his favorite design from this series is Dr. Teeth. He also told me that he loves the accessories that are starting to be added to different Vinylmation series (there are 3 hats in this series!).

I told Monty that I just started a column on Destination Vinylmation and he let me know that he already LOVES Destination Vinylmation! He told me, ” I check it every couple days to get updated on Vinylmation news!! They know more than I do about things so I look to their website for information! They are doing a great job!”
I then went on to tell Monty how excited I am for the 9″ Muppets and asked when he thinks they will be released. He responded saying, “within this year.” (Sigh..I want them now!)

Finally, I asked Monty what he honestly thinks of the new design of Vinylmation. He looked at me and said, “he was a little bummed to see the Mickey design fade away, even though it is still there for the most part. We had a meeting where they showed the new form as well as new upcoming designs on the new forms and everyone was blown away. Any doubts people have about the new shape, will go away as soon as they see how detailed and perfect these new Vinylmation look!”

I had a great time yesterday and can’t wait for the next event! Thank you Monty for being so sweet and stopping to talk with me!

-Zoe

The Destination Disney Radio Show

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

New episode of The Destination Disney Radio Show available for download. This week, Michelle Wargo from Heartbeat Radio guest hosts for Nick and takes a look back at her life and love affair with Disney. Nick Interviews Disney Artist Chris Chapman. And we have the latest Disney News.

Download at www.DestinationD.info or on iTunes.

Destination Disney Radio Show

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Download the latest episode of the Destination Disney Radio Show.

This week we look into how Disney cast members are trained to handle crisis like the earthquake in Japan that affected Tokyo Disney. We are joined by the former Executive VP of Operations at Walt Disney World, Lee Cockerell, who was there on 9/11 and when major hurricanes threatened Orlando. We also have a look at Disney News, Park Hours, Orlando Weather and Orlando travel Hints and Tips. And this week on Kingdom Royal Rumble it’s Phillharmagic vs Swiss Family Treehouse and Buzz Lightyear’s Spin vs Mickey Mouse Revue.

Download the Podcast at www.DestinationD.info
Listen live every Friday at 7pm EST at www.HeartbeatRadioUSA.com

Disney Online Store Vinylmation Availabiltiy Update

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Today, at DisneyStore.com:

All 8 Nerds Rock! are avaialble for $9.95 a piece.
For those procrastinatiors, Urban 3 Cases ($139.95) and singles ($5.99) are still available and on sale.
All 8 WDW 40th Anniversary figures are avaialable at $12.95 a piece.
The elusive USA Flag is available for $9.95.
There are still some Jacks from the Nightmare set – $11.95
Pie Eyed Mickey from Big Eyes is on sale for $7.99

A Peak Inside the NYC Times Square Disney Store

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Here is a fun look inside the NYC Disney Store in Times Square. They have some cool Vinylmation displays and of course are the home of the exclusive Statue of Liberty Minnie. A huge thank you to Dana, author of The Dragyn’s Lair blog for these great pics!

Interactive Magic Mirror
Hey Taxi display
Graffiti (sold out) display
Disney fan’s heaven!
Jumbo-TRON outside store
The store is very well designed
Mickey takes on NYC
Exclusive merchandise
Castle with interactive activities

Tron Vinylmation on shelf in Hong Kong?

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

According to the blog, wonderland912.blogspot.com, Tron Vinylmation is on the shelf in Hong Kong Disneyland. Here are the pictures from their blog site. Thank you to Daniel on Facebook for posting the picture on the DV Facebook page.

Nice 8 figure open window set. We will keep you updated as details come in.

Villains 9″ Vinylmation on the way

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Today, Disney officially announced three 9″ + 1.5″ (Jr.) Villains 1 combo sets to be released at select Disney Stores and the online Disney Store on March 21.

Picture from Disney Store Facebook page

The following concept art is from the official Disney Vinylmation Blog.

Maleficent 9″ + Princess Aurora 1.5″
Artist: Oskar Mendez
LE: 700
Price: $59.95
Release Date: March 21, 2011
Where: Disney Stores and Online

Maleficent is the villain in the 1959 Disney animated classic “Sleeping Beauty”. This isn’t her first appearance on a Vinylmation, her first was in her more sinister and destructive form. After seeing this concept art, the 3D form (at the top) disappoints with the translations just a bit. We will have to wait to see it in person, before making a final decision. Princess Aurora is making her Vinylmation debut in this combo set, however this still leaves us without a true 3″ Vinylmation Princess.

Julius 9″ + Minnie Mouse 1.5″
Artist: Gerald Mendez
LE: 700
Price: $59.95
Release Date: March 21, 2011
Where: Disney Stores and Online

This is Pete’s 3rd appearance on a Vinylmation, all in various forms. Although, this time he takes on his role as Julius from the 1995 Academy Award nominated short, “Runaway Brain”. Pete looks great… with his peg leg, stitches and lots of color to the ears and hands. This set comes with a Minnie Mouse Jr. We will see a 3″ Mickey Mouse from “Runaway Brain” as a combo topper in the upcoming Park 6 set.

Jumba 9″ + Stitch 1.5″
Artist: Dan Beltran
LE: 700
Price: $59.95
Release Date: March 21, 2011
Where: Disney Stores and Online
We have Jumba to thank for bringing the lovable Stitch into our lives. Jumba created Experiment 626, as Stitch was named before Lilo adopted him, in the 2002 Disney animated “Lilo and Stitch”. Jumba’s round head and large body fit nicely onto the 9″ Vinylmation figure. The artist brilliantly uses the ears to represent the stars and planets of outer space. Stitch Jr. is the second Vinylmation for this fan favorite Disney character. His first appearance was as a 3″ vinyl in the Park 5 series.

Are you ready to add some 9″ Villains to your collection? Save the date, March 21st.

It’s a Goofy Release Day!

WDWNT on January 1, 1970


Disney will release a couple 9″ Park 5 figures today at D-Street Orlando and CA. Goofy’s Barnstormer and Retro Disneyland. Check out some pictures here. They are also available right now online. Retail price is $44.95 and they are limited to 2 per customer.

Screenshot from the Online Disney Store

Also remember, Disney has pushed back the online release of the Disney Afternoons Tail Spin combo pack to Saturday, March 5.

Please bookmark our Events page for the latest updates.