Animated IRL
The D-street store in Orlando had this on display yesterday 🙂
Zach Larson’s 12/28/10 Magic Kingdom Photo Report
WDWNT Reporter Zach Larson stopped by the Magic Kingdom for a few hours on Tuesday afternoon and has a few photos from his trip to share with us:
It’s busy, no surprise there…
Read More about Zach Larson’s 12/28/10 Magic Kingdom Photo Report
Villains Explained
Update: 1/20/11 We now have photographic proof of the price of a single blind box. $9.95 in US ($12.95 in Canada). We also know that the triplet is Pete! Thanks to @keithkrebs!
Update: 1/15/11 Disney’s Vinylmation Blog has announced the “official” released date as January 31, 2011. Villians 1 is a Disney Store exclusive and according to the blog will be released at “select” Disney Stores in the US and Canada. (Although some Disney Stores have them already out).
Update: 1/14/11 At the Star Wars release several people said their Disney Stores said they would release Villains on January 28th. So that’s the newest rumor. We’ll find out later today if any stores have them out today.
Update: 1/12/11 It’s been rumored that the set might hit Disney Store shelves as early as Friday, January 14th. It’s only two days away, so we’ll see soon.
Update: 1/7/11 Click here to see what each blind box and the case will look like.
Update: 1/4/11 Check out the teaser image we found at “The Buzz” (one of Disney’s online blogs). It seems to confirm that the Villains Vinylmation will be out in Spring, so that changes when we thought they’d be out from January to March, April, or May.
Update: 12/30/10 I thought I’d take today to update our blog posts with new information we received since the original leak back in November.
We now have the turn arounds of all the Villains and know the chaser (see below). We also know the artists of each. The set will be available in Japan first, and then come to the United States later in January. The set will also be released ONLY in Disney Stores.
11/26/10- And there’s more! We also found the first figures from the Villains 1 set! (As rumored) Interesting to note that there are no extras or accessories with this set (so far).
Banzai
From: The Lion King (1994)
Voiced by: Cheech Marin
Vinylmation Artist: Jim Valeri
It’s clearly a spotted Hyena. Shenzi has bangs, Ed has his tongue hanging out, Banzai has the thicker eyebrows that seem to be represented here.
He is one of the minions of the evil Scar. Which makes this an interesting choice. I like how they are including the “side kicks”, leaving us anticipating more with future Villains Vinylmation releases.
Cruella de Vil
From: 101 Dalmatians (1961)
Voiced by: Betty Lou Gerson
Vinylmation Artist: Dan Beltran
They did a great job with this one. They captured her evil face perfectly. The body was going to be challenging, Cruella is a very thin character, but she wears this big coats, and they used that to their advantage to fill out the body.
Kaa
From: The Jungle Book (1967)
Voiced by: Sterling Holloway
Vinylmation Artist: Oskar Mendez
With a hypnotic gaze, this seems to be a figure of Kaa, as opposed to Sir Hiss from Robin Hood (Plus Robin Hood already is represented in this series by Prince John)
Also an interesting choice, as the Bigger Bad from this movie was Shere Khan. With two tigers in the Animal Kingdom set, did they want to avoid another tiger so soon after?
Madam Mim
From: The Sword and the Stone (1963)
Voiced by: Martha Wentworth
Vinylmation Artist: Kyle Jensen
She took many forms during the movie as she battled with Merlin. This is a great idea to include the Black Cauldron’s bubbling brew as the body.
Pete
From: Steamboat Willie (1928)
First Voiced by: Billy Bletcher
Vinylmation Artist: Enrique Pita
With the overalls, hat and evil growl, this is one of Disney’s very first Villains. Pete first appeared in a more “bear” like form in the Alice Comedies. This representation however is clearly from his more well-know Steamboat Willie role. Pete is Disney’s oldest continuing character, predating Mickey, Pete was first archenemy to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. I LOVE the black and white design! This is Pete’s second Vinylmation appearace. His first was as a chaser from “Have a Laugh” where he was represented in full color as Conductor Pete from “Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip” (1940).
Update: 1/20/11 Pete is the triplet (3 Pete’s in each case)
Prince John
From: Robin Hood (1973)
Voiced by: Phil Harris
Vinylmation Artist: Enrique Pita
I loved Robin Hood when I was a kid, and so I personally enjoyed this Villain and it’s inclusion in this series. Thanks Disney!
Ratcliffe
From: Pocahontas (1995)
Voiced by: David Ogden Stiers
Vinylmation Artist: Enrique Pita
Great representation here of Ratcliffe’s evil smile! I love the color in this character too. The one thing here… Disney isn’t bashful about adding accessories… where is Ratcliffe’s signature tall hat?
Shan Yu
From: Mulan (1998)
Voiced by: Miguel Ferrer
Vinylmation Artist: Dan Beltran
This is a perfect representation. I love the use of Mickey’s nose as Shan Yu’s big, sculpted chin. And I like how they are not afraid to use the whole canvas to add little things. Anyone know what it says in his ears?
Stromboli
From: Pinocchio (1940)
Voiced by: Charles Judels
Vinylmation Artist: Jim Valeri
Stromboli is such an over-sized animated character, and they captured that in the head of the Vinylmation. Stretching his face over the entire head and extending the beard down the body really draws your attention. Great use of the ears to represent the curtains on the play stage.
Ursula
From: The Little Mermaid (1989)
Voiced by: Pat Carroll
Vinylmation Artist: Enrique Pita
Absolutely perfect representation. Ursula was made for Vinylmation. The head fits perfectly, using the nose for her big mouth. then the body of the Vinylmation is slightly rounded outward and Ursula’s body represents perfectly onto it. Then, instead of filling the bottom half with her body, they use the feet to add some water and her tentacles. Brilliantly done Disney
Queen/The Witch/Old Hag
From: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Voiced by: Lucille La Verne
Vinylmation Artist: Gerald Mendez
In her “Old Hag” form and with an apple that is poisoned for Snow White. They captured her wickedness. I like the way they extended the face down into the body. they could have done many things with the ugly long nose, but I like the idea of drawing it downward instead of just letting Mickey’s nose represent it. The drawn on apple is a great touch, but did they experiment with actually sticking an accessory apple onto her hand? And what’s on the back? Do we get the Queen on the other side? Or is that reserved for a future release?
Mystery Chaser
From: A Disney Movie
Voiced by: You?
Vinylmation Artist: Kyle Jensen
Well, the most obvious choice for the chaser is Maleficent. When ever there is a group of villains, in anything from toys or video games, Maleficent is always there watching over. But there are some other groovy choices – Captian Hook, Jafar, or the Queen of Hearts – just to name a few. What do you think the final villain in this set will be?
Update: 12/30/10 To avoid spoilers, we hid the image of the chaser (now confirmed). To see who it is and what the Vinylmation looks like just click on the Mystery Chaser image.
Breakdown of Boxes: (Click photos to enlarge for detail)
Biggest note is that the character they have chosen to represent the Villains set is Ursula. (Which is great because she is one of the best looking designs).
The other note is that there is a number 1 with this series. So that makes us think there will be a Villains 2. W00t!
Information from various Disney Sources. The Buzz and the Vinylmation Vault
Case photos from toyark.com
Case photos from toyark.com
Disney World Unveils Plans to Reduce Wait Times
From Bonnie McCarthy of WalletPop.com:
In an era lived at the speed of 4G, the Imagineers at Disney World in Orlando, Fla., have spent the past year establishing systems and park controls designed to prevent long lines and agonizing wait times from thwarting the buzz at the “Happiest Place on Earth.”
If successful, their efforts will mean more fun for the price of admission — as well as more time to shop (read: spend money) and eat (more money). Everybody wins.
In the article, “Disney Tackles Major Theme Park Problem: Lines,” New York Times reporter, Brooks Barnes, revealed that Disney World’s new, high-tech nerve center hidden beneath Cinderella’s Castle, “uses video cameras, computer programs, digital park maps and other whiz-bang tools to spot gridlock before it forms and deploy countermeasures in real time.” Score one for progress!
For example, according to Brooks, if computers monitoring the number of guests waiting to ride Pirates of the Caribbean indicate a spike from green to yellow, “the center might respond by alerting managers to launch more boats.” Cool.
Similarly, the center may send costumed characters to distract … err, entertain, folks waiting in line or direct a mini parade to entice guests into a more unpopulated area. Pied pipers of fun (and crowd control) so to speak.
The command center also keeps an eye on restaurant and gift shop lines and will advise managers to open more registers or hand out menus to waiting guests in order to speed things up. Anyone who’s ever languished in line should appreciate the effort. Phil Holmes, vice president of the Magic Kingdom, flagship Disney World park told the Times, “These moments add up until they collectively help the entire park.”
In fact, Disney World has reported that since the new command center has gone into effect, the average number of rides per admission has increased from nine rides-per-visit to 10. Mama likes.
Although Disney has been using technology for years (analyzing data, Fast Pass systems and weather satellites), Mickey’s new Bat Cave demonstrates an increased commitment to modernization. Thomas O. Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts told the Times, “It’s not about us needing to keep pace with technological change. We need to set the pace for that kind of change.”
Brooks points out that Disney is already experimenting with smart phone apps that can help visitors find where their favorite Disney princesses and characters are currently appearing in the park, and they have also added 87 video game stations to the highly trafficked waiting area for Space Mountain.
In the future, new wrist-band technology containing individual Disney preferences, identification and credit card information may further grease the wheels of wait times and provide a more personalized experience. “Picture a day where there is memory built into these characters — they will know that they’ve seen you four or five times before and that your name is Bobby,” said Bruce E. Vaughn, chief creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering in an interview with the Times. “Those are the kinds of limits that are dissolving so quickly that we can see being able to implement them in the meaningfully near future.”
Definitely something to think about if you’ve been considering reserving one of those new budget-friendly rooms scheduled to open at Disney World in 2012. Hold on tight to your mouse ears and buckle up, the future is gonna be a wild ride — with much shorter lines.
Happy Birthday Stan Lee
You made it 88 years! Congrats! Love everything you gave to us.
Now…. When can we see your fabulous characters in Vinylmation form? Please say soon!
Conner Purzycki’s 12/27/10 DCA Photo Report
I was at The Disneyland Resort yesterday to celebrate my birthday which coincidentally was on one of the busiest days of the year. So I stuck to DCA for the day, which was also very crowded.
Line to get into California Adventure around 9:20
Christmas Special: Ep. SP1 Gingerbread Man
Christmas Special: Ep. SP1 Gingerbread Man
Originally Day 23 of Mousevent 2010, this is a special holiday episode where we discuss little, but Nick learns a lot!
WDWNT Network presents the 4th Annual Christmas Podcast Parade
Have you heard this week’s WDW News Today Podcast? If you haven’t, here’s what you can expect:
WARNING!!! – This show is a comedy show with no education value what-so-ever. You will not learn anything, get any trip planning advice, or hear the history of any attraction. If you don’t have a good sense of humor and are easily offended, this is not a show for you. If you have a good sense of humor, then get your headphones ready for a 3-D audio experience! (Just like TRON: Legacy, only portions of this show are in 3-D. Just keep your headphones on. We had to warn you, it’s the law.)
The WDWNT Network proudly presents The 4th Annual Christmas Podcast Parade in 3-D, live (well, sort of) from the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida and the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Join hosts Tom Corless, Paul Barrie, Regis Philbin, Anthony Yacullo, Sean Dickey, Jamie Nakagiri, Conner Purzycki, Brian Martsolf, and Chris Lastrapes for a wild time on Main Street U.S.A. Prepare for holiday floats, famous celebrities, fantastic performances, and full-out destruction.
This new Christmas tradition is proudly presented by WDW News Today, Disneyland News Today, The Disney Pincast, The Vinylmation Station, the WDWNTube, WDWNTunes, Magical Travel, A Window to the Magic, The Muppetcast, and the disney Brit Podcast. Sponsored by G-Force Records and WDWNT: The Products.
To download or listen to the show on-site, go to our podcast download directory page. You can also download episodes of the show by subscribing to the Enhanced Episode and Standard Episode feeds on iTunes.
2011
Wow, almost there. And it’s crazy how fast it’s come. But I honestly think I have almost two thousand and eleven Vinylmation. Just kidding… almost. But the new year is almost upon us and Maria Clapsis has designed four 2011 Vinylmation to celebrate the occasion. They are available now across the WDW and DL Resorts (parks, hotels and D-Street) and are sold in open window boxes. We picked ours up last night… and I have to ask… Is Disney just taunting us to get 4 of the same of the blue one?
Admit it, you think that would be cool too.
All four 2011’s at D-Street.
Four Parks, One Vinylmation
Nothing says Happy 2011 like a Vinylmation with Disney Theme Park icons stuck all over it!
Simple. Colorful. Unique.
Send us comment, let us know what you think of these figures to ring in the New Year. Are you going to pick these up? What Vinylmation are you looking forward to most this coming year?
Party like it’s 2-0-1-1
We found a couple of the 2011 vinylmations at the Swan! More pics to come once we get home. Both came in an open box and with cards.