Update: 3/27/11 As of right now, Young Kevin Flynn, Sam Flynn, Quorra, Clu, Zuse/Castor, and Rinzler are sold out online. The only ones left are Kevin Flynn and Jarvis.
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Sam Flynn, Clu, and Castor (Zuse) are already sold out at the Disney Store Online!
WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth spent a day at the Walt Disney World theme parks yesterday and has plenty of photos to share with us from his trip. Let’s take a look:
Welcome to Epcot
This morning the TRON vinylmation were released online at the DisneyStore.com. All 8 are available as of 4:30 AM EST. Also check out the price. Only $9.95! After last week’s Urban 6 were released at $11.95 it’s nice to see an open box set released at the old standard price of $9.95.
Are you waiting to get these at the store, or did you already purchase them online?
We received our Villains 9″/Jr combos today. Which one is your favorite? What do you think about Disney releasing these limited edition figures in select Disney stores? What is the most fair way to allow collectors to get limited edition items? Keep them at D-Streets or put them online?
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Maleficent 9″ and Princess Aurora Jr
Maleficent is one of the most striking figures yet. The colors are vibrant. The face is drawn really well and is in the perfect place on the figure. I like designer Oskar Mendez’s use of gloss on the head and hands and matte finish to the clothing. The Jr “Sleeping Beauty” is the first full representation of a “Princess” as a vinylmation. Here’s hoping to see some more, and in 3″ size! |
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Julius 9″ and Minnie Mouse Jr Another nice placement of the face, giving him a big chin. Artists Gerald Mendez’s design is very exaggerated and cartoonish. Great detail with the stitches and gloss finish. Minnie Jr’s face is drawn remarkably well on the Jr. Great color. Mickey will come as the Combo Topper for Park 6, (April 1st) |
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Jumba 9″ and Stitch Jr
The Jumba figure doesn’t work for me. To be honest, I don’t think Artist Dan Beltan captured Jumba’s character. The eyes look crossed. Also, I get he has a blue tongue, good idea, but it looks awkward. He’s missing his satchel and a few hairs on his head. And I’m fairly certain the coloring is a bit off on the clothing. But hey, I like the stars in the ears. Stitch Jr is basically Stitch from Park 5 shrunk down… and like his predecessor, it doesn’t look right. Stitch needs to be drawn more cartoonish and exaggerated. |
From the Disney Parks Blog:
At the Disney Parks Blog, we’re as excited as you are to learn more about Walt Disney Imagineering’s (WDI) plans for Town Square Theater, the new permanent home for Mickey Mouse at Magic Kingdom Park that’s set to debut in early April.
I’m happy to report that earlier today, WDI gave us an earful – pun intended – on the details planned for this exciting new meet-and-greet area.
In keeping with the small-town theme of Main Street, U.S.A., Town Square Theater will take on the tradition of turn-of-the-Twentieth-century theaters that served as the center of excitement in small towns, offering thrills through vaudeville and other forms of entertainment. At Town Square Theater, families will be able to go backstage to meet Magician Mickey Mouse, who is excited to meet and greet guests in his rehearsal room.
And of course, WDI has designed the entire experience to be magical. Guests will first enter the theater building through a lobby that will serve as a hub for character meet-and-greet queues, the Box Office Gifts merchandise shop and Tony’s Town Square Restaurant.
According to WDI Concept Designer Jason Grandt, the lobby will be decorated in gold and cream colors that were chosen to recreate the feel of a historic theater.
“Upon entering the lobby, guests will be faced with a beautiful tile mosaic featuring the Town Square Theater logo,” Jason said. “The color scheme reflects that of historical theaters with a little inspiration from our master magician, Mickey Mouse.”
Just beyond the lobby, guests will pass through an ornate arch and enter a queue to meet either Magician Mickey Mouse or the Disney princesses. Special interactive posters featuring Mickey’s various magic acts will be in place to enhance the guests’ journey through the queue line, which will take them deep into the backstage corridors of the theater.
“You will recognize the poster style as that of turn-of-the-century magicians such as Houdini,” Jon Georges, WDI director/senior show producer said. “But these posters carry Mickey’s magical touch that can bring them to life and interact with you as you wait.”
WDI is keeping us guessing on what comes next, but did send these mysterious photos for us to share.
Today’s Wedding Customs are by Jenifer Marie. She makes custom Vinylmation in a number of various wedding themed sets that you can order from her website: lilsqueakrr.etsy.com.
One Vinylmation set she makes is this darling bride and groom. They look great! Way cooler than the Celebrations boring, painted on bride and groom. These are up there near Maria Clapsis’ set. While these don’t focus on painting the figures, the accessories are well made and look perfect. The tux looks awesome, with little cuffs and a hand-tied bow tie. The bride’s bouquet is beautiful and the earrings are just the little extra that tops this set off. Jenifer tells us that the colors of most of the pieces can change to be personalized to your particular favorites.
Jenifer also makes Bridesmaid gift sets. Check out these adorable ladies, with a bow in their hair, a necklace, and matching bouquets. I also like the boxes you can get them in. These are a bit more simple than the bride and groom, but I think they would make any bridesmaid say “yes”. For the amount of wonder created by these figures, the price is amazing.
After seeing these figures online, I needed to talk to the artist.
M.C.: How long have you been creating custom Vinylmation?
Jenifer Marie: I’ve been creating custom VM’s for about 3 months. I’ve created 12 pieces so far. Saving up to work on a 9″ set once summer comes!
M.C.: Which of your creations is your favorite?
JM: My favorite piece? That’s a tough question.. so far I must say my favorite is the little bride that I had made for my friend for her wedding. The sentimental value is what makes it my favorite. To know that I’m going to be a part of her special day even though I can’t make it to attend.
M.C.: Do you collect the Vinylmation created by Disney artists? If so, what is your favorite Vinylmation figure?
JM: Yes, I do collect the Vinylmations. They’re addicting little guys! My favorite is Flowers and Fairies from Park Series 5. It was my FIRST Vinylmation purchase and it features my favorite, TINK!
M.C.: How did you come up with the idea of your wedding vinylmation pieces?
JM: I had seen the custom Vinylmations before, but NEVER saw many bride and grooms.. so I figured hey! these would make ADORABLE cake toppers or even pieces to add to your sweetheart table!
M.C.: Can you describe these figures? The inspiration. What detail went into it?
JM: The bride and groom are black and white blanks.. the groom features and hand tied miniature bow tie, shirt colors painted on, white cuffs that are hand painted around the wrist, they also feature crystal individually pieced cuff links, shoe buttons, and jacket buttons. Brides feature a tiara adorned with rhinestones, a 2 tier veil, earrings, bouquet with white flowers and pearls, and a pearl necklace. The bride and groom are fully customizable depending on who they are being made for. The crystals colors can be changed and the same goes for the flowers. 
It’s fully custom to that individual and their wedding day style! The bridesmaids are whichever color the bride chooses with a pearl necklace, hand-tied bow between their ears, crystal earrings (if wanted), and a bouquet in their hands.
M.C.: What materials were used?
JM: I used 3″ blank Vinylmations, pearl strands, miniature ribbon flowers, 3mm & 2mm crystals, hot glue, craft glue, acrylic paint, iridescent ribbon and black ribbon.
M.C.: What is your favorite aspect of vinylmation?
JM: I just love the creativity that you can have with them.. especially when it comes to the cake toppers! I’m currently working on a carnival themed topper and a Tower of Terror topper! No 2: Vinylmation’s aren’t alike.. they’re all different. Plus it’s great to be able to make someone’s special day that much more unique for them!
M.C.: What was the hardest part in creating these figure?
JM: The hardest part was definitely finding the right materials to use to decorate the
little guys.
M.C.: What are the reactions you get to your pieces?
JM: I have gotten great reactions from the couples once they have them in their hands! They all love them and cannot thank me enough!
M.C.: Do you create any other pieces for the weddings?
JM: I also create little trinket boxes.. I’m currently working on a few projects for my own wedding.. so I’m sure I will be adding to my list of creations! I plan on making a pair of 9″ Vinylmations for my sweetheart table at my own wedding.. so I’m on the search for the right materials to use for them!
M.C.: Congrats! Where can people go to find out more about your pieces and see your work?
JM: To find out more about my work feel free to visit my etsy store: PixiiDust Creations lilsqueakrr.etsy.com
I’d like to thank Jenifer for the interview for this week of wedding posts. Let us know what you think about these vinyls in the comments below.
Update: 3/23/11 We stopped by D-Street today and saw the set in the display case. Nothing new information-wise but just good to know they are ready for Friday. Also found out that D-Street FL is opening at 10:30 AM on Friday. No early opening for TRON.
Update: 3/12/11 8pm EST We found out more info on the artists. Thomas Scott designed both Kevin Flynn figures. Eric Caszett designed the other 6. Thank you Daniel on Facebook!
Update: 3/12/11 1am EST Disney announced the release date of the TRON: Legacy series in the US. The whole set will be available on March 25 at D-Streets California and Florida, as well as on DisneyStore.com
Update: 3/8/11 Although the Hong Kong ad says Eric Caszett was involved with the design, Disney’s official Vinylmation page gives Thomas Scott sole credit for each figure.
On February 5th, 2011 the 8 figure open window Tron set was released at Hong Kong Disney. No word on a release date stateside. These figures were designed by Thomas Scott and Eric Caszatt.
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Young Kevin Flynn
Actor: Jeff Bridges
Artist: Thomas Scott This is the only figure from
the original Tron movie.
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Kevin Flynn
Actor: Jeff Bridges As his character in the 2010 movie. |
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Actor: Garrett Hedlund Kevin’s son, who, 20 years later, also gets sucked into the grid. |
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Quorra
Actor: Olivia Wilde
Artist: Eric Caszett Kevin’s “apprentice” in the Grid. |
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Clu
Actor: Jeff Bridges
Artist: Eric Caszett A digital copy of Kevin who rules over the Grid. |
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Castor
Actor: Michael Sheen
Artist: Eric Caszett Runs the “End of Line Club” inside the Grid. Also known as Zuse. |
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Jarvis
Actor: James Frain
Artist: Eric Caszett Clu’s righthand man. |
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Rinzler
Actor: Anis Cheurfa (stunt)
Actor: Bruce Boxleitner (voice) Artist: Eric Caszett Clu’s primary enforcer.
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Here is a look at the Sushi set we heard about last year during Trade City.
This set is designed by Thomas Scott and features 3″ Shrimp, California Roll, Unagi, Salmon Roll, Tuna and Salmon. As well as Jr Ginger and Wasabi. This set comes nicely packaged in a little box and of course, Disney didn’t forget the chop sticks! No word on release date or price.
One of our leaders, @emaereyes, tweeted us this, “Check out this awesome deal! CYO #Vinylmation 3″ are $2.99 and 9″ are $19.99 at your Disney Store”. She said she bought several and “they had 3″ white, red, black, and yellow. For the 9″ they had black, red, purple and yellow”. This is a great time to stock up for all those customs you’ll be making this summer! So check out your local Disney Stores and let us know what you find! Just leave a message in the comments.
Here are some pics of the sale from DV reporter Zoe:
Update: 6/20/11 Kermit and Animal will be released on August 5th at both D-Streets.
Update: 4/15/11 Price is actually $11.95 at D-Street. But it’s $12.95 at Disney Stores. Check out more info (and pics of price tags) at Muppets 2 Price post.
Update: 4/8/11 Thanks to Don Sawyer, we have the retail price for Muppets 2. It’s $12.95. We also now know the Penguin is the triple. (makes sense)
Update: 4/6/11 We now have turnarounds for all 11 3″ figures. Check out the backs of everyone. Nothing super exciting, but Floyd does have a ponytail. Also added pic of chaser. The photo is from eBay seller lindogcatbird.
Update: 4/2/11 Video from @FrogFan76 confirms all but the chaser. Check out his video at his youtube channel youtube.com/frogfan76 and his twitter at @FrogFan76. Thank you FrogFan76 for putting these out there for the world to see.
Update: There is a rumored list of the Muppets 2 lineup on the Vinylnation website. DV has yet to verify the lineup with Disney at this time (although all but the chaser have been confirmed by other outside sources). Disney has released some of pics and figures of Muppets 2 already. So here is the complete Disney verified and rumored list and our thoughts on each. Thanks to our leaders who emailed/tweeted/commented with links pointed to this info! We super appreciate it!
Update: According to commenter DiMera78, the Disney Stores will also be getting this series on April 15th!
Muppets 2 will be released on April 15th at both the Florida and California D-Streets. The store at Downtown Disney in California will get an added bonus… Muppets 1 and 2 designer Monty Maldovan will be on hand to sign his figures. He will be there from 2-5pm PST and will sign up to 2 items per guest. As always, these items will be limited to the artist’s own merchandise.
We know this set could also include 9″ figures, but have no details on what characters will be featured at this time. No release date details for the 9″ figures.
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Lew Zealand
Lew Zealandâs act involves boomerang fish. He throws them away and they come back to him. Lew Zealand was meant to only appear in episode 310 of The Muppet Show, and he was made from a Whatnot. However, after that, a more permanent puppet was built and Lew Zealand became a regular character.  The figure looks great, love the fish in the ears. – MC |
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Scooter
Scooter serves as a “gofer” backstage on The Muppet Show, and appeared from the first produced episode through the end of the series. His eye glasses are set back back with his eyes poking it and he can be seen most of the time in his green jacket.  Kinda boring figure, but that’s what Scooter is. -MC |
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Pepe
Pepe the King Prawn, whose full name is Pepino Rodrigo Serrano Gonzales, started life in Madrid, Spain. He worked as a chef, before moving to Hollywood and following his true calling in show business. How will Monty design this figure with the wild “hair”?  The craziest, and in my opinion, worst figure in the set so far. -MC |
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Penguin
The Penguins are mostly nameless and undifferentiated from one another. They have appeared in many Muppet productions and are best known for tossing themselves into the air. In Muppet Vision 3D at DHS, the Penguins are featured in the orcestra pit in both puppet and animatronic form.  There are already 2 peguin vinylmation out there, but I still want this one too! So adorable. -MC |
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Captain Link Hogthrob
Link Hogthrob is one of 3 figures in Muppets 2 that come from the “Pigs in Space” sketches. Link idebuted in the second season as the not-so-fearless captain of the Swinetrek, he thinks very highly of himself, and that often led to conflict with his co-star, First Mate Piggy.  Kinda devoid of features to identify him, but the other two are not Link, so this must be him. Love the suit. Love the cape.-MC |
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First Mate Piggy
The second character from “Pigs in Space” is First Mate Piggy. At the height of this sketch’s popularity, in 1981 the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia were greeted by Pigs in Space on two consecutive mornings with specially recorded comedy bits by the Muppet performers.  Perfect. Great placement of the nose. – MC |
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Dr. Julius Strangepork
The third figure from “Pigs in Space” is Dr. Julius Strangepork. He is an elderly pig who serves as resident scientist aboard the Swinetrek spaceship and is occasionaly seen in other Muppets Show sketches.  Also good. The suit, the nose, ect -MC |
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Zoot
The brass man of the band will also be part of the group. Sunglasses and maybe a hat or a sax as an accessory!  He’s got a hat! Wish it had been a sax. Otherwise, great figure. -MC |
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Dr. Teeth
The leader of the Electric Mayhem, Dr. Teeth is the keyboardist and lead singer. This vinyl looks great (as far as we can see). He’s got his gold tooth, his stripped shirt, and his crazy pink/purple hat with a blue feather in it. First seen at the trade event in WDW.  Looks great. Love the shoes. Very colorful. -MC |
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Sgt. Floyd Pepper
Floyd looks great wearing his Sgt. Pepper’s Band jacket and signature green army hat. The question is, will his army hat be the fancy glitter one he wears while playing bass in the orchestra pit for the Muppet Show? Also check out that bright orange mustache!  So glad he has his beard, or the face would lack any details. That’s the problem with Muppets I suspect. Love it. Check out his hip ponytail in the back. -MC |
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Janice
Janice plays the Les Paul guitar for the Electric Mayhem. This vinyl representation duplicates her long blond hair, big lips, and her purple eye shadow. Notice the flower on her hat symbolizing her “flower child” attitude and speech. |
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Chaser
Waldo C. Graphic is a computer generated character who can morph into a variety of shapes. Waldo was controlled in real time by a puppeteer, making use of a mitten-like motion-capture device called a Waldo (which he was named after). He is prominently featured in Muppet Vision 3D at DHS. And he comes with a hat! |
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Kermit 3-D 9″
Released August 5th Originally the chaser for series 1, until they put a tux on him to celebrate the 55th anniversary, this design was kept over and blown up to be a 9″ figure for series 2. I really like the Muppets 3-D logo shirt, the Mickey Ears, and the 3-D glasses (which look so good I can’t tell if they are part of the paint or an accessory!) The second vinylmation to have 3-D glasses, it’s nice to see Kermit has upgraded to Polorized technology from 3-D Mickey’s red and blue anaglyph tech. |
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Animal 9″
Released August 5th Animal looks really good. I miss not having actual hair, but I do have to say the design is better then I expected (after having Celeste set the bar so high). The have all the details, from the drum stick, to the silver bracelets (it would have been cool to make them studded), to the rope belt. Very cool. As an ex-drummer I think I’m gonna have to buy this one. |
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Sam the Eagle 9″
Released June 24th Check out his parioticness! The American flag in the background (the ears). Sam’s beak also looks really good from this angle. Using the (not for long) Mickey nose it really does almost look like a beak in this shot! Perfect eyebrow, and I also like the talons on the front, with one on the back. |
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The back of Sam gets it’s own row because of the special accessory. The tail! It’s been added and looks cool! I can’t wait to see it in person!
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Gonzo 9″
Sold with: Camilla 3″ Well there wasn’t much they could do about Gonzo’s nose. But once you’re past that, the rest of this figure is pretty cool. I love his suit with the flower. I’ll miss not having a 3″ Gonzo for the moment, but I think this pairing is a great idea. |
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Camilla 3″
Sold with: Gonzo 9″ Gonzo’s love interest has followed him all the way to the vinylmation box. I really think this 3″ works, and would buy several if she came alone. Great job with this figure Monty! |
Which characters did you feel were missing from the first series that that are still not on this rumored Series 2 list? Leave us your suggestions in the comments!
Thanks to muppet.wikia.com for some background info on the characters.
And a special thanks to @FrogFan76 for his video over at youtube.com/frogfan76.
