Muppets 2 Vinylmation Explained

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.

Lew Zealand

Lew Zealand’s 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!
First seen on a slide from the Trade City show.

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

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.

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!

Kermit 3-D 9″

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.

Animal 9″

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.

Sam the Eagle 9″

Released June 24th
LE 1500

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.

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!
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.

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.

Shanghai Disneyland Announcement and Concept Art

SHANGHAI (April 8, 2011) – The Walt Disney Company and Shanghai Shendi Group, its joint venture partner in China, have broken ground on the Shanghai Disney Resort following approval from the Chinese central government in Beijing. Both companies marked the start of construction on the first Disney resort in mainland China at a groundbreaking ceremony held earlier today.

“Today marks a significant milestone in the history of The Walt Disney Company,” said Robert A. Iger, President and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “Our Shanghai resort will be a world-class family vacation destination that combines classic Disney characters and storytelling with the uniqueness and beauty of China. Working with our Chinese partners, the Shanghai Disney Resort will be both authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese.”

“We’re incredibly excited to build a Disney resort in Shanghai, one of the world’s most vibrant cities,” said Thomas O. Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We are hard at work designing Shanghai Disneyland, which when complete will be a special place where guests of all ages will discover a world of imagination, creativity, adventure and thrills.”

Today’s groundbreaking ceremony paid homage to the culture and people of China. Traditional Chinese drum music, a female soloist singing in Mandarin, a 50-voice Shanghai children’s choir and Mickey Mouse dressed in a traditional Chinese costume were on hand to mark this special occasion. Following the entertainment and remarks, Iger and Staggs were joined by Shanghai Party Secretary Yu Zhengsheng and Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng to officially break ground on the project.

The new Shanghai Disney Resort is slated to open in approximately five years.

The Shanghai Disney Resort will be home to Shanghai Disneyland, a Magic Kingdom-style park that will blend classic Disney storytelling and characters with all-new attractions and experiences tailored specifically for the people of China. The park will feature several themed lands complete with exciting, iconic Disney attractions and experiences. At the heart of the park will be an interactive Disney castle that is truly an attraction unto itself with entertainment, dining and performance experiences that will be unique to Shanghai Disneyland. The park will also contain other large-scale entertainment venues, indoor and out, that can be used for various purposes throughout the year.

A beautiful, 11 acre (46,130 square meter) green space at the center of the theme park will differentiate Shanghai Disneyland and reinforce the themes of sustainability and nature that will be integrated throughout the park. The space will also be a place where friends and family can enjoy local cultural celebrations and customs together.

On Opening Day, the Shanghai Disney Resort will be located on a 963 acre (3.9 square kilometer) site in Pudong, Shanghai, with additional room to expand in the future. At opening, the resort will include Shanghai Disneyland, two themed hotels, a large retail, dining and entertainment venue, recreational facilities, a lake and associated parking and transportation hubs.

There will be an initial investment in the project of approximately 24.5 billion yuan (US$3.7 billion) to build the theme park and an additional 4.5 billion yuan (US$0.7 billion) to build the other aspects of the resort, including the hotels and the retail, dining and entertainment area. The investment amounts will be split between Disney and the Shanghai Shendi Group with Disney holding 43% of the shares of the owner companies and the Shanghai Shendi Group holding the remaining 57%. Financing will be proportional to ownership. In addition, a joint venture management company will be formed with Disney having a 70% stake and Shanghai Shendi Group having a 30% stake. The management company will be responsible for creating, developing and operating the resort.

Shanghai Disneyland Announcement and Concept Art

(April 8, 2011) – The Walt Disney Company and Shanghai Shendi Group, its joint venture partner in China, have broken ground on the Shanghai Disney Resort following approval from the Chinese central government in Beijing. Both companies marked the start of construction on the first Disney resort in mainland China at a groundbreaking ceremony held earlier today.

“Today marks a significant milestone in the history of The Walt Disney Company,” said Robert A. Iger, President and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “Our Shanghai resort will be a world-class family vacation destination that combines classic Disney characters and storytelling with the uniqueness and beauty of China. Working with our Chinese partners, the Shanghai Disney Resort will be both authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese.”

“We’re incredibly excited to build a Disney resort in Shanghai, one of the world’s most vibrant cities,” said Thomas O. Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We are hard at work designing Shanghai Disneyland, which when complete will be a special place where guests of all ages will discover a world of imagination, creativity, adventure and thrills.”

Today’s groundbreaking ceremony paid homage to the culture and people of China. Traditional Chinese drum music, a female soloist singing in Mandarin, a 50-voice Shanghai children’s choir and Mickey Mouse dressed in a traditional Chinese costume were on hand to mark this special occasion. Following the entertainment and remarks, Iger and Staggs were joined by Shanghai Party Secretary Yu Zhengsheng and Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng to officially break ground on the project.

The new Shanghai Disney Resort is slated to open in approximately five years.

The Shanghai Disney Resort will be home to Shanghai Disneyland, a Magic Kingdom-style park that will blend classic Disney storytelling and characters with all-new attractions and experiences tailored specifically for the people of China. The park will feature several themed lands complete with exciting, iconic Disney attractions and experiences. At the heart of the park will be an interactive Disney castle that is truly an attraction unto itself with entertainment, dining and performance experiences that will be unique to Shanghai Disneyland. The park will also contain other large-scale entertainment venues, indoor and out, that can be used for various purposes throughout the year.

A beautiful, 11 acre (46,130 square meter) green space at the center of the theme park will differentiate Shanghai Disneyland and reinforce the themes of sustainability and nature that will be integrated throughout the park. The space will also be a place where friends and family can enjoy local cultural celebrations and customs together.

On Opening Day, the Shanghai Disney Resort will be located on a 963 acre (3.9 square kilometer) site in Pudong, Shanghai, with additional room to expand in the future. At opening, the resort will include Shanghai Disneyland, two themed hotels, a large retail, dining and entertainment venue, recreational facilities, a lake and associated parking and transportation hubs.

There will be an initial investment in the project of approximately 24.5 billion yuan (US$3.7 billion) to build the theme park and an additional 4.5 billion yuan (US$0.7 billion) to build the other aspects of the resort, including the hotels and the retail, dining and entertainment area. The investment amounts will be split between Disney and the Shanghai Shendi Group with Disney holding 43% of the shares of the owner companies and the Shanghai Shendi Group holding the remaining 57%. Financing will be proportional to ownership. In addition, a joint venture management company will be formed with Disney having a 70% stake and Shanghai Shendi Group having a 30% stake. The management company will be responsible for creating, developing and operating the resort.

Artists Designs of Goof Troop Set

Today Disney opened up it’s Sneak page and allowed us a viewing of the Goof Troop set by Chris Chapman. We only saw a little bit of the designs in the advertising pictures a month ago, so it’s nice to see the whole figures. Again, no release date set for this set. What do you think?

Goofy

Another Goofy????? That’s like 5? 6? Dang, that’s a lot of goof. At least he only has two ears, unlike his Nerds version. His tie and sweater really bring me back to the show. (And that weird movie)

Max

Goofy’s kid from Goof Troop. He will come will a skateboard.

DuckTales out tomorrow! Take a sneak peek today!

Being released tomorrow, April 8th, is the 2nd set in the Disney Afternoons Series: Duck Tales!
The set is designed by Chris Chapman and will be releases periodically through the next couple of month. But tomorrow is the release of DuckTales, and today we got a chace to see the turnarounds of both chracters!

Launchpad McQuack

The pilot of both Scrooge and Darkwing, Launchpad has been all over the Duckverse. I think the long jaw is a good design choice, although it might be a little off color, like the Mickey Nerd mouth.

Scrooge McDuck

The main character of DuckTales. Check out the top hat. That’s the third top hat accessory so far. A pretty good accessory, but we’d rather some money bags!

What do you think of this set? Will you be out there tomorrow morning with Destination Vinylmation??

Online Help Desk: Best Markers for Signing Vinyls


A reader wrote us and asked “I bought a black 9″ vinyl that I plan to bring to Disney to collect autographs on. Do you have any idea what the best kind of marker (I was thinking silver) to use on a vinylmation?”

Let us know your opinions so we can help our friend out. What do you feel is the best pen for black and white vinyl? Is it a black sharpie? One of those silver paint pens? Leave a comment with your experience having people sign your vinyls, preferably brand and color! Thanks.

Celebrations Vinylmation Explained

Update: 4/6/11 Turnaround pictures of all ten 3″ and 28 Jr figures have been posted.

Update: 3/28/11 We have added pictures of at least one of the 3 randomly packaged Jrs with each 3″ Vinylmation. A big thanks for our French friend Aranya for the pics!
Update: Disney has officially stated an April 8th release date for the Celebrations series. It will originally be available at D-Street. No word on an online release date. Thank you to J for pointing out the update.
Vinylmation Celebrations is a 3″ + Jr combo open window set that will be released in the US at a future date. This set is similar to Occupations in that you purchase the 3″ of your choice and it comes with one of 3 random Jrs associated with that specific figure. Meaning there will be at least 40 figures in this set.
According to the Hong Kong Disneyland Facebook page, where these pictures where found, this set will be released in Hong Kong on March 17, 2011.
1st Visit

Represents the button 1st time visitors to
WDW or Disneyland are handed
to wear around the parks. Commemorates a 1st visit to a Disney Theme Park. Its a balloon in the head with a Mickey face. Great detail there. And a clear blue body to represent the sky. 
There are 2 versions of this figure. One sold at Disney World and the other at Disneyland.
Fast Pass Jr.

Looks like the 1st Visit balloon will come with randomly packaged Jrs depicting items you find at the theme parks.
Mickey Ice Cream Bar Jr


Very similar to the Urban 2 Mickey Chocolate Bar 3″ figure. I like it. It makes me hungry!
Character Autographs Jr.

Simply amazing! I would actually like a 3″ with this idea. Mickey, Pluto and Goofy signatures cover this figure.
Blue Ribbon

Give this Vinylmation out to
celebrate the best of the best.
Gold Jr.

Only the best of the best get this gold medal.
Silver Jr.

Not everyone can be the best. Take this 2nd place silver medal with
red, white and blue ribbon on back and go home happy.
Bronze Jr.

3rd place isn’t too bad.
Baby Boy

A blue teddy bear in celebration of
the birth of a new boy! I like the detail in the design here with the stitching. It really does give it a stuffed animal look.

Baby Blue Bottle Jr.

Perfect to feed your 3″ Vinylmation. This design fits a bit odd onto the Jr. body.
Baby Blue Rattle Jr.

Look at all those not so hidden mickey around the head! Very cute. Makes you wonder if any of the Baby Girl’s Jrs are just “pink” versions of a Baby Boy’s Jrs.
Baby Girl

A Pink teddy bear in celebration of
the birth of a new boy! I like the detail in the design here with the stitching. It really does give it a stuffed animal look
ABC Blocks Jr.

The blocks are set against a blue head and pink body. This figure is paired with both the blue and pink bears.
Baby Pink Bottle Jr.

Perfect to feed your 3″ Vinylmation. This design fits a bit odd onto the Jr. body.
Baby Pink Rattle Jr.

Look at all those not so hidden mickey around the head! Very cute. Makes you wonder if any of the Baby Girl’s Jrs are just “pink” versions of a Baby Boy’s Jrs.
Bride

If you can talk her into it, this wedding
dress is probably cheaper than the
one she just picked out.
Bouquet Jr.

A colorful representation of a Bride’s flowers.
Women’s Wedding Ring Jr.

Look at that diamond! A clear Vinylmation with a gold ring around the head.
Fancy Lace Jr.

A pattern that goes with the Bride figure.
Bridal Garter Jr.

Looks like there is a fourth Jr with the Bride and only two for the groom… but I suppose this could go with the Groom as well. An interesting choice for a design here, but nicely done with the garter wrapping around the head.
Groom

This tuxedo looks similar to the
business suit in the Occupations series.
Men’s Wedding Ring Jr.

A clear Vinylmation with a gold ring around the head.
Ball and Chain


Love it! LOL. Great for all my married friends. And really well done too!
The Graduate

Looks like this guy is getting ready
to join the workforce. We recently
caught him checking out the
Occupations Series for his options.
Mortarboards Jr
How you celebrate. Nice
use of the clear blue Jr
representing the caps
against the sky.
Diploma Jr
What you get. Really cool piece. I like the seal on the front and the Diploma font on the back.
Cash Jr
This dollar sign represents
the money you hope to
ear when you get out into
the real world.
Happy Birthday

Make a wish!
Looks like a layered Birthday
cake with some candles.
Happy Birthday

Make a wish!
Looks like a layered Birthday
cake with some candles.
Gift Tag Jr.

This yellow wrapping paper with blue ribbon goes nicely with the
Birthday Vinylmation. It even has a to and from tag.
Party Time

Next time you celebrate anything,
bring this guy along. His colorful
streamers make him the life
of any party!

Well done. Simple, but effective.

Colorful representation of confetti and streamers.

Like those plastic and paper party favors you blow into, this noise maker stays rolled up. I don’t think blowing on it’s feet will change that!
Thank You

If we had a larger budget,
Destination Vinylmation would send
one of these to all our loyal leaders
(listeners/readers).
Xie Xie Jr
(sheh sheh)
Chinese for Thank You
Merci Jr
French for Thank You
Gracias Jr
Spanish for Thank You


The ad for Celebrations on the HK Facebook page

Muppets 2 Chaser

Spoiler! Well it was predicted with the rest of the set so it shouldn’t be much of a surprise, but here is the Muppets 2 chaser (front and back). The photos are from eBay seller lindogcatbird. Thanks! (Before the reveal people thought it could have been Gonzo, or another Kermit, or Waldo, or Skeeter)

Muppets 2
Chaser (front)
Muppets 2
Chaser (back)

Stormtrooper of the Week #10

This week I, Nick, am taking over the Stormtrooper of the Week. Several days ago I went to Megacon. Look who I found there….

On some weekends Sheldon puts on his favorite superhero’s costume and poses for pictures at the local Con.

Spotlight On: Custom Artist Justin Marshall

Recently we received an email from Justin Marshall, and inside it contained a whole lot of pictures of his customs. There were a whole lot of good ones, but the one I wanted to talk about today was the Haunted Mansion.

I really like the look of this figure. He does a great job of getting a lot of details with his paints. The hitchhikers on the front, and the shadow on the back. I also enjoy the wallpaper eyes all over the front. This makes me look forward to the official Haunted Mansion set coming out this fall!

I got a chance to ask Justin more about this figure.

MC: How long have you been creating custom Vinylmation?
Justin Marshall: I have been creating them since July 2010.

MC: In that time how many pieces have you created?
JM: Close to 20-30.

MC: What piece that you have created is your favorite?
JM: I think my first creation that started it all, Captian EO.

MC: Do you collect the Vinylmation created by Disney artists?
JM: Of course, I love them!

MC: What is your favorite official Vinylmation figure?
JM: That’s hard, Haunted Mansion Wallpaper, but also love Mr. Toad!

MC: Well that makes sense, especially since you made your own version. How did you come up with the idea of a Haunted Mansion piece?
JM: The original poster you see at the entrance of the magic kingdom (under the railroad track).

MC: Can you describe this figure? The inspiration. What detail went into it?
JM: I love the original conepts when WED was creating this attraction. The park has so many characters, but when it comes to the Haunted Mansion, in the early years, there weren’t any characters, just a large creepy structure. So the hitchhikers have grown to be the memorable characters ove the years and people love at the end of the ride when one of the 3 hitchikers jumps into your doombuggie following you home. So gathering what a vast population of Disney visitors know was the key. They can relate to it.

MC: What is your favorite aspect of it?
JM: Painting those odd shaped hitchhikers on the front. One’s tall and skinny, one’s heavy and wide, and then you have the little guy that’s holding the ball that probably weighs more than him! I picked a pale blue just like you see when you’re in the graveyard. I wanted the precise color.

MC: I think you did a great job on them. What was the hardest part in creating this figure?
JM: Trying to duplicate the wallpaper! I was going to do a wallpaper head, but if you really look deep into the design, it’s complicated, especially when painting on a rounded surface. I ended up with just the eyes, but have plans in the future to conquer the wallpaper design!

MC: So when you’re finished with that wallpaper one, or if anyone wants to see your other work; where can people go to find out more about your pieces and see your work?
JM: I am working on a dedicated page solely for my vinylmation creations. But I am on Facebook, just look up my email, jchad1000@hotmail.com, or people can email me a request for something they would want to see put on a vinylmation.

MC: Thanks for dropping by! Again, love this figure.

Pictures of Justin’s customs by Justin