June 2011 – WDWNT Archive

Matterhorn Movie in the Works???

WDWNT on June 30, 2011

From Borys Kit on The Hollywood Reporter:

Disney is developing an adventure movie project inspired by the Matterhorn ride and has set Jason Dean Hall to pen the script. Justin Springer (Tron Legacy, Prom) is producing the project, which has a working title of The Hill.

The Matterhorn, also known as the Matterhorn Bobsleds, is part of Disneyland’s Fantasyland section. Opened June 1959, the elaborate ride was inspired by Walt Disney‘s desire for a toboggan-themed roller coaster as well as thoughts he had after an extended trip to Switzerland, the site of the famed mountain. The ride, a centerpiece of the park, was refurbished in 1978, with one of the upgrades being the addition of three automatronic Abominable Snowmen (aka Yetis) who growl at riders.

The idea behind The Hill is to do a thrilling, fast-paced movie centering on five young adventure seekers who, for mysterious reasons, are called to the top of the mountain and encounter a Yetis on the journey down.

You can read the rest of the article Here.

Flynn Rides Out of Tangled Play and Greet

WDWNT on June 30, 2011

As of July 2nd, Flynn Rider will no longer be available at the Tangled “play and greet” experience in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. Well, I should rephrase that, because the “play” in “play and greet” was removed some time ago. That’s right, the interactive portion of the experience was removed to speed up the line, but apparently it was just not enough. Disney issued the following statement to Magic Kingdom cast members about the change:

At the Walt Disney World Resort, we are continually focused on providing the best possible entertainment experiences for our guests. As part of that effort, the Tangled play & greet will now focus on Rapunzel, who has become a guest favorite. We will also be adding more opportunities each day for guests to meet her in Fairytale Garden.

It’s hard to complain about this change if it is shortening lines and giving guests more time to spend on other Magic Kingdom attractions, especially when this line was reaching extreme wait times of anywhere between 30 minutes and 1 hour. You can relive the experience one last time through a video we published back when the “play and greet” first opened:

Vinylmation are working on their roar!

WDWNT on June 30, 2011

Today Disney announced that their will be a vinylmation Lion King set. In an unprecedented announcement, Disney told us not only that the Lion King set will be a 12 piece blind box set, but that it will be a Disney Store Exclusive and it will be released on August 29nd 2011! They also emphasized Mufasa!

There are plenty of characters, but they have already done a young Simba (he was the combo topper from Animation 1) and Banzai (from Villains 1). Who would you like to be in the set? Rafiki? ect….

Also, would you feel obligated to go out and find the Young Simba and Banzai to add to your Lion King set?? WOuld you want a second one of each to you could display them with the original sets and the Lion King set at the same time? (That’s what I do with the Little Green Men from Park 2!!)
Let us know…

The Lion King Logo pic is from vinylmation.com

Take A Virtual Walk Through Cars Land

WDWNT on June 30, 2011

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

Can’t wait to take a stroll through Radiator Springs? If the opening of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park next year has you ready to cruise past Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi’s Flying Tires, then you don’t want to miss this video. It takes you on a virtual drive-through of Cars Land, giving you an idea of what it will look like when it opens in 2012.

More 40th Anniversary Merchandise On The Way?

WDWNT on June 29, 2011

Disney previewed an upcoming D-Tech product recently that should be arriving at Walt Disney World around October 1st, just in time for the 40th anniversary:

Yes, it is an iPhone 4 case and it will be a limited edition of 1971 pieces. Perhaps the most exciting prospect is that those of us going to Walt Disney World for the 40th anniversary festivities will have some limited edition collectibles to bring home. We can only hope…

You can read the entire post on the Disney Parks Blog, and you can register for WDWCelebrations’ Project XL: The World at 40 if you really want to celebrate the 40th anniversary the proper way.

A Tale of Two Cities

WDWNT on June 29, 2011

This past weekend saw the release of some city specific Vinylmation, one on each coast. The similarities end there however as the New York release was by all accounts a smooth affair. However, the San Francisco release left some unhappy costumers wondering why there were not enough Vinylmation to handle the demand. If you missed it on our podcast, Episode 027, we aired some of your comments about the SF store situation. But first, the Playwright sent in some pictures of the new NYC exclusive 3″ Hey Taxi.

The colors on this figure, like its 9″ counterpart, really pop!

On the back, you can see Mickey looking out at the city.

Of course, the 3″ comes in the beloved tins! Nice detail inside.

Artist card is included.

NYC has already seen it’s share of exclusives. Take a look here for our review last fall of the 9″ Hey Taxi with close ups of all the detail it has to offer.

San Francisco was all a buzz this weekend with the release of it’s first two exclusive vinyls. The first was a 9″ Golden Gate Bridge with an LE of 1540.

The second figure was a 3″ SF Trolly in a tin. This figure is not Limited Edition.

People lined up as early as about 1am outside a store that would open that Sunday at 11am. There was much excitement for these figures, but unfortunately not everyone would walk away with figures. Here are a few reports from listeners that were at the SF store

Cynthia, who also reported on the Sci-Fi Trading academy on the podcast, gave her report:

“My roommate got to the store at 2 am and was 5th in line. I was sixth – by the time the manager came out to talk to us about 10:00 am the line was at least 100 people long. The manager came down the line with two other cast members. One of them stamped our hand, and with a pen wrote our place # on our hand by the stamp. They had 98 of the 9″ and 184 of the 3″. The limits were two 9″ per person and five 3″ per person. They asked us how many we were going to buy and kept count so they would know when they were going to run out. They let us in to the store about 10:30 am and let us start buying instead of waiting to open at 11 am. So my roommate and I were done by 10:35. Lots of people drove up from LA.”

Marcia wrote:

“I wanted to express my complaint and bad experience I received today. I woke up extra early to be in line by 6:00 am to get my hands on the San Francisco exclusive Vinylmation but to find out that the Disney Store did not receive their full shipment and only the people at the top of the line were going to get the Vinylmations. We should of gotten some kind of voucher so that way when we return at least there would some kind of acknowledgement that we were present on the day it was released.”

Nick J Called in with his report:

“It was pretty much a mess. They said for the 9″, which are LE 1540, the store only had 100 in stock and there are probably over 200 people in line. The Cast Members did not know how many 3″ they had, but they sold out of those as well. They said they will have more, but don’t know when.”

With Vinylmation at such heights in popularity, it is odd to me that they didn’t have a hefty stock of the SF exclusive Vinylmation in hand on release day. Were you there? Did you get your hands on one? What do you think of the SF designs?

Pirates make your wallet walk the gang plank on July 1st

WDWNT on June 29, 2011

There’s been a lot of new recently about the Pirates Party on July 1st at WDW for the release of the Pirates of the Caribbean 3″ series. (The set also comes out the same day in California, but with less pomp and circumstance.)

The party starts at 10:30 AM (when the store opens) this Friday. The new 12 figure blind box series will be on sale then, for $12.95 (according to Claudia who called Disney). That series is by Casey Jones.

Also available that day will be several one of a kind Pirates themed custom vinylmations that will be sold separately. (Similar to the idea of the ones they released on CA a little bit back.) Wristbands will be handed out for these special customs. Each band is limited to purchasing only ONE custom, and all are first come first serve. (At the moment we don’t have the prices of any of these officially, but I would suspect that the NOAH ones are $595.)

Here are the ones that Disney has announced…

First up, this vinyl by new artist Gary Ham. We didn’t know who these was, but after checking out his blog at haminals.blogspot.com we really like the way this guys thinks. (Especially the Superman reference) His vinylmation is right on par with the rest of his artwork. Disney spoke to him and he explained his thoguht process for this piece, “The inspiration behind the figure was to tell a story of pirate voyage and all that they encounter while in search of treasure.” The hat is interesting, as it is removable, but also fits over one ear instead of between them. I think the design looks pretty cool, but like most of this set I’m sure the price is a little out of my range. (Plus, and I hope this is on purpose, I enjoy that his name is Ham and the piece is pink!)

Another new artist to Vinylmationis Robert Lee from methanestudios.com. Check out his pirate variation. I love the M-I-C-K-E-Y on the pirate’s knuckles, and the Mickey Ears on the skull and cross bones on his ear. I’d love this one as a 3″ for like $25!

Jeff Lamm’s piece is up next. Also a newbie to Vinylmation, Jeff’s work usually focuses on Godzilla like monsters. Check out one of the many places to find his artwork, greasebat.com. He says that he likes to create “messed up junk, heavily influences by Japanese monster toys, Ed Roth, pop art, and vintage manga. His piece is pretty straight forward. A skeleton and some jewels, although I’m not sure if the skeleton has eaten the jewels or if they are just in a pile in front of him. Jeff told Disney, “This figure was a fun piece to make. My inspiration came from the ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean’ model kits made back in the 70’s. I always loved the action of those kits. I liked the idea of skeletal pirates defending their treasure.” I really like the jewel in the right ear, reminds me of the rupees from Zelda. (I’m playing the 3DS remake of Ocarina of Time right now).

Up next, two from seasoned vinylmation artist Adrianne Draude:

Two great things about this piece. One, it kinda looks like this pirate has joined a 1970’s biker gang with all the black leather it seems to be wearing. Two, if you purchase this one, you’ll get that extra fancy chest for your booty! (I wonder if the vinylmation fits inside.) A great figure, and it looks like Adrianne did a lot of work adding 3 dimensional elements to this piece. Gotta love the gold tooth!
The other piece from Adrianne also comes with something special. That really cool box you see there, and it even has a hinged door. I’m pretty sure this means that this piece fits inside the box. The piece isn’t 3D like the previous piece, but the artwork is really cool!

The final piece (well actually pieces) are by NOAH. (If you don’t know he’s the guy behind those custom Disney endorsed TRON figures, as well the some Little Mermaid customs.) According to Disney, there will be six similar figures offered. We are guessing (based on historical records) that these pieces will go for about $595.00. Each piece will also (like always) come with a cool stand which also has another piece of NOAH work. A little darker and scarier then the other pieces, this piece is actually a little simple in comparison to the other pieces. (Of course that might just be the lighting in this picture.) Although, I do have to say, that skull is really really creepy!

What do you think of all these pieces? Which do you like the most? Is anyone in our audience lucky enough to be able afford and thus is looking to purchase one of these?

Get Ready for an In-Room Pirate Adventure!

WDWNT on June 29, 2011

From Jean Volante on the Disney Parks Blog:

What if Disney could bring the magic of the parks and big screen into your very own Walt Disney World resortroom? Well, our creative team at Disney Floral & Gifts found a way to do just that with a new guest experience called “A Pirate’s Adventure” and it’s going to be available for sale soon.

You may be familiar with our “In-Room Celebrations,” which feel like Mickey and the gang have come to your Walt Disney World Resort room to create a personalized celebration just for you. Well this new offering is actually an “adventure” prepared by Captain Jack Sparrow. The story is that Jack was chased by a band of pirates and ducked into your room to hide his treasure. The pirate code states the treasure shall be yours if you can solve the riddles he left behind and find the key to unlock his treasure chest. Then the treasure chest will be yours to do with what you will.

Ken Malquist, show director for Disney Floral & Gifts, says it’s a great experience for the entire family. “You know, when we watch kids play, some of their greatest adventures takes place in their bedrooms, building forts and playing dress-up. So we took this concept and came up with a storyline to place the guest in an imaginative, yet authentic adventure,” Ken said.

There’s much more to share about this experience, but for now, know that “A Pirate’s Adventure” will be available for sale late Summer 2011 with delivery to the Walt Disney World Resort Fall 2011.

Episode 027 The Little Mermaid

WDWNT on June 28, 2011

Ep. 027 The Little Mermaid

A great release day at D-Street was the highlight of this show. Up, Alien Encounter, and Sam the Eagle all scored big review points. We talked with Cynthia, a DV fan and Bay Area resident who went to the Sci-Fi Trading Acadamy and the SF exclusive release. As always, we have the latest news and release dates. And we answer your questions and take your comments in the Mystery Mail Bag.

Listen Now:

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Steam Park Explained

WDWNT on June 28, 2011

Update: 7/7/11 Disney has changed the online release date from July 18th to July 22nd.

Date: 6/28/11 Disney gave out some details and packaging info today. We knew Steam Park will be released as a 6 figure set and now we know the price. It will retail for $99.95 at both Orlando and California D-Streets and will be available on July 8. The set is a LE of 1000. There will also be a small amount available at the WDW Trading Show on July 8th. (Remember that D-Street California will open at 8 AM this day for the season pass holder exclusives, so these should be on sale at that time too!) People who don’t live by the parks can pick these up on July 22nd on the DisneyStore.com. Some of the price point may account for the elaborate box the set comes in. Here’s a look:

A very detailed box with windows looking in at the 6 Vinylmation.

“The packaging is what pushed me over the top with this set. I’ll be there on the 8th ready for mine. Before the trade show of course!” – MC

Update: 4/25/11 DV reporter Ryan talked to a source today about this set. They confirmed that this will be sold as a set of 6. It is also scheduled for release “mid-summer”. To us this means that the set will be similar to the packaging of Sushi and with a similar price, but that’s speculation. Also speculation, Disney places this set in their “Limited Edition Set” list, which leads us to believe that this will be a LE set!

First off, love the name! We first saw references to several in this set back in the summer of ’10. Then the SteamPark pocket watch came out, and it was awesome. Then nothing, for a long time. Well, now we have a few of the artist renderings of several more figures we have never seen before! (Thanks to Scuba Owl for letting us know that these pictures were up.)

This set will be sold as a set of six (without the Gears and Cogs which came in the Pocket Watch set). It is scheduled for a “mid-summer” release.

Artist: Mike Sullivan
Released: July 8th D-Streets and July 22nd Online
Price: $99.95
LE: 1000

	The Magnificent Balloon If it’s big enough, and you have enough hot air, you can make almost anything fly. Just drape a net over the balloon and attach the ends to what ever you want to ride in. Be a car, a horse buggy, or even your home, Carl.
	Grandson Clock A grandfather clock is old. This is new and fancy, the cutting edge of time technology.
	Steel Mickey I’m not sure if they is a submarine, or an ancient power source. Maybe we will learn more in the future.
	Steampark Cyborg Half man, half steampunk machine. All evil! (Well, Evil is assumed)
	The Engineer I know she might just be the mechanic, but I will give her the benefit of the doubt and say that not only does she maintain the machines, but she knows enough to design them when push comes to mechanic shove. (Think Kaylee from Firefly.)
	The Commandant The leader of the good forces (we assume) and the man who can defend the world from the evil forces (if there are any). We’ve seen him for a while now.
	Gears and Cogs (Pocket Watch) This appears to be the 3″ figure that came with the Steam Park Pocket Watch. The best of all the 3″ vinylmation that came with the watches. Very cool.