A New Orange Bird?

WDWNT on August 3, 2011

Today on the Disney Parks Blog Stephen Miller showed off several of the pieces of merchandise from the upcoming Florida Project Show (Sept. 9-11th). In the very last shot he teased a cast trader that they will be seeding into boxes at the event on Sunday.

Photo by Disney. Thanks to Sophie for getting it more focused for us!

The Orange Bird with Mickey Ears. I think it’s a fun addition to our collections, especially next to the Passholder’s Exclusive Orange Bird.

What do you think?

Thanks to Konrad for pointing us here as soon as it popped up!

Also according to Michelle St. Laurent-Sheive, former Disney Design Group Artist turned Display and Design Manager with Park Event Operations, appearing at the event is a “giant, three-dimensional Orange Bird that will be placed on the World Showcase promenade welcoming guests to the event (do I smell photo opportunity?)” Let’s see how many photos next to it we can put on the site!

Pics from the Disney Parks Blog

Copenhagen, Denmark Exclusive Vinylmation

WDWNT on August 3, 2011

Update: 8/3/11 We got in these pictures of the Copenhagen Vinylmation from a Reader:

9″ Viking
3″ Copenhagen exclusive



by Nick J

Today, Disney released a few photos of their most recently opened store in Copenhagen, Denmark. This is Disney’s first Scandinavian store and is located on Amagertorv 8, Copenhagen, Denmark, for those of you who must have these exclusive Vinylmations. It looks like both the 3” and 9” are produced using the new mold.
 9″ Copenhagen Viking

With a fully horned helmet, furry looking sleeves, and an equally furry looking mustache, this Nordic Viking is sold for 500 Danish Kroner, which translates to roughly $54.98.
Copenhagen Loves Vikings

The second Vinylmation flies Denmark’s colors of red and white and is a 3” exclusive. Sporting the “Copenhagen ‘Hearts’ Vikings” logo on its head and stomach, this 3” sells for 80 Danish Kroner, which is approximately $14.66.
The Vinylmation Blog also released a picture of the Vinylmation display at the Denmark store:
Copyright Disney

A DV Reader’s Story: I got a Doug 2-Pack Vinylmation Set…Not so fast!

WDWNT on August 3, 2011

by: Dennis (@OaskManner)

These are exciting times in the world of Vinylmation! Recent releases of Robots, Urban 7, Steam Park and Doug & Pork chop!

On early Friday morning July 29th I decided to join hundreds of my Vinylmation brethren and stay up/get up at 3:00am EST for the Disney Store on line release of another Disney Afternoon release, Doug and Pork Chop. So far, I have refrained from participating in these online releases because of all the issues Disney Store had with purchasing limits (lack their of) and collectors being able to put items in their basket and check out even though the items were actually sold out. However, recent changes to the Disney Store online purchasing policies as outlined on the Disney Vinylmation Blog gave me confidence that Disney Store had recognized and made modifications to its software system so that these issues were a thing of the past.

I couldn’t stay awake so I set my alarm for 2:55 EST so I could purchase my Doug Vinylmation. Blurry eyed and determined, I logged onto DisneyStore.com went to the Vinylmation page and started hitting refresh every few seconds, the excitement was building and I felt reasonably sure I would get one of these exclusive Vinylmation sets.

3am turned into 3:15am, turned into 3:25am. Still no sign of Doug. Refresh, refresh refresh…finally the page appeared the Doug and Pork Chop combo is up and ready for me to make my purchase!!! I quickly hit purchase and put a Doug in my basket and headed for the checkout. All is going well as my order is processed, my checkout is complete and I am issued an order number and receipt. I hit print and head back to bed happy in knowing I have been successful in purchasing a Doug!

Approximately 16 hours later I got what I’ve only previously read about… the dreaded Disney Store Guest Experience email… “We’re so very sorry but the Disney Afternoon Doug item was so popular we over sold it this morning. Unfortunately you will not be receiving this item. Here is a $5.00 Disney Gift Card blah blah blah!” Needless to say I was extremely upset getting this email. So much so that I angrily tweeted out my displeasure to @DisneyStorePrez and @DisneyStore! Let me say here that I love the Disney company and it really pains me to have to publicly criticize them. I am a former Disney Store Castmember, a DVC Member, D23 Member, and WDW Annual Passholder. I am not one that complains to try and get something in return. In this case I want nothing!

Copyright Disney

I want nothing other than The Disney Store to get this issue fixed that allows Guests to be able to put items into a shopping cart, checkout, be issued an order number and receipt only to be told 16 hours later that the item was sold out! This has been going on for months and still the issue is not resolved. It’s not rocket science! Could you imagine if Ticket Master oversold tickets to a popular concert? Imagine the outcry! I can’t believe Disney Store, a multi-million dollar company, can’t or won’t fix this problem! After a half dozen tweets about my dissatisfaction with this entire transaction I got a tweet from Jim Fielding, President of Disney Store telling me that Disney Store Guest Services would be in touch and that despite new purchasing limits we still sold out of this item very quickly! Let me just say that I personally like Mr. Fielding. He is a stand up executive that always monitors twitter and responds to guest issues!

Sure enough I did get a tweet from Disney Store Guest Services asking me to email them my contact information. I did and was I called by a Guest Services Cast Member and asked about my experience with the Doug Vinylmation purchase. She was nice and understanding but did attempt to justify what had happened from Disney’s end with the large volume of orders all being placed simultaneously. We agreed to disagree and that was pretty much it. She asked if I had received my $5.00 gift card via email, which I had, and we ended the phone call.

The next day I received another call from Stephanie at Presidential Services. She was also very nice and understanding and told me she was gathering as much information regarding the problems with the Doug release and that this information would be passed on to senior management to help in stopping this from happening in the future.

Bottom line: DisneyStore.com has lost me as a guest. I will never participate in an online Vinylmation release again. It’s not like this is an isolated incident, this is a chronic problem that has been going on for months! I personally know many Vinylmation collectors that have been affected by this issue and it has really soured their desire to continue collecting Vinylmation. I am not to that point yet, but DisneyStore.com will no longer be my place to purchase Vinylmation for my collection!

-Dennis

For the Benefit of Charity (and your Vinylmation collection)

WDWNT on August 2, 2011

Last fall, a Benefit Sale for United Way was held at Downtown Disney. You purchased a $5 ticket and were treated to a ton of deals around Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World. This included up to 75% off select Vinylmation. It looks like this sale will make a return this November… with the 75% off Vinylmation deal! We do not have full details yet. An announcement should be made shortly on the Disney Parks Blog. And last year, this website was set up for the event: www.thebenefitsale.com, but it is not a working link as of this post.

Through the Speculation Glass

WDWNT on August 2, 2011

Rumors are circulating around Vinylnation.net that we could see the much discussed, yet not officially announced by Disney, Alice in Wonderland set as early as August 19 at the D23 Expo.

Unfortunately, figures like the one above have already shown up on eBay. This is the Green Hedgehog. We do know a couple things about this set. It should be a 12 figure blind box set. Should be exclusive to Disney Stores. And also seems to be designed by Thomas Scott. A rumored set list was also posted on Vinylnation. We speculated on some characters in a post back on May 30th. If this leaked list is true, between our guesses and your comments, we came close on a couple points. Check it out:
• White Rabbit
• Mad Hatter (w/ Variant)
• March Hare
• Dodo Bird
• Tweedle Dee
• Tweedle Dum
• Baby Oyster
• Caterpillar (neck attachment)
• Cheshire Cat
• Queen (w/ crown attachment)
• Hedgehog Green (Pink Variant)
• Dinah (Chaser)
• Crying Alice 9” + Alice Jr. + Clear Drink Me Jr. + Eat Me Jr.
• Walrus 9” + Carpenter 3”

What are your thoughts?

Will We Hear the Roar of the King at D23?

WDWNT on August 2, 2011

Update: 8/5/11 Disney said today on the Blog to “Stay tuned as we have some exciting news to share about the release of this series.” Will they announce the D23 release and artist signing? They did release this picture of the actual Mufasa figure:

Copyright Disney

According to rumors on Vinylnation.net, Simba really can’t wait to be King. When a collector was talking to Disney Store Artist Enrique Pita at the Robots Vinlymation signing in California last week, Enrique reportedly let it slip that the artists will be on hand at the D23 Expo (August 19-21 in Anaheim, CA) signing Lion King Vinylmation. What!? But Lion King will not be out until the following Friday the collector remarked. Enrique then said that Lion King will be available at D23.

This set is exciting. One of my all-time favorite moves in Vinylmation form with the Blu Ray coming in October and the 3D theater experience! Exciting times. These Vinylmation will surely be the mane event for me at the Expo. We will see if we get that early peek at D23. And if you can’t make it to D23, Hakuna Matata, we will of course be reporting all the info we get as we get it and posting lots of pictures throughout the weekend. Oh, and check out Zoe’s predictions for this set here.

“I’m Chiquita Banana And I’m Here To Sponsor”

WDWNT on August 2, 2011

 

Walt Disney World Resort and Chiquita Brands International announced an agreement July 29 that will bring premium, healthy fresh Chiquita and Fresh Express products to a number of retail points at Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line. This new strategic alliance represents the commitment of both companies to provide consumers with healthy food options.

“We are pleased to work with Disney to offer healthy, nutritious Chiquita and Fresh Express products to the millions of Guests who visit Walt Disney World Resort as well as the Disney Cruise Line each year,” said Fernando Aguirre, Chiquita chairman and chief executive officer. “This alliance joins two companies with the shared commitment of providing quality experiences to consumers. This is yet another step in Chiquita’s efforts to improve world nutrition by extending distribution of our healthy fresh products, now to include the world’s favorite vacation destinations.”Throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line, Chiquita and Fresh Express products will receive brand exclusivity within their respective categories and enjoy significant exposure to important consumer segments. The new agreement continues Chiquita’s expansion into distribution points beyond traditional channels as well as providing an opportunity for Chiquita to educate consumers about the benefits of proper nutrition.

“This alliance complements our company’s commitment to providing Guests with high-quality, healthy food options,” said George Aguel, senior vice president, Corporate Alliances for The Walt Disney Company.

As part of the agreement, Chiquita will serve as the sponsor of both the “Crush ‘n’ Gusher” at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, themed around a tropical fruit processing center, and the “Living with the Land” attraction at Epcot, where Chiquita will join forces with Disney to help teach Guests about nutrition. In another joint effort, Chiquita also will participate in the runDisney marathon series to help promote healthy living and active lifestyles. Beginning with the upcoming Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend in September, Chiquita will share with Guests and participants how its fresh and convenient products can help improve personal nutrition.

Chiquita and Fresh Express products add to Disney’s existing portfolio of nutritious snack items as well as its ongoing effort to promote healthy lifestyles and nutrition for kids and families. Chiquita bananas and Fresh Express salad items will be featured throughout Walt Disney Resort and offer visitors convenient low-calorie snacks.

The Walt Disney Company first pioneered groundbreaking nutritional guidelines in 2006 aimed at giving parents and children healthier eating options. Disney Magic of Healthy Living, a comprehensive initiative launched in 2010, builds on that commitment by inspiring kids and families to explore simple and fun ways to eat right and be active. Today, more than 85 percent of Disney’s licensed food portfolio consists of healthier options, including produce and low-fat dairy.

What’s Black & White and Read All Over?

WDWNT on August 2, 2011

A newspaper of course! And now onto Vinylmation news… The 6 piece Black & White set will drop into D-Streets and Disney Store Online on August 12. It has a price tag of $99.95 and is LE 2000. We also know it was designed by Sarah Matthews. It was back on May 20th, that we first posted about this set after seeing them at a WDW Trade show.

Disney hasn’t seem to have released any official pictures of these figures. We only saw these two at that trade show. We did dig up the following information (as posted on May 20):

“Last week we heard a rumor about a LE set of 2000 called Black and White. The set was said to be by Sarah Matthews, and oddly enough, you are linked to the Disney Store page when you search for “Sarah Matthews disney artist” in Google! Sarah also runs “Orange Blossom Ink” with a fellow Disney Artist, Lisa Badeen. There was much speculation about this set (because the Disney Store page does not have a picture). It turns out that the set won’t be old B&W characters, but a 6 piece set of interesting design patterns in black and white.”
We also found this “hidden” page on the Disney Store Online back in May:
Are you adding this set to your collection? Do you need more pictures or is it a Black and White choice based on what we know already? (sorry for the bad jokes in this post, I’m tired and lots of news to get out)

China Pavilion and Matterhorn will Release Aug 12

WDWNT on August 2, 2011

Update: 8/11/11 The China vinyl will be postponed and released on August 19th. ONLINE DATE ONLY. It will still be released in parks on August 12th.

Icons from both WDW and DLR will show up in Vinylmation form to D-Streets and Disney Store Online on August 12th.

Park 6 Matterhorn 9″
This iconic Disneyland ride opened in 1959. Guest ride down a Switz themed mountain sized in bobsled like ride vehicles. It will be limited to 800 and will retail for $44.95.
Park 6 China Pavilion 9″
Designed by Lin Shih, this LE 800 figure will retail for $44.95. The China Pavilion is one of the 11 World Showcase Countries at EPCOT. What is your favorite pavilion? What one do you think would make the best Vinylmation?

Catch Gonzo the Great at D-Streets August 19

WDWNT on August 2, 2011

The same day Disney fans from all over the world will be converging upon Anaheim for the D23 Expo, Gonzo will be making an appearance at D-Streets on both coasts. Gonzo has skills. By his side of course, will be his girlfriend Camilla. This 9″ + 3″ combo should be around for extended appearances as it’s a LE 1500. Gonzo and Camilla were designed by Monty Maldovan and will retail for $74.95. Oh, and you can also find this Muppets 2 combo on Disney Store Online. Here’s a look:

Photo from Disney’s Vinylmation Blog
As with Sam the Eagle, Monty’s placement of Gonzo’s nose should give that 3D effect of it sticking out a bit. Too bad an exception wasn’t made for Gonzo to stick his classic nose out more.
Photo from Disney’s Vinylmation Blog

The cool thing about Muppets is they have so many different outfits you can put them in. That creates a long life for the Muppets series down the road. I like this choice for the Gonzo 9″. He has his bow tie and flower. I look forward to still seeing some 3″ Gonzos in future sets.

Photo from Disney’s Vinylmation Blog
I think M.C. would agree, this 9″ + 3″ combo makes so much sense. Pairing Gonzo with his chicken girlfriend Camilla is perfect. I never understood this relationship as a kid watching the show. Camilla also fits nicely on the Mickey mold.