I was at The Disneyland Resort yesterday and was able to grab some quick newsworthy photos from around the resort.
The Bank of Main Street window that used to house the Disney Rewards Information Kiosk has been removed from the building
Read More about Conner Purzycki’s 8/14/11 Mini DLR Photo Report
WDWNT Reporter Brandon Struve visited The Magic Kingdom on Sunday to catch the soft-opening of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. Let’s take a look at the “new” attraction:
Read More about Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room Soft Opening Photo Report
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Ep. 034 Poncho
This week we talk about the much anticipated Lion King set. We review Black and White, China Pavilion and Materhorn, we reminisce about EPCOT’s Kitchen Kaberet, and we discus the upcoming D23 Expo. We of course deliver the latest Vinylmation news and rumors and have an up to date schedule of release dates and events. The winner of the Robots Contest is announced. Oh, and we read your comments and questions in the Mystery Mail Bag.
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Michael Knak sent us these great pictures of the Copenhagen, Denmark Exclusive 9″ and 3″ Vinylmation figures.
From the Disney Parks Blog:
Fashionistas of all ages will have a hot new shopping spot at Downtown Disney as Apricot Lane Boutique opens its doors today. The stylish store will offer one-of-a-kind gifts, trendy accessories and all the latest fashions for moms and daughters. My soon to be 13-year-old already has it on her radar for a birthday shopping spree. Good thing the collections are affordable.
Apricot Lane carries a nice mix of celebrity-inspired brands – the kind you would usually find at upscale department stores or fancy shops – including Miss Me, Lucky Brand, Vintage Havana and Chaser. It will be the go to place for fun and unusual trinkets and gifts, while also offering punk rock t-shirts, contemporary sportswear, chic dresses, plus handbags and jewelry for the perfect night out.
The boutique recently opened a location at Downtown Disney in Disneyland Resort in Anaheim with huge fanfare. It will be great for visitors to Orlando and for locals who want to avoid the mall.
MARVEL MAKES INAUGURAL APPEARANCE AT DISNEY’S D23 EXPO!
NEW YORK, NY –August 11, 2011 – Marvel is coming to Anaheim this year to make its historic debut at D23, the ultimate Disney fan event, and we’re pulling out all the stops!
On Sunday, August 21, at 10:15 a.m. in the Arena, join us for Marvel: The House of Ideas, an exclusive and unprecedented experience that will take you through the evolution of Marvel from its first comic book in 1939 to its current position as one of the most important creative forces in the world. During this presentation, which will include interactive Q&A segments, you will not only get an inside glimpse of the history of Marvel and its iconic Super Heroes but also discover why Marvel truly is the House of Ideas. This session will be hosted by Joe Quesada, Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer and one of the most respected and sought-after writers and artists in the entertainment industry.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of the one-of-a-kind show that is Disney’s D23,” said Quesada. “Whether attendees are new to the world of Marvel or longtime fans, they’re going to love what we’ve planned for them!”
Also, be sure not to miss Marvel’s own President of Production Kevin Feige as he joins some of the top names in film on Saturday, August 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the Walt Disney Studios panel to discuss Marvel Studios’ plans for 2012, including the hotly anticipated Marvel’s The Avengers!
MARVEL MAKES INAUGURAL APPEARANCE AT DISNEY’S D23 EXPO!
NEW YORK, NY –August 11, 2011 – Marvel is coming to Anaheim this year to make its historic debut at D23, the ultimate Disney fan event, and we’re pulling out all the stops!
On Sunday, August 21, at 10:15 a.m. in the Arena, join us for Marvel: The House of Ideas, an exclusive and unprecedented experience that will take you through the evolution of Marvel from its first comic book in 1939 to its current position as one of the most important creative forces in the world. During this presentation, which will include interactive Q&A segments, you will not only get an inside glimpse of the history of Marvel and its iconic Super Heroes but also discover why Marvel truly is the House of Ideas. This session will be hosted by Joe Quesada, Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer and one of the most respected and sought-after writers and artists in the entertainment industry.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of the one-of-a-kind show that is Disney’s D23,” said Quesada. “Whether attendees are new to the world of Marvel or longtime fans, they’re going to love what we’ve planned for them!”
Also, be sure not to miss Marvel’s own President of Production Kevin Feige as he joins some of the top names in film on Saturday, August 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the Walt Disney Studios panel to discuss Marvel Studios’ plans for 2012, including the hotly anticipated Marvel’s The Avengers!
Disney informed us today that they have taken some of the D-Street stores stock of 9″ Muppets 2 3-D Kermits and are going to open them up for release on the online store. The online store had sold out of the Kermits on the day they were released. The new online release for the extra Kermits is August 19th, the same day as the Gonzo and Camilla 9″/3″ is released.
Hope you are enjoying Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! At the last Walt Disney World trading event we meet Heather Kattelman from Fleming Island, Florida. She was displaying a couple very impressive custom 9″ Vinylmation she had created. One was Star Wars themed, the other a TRONorail. We caught up with her recently and asked her all about them.
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Destination Vinylmation: How long have you been creating custom vinylmation?
Heather: I’ve only been creating custom Vinylmations on and off for about 9 months. My kids got me interested in it last year during the Vinylmation trading event of Trade City.
DV: Do you do other artwork, or just Vinylmation?
Heather: Really just vinylmation. I sort of play around here and there with other types of painting but only when I need to for an interior design project or something like that.
DV: Tell us about the inspiration behind the Star Wars figure.
Heather: My entire family are Star Wars fans and I was thinking about starting a new custom and mentioned to my husband that I was thinking about doing a Star Wars themed piece. We both thought it would cool to do something that I could take with us and have signed by the celebrities at Star Wars Weekends! From attending previous years, I knew there was always a main SW Logo for the event and felt that would be awesome to include on the vinyl somewhere and of course having the SW Logo was only fitting!
DV: It is perfect, and lots of room left around it for autographs. Tell us about the process of making the custom?
Heather: First, I draw out the concept on paper to gauge the scale and placement.
DV: Then do you pencil it onto the vinyl?
Heather: Usually when I paint the artwork on the vinyl, I just go right to painting. Occasionally for extremely detailed areas, like parts of Darth Vadar & Mickey I lightly pencil portions of the design on first.
DV: What is your favorite part about your Star Wars custom?
Heather: Wow, this is a tough one! I love the way the front came out with Vadar and Mickey but the back with the X-Wing I especially like! This was a last minute decision to add the fighters – I originally planned to paint another character on the back but changed my mind at the last minute. I’m really glad I did, it’s my favorite part!
DV: It is incredibly detailed and very different from anything we have seen. Let’s talk about the TRONorail figure. How long did it take to design and complete this one?
Heather: The Tron Monorail took me about 30 hours.
DV: The paint job and colors look perfect, how much trial and error was there in picking the perfect paints and getting it to look right on the vinylmation?
Heather: THANKS! I have a lot of pictures of the monorail and let’s just say that I think I have every color of blue, green, teal paint that is made! I also had to do a fair amount of mixing to find the perfect shade on at least 3 of the colors – none of the “off-the-shelf” ones matched the way I wanted.
DV: What was the hardest part about either of these?
Heather: The hardest part of both vinylmations was the lettering of the logos – I hate “writing” letters! I’m such a perfectionist that this is a very tedious process.
DV: The hard work certainly paid off. Now are these customs for sale or for you own personal collection?
Heather: Yes – Any of my customs can be purchased. Currently I have the “TRONorail” available on eBay. I also can be contacted directly at HKattelman@gmail.com or through Facebook at facebook.com/HKattelman
DV: Do you take custom orders?
Heather: I sure do! I’m happy to do custom work for people that’s either something I’ve already completed that they’ve seen and would like one of their own or a unique figure that I create based on their requests.
DV: Where can people see your work?
Heather: You can find photos of some of my figures here.
DV: What customs are next for you?
Heather: I have a couple that are in the works: “Transformers”, “Iron Man” and possibly “Captain America” – Do you see a theme here? LOL 🙂 But first I am currently doing a Darth Maul – Phantom Menace 9″ that I’m really excited about!
DV: We can’t wait to see those. But before we go… What is your favorite figure from Disney’s Star Wars set?
Heather: Oh, that’s such a hard choice – they’re all awesome! If I had to pick one it would have to be Vadar!
DV: And how about Disney’s TRON set?
Heather: I love the way ZUSE came out!
Update: 8/11/11 Disney announced the release date for this set. It will be tomorrow, August 12th at D-Streets and Online. Here’s a look at the box it comes in. It reminds me of chocolates.
Update: 8/10/11 Chris sent us this picture. Black and White is on display at D-Street. Now we have a good look at all 6.
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Here’s what we know about this set so far. It’s a 6 piece set, that will go on sale for $99.95 (like Steam Park). There will only be 2000 of these made. The artist is Sarah Matthews.
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Black Flowers Looking like a two tonded spirlgraph picture, the Black Flowers are on a white background. |
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White Ivy
White Ivy is on a black background. I really think this one is cool. So far it’s the only one I’d get, except they come in a set. |
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Hearts of a String
Pretty. |
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Popcorn
Striped bag, lots of kernels flying. Ok, it’s not perfect, but that’s what it reminds me off. |
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Bird and Flower
This bird has been taking a bite of a flower. Do birds eat flowers?? |
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Birdhouse in your Soul
Lots of fun images here. I really like how the birds and this quote create the “eyes” on the head. |
