The Technology Behind New Fantasyland

WDWNT on August 10, 2011

From Jennifer Fickley-Baker on the Disney Parks Blog:

Who’s up for another inside look at the construction of the New Fantasyland?

In the video below, Walt Disney Imagineering takes you onto the construction site to learn more about the innovative technology the Imagineers are using to build the new attractions, restaurants and other guest areas that will make up the expansion.

As you’ll see, this visualization technology allows the team to identify any potential challenges before construction begins. Tablet computers also allow Imagineers to take the program onsite to see how work is progressing.

If you look closely enough at the video, you’ll catch some pretty unique views inside Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid and the Be Our Guest Restaurant.

The Lion King Vinylmation Explained

WDWNT on August 10, 2011

Lion King
Release Date: August 21 at D23 Expo; August 29 at Disney Stores
Disney Store Exclusive
Retail: TBA


Released to theaters on June 15, 1994 by Walt Disney Pictures, The Lion King is the 32nd film in the Walt Disney Animated Classics. The Lion King will be released on Blu Ray on October 4th, 2011 and hit theaters once again for two weeks beginning September 16th… this time in 3D.

“First impression… this set is amazing. The detail on the figures blows me away. Rafiki stands out as my favorite. I’m a little disappointed in Zazu, but can’t place it. I will say I’m a bit disappointed in character selection, but only because I would have liked to see maybe some Lion King landscapes, or other (non main character) animals, or movie scenes. Lion King is a vibrant movie, and that is captured on the characters here, but I would have like the envelope pushed farther. Here is where I get controversial… two Hyenas here? either give us all three or none. Because as much as like New Mold, the Villains 1 Banzai doesn’t fit here. Now that you guys changed my mind this is Banzai here and not Ed, that means the chaser most likely is Ed. They wouldn’t give us 2 Hyenas, with one we already have in Villains 1, and not all 3… or would they? Just one more thing… lots of tails???” – Nick

 Mufasa

Voiced by James Earl Jones

King of Pridelands and Simba’s father.

Beautiful colors and great use of the entire mold to give Mufasa a strong presence. I do not agree with the angry roar version depicted here. I think of Mufasa more as a stoic and wise leader. I would have liked to see a friendlier looking version.
Young Nala

Voiced by Niketa Calame

Simba’s best friend and later mate.

A nice clean and simple look.
Young Simba

Voiced by Johnathan Taylor Thomas

Zoe called this one! She calls him “I just can’t wait to be king Simba”. It’s young Simba with the leaves all around his head before he grows up and gets his mane. Great looking figure. I might be blasted for this, but this young Simba looks 20x better than the Animation 1 Combo Topper.
Baby Simba

Voiced by N/A

Simply a brilliant choice. Didn’t expect this one. Thank Zoe for helping figure this one out. He looks perturbed at being shown off around the Pridelands and comes complete with the markings Rafiki put on his little head.
Timon

Voiced by Nathan Lane

This guy and Pumba make this set great. The artist took the fun route with these guys, not just giving you the character, but designing a representation of classic movie scenes. Look at the animation in his mouth as it raises up and back. Perfect.Also, I like the small detail like the light brown color coming down onto the hand uneven, not a straight line at the cuff.
Pumbaa

Voiced by Ernie Sabella

Awesome! Simply a great capture. Look how big his face is. Takes up the whole figure. That’s where the artists excel in this set… using the head for the upper part of the face and extending it down into the body. Then the colors and detail on the bug as well.
Zazu

Voiced by Rowan Atkinson

Why does this one just miss for me? And no mold cracks please. They eyes and body color are captured well. I would argue that the feet need to be an orange as opposed to yellow. Maybe he needs a neck piece? Maybe, like Cruella, he needs to be painted inside the body and not fill out the body? Maybe a profile would have worked better. Big question… Sam the Eagle like tail on back?
Rafiki

Voiced by Robert Guillaume

Best figure in set hands down. Wow! Good job Disney artists. The accessory really puts him over the top. Great facial expression, coloring and placement of art.
Scar

Voiced by Jeremy Irons

Very similar to Mufasa in style, they are brothers, but Scar of course has the more menacing and dark look to him. Again, his features are perfectly captured on the mold. Pairing a roaring Scar with a roaring Mufasa does make sense.
Shenzi

Voiced by Whoopi Goldberg

One of Scar’s three henchmen hyenas.

This one looks good. The tuft of hair on the head. The menacing smile. Nicely done.
Ed Banzai

Voiced by Cheech Marin

One of Scar’s three henchmen hyenas.

Thanks for all you comments changing my mind. I thought this was a total miss as ED, because I couldn’t believe they would put another Banzai in a set after Villains 1… but they did. I’ll say, this one looks better.
Mystery Chaser

What are your guesses? Sarabi? Timon in hula skirt? Ed?

Packaging photos (darn you Disney for making me keep more empty boxes!!!):

Copyright Disney
Copyright Disney
Copyright Disney
Copyright Disney

The California Zephyr Departs For Western Pacific Railroad Museum

WDWNT on August 9, 2011

From Betsy Sanchez on the Disney Parks Blog:

California Zephyr Train Cab from Disney California Adventure Park

I’m excited to share with you a very special donation that we recently made to Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, California.

As part of the expansion of Disney California Adventure park, the main entrance is changing and the cab of the California Zephyr train that most recently served as the location for Bur-r-Bank Ice Cream and Baker’s Field Bakery has been donated to the museum.

California Zephyr Train Cab from Disney California Adventure Park

The train and related artifacts arrived at their new home August 6 and will become part of the museum’s Zephyr Project collection. Plans for a gallery dedicated to sharing the legacy of the California Zephyr are underway.

Visitors to the museum will learn about the history of the famous 1950s passenger train through the donated artifacts, while the recreated locomotive will offer the chance to experience what it was like for engineers to guide the stainless steel Zephyr trains through California’s Feather River canyon.

Fun Facts:

  • The cab once operated as a real locomotive.
  • It is an authentic rendition of the Western Pacific Railroad – one of the three railroads that operated the California Zephyr between Chicago and San Francisco from 1949 to 1970.
  • It wears the same number as the last locomotive to lead a westbound California Zephyr into Oakland, Calif. on March 20, 1970.
  • The California Zephyr is one of the most celebrated “name trains” of the 1950s and 60s.

Check out the video below to watch as the Zephyr begins to make its way to its new home.

 

Disney Store Celebrates 25 Years With…. A Vinylmation

WDWNT on August 9, 2011

Update: 8/11/11 Disney changed the blog to now say that all 2500 will be sold at the event. I had thought that 500 seemed a little too low! (Thanks Michael!)

The Disney Store will have a big set up at D23 this August and is also celebrating 25 years. In addition to a ton of other merchandise, they will be selling a special 3″ Vinylmation and pin set. But does it live up to its other D23 releases? Check it out.

Release Date: August 19 at D23 Expo
LE: 2500 (All 2500 now sold at Expo)
Retail: $26.95
Artist: Jim Valeri

Copyright Disney

This figure doesn’t impress me much. It is all silver with an artist Mickey face drawn on the head. The pattern looks cool, but the lack of color or contrast turns me off.

Copyright Disney

As you can see, the body is just an ad for the Disney Store. I’ll gobble up every napkin or coffee stir that says WDW 40th on it, but the 25th of the Disney Store doesn’t do it for me. Its a nice looking logo, but again, the overall figure is blah.

Copyright Disney

But did I tell you it comes with a pin? For the prices of a 2 figure combo pack you can get a Disney Store 25th Vinylmation and Pin. At not even a low LE, therefore not much trade value, I think this a pass for this D23 Expo guest. How about you?

Update: 8/9/11 (now invalid as of 8/11/11)

Only 500 Disney Store 25th Vinyl/Pin sets at D23; 2000 online. Our new contributor Disney North found this update for us:

@countdowntoD23 tweeted today:
There will be 500 of the @DisneyStore 25th Vinylmation to purchase at #D23Expo. 2,000 more to be sold online to D23 members only

@DisneyStore confirmed
@disneynorth Yes, Disneystore.com will release the remaining 2,000 25th anniversary vinylmation. They will be sold to D23 members only.

Walt Disney Studios Gets In On the Action at the 2011 D23 Expo

WDWNT on August 9, 2011

THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS TAKES FANS BEHIND THE SCENES
AT DISNEY’S D23 EXPO, AUGUST 19-21

BURBANK, Calif. – August 9, 2011 – Exclusively at Disney’s D23 Expo August 19-21 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Disney film fans will go behind the scenes to explore the exciting roster of projects on the horizon at The Walt Disney Studios, with a variety of panel discussions, sneak peeks, and exhibits.

On Saturday, August 20, Rich Ross, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios; Sean Bailey, president, Production, The Walt Disney Studios; John Lasseter, chief creative officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios; and Kevin Feige, producer and president, Marvel Studios, will present a not-to-be-missed look at The Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming film slate, which includes Disney’s The Muppets, John Carter, Disney•Pixar’s Brave, Marvel’s The Avengers, Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie, Oz: The Great and Powerful, and more.

With projects from Disney, Pixar Animation Studios, and Marvel Studios, this special presentation will feature never-before-seen footage and all-star appearances by Jason Segel, Kermit, and Miss Piggy (Disney’s The Muppets), Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, and Willem Dafoe (John Carter), Kelly Macdonald and Kevin McKidd (Brave), Jennifer Garner (The Odd Life of Timothy Green), Jack McBrayer and Sarah Silverman (Wreck-It Ralph), cast members from Marvel’s The Avengers, and other surprise guests.

In celebration of 25 years of moviemaking magic, five sessions will be devoted to the artistry and technical wizardry of Pixar:

  • A Conversation with the Pixar Creative Team – Enjoy a rare opportunity to spend some time with the key figures responsible for Pixar’s unprecedented success, including John Lasseter (chief creative officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios), Jim Morris (general manager, Pixar Animation Studios), Pete Docter (director, Monsters, Inc., Up), Andrew Stanton (director, Finding Nemo, WALL-E), Bob Peterson (co-director, Up), Lee Unkrich (director, Toy Story 3), Mark Andrews (director, Brave), and Dan Scanlon (director, Monsters University).
  • The Characters of Monsters University – Director Dan Scanlon and Production Designer Ricky Nierva discuss how they combine hair, horns, and a lot of heart to bring the wonderful Monsters University characters to life.
  • Michael Giacchino’s Music of Pixar – In this musical presentation, award-winning composer Michael Giacchino explores his early influences through the creation of modern-day classic scores from Ratatouille, Up and Cars 2.
  • The Art of Brave – Production Designer Steve Pilcher and Shading Art Director Tia Kratter show how they and their team put paint to canvas and fingers to computer keys to create the stunning visuals of Scotland for Disney•Pixar’s upcoming film Brave.
  • Pixar Shorts – This retrospective screening of the animation studio’s legendary short films will be followed by a panel discussion with several of the filmmakers, including Ralph Eggleston (director, For the Birds), Andy Jimenez (director, One Man Band), Angus MacLane (director, BURN-E), Pete Sohn (director, Partly Cloudy), Teddy Newton (director, Day & Night), and Enrico Casarosa (director, La Luna).

Expo attendees will also have access to advance screenings of an all-new 3D version of The Lion King, presented by RealD 3D, coming to theaters and homes this fall, and the upcoming ABC holiday special Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice from Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Out on the Expo floor, fans can explore the world of The Walt Disney Studios at their leisure with comprehensive exhibits, including:

  • Walt Disney Studios Animation Pavilion – Experience the art, technology, culture, and legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios with filmmaker demonstrations, drawing classes, book signings, meet-and-greets, and art exhibits.
  • Walt Disney Studios In-Home Entertainment Pavilion – Dive into cutting-edge home entertainment technology and learn what the future holds for Disney movie fans, with sneak peeks of upcoming films in breathtaking high-definition Blu-ray 3D™ and more.
  • Inside Tides: Pirates of the Caribbean Film Prop Collection – Get an up-close look at an exclusive collection of detailed set pieces, props, and costumes from the billion-dollar blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

D23 Expo 2011 Explained

WDWNT on August 9, 2011

D23 is the official Disney fan club. Membership to D23 gets you things like an annual gift, access to special events, exclusive merchandise, a bi-weekly newsletter and other special offers. A Silver Membership costs $34.99. Gold will run you $74.99 per year.

The D23 Expo is an even that features celebrities, movie sneak peaks, what’s new at the Disney parks, the Disney Legends ceremony, trivia games, archive exhibits and much more. This years expo will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center from August 19-21. It is touted as “The Ultimate Disney Event”. I’ll tell you, I attended D23’s Destination D event celebrating 40 years of Walt Disney World and they put on an amazing show. This is a must do for any Disney fan. There were a ton of surprised, like when Richard Sherman performed “One Little Spark” with the original Dreamfinder and Figment up on stage.

But we are here talking about D23 on this site because of the Vinylmation that will be on hand. D23 announced their Dream Store merchandise that they will sell at the event and Vinylmation is a large part of it. Like The Florida Project and Trade City, there is an RSP (Random Selection Process) for the Vinylmation. I’m surprised by the selection D23 is getting. They will have 4 pieces, just like the Florida Project. I think most people, like myself, expected more out of the Florida Project’s selection. Here are all the detail on the D23 Expo 2011 Vinylmation:

Update: 8/11/11 All 2500 Disney Store 25th Vinylmation will be available at the EXPO. Previously, Disney said 2000 would be available online to D23 members. Thanks to Michael for this update: “Disney just posted on their Vinylmation blog that “Good news! Due to popular demand, all 2,500 figures will be released at the Expo!”. Not “good” news to everyone.


Update: 8/10/11 Disney announced that Vinylmation lead designer Thomas Scott and Disney Design Group Artist, Alex Maher will be signing for guests at D23. Thomas Scott designed the 3″ Gladstone Gander figure available at D23 (see below). Alex Maher is more noted for his pins, but designed the 5 figure 9″ Disneyland Attractions Poster Set. Here is a signing schedule:

Friday, August 19, 2011 – 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. at the Product Showcase and Trading Area

Saturday, August 20, 2011 – 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. at the Product Showcase and Trading Area

Sunday, August 21, 2011 – 12 Noon – 2:00 p.m. at the Product Showcase and Trading Area

Disney also released a new product shot of the D23 Logo figure (details below)

Copyright Disney

This, and the Gladstone figure, will both be released in these Open Window boxes. So no tins… not event the tin replacement boxes that we see other special event Vinylmation come in.



Update: 8/9/11 D23 will have the release of the Jr. 4 It’s a Small World and the 3″ 12 figure Lion King series. There will also be a signing with Lion King Vinylmation artists at D23 on Sunday, August 21 at 10am.

There will also be an exclusive Disney Store 25th Anniversary 3″ Vinylmation:

3″ Vinylmation and Pin set. LE 2500. $26.95
Update on LE availability:
Only 500 Disney Store 25th Vinyl/Pin sets at D23; 2000 online. Our new contributor Disney North found this update for us:

@countdowntoD23 tweeted today:
There will be 500 of the @DisneyStore 25th Vinylmation to purchase at #D23Expo. 2,000 more to be sold online to D23 members only

@DisneyStore confirmed
@disneynorth Yes, Disneystore.com will release the remaining 2,000 25th anniversary vinylmation. They will be sold to D23 members only.

ALL 2500 WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT THE D23 EXPO.

There will also be 2 special Pop! Vinyl figures:
9″ Metal Steamboat Willie. LE 350. $44.50
Add 3″ Flocked Lotso. LE 500. $14.50
3″ D23 Logo
(RSP #18)
Artist: Maria Clapsis
$13.95 (LE 4800) limit 5 per customer

This is an example of a front not being as exciting as the back. We have Pixie Dust outlining Mickey’s features. Not very unlike the idea on 2009’s D23 Vinylmation:
The back side of this figure is great. It might be a little plain, but I’m biased. Sorcerer Mickey is only second to Little Green Men and Donald Duck as my favorite character. He is the logo of D23 and here he is peaking out the top. the D23 Expo logo graces the body.
3″ Davy Crocket
(RSP #19)
Artist: Casey Jones
$13.95 (LE 1200) limit 2 per customer

Looks like the King of the Wild Frontier will not only make an appearance as a 9″ Park 6. This sepia tone smaller version is great looking. I like the knife and shine of the belt buckle. And what a facial expression.
It’s the hat that really tops this figure off. Great job Casey at including the tail. I have been so looking forward to the 9″ Park 6, but I hope to also get this one into my collection.

Not much detail in the clothing, but I don’t think he needs it. The sepia color choice was also a nice way to separate this from his larger counterpart.
3″ Gladstone Gander
(RSP #20)
Artist: Thomas Scott
$13.95 (LE 1200) limit 2 per customer

A lesser known character for sure. And I’m just going to say it, we would expect no less from Thomas Scott. But that’s what makes him a great artist. Perfect place to release this figure… to a convention center full of Disney Geeks! Gladstone is Donald Duck’s cousin. Scott’s version looks to be from the comic strips, although Gladstone appeared in Duck Tails with some minor appearance changes.
9″ Butch
(RSP #21)
Artist: Eric Caszatt
$44.95 (LE 750) limit 1 per customer

Butch first showed up in 1940 and mainly plays Pluto’s antagonist. Lately, he has popped up in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse as Pete’s dog. Great looking face on this one!
9″ It All Started
With a Mouse
(RSP #71)
Artist: Noah
$595 (LE 23)

You can not go wrong with a Noah Vinylmation. His paint jobs are top notch. Look at the finish on this one. I really would like to see it in person. It features the D23 Logo and Tink on the head, a dancing broom on body front, and a sorcerer hat with Mickey’s silhouette on the back.
As with most of Noah’s 9″ figures, this one comes on it’s own display stand with some Noah art work serving as the backdrop. This is what the artwork behind the Vinylmation looks like.

A Closer Look at Animation 9″

WDWNT on August 9, 2011

Update: 8/11/11 Disney changed the LE on with webpage for Genie from 1200 to 1000.

Update: 8/9/11 Genie will be out via Disney Store Online on August 26. LE (now) 1000. $44.95

Copyright Disney

Update: 5/3/11 The Disney Vinylmation blog announced today that Willie the Whale and Hyancith Hippo will be released on May 13! At Disneyland the release will happen at D-Street as usuall, but in Orlando, the release will be at the Art of Disney Store in Downtown Disney’s Marketplace. This is due to the big Pixar Cars event taking place that weekend on the West Side near D-Street. Huge weekend at WDW with this release, Cars at DTD, Pixar Days over at EPCOT, Flower and Garden Festival, and the Destination D: D23 event. Oh, and check out the newly built Disney Movie themed Lego creations by the new Lego store if you haven’t yet… they are amazing!

Click each photo to enlarge.

We have already seen the release of Beast and the Elliot and Pete 9/3 combo. Merlin and Bolt should be released in the Fall of 2011. No word on Genie.

 Willie The Whale
“Make Mine Music”
designed by Maria Clapsis

A colorful design on this cartoonish figure.
The best feature on this figure is the blow hole on the back. I like the shadow that gives the water a 3D spouting effect. The eyes on the side of the head are also very well drawn on the Vinylmation.
Bolt
“Bolt”
designed by Monty Maldovan
Bolt’s coolest feature is the dog tag. It is a separate piece from the body hanging around the neck.
Hyancith Hippo
“Fantasia”
designed by Maria Clapsis
On the Whale, we see a rare non-vinyl accessory. The fabric skirt that goes around this figure is a great and welcome touch.
Merlin
“Sword in the Stone”
designed by Maria Clapsis

They captured Merlin’s face perfectly and the beard is great. A wand is a noticeably missing accessory.
We like the sparkles that swirl around Merlin signifying the magical powers he possesses.

Photos of Vinylmation from Disney Vinylmation Blog
Photos of movie characters from Google image search

“I Call the Big One Bitey”

WDWNT on August 9, 2011

Ok, so I quoted Homer Simpson before Mr. Disney… but come on! That episode was hilarious.

The Disneyland Monorail was the first transportation system of its kind in America. It was based on a system built by the Alweg company and discovered by Walt Disney while traveling in Germany. It first appeared in Disneyland Park in 1959 with its “Googie” architecture, a space age look that was enormously popular during the 1950s. The Monorail celebrated its 50th anniversary on June 14, 2009! – Disney’s Official Disneyland Website

The fifth and final Disneyland 55th Anniversary 9″ Attraction Poster figure will be out exclusively in Disneyland on Friday, August 26. The Monorail, like the DL posters before is designed by Alex Maher and is limited to only 550 pieces. It will retail for $44.95.

In 1957, Walt Disney first saw the monorails that a German company, Alweg was developing. On June 14, 1959, the Disneyland Alweg Monorail System was dedicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Vice President Richard M. Nixon. It was the first Monorail in the US, and Walt Disney believed it was the future of urban transportation. The Disneyland monorail began as a sightseeing tour above Disneyland, but quickly expanded its purpose to serve Disney hotels and today, stops at the Downtown Disney District.
This Vinylmation, Disney admits, took some time in development as the wrapping of the design took longer than expected. I see what they mean. Take a look at the poster below and picture the many different ways this figure could have worked.
You really have to expand the poster to a 3D image in your mind and follow it around the Vinylmation’s body. Artist Alex Maher could have just slapped the 2D poster image on the front and put the words or a mirror image on the back. But he instead gave the poster a 3D feel were the monorail wraps around the side. I’m sure the Matterhorn and the Tomorrowland Rocket proved difficult to place. In the poster they are both flat and off in the distance. But Alex took the approach that this is a 3D image, frozen in time. And took a different “camera angle” on the scene. Think those 360 camera shots they show in football games. So by moving the angle slightly and wrapping it, he is able to position the landmarks in a way that makes sense. The words on top, were put into the face and words on bottom (which changed over the years) where stuck on the back of the head.
Upon first look, this figure wasn’t impressive, but like the It’s a Small World ride, I am more impressed knowing what went into the design… and it became a favorite.
So what are your thoughts? The entire set is out. Do you like the 5 piece Disneyland Attraction Poster set? Which one is your favorite? Leave your comments below.

Lion King Confirmed at D23

WDWNT on August 9, 2011

Lion King now joins the It’s a Small World Jr. 4 set as being confirmed to make it’s debut at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, CA later this month.

Mufasa. Photo copyright Disney

Lion King will show up at D23 on the last day, Sunday, August 21. As rumored, there will also be an artist signing beginning at 10am that same day. Lion King will be a Disney Store exclusive and will officially hit shelves on August 29.