Sellouts and Surprises Surround Mickey’s Circus RSP Results

Those who registered and sent in a Random Selection Process (RSP) form for Vinylmation or Pins for September’s Mickey’s Circus event (Mickey’s Circus Explained) should have received a very important email today. In the email, you will find out what products you were randomly selected to purchase. You do not need to take any action with this email. Disney will automatically charge your credit card according to what you agreed to purchase beginning on August 23rd. You will find all the pricing and return details in that email as well. Early pick up for your items is on Thursday, September 6th. You can also pick up your Vinylmation on the day of the event on Sunday, September 9th.

We would like to hear from you what you were awarded and how many of each. In talking to a few fellow collectors, it seems that some people did not receive even two of the LE 500 3″ Bongo and Lulubelle combos. I know many people requested up to three and I also know some people did get up to two. This leads me to believe that the bears in fact sold out in the RSP process. Everyone I talked to received as many LE 1500 Ringmaster Mickeys as they put down for (up to the limit of 3). However, I’ve only seen people awarded as many as two LE 750 Goofy/Minnie combos even though they requested three. Again, a sellout. But the big surprise, at least to me, were the LE 100 9″ Lion and Seal that retailed for $150 each.

I predicted, from the moderate reception and high price tag, these would not even come close to selling out. However, I know one person who requested the 9″ Lion in the first RSP round and still was not awarded one. I also know someone who requested both the Lion and the Seal in the first round of RSP and was only awarded the Lion. This means, if I understand the RSP process correctly, that at least 101 people requested the Lion and Seal in the first RSP slot. So it appears both 9″ are sold out and Disney’s experiment worked; An extremely low edition size won out over an extremely high price tag. But it was not just Vinylmation that surprised me.

At last year’s Florida Project, I practically bought the entire pin catalog. They were exceptional designs from top to bottom that represented Disney history. I even bought two of a few to trade that are still in my possession today. My RSP for Mickey’s Circus pins was rather short. I requested less than 10 pins. I did however request 2 of the Roger Rabbit and Jessica pin… but was only awarded one. I only have a small sample to work with, but this was an LE 500 pin that sold out in the RSP. Florida Project pins were still at various pin stores around WDW as late as this summer. I held off on a few pins “knowing” there would be some left over and I could buy them later. This may not be the case.

I look forward to hearing about your RSP results.

Conner Purzycki’s 6/13/12 – 6/22/12 DLR Photo Report

Lost in the shuffle of everything else happening over the past few weeks, here is a photo report of some news not previously covered.

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New Churro Cart in Carthay Circle

November, 18th, 1928, The date that Steamboat Willie premiered

Taste Pilots Grill minus the rocket blasting out of the front is pretty plain

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Dancin With Disney is a cute experience in Hollywoodland.

Basically a giant dance party with a DJ and characters

Lots of strange characters in here

Clarabell cow

Clara Cluck and Clarice

The Disney Channel Rocks Sets are being used

The All American College Band is back this year and they are doing a set in DCA probably because they lost their usual once a day venue in Carnation Gardens.

Cars Land Bus

New Signage in the Bus Area

The ugly frozen drink cart was finally replaced with something themed

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Carnation Gardens reopened recently and here is a look at some of the new entrees. Here is the Chicken Fried Chicken which was absolutely Delicious.

The Meatloaf I was told is very delicious

Here is a PBJ soda…. Yup. I thought it was gross but some seem to like it.

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Earl of Sandwich is finally under construction

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Wrapping up this report is pictures of the Pixar Play Parade which just returned to DCA. Big thanks to Tim Alcoser for the photos.

Thank for reading

Marquee Installation Marks WDW Record at Art of Animation Resort

From Jennifer Fickley-Baker on the Disney Parks Blog:

I’m happy to start off the week by sharing a fun update on Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Last week, Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) put the finishing touches on the new resort’s marquee. Measuring in at 46 feet, six inches, the resort’s sign now holds the record as the largest freestanding marquee at Walt Disney World Resort. (Incidentally, it’s 18 inches taller than the famous “HOLLYWOOD” sign in Los Angeles, Calif.).

The photo, supplied by WDI, shows three layers of development the marquee went through in its creation – from digital design, to model, to full-scale installation.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, which will feature four wings dedicated to popular films Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, will open in phases beginning May 31.

WDWNT: The Job Fair (We’re Hiring)

The WDWNT Network has over 60 volunteer employees that make up our entire group of websites and podcasts, but we are always looking for more help to keep our finger on the pulse of the Disney Parks and the fans of these amazing places. Here are the positions we are currently looking for:

WDW News Today

Photographer- Taking pictures on a regular basis at the Walt Disney World Resort

Videographer- Video recording attractions, entertainment, and special events at the Walt Disney World Resort

Disneyland News Today

Photographer- Taking pictures on a regular basis at the Walt Disney World Resort

Videographer- Video recording attractions, entertainment, and special events at the Disneyland Resort

Podcaster – Participate in discussions on the Disneyland News Today Podcast
Requirements: Vast knowledge of current events and the history of the Disneyland Resort. Quality microphone and high speed internet connection. Must be available for recording sessions.

WDWNTunes

Original Programming – Producing an original audio program.
Note: Existing podcasts or other audio shows are invited to apply, WDWNT will review your program before deciding to add it to the lineup on WDWNTunes.com

WDWNTube

Video Editing – Helping with the editing of videos, should have

Original Programming – Producing an original video program
Note: Existing podcasts or other audio shows are invited to apply, WDWNT will review your program before deciding to add it to the lineup on WDWNTunes.com

The Vinylmation Station

Editor – Editing the podcast on a bi-weekly or monthly basis.

If you are interested in any of these positions, please email us at wdwnewstoday@gmail.com

Mascots Photoshoot

All excited about the Olympics, Disney’s #1 fans wanted to take in some games at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World. As always, there was plenty going on. But just in case there was some down time, they brought along the Sports series to play some games of their own.

Donald Duck

Goofy

Mickey Mouse

Pluto
The Mascots

The Mascots

Mickey Mouse
Baseball

Basketball

Cheerleading

Football

Golf

Soccer

Tennis

Volleyball
Austin lines up his kick for the game winning goal!

In-Depth Look: The Matterhorn Bobsleds

The Matterhorn Bobsleds for the past 6 months underwent an extensive refurbishment to replace much of the aging rock work and ride track. Along with the refurbishment came the long rumored new ride vehicles. The new 3 seat sleds change the ride quite more than you would think. If you would like to hear our review of the new bobsleds, you can listen to this weeks DLNT Podcast where we talk in-depth about the new Matterhorn Bobsleds. Big thanks to Tim Alcoser for the photos.

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A look at the new bobsleds

Smile for the camera of a random stranger!

Everything looking fresh around the mountain

3 seats per car, no lap sitting

Into the abyss.

Now a photo ride through the mountain

That's a nice, steep little drop.

I haven’t seen this waterfall work in years, good to see it flowing again.

Glad the logo was kept on the bobsleds

And now a video from the very first day it soft-opened, enjoy.

Collector’s Corner: Brandon “TheVinylGuy” Balasco

 

Name: Brandon “TheVinylGuy” Balasco (Age 14)

Hometown: Originally from Rhode Island but I live in Tampa, FL

Collection Count: 550

3″ = 497

9″ = 31

Jrs = 6

Park Starz = 16

Customs = 6

 

How long have you been collecting?

I’ve been collecting since the day before D-Street Florida opened (April 15,2010)

 

What is your favorite figure that you own?

There’s too many to choose from! I can’t really pick! But I do LOVE the Park line! I hate Urban lol besides select few!

What is your favorite figure that you don’t own? 

I really love the 9″/3″ Test Track, the 9″/3″ Watching You (Haunted Mansion Wallpaper), and Urban 1 Oopsy!

Which of these is the best feeling: Pulling a figure you want… from a blind box you just purchased, from a great trade with another collector, from a mystery trading box at the park or from a clear trading box?

Best Feeling- when i finally get a certain design that I’ve always wanted!

Now this display case is not your ordinary display case! It Rotates, lights up and has a lock so know one can steal them! My dad and I found this at a Flea Market for 15.00$. It was originally a Lorus Watch Display Case, but I restored it myself and made it a Vinylmation Display!

This was signed by Bella Thorne! If you don’t know what she is from, she is on the hit show on Disney Channel called !Shake It Up!

In-Depth Look: Luigi’s Flying Tires

Luigi’s Flying Tires is the culmination of a five decade journey for the Disney Parks. After the Flying Saucers attraction closed in the 1960’s guests continued to ask when Disney would take another crack at a floating vehicle attraction. After 5 years of waiting, Luigi’s Flying Tires is open, and once you get the hang of it, you can fly across the “dance floor” with great accuracy. Let’s take a look:

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A test tire out front of the attraction allows Cast Members to point out that you make sure not to step on the tire, but rather over it

The indoor queue is divided into two areas, the first area you pass is the showroom

Here are the various brands of tires that Luigi sells

Fettucini brand!

The lift in the show room

The second room had display cases filled with personal mementos belonging to Guido and Luigi. Here are items from their home in Italy

Radiator Springs keepsakes

Lightning McQueen career items

Items from the World Grand Prix in Cars 2

Luigi’s office

A mirror, should you want to try on a tire

Moving on to the outdoor portion of the queue

3 simple rules. Balance..

Lean…

Don’t lean too far…

Now lets recap…

Pre-boarding area

And finally we have a video of the queue and ride. Enjoy!

Overall: Luigi’s Flying Tires is a ton of fun. The lines can be very long with the slow loading, but if you can catch a wait time under 30 minutes, it is most definitely worth you floating on over for a ride.

Entertainment Schedule for “One More Disney Day” Revealed

We are only 10 days away from “One More Disney Day”, a 24 hour celebration at the Magic Kingdom from 6AM on February 29th through 6AM on March 1st. With that being said, official information on this event has been scarce up until now, but finally we have a special entertainment schedule for the event:

Welcome Show – 5:50AM

Wishes! nighttime spectacular – 8PM

The Magic, The Memories, and You! – 7:45PM, 9PM, 11PM, & 5:30AM

Main Street Electrical Parade – 10PM, 12AM

Disney Fairies at Adventureland Veranda – 9:15AM-5:30AM

Aladdin Characters – 6:30AM-3:45PM

Tangled Meet & Greet – 9:15AM-5:30AM

Alice in Wonderland Characters – 6:15AM-12:15PM

Winne the Pooh Characters – 10:15AM-3:30AM

Frontierland Hoedown – 2:45AM, 3:30AM, 4:30AM

Woody and Jessie Meet and Greet – 9:30AM-4:30AM

Frontierland Character Meet and Greet – 6AM-2:35PM

Main Street Trolley Show – 6:15AM, 7:15AM, 8:15AM, 9:15AM, 10:10AM, 12PM

Disney Princesses at Town Square Theater – 9AM-5:30AM

Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater – 6AM-10PM

So, what is of interest on this schedule? Well the midnight performance of Electrical Parade and the 5:30AM showing of “The Magic, The Memories, and You!” are pretty special. There are also 3 performances of the Frontierland Hoedown (a personal favorite), all in the early morning hours on Thursday.

As far as character meet and greets are concerned, Aladdin, Alice in Wonderland, Frontierland, and Mickey Mouse experiences are all pretty much opening with the park on Wednesday, while the Fairies, Tangled, Pooh, Toy Story, and Princess meet and greets are all running until the early morning hours on Thursday.

Anything not listed above is operating on a normal schedule. Some surprise meet and greet experiences are expected, including (but not limited to) Mickey and Minnie appearing in their pajamas in the early morning hours on Thursday.

It is important to note that most attractions will stay open throughout the 24 hours, but all attractions will be expected to close for a short period at some point so maintenance can be performed. This schedule has not been made available yet.

WDWNT will be on hand to cover all 24 hours of insanity at the Magic Kingdom, and if you’re in the area, you can join us during the day for “One Long Disney Day”. We’ll be meeting up throughout all 24 hours of the day and would love for you to join us! We even have a little gift for those who do…

Once Upon a Pin Podcast #008 – August 8, 2012

Once Upon A Pin is a podcast all about Disney Pins. We deliver all the latest news, release dates and reviews with a fun Disney magic twist.


 This week we talk about the upcoming Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom pins, new Disney Soda Fountain and DLP pin releases announced and a sneak at the final few Attraction Poster and Piece of Disney Movie Pins of the year.

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