Spotlight On: Custom Pumpkin Artist Gyophry

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

Here are a couple of shots from my disney classic series:

The epcot 30th was the 1st of the series.

20K under the sea is #2

The classic poster from the Jungle cruise is #3

I have been experimenting with new media for #4 “TomorrowLand”

Now that the season is upon us I hope to have many more awesome designs created. All of the classic series are available for purchase. $75 shipped. Thanks for allowing me a chance to share with the readers.

Gyophry can be contacted about purchasing his pumpkin creations via his Twitter: @gyophry.

Kids Eat Like Kings at the Magic Kingdom Starting February 15th

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

From Pam Brandon on the Disney Parks Blog:

While some little ones are content with mac ‘n cheese or a burger, other young guests have a, well, more sophisticated approach to dining. Four Magic Kingdom Park table-service restaurants are adding some delicious new dishes just for kids for ages 3 to 9. At Tony’s Town Square, look for a steak skewer “spiedini” with roasted sweet potato fries and fresh fruit (spiedini refers to cubes of meat cooked on a skewer, an Italian specialty).  Also at Tony’s, a grilled cheese sandwich on multigrain bread sliced into “dippers” with tomato sauce on the side should appeal to just about any child.

Liberty Tree Tavern is featuring a new barbecued chicken and pineapple flatbread pizza with a side of crisp veggies and apples, or oven-roasted turkey with mashed potatoes, veggies and fruit.

At Cinderella’s Royal Table, youngsters can try the new chicken drumette with rice and broccolini, grilled beef skewers with mashed potatoes and corn, or a chicken pot pie topped with a biscuit crust. (We want to try that one.)

And The Plaza Restaurant has a kids’ plate with grilled chicken slices, cous cous and a fresh fruit skewer.  Ah, to be a young ‘un again.

Release Day: Friday, August 3, 2012

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

Today Park 10, the Disneyland Paris themed set releases at both stateside D-Streets.

Does this set appeal to collectors in the US? I love the designs even though I have never been to DLP. It is also fun to have another Park set out just months after the last one. Check out Park 10 explained for more info.

Release day was not without surprises. Remember that Urban 8 online exclusive Monster and Archaeologist? It finally released today for $74.95. It is an LE 1500. Wow, a bit high on the edition size there. Best bet would be to wait for this one to be part of a 2 for $50 deal.

The LE 1000 Urban 8 Toilet Paper and Kid combo also released online. This one of course had previously been available at D-Streets before moving down I-4 to the outlets for about $20.

The Japan Geisha Minnie also released today. This figure is the last installment in the “Magic Around the World” releases at select US Disney Stores and will retail for $9.95. Interestingly enough, we finally (from a random comment on the Disney Parks Blog) know where these are actually getting released. Only the New York Times Square, SF Stockton St., Chicago Michigan Ave and Burbank, CA stores are getting these releases. 

Robert Ashburn’s 2/9/12 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Robert Ashburn visited the Magic Kingdom yesterday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip:

Work continues on the Grand Floridian DVC wing

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A banner has been hung for Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

It fits Main Street pretty well yet still sets the scene

This area in Fantasyland finally looks complete

It’s well lit at night

I know we showed this already this week, but here’s the screen menu boards at Cosmic Ray’s

Walls up inside the restaurant

The new Tomorrowland cart at night… we love this thing…

Take a close look for a Walt reference…

“Marty Called Wants Changes”

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CASTLE? CALL 911!

Oh, it’s just Dream Along with Mickey at night…

The romance segment in “The Magic, The Memories, and You!”

Apparently people like these gourmet hot dogs… not us…

Some recently released shirts

I like this new batch of generic logo merchandise not focusing on a year

“I know what we’re gonna do today!” Buy Phineas and Ferb merchandise

Mickey plush available in abundance after the great drought late last year where no Mickeys were available resort wide

Collector’s Corner: Peter and Leah

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

Name: Peter and Leah

Hometown: Victoria BC, Canada

Collection Count:
3″ = 185
9″ = 2
Jrs = 0
Park Starz = 0
Customs = 2

How long have you been collecting?
We’ve been collecting for just over a year now, since May 2011. We are big fans of Toy Story and needed the Lotso vinyl. We were unaware of the world of Vinylmation, but by the end of our week in Disneyland we were coming home with 22 figures, including Lotso!

What is your favorite figure that you own?
That is a tough one! We only collect figures that we really love, and not just for the sake of having every one. Lotso will always hold a soft spot for us. Watermelon Mickey is one of my favorites – for my birthday Peter surprised me with a vinyl for the 10 days leading up to my actual birthday, and Watermelon was day 10! Romantic Treats are quickly becoming favorites too, we love the unique approach in their designs.

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What is your favorite figure that you don’t own?
That would probably be Super Mouse, we just haven’t been able to get that guy! Or the impossible Kermit from Muppets 1!

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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?
All of these are great feelings! It feels so great to make a trade with someone and know that they are thrilled with their new acquisition too and share the excitement. But the BEST feeling has to be a blind box.. 



We’ve had our share of disappointments (I’ve lost count of Cutester 2 kids..) but opening up the black phone  variant was so thrilling! With Villains 2 we wanted just one figure, and thought we’d just buy  a box. We just happened to get that Runaway Brain Mickey! Disney Magic!

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Tell us about those customs we see on the shelf.
The two customs we own are done by local comic book artist Gareth Gaudin. He does monthly comic books that he sells at his shop here in Victoria, with the characters Perogi Cat and Cute Elk. I’m a big fan of them and for Christmas last year, Peter got him to do a simple Perogi Cat and Cute Elk Vinylmation!


Imagineering Prepares to “Poach” Kilimanjaro Safaris Elephant Story To Add More Animals

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

From Jennifer-Fickley Baker on the Disney Parks Blog:

Today I’m happy to give you an update on one of my favorite attractions – Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

I’ve always loved Kilimanjaro Safaris because you see so many amazing animals, but even more so, I love hearing the reactions of the first-timers around me; guests who can’t believe they’re seeing so many beautiful animals together in one place!

Beginning this spring, the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction will undergo some changes to give guests an additional opportunity to see more of their favorite animals, specifically zebra. To do so, Walt Disney Imagineering will make some creative changes to the last scene in the attraction by removing the Audio-Animatronics “Little Red” elephant and related set pieces. This area will then be reconstructed as savannah space and feature a new watering hole for live animals.

This enhancement is scheduled to begin this spring, and be completed by fall 2012. And don’t worry, the attraction will remain operational during the adjustment.

I wish I could say this announcement is surprising, but the story-line at Kilimanjaro Safaris has been weak since changes were made just before the opening of the park in 1998. Early test audiences did not like to see the “dead body” of elephant Big Red that was to have been killed by the poachers and sent a very strong message to guests, so it was removed. The finale scene has never been too exciting and the payoff of seeing a fake baby elephant in a truck wasn’t nearly enough to justify it. Various characters and narration changes have also been made over the years as the attraction could never really find an identity after the poacher story collapsed.

Despite losing the original story, this is probably a positive. More animals to see and a more relaxed atmosphere through the entire ride sounds nice. Who needs something to go wrong in a park that already has killer dinosaurs, yetis, and bugs? Stay tuned to WDW News Today as we track this transformation into the Fall.

An In-Depth Look at Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, Including the Hidden Music Track!

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

Swing and sway with a herd of baby tractors in Mater’s Junkyard for a Cars Land Jamboree you aren’t soon going to forget. This particular ride video contains the rare “error” track where Mater forgets the lyrics to the song “Welcome to Radiator Springs”. The story behind this is that Imagineer Kevin Rafferty originally forgot the lyrics to one of the songs during a test recording session and John Lasseter thought it would be funny to include a track where Mater forgot the lyrics to the song. Listen for yourself:

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The sign adds a trailer to the famous Tow Mater sign… pretty clever

Those lighting pieces usually aren’t there, but there is a neat photo area for guests to get a pic with a baby tractor

The queue is filled with props from the Mater’s Tall Tales Cars Toons

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Awwww…

Guests having a great time

Overall, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree is a lot more fun that we expected. The randomized music tracks for the tractors to dance to add a lot to the ride, and it packs a surprising wallop on those turns. If you are looking for a reasonable wait in Cars Land and a minute-and-a-half of fun, then the Junkyard Jamboree is the place.

So Tasty’s MK Photos

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

There is only one place you would expect to find So Tasty… the Main Street Confectionery. As if the place didn’t already smell good enough…

The Cheeseburgers are served!
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Grape Soda goes great with other sugary sweets.
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The Sugar Meter is off the charts with Frozen Lemonade.
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Donald and Goofy couldn’t even pop a more fine corn.
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Root Beer Float in a Magic Kingdom souvenir cup

First Look at the Ink and Paint Shop in Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

From Steven Miller on the Disney Parks Blog:

When Disney’s Art of Animation Resort opens this coming May, guests will find a colorful new merchandise location called the Ink & Paint Shop. For the past several months, Lyndsey Vincent, a recent intern on the Walt Disney World Professional Internship Program, has been diligently working on one important thing for the new shop. She has the unique job of designing the merchandise fixtures, and we recently spoke about her experience.

“I’ve grown up with Disney and visited Disneyland Resort every summer with my family,” said Lyndsey. “I graduated with an Interior Design degree last spring and moved from Idaho to work for Walt Disney World Resort. I didn’t know what to expect when I got here but the experience has been fun!”

Now a full-time member of the Global Retail Development team at Disney Theme Park Merchandise, Lyndsey worked closely with several departments “to put together the puzzle” that is a new location.

“Location planning was a key department that helped with the design process,” explained Lyndsey. “They provided me the number of ‘faceouts’ or areas that will carry merchandise. My job then was to design fixtures that would achieve their number while balancing other factors like traffic flow and shop design.”

Walt Disney Imagineering designed the wall spaces for the location which resemble oversized paint jars. Lyndsey explained that the fixtures will be clean and simple in form and will be neutral in color to complement the colorful palate that Imagineering used.

“We had several different versions of fixtures during the development process,” continued Lyndsey. “Ultimately, we chose clean, simple designs that remind me of an animator’s workspace. For this project, I wanted materials that had recycled content, had Greenguard certification for indoor air quality, and were manufactured in the US. The fixtures I am most excited about are the nested tables, which are made from a recycled concrete material.”

Lyndsey said she learned the importance of details from her Imagineering partners.

“Throughout this process, Imagineering taught me the importance of paying attention to the details,” remarked Lyndsey. “Guests don’t visit Disney and remark, ‘Wow – look at those amazing fixtures!’ Yet, they are an important part of any shop. When designed well, they create a great immersive shopping experience that is all Disney.”

You can see these fixtures and the location come to life when the resort begins opening in phases on May 31.