Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist John Ward

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

John wrote this message he wanted to share with our readers:

The piece is called, “26.2 with Donna.”  That is a runners weekend that has been held here in Jacksonville for the past 4 years. There is a marathon, half marathon, 5K and a marathon relay.  All in an effort to put a stop to breast cancer.

Each year they have a silent auction called, 26.2 with Donna PINK ROOM Silent Auction. that feature lots of different items, from artwork and gift cards to autographs Jacksonville Jaguars items and hotel weekends.  It’s held two days before the race and all the proceeds go towards breast cancer research. It’s held that the Prime Osborne Convention Center in downtown Jacksonville on the 10th & 11th of Feb.

This year I decided that I would like to donate a vinylmation into the auction.  The logo they have was well suited for a vinylmation and the bright pink and black worked well with the white vinylmation.  I also donated a couple other pieces of my artwork, a couple paintings.

You can find more of John Ward’s work here.

Duffy the Disney Bear Explained

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

Duffy the Disney Bear Explained
Release Date: July 22, 2012 (Facebook) and July 29, 2012 (D-Streets)
Price: $14.95
Artist: Monty Maldavon
Details: Open window box. 2 initial figures. Expected Summer 2012 release. Duffy first appeared as “The Disney Bear” in 2002 as a marketing gimmick to promote the opening of the Once Upon The Toy store in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney. After poor sales, the bear was pulled from the shelves. Then, in 2004, Duffy the Disney Bear debuted in Tokyo Disney as a plush and park character. In the fall of 2012, Duffy joined the US Disney Parks at both EPCOT and DCA as well as Hong Kong Disneyland. In 2011, Duffy made is way to Disneyland Paris. Duffy plush can be purchased and then dressed in numerous outfits sold around the Parks included other Disney characters, World Showcase outfits and of course his sailor outfit.

Update 6/22/12 Both Duffy Bears are now available to order online at Disney’s Vinylmation Facebook Store. They will be there exclusively until the June 29th release at stores.

picture from Disney Parks Blog

 Sailor Duffy

Disney changes the mold for this lovable bear. The large rounded body and arms and legs sticking out putting Duffy in a sitting pose make for the perfect look that makes it distinctly different from the Mickey mold. It’s an inviting pose that will attract both the Duffy lover and casual guest. The Mickey paw prints are also well shown off in this pose. A good looking hat as well as some “indentations’ in the face for the eyes, nose and mouth.
picture from Disney Parks Blog

 Flocked Duffy

This version has a peach fuzz like feel to it.

New DCA, Carsland and Disneyland Vinylmation

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

Attractions Magazine posted a video interview with Steven Miller at last week’s merchandise showcase at WDW. In the video, we see numerous upcoming figures that we have been sharing over the past few days. Thanks to one of our readers Kevin, we have more to share.

Unfortunately the camera does not get close to these, but Steven points at this part of the display and refers to DCA, Carsland and Disneyland vinyls. The 9 inch does look Carsland themed with the mountains and road and red car. It appears to be a take on the DCA Carsland Radiator Springs Racers Poster.

This view gives us a more clear view of the 9″. No word on release dates or edition sizes.

This next 9 inch portrays the poster for the Buena Vista Street Red Car Trolley that is coming to DCA.

Here is a look at the actual poster hanging in the Blue Sky Cellar.

If you can help us identify the 3″ figures in the photos above, that would be much appreciated. But it looks like Disneyland fans have a lot of vinyls to look forward to this summer. Also, Disney seems to be releasing commemorative vinyls in a timely fashion more and more. That gives me great hope we will see some fantastic designs for Storybook Circus and Fantasyland over here on the east coast.

VM Speculation with Mike Boon: Slinky Dog and Prospector Pete

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

Today we’re taking a look at two of the most famously voiced characters from the franchise. Good old Earnest and Frasier. Thanks again to Mike Boon for such wonderful artwork!

  Slinky Dog
Toy Story (1995)
Originally voiced by: Jim Varney (Toy Story)

Like the Potato Heads, licensing issues likely got in the way of having Slinky appear in Toy Story Series 1. But considering his prominence in the series, that’s a wrong that would need to be righted. I pictured the body component to be clear, with the slinky coils stretching around his midsection.
  Stinky Pete the Prospector
Toy Story 2 (1999)
Voiced by: Kelsey Grammer

The crafty and deceitful villain in Toy Story 2 can participate in all sorts of adventures with Woody, Jessie and Bullseye from Series 1. I tried to stick to the limitations of the mould, but this would obviously look great with a hat accessory and/or a pick-axe.
Mike Boon joins us every day this week with his speculation of a Toy Story Series 2 vinylmation. For past posts click here. You can also check Mike out at his own blog: baboondesign.blogspot.com

Tokyo to celebrate 30 years!

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

The Toyko Disney site has just announced it’s plans for the parks’ 30th Anniversary Celebration. Starting on April 15th, 2013, the “Happiness Year” celebration will begin. A new parade is being developed, Star Tours is undergoing it’s upgrade, and there will be seasonal celebrations throughout the year.

Why do you care? Because with each of the last anniversary celebrations we got specialized vinylmation. Hong Kong’s 5th, Disney World’s 40th, and Paris’ 20th all got anniversary specific vinyl, so be on the look out for some from Tokyo next year!

VM Speculation with Mike Boon: Dolly and Mr. Pricklepants

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

For the second day, we’d like to take a look at two characters from Toy Story 3. Thanks again to Mike Boon for such wonderful artwork!

  Dolly
Toy Story 3 (2010)
Voiced by: Bonnie Hunt
This sassy rag doll didn’t have a major role in Toy Story 3 but will no doubt be seen in future efforts (such as the Toy Story toons, books, merchandizing and more) considering how she is one of Bonnie’s toys. Plus, she’s cute.
  Mr. Pricklepants
Toy Story 3 (2010)
Voiced by: Timothy Dalton
Like Dolly, Mr. Pricklepants – a thespian with a love of lederhosen – had a relatively minor role in Toy Story 3 but will be part of the Toy Story crew for years to come. His entire back would be covered in his “prickles”.

“This figure looks great, especially with the hair filling up Mickey’s head.” – M.C.
Mike Boon joins us every day this week with his speculation of a Toy Story 2 Series vinylmation. For past posts click here. You can also check Mike out at his own blog: baboondesign.blogspot.com

Dole Whips: Now Served… on eBay?

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

Dole Whips are a favorite treat at Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom. You can even find them at the Polynesian Resort. But I bet you didn’t know you can order one up on eBay today? A few readers pointed us toward an eBay auction from a Hong Kong seller selling a 3″ Dole Whip figure that we are expecting to see as part of Park 9. This figure is most likely a dumpster diver and as we said many times here and on the podcast, it is not a good idea to purchase these and we do not recommend it. It hurts the hobby and you get a figure with low quality not meant to be in the public’s hands. All that said, let’s take a look at the figure.

A look at the front shows swirls in the head with a cherry in the middle. There is an umbrella in one ear and the ice cream whipped up into a point on the other.
The back features some more swirls in the head, the other side of the umbrella and a pineapple ring. Do you think we may see a variant Orange Dole Whip as well? I for one enjoy the orange version better at the parks.

The interesting thing about the bottom is the figure is officially called “Frozen Drink.” We see that it is also designed by Caley Hicks.

Cricket Pics

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

A listener/reader Charlie sent in some pictures of the Make a Wish Jiminy Cricket he purchased at his local Disney Store yesterday. He notes some problems with the production paint job. You can here a voicemail he left with his review on our latest podcast, episode 70.

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Episode 070 Wolf Boy

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

Ep. 070 Wolf Boy

This week we discuss Phineas and Ferb, Disney Character Star Wars, Duffy the Disney Bear, the new Park Starz variants and much more. Annemarie joins us to chime in on some of the key topics. We also have a full release schedule and listen to a voicemail review of Jiminy Cricket in our Mystery Mail Bag.

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New 9″ Figures Shown Off

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

A couple 9″ Park 8 LEs and an unidentified figure were on display today at the Disney Moms event as well. No release date or prices. Thanks to @kelskc for tweeting us these pics by @njoysiscaretti.

Park 8 Contemporary and Monorail combo. 
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Park 8 Birthday Cake Castle
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This 9″ was also on display. It is on the old 9″ mold. Can you help identify it? Is it an Art of Animation? Although the design isn’t representative of any of the hotels being constructed.