Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Annemarie

Annemarie just sent us pictures of her latest custom. It is designed after the boy from La Luna, the new Pixar short that plays before Brave.

Destination Vinylmation: What was it about this character that made you run home after watching La Luna and create him in Vinylmation form?
Annemarie: I may have a sickness, because the first thing I thought when I saw the character was that he’d fit perfectly on a Vinylmation.

Photo Copyright Disney Pixar

DV: Was this design fairly straightforward or did you got through some different options in your head?
AM: He was pretty straightforward. I knew I wanted to capture his expression in the moment where he saw the moon up close. I originally planned to use a Director Mickey hat for his hat, but it didn’t look quite right and would have needed a brim anyway, so I decided to sculpt him his own special hat.

DV: What did you personally take away from this Pixar short?
AM: This short, as all Pixar shorts are, was beautiful. I loved its simplicity.

DV: What is your favorite Pixar short of all-time?
AM: I’ve always loved Geri’s Game the best. Not sure why, I just think the expressions are priceless.

Photo Copyright Disney Pixar

Andy’s Artwork Now On Sale

Today is the 5th of July, the release date for the Toy Story Mania Andy Series in Japan. @vinylmati0n tweeted out this nice picture of them. Do you want any of these? We do!

Larry Delceg 5/5/2012 DLR Photo Report

Let’s have a grand welcome to Larry Delceg! Our newest member of the DLNT crew! He’s going to be helping get us all our photo reports.

This photo report covers DCA, Downtown Disney, and Disneyland. Larry provides images of parades in both parks, updates on the progress in DCA, and colorful shots from our favorite rides and attractions.

The Animation Academy is now displaying a schedule for drawing classes. If a park guest would like to learn how to create a specific Disney character, the time for each lesson is now conveniently displayed on an 'A Frame' at the entry.

The Animation Academy is now displaying a schedule for drawing classes. If a park guest would like to learn how to create a specific Disney character, the time for each lesson is now conveniently displayed on an ‘A Frame’ at the entry.

The Red Car Trolley system will debut on June 15th and the overhead catenary has now been installed above the length of the tracks. High voltage electricity will travel through this catenary to be collected by a pantograph mounted on the roof of each Red Car, providing electricity to the traction motor. This technology not only powered the Trolley system of Los Angeles a century ago, but is also used today to power 200+ mph high speed bullet trains such as France's TGV.

The Red Car Trolley system will debut on June 15th and the overhead catenary has now been installed above the length of the tracks. High voltage electricity will travel through this catenary to be collected by a pantograph mounted on the roof of each Red Car, providing electricity to the traction motor. This technology not only powered the Trolley system of Los Angeles a century ago, but is also used today to power 200+ mph high speed bullet trains such as France’s TGV.

Overhead catenary in Hollywood Land

Overhead catenary in Hollywood Land

Merely a skeleton a year ago, the exterior of the Cathey Circle Theatre is now completed and visible for park guests to admire.

Merely a skeleton a year ago, the exterior of the Cathey Circle Theatre is now completed and visible for park guests to admire.

This professional painter was seen skillfully spraying a building on Buena Vista street above the DCA entrance turnstiles. This photo was taken moments before 'the said photographer' was 'busted' by a cast member and instructed that photos of visible construction workers were not permitted. The next day, the painting of the building and the trim was competed.

This professional painter was seen skillfully spraying a building on Buena Vista street above the DCA entrance turnstiles. This photo was taken moments before ‘the said photographer’ was ‘busted’ by a cast member and instructed that photos of visible construction workers were not permitted. The next day, the painting of the building and the trim was competed.

With a prolific daily schedule in Condor Flats, 'Minnie's Fly Girls' are already performing a new routine.

With a prolific daily schedule in Condor Flats, ‘Minnie’s Fly Girls’ are already performing a new routine.

The new Downtown Disney Lego Store is now on display for park guests and Anaheim residents to enjoy. An enormous model of a dragon most likely named 'Murphy' adorns the exterior - a new 'must see' stop for any Disneyland visitor.

The new Downtown Disney Lego Store is now on display for park guests and Anaheim residents to enjoy. An enormous model of a dragon most likely named ‘Murphy’ adorns the exterior – a new ‘must see’ stop for any Disneyland visitor.

Replicas of Buzz and Woody are among the impressive models displayed on the exterior of the new Lego store.

Replicas of Buzz and Woody are among the impressive models displayed on the exterior of the new Lego store.

Although beautiful on the inside, the southern exterior wall of the Hyperion Theatre has always been thematically lacking. Currently being remedied, a new wall is under construction which will create an indoor lobby for the stairway and escalators. There is little doubt that the new wall will be themed with exceptional artistry and craftsmanship comparable to other new DCA renovations.

Although beautiful on the inside, the southern exterior wall of the Hyperion Theatre has always been thematically lacking. Currently being remedied, a new wall is under construction which will create an indoor lobby for the stairway and escalators. There is little doubt that the new wall will be themed with exceptional artistry and craftsmanship comparable to other new DCA renovations.

Since the opening of DCA, the front entry of Taste Pilots Grill has proudly displayed a replica of the rocket-jet ' X-1' built by Bell Aircraft. Chuck Yeager made history when he piloted this experimental aircraft

Since the opening of DCA, the front entry of Taste Pilots Grill has proudly displayed a replica of the rocket-jet ‘ X-1’ built by Bell Aircraft. Chuck Yeager made history when he piloted this experimental aircraft “Glamorous Glennis” and broke the sound barrier in 1947. In recognition of this accomplishment, Condor Flats was built to represent the proving ground at Edwards Air force Base and California’s significant contributions to aviation. The replica of the X-1 has recently been removed to be consistent with DCA’s new theme – an era before the sound barrier was broken. It will be interesting to see if a 1930’s vintage aircraft will be installed to replace it.

Fans of 'Turtle Time with Crush' know that the only seating in the pre-show vestibule has been the floor. Recently several 'totally awesome' couches have been added. These new couches are similar in design to the new couches located in the Animation Academy's central foyer. Although still inadequate in quantity, this addition is clearly appreciated by Crush's visitors. Dude!

Fans of ‘Turtle Time with Crush’ know that the only seating in the pre-show vestibule has been the floor. Recently several ‘totally awesome’ couches have been added. These new couches are similar in design to the new couches located in the Animation Academy’s central foyer. Although still inadequate in quantity, this addition is clearly appreciated by Crush’s visitors. Dude!

Appearing periodically in front of the Hyperion Theatre, Monsters Inc. Mayhem is a live performance street show which provides the opportunity for DCA guests to meet their favorite monsters as well as provide electricity for Monstropolis.

Appearing periodically in front of the Hyperion Theatre, Monsters Inc. Mayhem is a live performance street show which provides the opportunity for DCA guests to meet their favorite monsters as well as provide electricity for Monstropolis.

An especially abundant quantity of wildlife can be found in Disneyland this spring.

An especially abundant quantity of wildlife can be found in Disneyland this spring.

May flowers are now in full bloom.

May flowers are now in full bloom.

Soundsational pre-parade.

Soundsational pre-parade

One of the best Disneyland parades ever, Soundsational is scheduled to continue throughout this spring and summer.

One of the best Disneyland parades ever, Soundsational is scheduled to continue throughout this spring and summer.

Phenomenal attention to detail can be seen in the craftsmanship of the costumes created for Soundsational.

Phenomenal attention to detail can be seen in the craftsmanship of the costumes created for Soundsational.

Hertz for Toddlers.

Hertz for Toddlers

Snowy Oasis in May.

Snowy Oasis in May

Silly Symphony of Swings is one vantage point to catch a quick overview of the current state of construction underway at DCA. However, it is easy to be distracted by the fact that

Silly Symphony of Swings is one vantage point to catch a quick overview of the current state of construction underway at DCA. However, it is easy to be distracted by the fact that “I can fly!”

Future in the Forest.

Future in the Forest

Liftoff.

Lift off!

California Scream'in is the only attraction in DCA which provides a view of construction underway... while inverted.

California Scream’in is the only attraction in DCA which provides a view of construction underway… while inverted.

SR-91 at rush hour...

SR-91 at rush hour…

The 'Finding Nemo' submarine 'Explorer' was seen penetrating the back side of water and descending into the lagoon below. All passengers survived.

The ‘Finding Nemo’ submarine ‘Explorer’ was seen penetrating the back side of water and descending into the lagoon below. All passengers survived.

'Wildest Ride in the Wilderness' near dusk.

‘Wildest Ride in the Wilderness’ near dusk

Egress of the Mark Twain during 'Fantasmic', moments before traveling off stage - into the darkness of the west side of the Rivers of America.

Egress of the Mark Twain during ‘Fantasmic’, moments before traveling off stage – into the darkness of the west side of the Rivers of America.

A peaceful and quiet view from the 'Mickey & Friends' parking structure - as cast members prepare the parks for another day.

A peaceful and quiet view from the ‘Mickey & Friends’ parking structure – as cast members prepare the parks for another day.

Thanks for reading!

Get A Sneak Peak Inside The Carthay Circle Theater Restaurant

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

Yesterday, we took you inside the exclusive, private 1901 which will be located at Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure park. Today, we’re showing you the inside of Carthay Circle Restaurant, which will be accessible to all park guests when it opens June 15.

 

 

The photos above show the inside of Carthay Circle Restaurant, still under construction but close to the way it will appear when it opens on June 15. The new premier dining location will take guests back in time to opening night of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” a historic night for Walt Disney and his studio. Re-creating the excitement of that night, Carthay Circle Restaurant will immerse guests in the post-screening atmosphere – as if they are celebrating alongside Walt and Lillian Disney, themselves.

Reservations will be available soon, so keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for updates!

Calling All Vinylmation 95 Custom Artists

The introduction of the Vinylmation 95 CYO has opened up new doors for custom Vinylmation artists out there. We would love to spotlight your work along side all the Mickey mold customs we have been featuring for years. So whether your a new artist, of a seasoned pro, email us (DestinationVinylmation@gmail.com) with you name and pictures of your work and we will get back to you with some fun questions to make up your article.

While we are waiting for yours, take a look at what these artists, commissioned by Disney, have produced for the Wonderground Gallery at the Downtown Disney District, California.

A Bug’s Life
by Calef Brown

The Little Mermaid
by J. Scott Campbell
Midway
by Miss Mindy
Monster’s Inc.
by Lyla Warren
Muppet Vision 3D
by Amy Mebberson

Get A Sneak Peek Inside 1901, The Private Club Inside The Carthay Circle Theater

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

Carthay Circle Theatre, the iconic focal point of the new Buena Vista Street area coming to Disney California Adventure park on June 15, continues to take shape – and today we’re excited to bring you a look inside the exclusive, private 1901, which will be located inside.

1901 will be a special lounge accessible exclusively by Club 33 members. Named for the year Walt Disney was born – 1901 – the club will be a warm, intimate space with eclectic light fixtures, overstuffed leather chairs, and beautiful, rich touches.

“Imagine it’s the 1930s, and this is where the animators would’ve hung out, swapped stories, doodled on napkins,” as 1901 is described by Imagineer Ray Spencer. “This is the place Walt and the animators might’ve chatted, relaxed, unwound . . . a cozy den.”

The lounge will be decorated with personal artwork and photographs of the animators from the early years of the Walt Disney Studios, including some with Walt Disney’s own signature. “The guest is sort of an insider in this backstage world,” says Ray.

As we announced earlier today, a limited number of new members will be offered Club 33 membership in honor of the 45th anniversary of the Club (June 15) and the completion of the five-year expansion of the Disneyland Resort. Those interested in Club 33 membership may request more information by sending an email to club33interest@disneyland.com.

 

And mentioned above, the famous waiting list for Club 33 has indeed opened once again to new members. Here’s a little more info…

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

Today we’re excited to announce, in honor of the 45th anniversary of Club 33 and the completion of the five-year expansion of the Disneyland Resort on June 15, a limited number of new members will be offered Club 33 membership!

Club 33 at Disneyland Park
Envisioned by Walt Disney, who drew inspiration from the executive lounges at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, the club opened in 1967 and has since held a place of mystery and legend among Disneyland park guests. You can read more about the history of Club 33 and see some photos from inside the exclusive club here.

New Club 33 members will now enjoy exclusive sneak peeks at park enhancements and new attractions, and the availability to use VIP tour guides, itinerary planning services, valet parking and complimentary hotel upgrades – it will be like having your own Disney concierge service! New membership will also include access to 1901, a special lounge inside the new Carthay Circle Theatre opening at Disney California Adventure park on June 15. We¹ll have more information on 1901 later today on the Disney Parks Blog, so check back!

This opportunity will initially be offered to those individuals who have been on the Club 33 waiting list. As interest and capacity are evaluated, those not currently on the waiting list may be offered opportunities to join. Those interested in Club 33 membership may request more information by sending an email to club33interest@disneyland.com.

 

 

 

Happy 4th of July 2012!

What is your favorite way to celebrate America and the 4th of July at Disney?

For me, it’s a stroll down Main St. USA and it’s also my tradition to watch The American Adventure at EPCOT this time each year.

Max Guggenheim’s 5/3/12 DLR Photo Report

DLNT Photographer Max Guggenheim was at the Disneyland Resort yesterday and took a plethora of newsworthy photos including some really awesome shots of Buena Vista Street. On to the pictures…

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Cars Land Merchandise is available in the parks

Cove Bar still under refurbishment

Cars Land


Looks fantastic

On to Buena Vista Street

Front Entrance plaza. Wow…

Tile Benches!!!!!

Back to Carthay Circle

Fiddler, Fifer, and Pratical Cafe

Former Candy Shoppe

Side of Elias & Company

More Buena Vista Street later, on to Hollywoodland

Ughh… Mad T Party

Yup

Its mad alright

I think they need more lights…

Just sayin’…

House of Cards, The ElecTRONica wrap has been taken off the food truck

Back to Buena Vista Street!

Good look at the West side of the street. Atwater Art Supply is the blue building. Next to that is Julius Katz and Sons

Again.. Tile Benches!!!!!

Look at that “Candy” sign by the truck over there. Building straight ahead is Big Top Toys.

Alright, more DCA later, into Disneyland

Main Street facade’ refurbishments are wrapping up

Only thing still behind walls is Carnation Cafe

Penny Arcade and Candy Palace are open

The new expanded kitchen

I like the popcorn lights everywhere

Reorganized counters in Candy Palace. Less confusing and less cluttered.

Matterhorn

Mine? Monorail queue refurbishment above.

More Matterhorn

In the Rivers of America, one of the platforms for Fantasmic is being repaired

The Frontierland Shooting Arcade is under refurb

One more peek at Buena Vista Street

Thanks for reading and May the fourth be with you!

Disneyland Cast Trader Variant Found

If you recognize the fingernails, you’ll know it’s Zoe found this vinylmation when trading at D-Street in Disneyland. It seems to confirm our suspicion that the silver variants are Cast Traders. The other figure looks like this.

So it looks like at least one of the variants is now out and in trade boxes!
For more info on the Disneyland Series check out this post:

Congrats to Zoe for being (as far as we know) the first person ever to receive this variant! If you receive the D Silver variant, please let us know!

New Vinyls Were Only An Illusion

Update 7/8/12 These re-releases seem to only have happened at Disney Stores that have already released a city specific figure of their own. (NYC, Chicago, SF, Tokyo, Paris, London, Dublin) Also, thanks to the Playwright in NYC, we know the Global Vinyl was $9.95, but the others will be $12.95.

Thanks to this picture of a poster sent to us by The Playwright that was hanging at the Times Square Disney Store, we get a look at the other 5 “Magic Around the World” Vinylmation that will be released over the next five weeks at Disney Stores.

Feeling a sense of deja vu? We were excited to get 5 new Disney Store “world themed” vinyl figures, but instead all this meant was a re-issue of the previously location exclusive figures into other cities. This continues the Disney Store trend of turning “location exclusive” figures into “city specific” figures. They have previously released figures from New York, Chicago or San Francisco online for everyone to buy. I personally enjoy the idea of making some figures hard to get and only available in one city’s stores. So here is the lineup:

July 2 – Global Vinyl
July 6 – London Guard
July 13 – EDO Japan Mickey
July 20 – France
July 27 – Leprechaun
August 3 – Geisha Japan