2012 – Page 107 – WDWNT Archive

All Aboard! A Park 9 Vinylmation is Previewed

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

Yesterday on the Vinylmation Facebook page…

They previewed for us a pretty amazing looking 3″ Park 9 design! It’s the No. 2 Lilly Belle locomotive from Walt Disney World. The Lilly Belle is named after Walt Disney’s wife Lillian Disney. Lilly Belle is also the name of the scaled-down steam locomotive Walt had built in his backyard. It is also the name of the special caboose car guests can board at the Disneyland Railroad.

This is a great shot of the Lilly Belle from the website StartedByAMouse.com. It is interesting to note that the Lilly Belle is a restored train that was built in 1928… does that year sound familiar? As important as trains were to Walt, I’m surprised it took us this long to see one of the locomotives made into Vinylmation. One of my favorite Walt Disney quotes, probably because it shows his gigantic creative thinking coupled with his child like qualities is “I just want it to look like nothing else in the world. And it should be surrounded by a train.” And this Vinylmation is like nothing else. What do you think of the top?

I really love it. If there was one negative, I would want a little more realness and grit tot he design instead of the clean illustration. But it looks very good and has me already anticipating Park 9. I can also see this one become an easy, and masterfully used, variant. We know practically the full line of Park 9 by the way. Check out this post from when the pins were leaked last fall.

Japan Easter Duck and Mouse

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

Coming to Japan on April 2nd are a couple of Easter themed Mickey and Donald Vinylmation. We found this snapshot of a Japanese ad on Vinylmation World (originally tweeted by @dizpix).

Retailing for 1200 Yen, or about $14.83 USD, they will be sold in open window boxes. The Mickey is decked out in colorful spring time clothes and is topped with a checkered hat. The Mickey face and the overall design look very well done, but I don’t know if I want to add this pastel clad mouse to my personal collection. The Donald is a completely different story. With those new bunny ears (as seen on the US Easter Bunny Vinylmation), I want him to hop into my display case ASAP! This is the way the ears should be used. I don’t mind taking away the Mickey shape canvas if you are still going to give me a Disney themed design. The face is drawn in a very cartoonish manor that is different from all the Donalds we have seen so far. The little hat also looks great.

The Rising Cost of Tuition

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

Seems like some Sorcerer’s in training are willing to pay a steep price to acquire the most coveted and rare spells in the Kingdom. Just a few weeks ago, finding a Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom card on eBay was far and few between, but recently there has been an explosion of activity. These cards that are handed out free to guests at MK, are now fetching a decent profit online. Of course, with anything from Disney, this was to be expected, and your everyday cards (#1-60) are reasonably valued.

The average selling price for a single common card is $4-$5. Only when the face card is of a more popular character like Rapunzel, Mickey or Wall-E, does the value jump a bit toward the $10 range.

Now here’s the kicker. If a sorcerer would like to obtain one of the rare spells in the #61-80 range, the price goes up considerably.

This Jasmine #65 sold for an astounding $80! And so did her fellow rare characters such as Dumbo and Hercules. 9 cards in all so far sold for around the $80 mark and more are now listed at that asking price. That seems incredible to me, but then again I live by the park and can go get them for free. I understand that, but we do not even know the extent to which these will be available yet in the parks and people are willing to part with $80 for them already. There are still conflicting reports out there as to how these rare 10 will be obtained. Including this post just a few days ago on our Sorcerer’s of the MK Card Checklist page:

According to cast members today at Magic Kingdom, cards 61-70 are still being handed out. It is like one in every 100-150 packs handed out. I watched someone actually get one today in their pack. Was really cool and exciting all at the same time. – Tabbie

I’ve also talked to Laura Inglis, a writer for Non-Sport Update Magazine, about the collectibility and future value of these cards. She said:

I think everything Disney is collectible. In terms of comparing these to other cards as far as value and collectibility, I think they can be compared to the Transportation Cards (which I think are still being given out) and the Signature Series cards from 2001.

We invited Laura to be on next week’s DV Podcast where she will discuss her thoughts on where these cards are headed and also a little about the history of Disney trading cards for those of us who may want to branch out a bit. As always, your thoughts are welcome. Where do you think these cards are headed in terms of collectibility? If you do not live near WDW, are you willing to shell out some cash to complete a set? If you do live near WDW, might you stock up and cash in on these cards?

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Justin Marshall

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

As a child, my favorite Disney characters were Dreamfinder and Figment. I loved the EPCOT attraction as it originally was. It was a delight for kids and adults alike. So when custom artist Justin Marshall came to us with a Journey Into Imagination custom, I could not wait to share it with everyone.

Destination Vinylmation: What does Journey Into Imagination mean to you?

Justin: I have always loved journey into imagination. It really shows the magnitude of figments popularity because this is a character that is spawned from a EPCOT attraction, and no where else, yet after all these years seems to be just getting stronger and stronger in popularity. Now that the original ride is gone makes it even stronger for that demand for figment, and the Dreamfinder. It was a experience for all ages that brought you through the arts, literature, performing arts, and science. For a time where no one owned a computer, the technology was amazing. They can bring back the exact same ride, substitute a few things with 21st century advantages and you will have a hit!

DV: So you’re not a big fan of the current version of the ride?
Justin: The ride now is… half ass done, and its a shame for all the creativity and hard work that went into it and now it sits in crates in a warehouse some where on the Disney property.

DV: I really like the retro feel of this custom. It seems like something you would find at EPCOT in the ’80s. But this figure really seems to hold special sentimental value to you.
Justin: I made this to keep the attraction alive, and hopefully the new generation of disney lovers will someday get to experience this attraction the way it was intended with some 21st century tweaks.

But wait, there’s more! Justin also wanted us to include these 3″ Figments as a compliment to the 9″ Journey figure.

This is one great looking Figment! Check out the detail on the space suit.

Here is Figment in his sweater.

Great job Justin. For more Justin Marshall customs, check out his Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/justinchad82

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Crazy4Vinyls

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

Crazy4Vinyl just keeps putting out more Vinylmation for his Pop Culture Series. Here are his latest creations.

Pikachu

Facebook, Tony the Tiger, Papa Smurf and Charlie Brown

If you like these, check out Crazy4Vinyls eBay listings.

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Crazy4Vinyls

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

Crazy4Vinyls from Chatham, IL is our newest spotlight subject. He decided to take his first crack at custom Vinylmation, or really artwork of anykind, buy making a delicious set of famous candy.

DV: Destination Vinylmation: Do you collect Disney’s Vinylmation?
Crazy4Vinyls: Yes I do collect, and my wife calls it my obsession. I started back when Park 2 came out. When we went to WDW for a trip we started buying them. I was able to get 8 of them and I remember my wife saying we need to stop because we spent enough on them. Oh how I wish I would have bought more, maybe I could have got Pongo. I didn’t buy anymore until our last trip in Feb of this year. I came home with about 40 more and now I am hovering near 200 of them.

DV: What is your favorite Disney Vinylmation figure?
Crazy4Vinyls: My favorite by far was the first blind box that I bought which was the little green man from Toy Story. I just love that character in the movie. I don’t know how many times I have quoted him and my son telling me to stop.

DV: What is your personal favorite custom that you have done?
Crazy4Vinyls: Well I have only done the set of 4 M & M guys, but I do have a favorite. I really like how the orange one turned out. The look on his face makes me think that someone is going to eat him. I really like the worried look!

DV: How did you come up with the idea for the M&Ms?
Crazy4Vinyls: I was trying to create customs that I had never seen before and I wanted to include something with pop culture because I think those characters/logos are instantly recognizable. I also thought they would look great on the mickey mold and not too many details for a first timer.

DV: Are M&Ms your favorite candy?
Crazy4Vinyls: M & M’s are one of my favorites, love the peanut ones!

DV: What have you learned from creating your customs that you can pass onto other custom artists?
Crazy4Vinyls: Well I have only done the 4, so I don’t think I can tell anyone else any secrets that I have found. I will say that I was worried about creating the “m” on the front of each one. So what I did was trace an “m” out on painter’s tape, then I cut it out. I stuck it on the vinyl and painted over it with my coats. When it was dry, I carefully removed the “m” and then filled it in with white paint.

DV: What’s next?
Crazy4Vinyls: Well I am calling my series of customs pop culture vinylmations. I even created a logo and included on the back of the collector’s cards. So without giving anything away, let’s just say I grew up in the 80’s and I am inspired by that era. I also like to create works that I have never seen before. So as soon as I can get my hands on some white CYO’s (those are hard to find) I will get busy on my next set.

DV: Thank you for sharing your work with our audience.
Crazy4Vinyls: Thanks for doing this spotlight on me.

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Crazy4Vinyls

WDWNT on March 8, 2012

Your mouth watered over his first set of M&M Vinylmation, now Crazy4Vinyls is back to continue his Pop Culture series with a set Pac-Man customs.

The set comes with Pac-Man and four different colored ghosts. It is available on eBay right now.

Crazy4Vinyls even makes his own artist cards to accompany his creations. Here is a peak “behind the scenes” at the making of this set.

Painting the heads

Painting the arms

Body Parts

Look for more of Crazy4Vinyls customs on his Facebook page.

New Disney Character Star Wars Figures Unveiled

WDWNT on March 5, 2012

Looks like I missed a big development off the pin board at the last WDW Trade Night…

Vinylnation posted the above picture of some open window Vinylmation magnets that are on the release slate for later this year. This display shows us 3 we knew about and 3 we did not from the upcoming Disney Characters as Star Wars set. No real surprise in the use of characters. They mimic what we usually see in other merchandise and at the park.

Stitch takes the role as Yoda. Much suited for this role he is. I will say I was a little underwhelmed with the Yoda out of Star Wars 1, so I hope this vinyl pulls it off. By the look of this magnet, I do like the direction the artist took.

Pete as Boba Fett didn’t come along until Series 4 of the action figures, but it looks like we will not have to wait long to get him in Vinylmation form. Another Pete is always welcome in Vinylmation. The facial features look great, and we hope the costume design stands up to the magnificent Star Wars 1 figure.

The one surprise is actually Goofy. Not in using Goofy as Darth Vader, but I suspected the artist would take a more Characters at the Parks approach. Meaning, I thought we would see Goofy in his Mickey boxers as he appears during Star Wars Weekends…

Instead they seemed to go straight forward Vader. I honestly would have rather had the comical version above. Probably because it would mean more for me with that connection to the Star Wars Weekends I so enjoy attending. However, the actual designs used do not disappoint and I anticipate the release of this set above all others on the horizon. We hope to see the vinyls around Star Wars Weekends in May.

Episode 062 Cursive

WDWNT on March 5, 2012

Ep. 062 Cursive

Annemarie stops by to help wrap up all the news we found at the WDW Trade Night and more. News on Alice LEs, Snow White revealed, Park 8 LEs and Animation 2 LEs. We also get word of a John Carter series and have a discussion about ears… clear, white and bunny.

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WDW Trade Night Wrap Up

WDWNT on March 5, 2012

Update 3/4/12 Two updates below. Alex Maher actually had a hand in the Snow White Jr designs along with Thomas Scott. Also, Billy Davis is freelance, not a Disney Cast Member.

We had a ton of fun and learned a lot last night. Including many, MANY, release dates!!! Take a look…

As usual, the line exploded about 40 minutes from the doors opening. Also as usual, much pre-show trading took place.

Then the scramble for tables began. These shows have been incredibly packed lately. Pin and Vinylmation traders alike claimed their space and hunkered down for 3 hours. But the highlight of any WDW Trade Night (sorry DLR traders) are the displays of upcoming figures… and we got to see a few new ones!

Alice in Wonderland LE Flowers Set
Thomas Scott
LE 2000
April 20th
Four 3″ figures make up this set. It was a great little surprise to see a yet to be revealed Alice LE set and a lot of excitement surrounded this one.

Alice 3″ Flower

Alice 3″ Flower Box Back

Looks like a perfect addition to the Alice series. Designed with care and every detail in mind, the colors truly pop in person.

Alice in Wonderland LE Cheshire Cat Set
Thomas Scott
April 13th
Also on display were the two 3″ figures from the Cheshire Cat set. This one we knew about for quite a while, but were happy to get a release date on it. What we couldn’t get a release date on however was the 9″ LE Alice set we have had sneaks of on the Vinylmation blog.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Jr 6
Thomas Scott and Alex Maher
April 20th
This of course is the next Jr. mystery box set of 18. We have seen a lot of dwarfs, but finally all 7 together. Now Thomas alluded to Snow being in this set… and come on, what would the set be without here, but we saw her in all her tiny glory last night.

I’m a big fan of Snow and in Jr form, she is captured wonderfully. Right along side Aurora from Villains 2, the Princesses look good on the miniature canvas.

Robots 2
Billy Davis (entire set)
April 13th
With the first Robots set put in the hands of the Disney Store artists, it was a mild surprise to see the second series designed by artist Billy Davis. Billy, has given us Sea Creatures and even the Urban 8 Robot. That Robot was sure a pre-cursor to what we will see in Robots 2. Billy certainly took a different angle on the look of the Robots for this series and so far, I think I like it better than the first series. Shielded from view (guess they were not supposed to be on display last night) were two other Robots, and one had a big bubble (think Buzz) giving a 50’s sci-fi movie robot feel. Since I just dined in the Sci-Fi diner, I recognized the style.

Day/Night Bot

Bulb Bot

9″/3″ Animation 2 Price Phillip and Maleficent Dragon
Casey Jones
LE 1200
April 6th
Honestly, the Maleficent dragon doesn’t do much for me. I enjoy the Villains 2 Maleficent better. However, the Price Phillip looks absolutely spectacular! Not to say the dragon isn’t expertly designed, just a matter of personal taste. I don’t like how I’d have to buy the combo to get him. (anyone want to set up a split?) This is a solid LE addition to Animation 2.

3″ Price Phillip with sword. The ears are perfect with the thorns!

Another view of the Prince. The back has a painted on cape.

9″ Maleficent Dragon

9″ Maleficent Dragon back

9″ Park 8 Mickey Mouse Revue
LE 1500
March 30th
Paris got it first, but our time is coming soon. The first in a line of Park 8 LEs. I wasn’t really into this design… that is, until I saw the back last night. Breathtaking and super creative.

I’ll show you the back first. To me, this design over the whole thing would make a perfect vinyl. It really represents the former attraction.

The front isn’t bad either. It honestly looks like an Animatronic’s face. Interesting new 9″ mold hand design to hold the accessory baton.

9″ Animation 2 Roger Rabbit
Maria Clapsis
LE ?
July 13th
OK, this one is cheating. We didn’t see it at the trade event. But sometime after this weary eyed trader went to sleep last night, the Vinylmation Blog updated with a release date and turnaround of the great 9″ Roger Rabbit.