2012 – Page 59 – WDWNT Archive

Comic Con 2012 Vinylmation Announced

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

Update 5/25/12 A ton of updates that clear up some of the size, price and other oddities we saw with the first post from Disney. We knew something was weird about much of the info Disney gave us, and almost all of it has been changed…. so take a look.

San Diego Comic Con is right around the corner (July 12-15) and Disney has announced some Vinylmation releases spread through out the event. And according to the Vinylmation blog, they will be available for purchase online.

July 11
Comic Con Boy and Girl
Two 3″ Combo
LE 2000
$34.95
What will this be? We speculated on the podcast this may be the perfect introduction of Marvel into Vinylmation. Dress a couple fans up in some super hero costumes! How amazing would that be?

July 12
Pixar’s Up Young Carl and Ellie
Two 3″ Combo
LE 2000
$26.95
~~The first is a “Boy and Girl” 3″ combo set. LE 2000, $34.95.~~ The rumor found on Vinylmation Kingdom is in fact this is a Carl and Ellie from Up! When I heard the rumor, I was hoping we would see them in kid versions… and that will ~~seems~~ to be the case. What about you? Would you rather have the kids or an older version?

Picture Copyright Disney Pixar

July 13
Park Starz Squid Variant
LE 1954
$24.95
The next is the Park Starz Squid variant we all anticipated after that video that was released by Disney a while back. I guess this will showcase what new Vinylmation are all about. This new edition size represents the year the film hit theaters. (original posted LE was 2000)

Not the variant

July 14
Alice in Wonderland Queen and King
3″ and Jr Combo
LE 2500
$24.95
~~We will also see a Alice in Wonderland, Queen and King, 9-inch and 3-inch set. LE 2000, $ 24.95. Um… is this a gift or a misprint? Heck of a price for 9/3 combo Disney.~~ The sizes make perfect sense and with it being a 3/Jr and not a 9/3, it keeps the price down nice and affordable.

Photo Copyright Disney

July 15
Popcorn Mickey Mouse Pie Eye Variant
LE 5000
$24.95
Lastly, we will finally see what Popcorns is all about. The Events page is calling this one a Mickey Mouse Variant, 9-inch and 3-inch set. LE 2000, retail $24.95. I’m leaning toward another typo, but who knows… we really don’t know what Popcorns are yet. But based on what we do know, this combo seem odd. I’m excited about the debut of Popcorn, but more for it being a new series, then me being personally into it. Disney is betting on a ton of people flocking to this new product with an LE 5000.

Is it just me, or are we all in for a few sleepless nights in July?

New Images for Haunted Mansion Movie

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

From Peter Sciretta on SlasherFilms.com:

Update: Disney blogger InsideTheMagic informs us that: “That sculpt has been around for years. It has nothing to do with the film. It was inspired by HBG but isn’t related to del Toro. Here’s a commercially-available version of that sculpt. Nothing new. (Still cool though…)” Original post follows.

At Comic Con 2010, Guillermo del Toro surprised the crowd at the Disney panel in Hall H by announcing that he would be producing (and probably directing) a new big screen adaptation of the classic Disneyland attraction The Haunted Mansion. The center of his plan is the reintroduction of the Hatbox Ghost, a character that appeared originally in The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland but was removed shortly after the attraction’s debut.

Illusion Industries has been creating concept designs for del Toro’s Haunted Mansion, andAICN found an image on their website which looks very much like a reimagining of the Hatbox Ghost. Hit the jump to check it out.

As Harry notes, this could be one of several things:

A sculptor at Illusion Industries could have just been a fan of Disneyland’s HAUNTED MANSION and of Bernie Wrightson and just did this because he knew that it must be sculpted by him because the world would destroy itself if it didn’t happen. It could be that Guillermo has asked a selection of companies to bid via creating a HATBOX GHOST and he’ll decide which companies work on it based upon their interpretation.

It sure looks creepy — I really hope this project happens. Del Toro called the Hatbox Ghost “one of the scariest” images created for the ride, but a character which he also considers “incredibly whimsical.”

“There’s a legend that it was discarded on the first day of the ride’s operation because it was too scary,” said del Toro. “I like that legend, but the reality is that the imagineers could not make the illusion work, so they took it out.”

Here is a bit of history on the character from wikipedia:

Because The Hatbox Ghost featured prominently in artwork and narration for popular Haunted Mansion record albums sold for many years at Disney parks, and because Disney continues to market the ghost’s image, he has never been forgotten and has become somewhat of a legend, complete with cult following. Many fans of the ride wish to see him returned and have gone so far as to circulate petitions calling for the figure’s restoration.

Last we heard, The Haunted Mansion was being written by del Toro and Mimic/Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark remake scribe Matthew Robbins. Del toro said he wanted to make a scary movie in live-action 3D, set in “a heightened reality, which is super designed, incredibly innovative, narratively and visually.” It would not be a comedy, and he would attempt to make “the Haunted Mansion the most haunted place on Earth” and “doing it by being true to the spirit and the art and the aesthetic of the original Imagineers that created the mansion.”

Park 9 LE and Blind Box Release Dates

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

We have a large slate of Park 9 release dates to share with you today.

July 13

Park 9 Blind Boxes will release at $12.95. See our Park 9 Explained page for the lineup.

Next up is the 9″ Park 9 Feature Animation Building from the Burbank studios. The edition size is 750 and it will retail for $44.95.

Also on July 13 will be the 9″ Park 9 Art of Animation Poster figure representing Tommorrowland at Disneyland. It will be an LE 550 and retail for $44.95.

JULY 20

First off is a Toy Story Mania! 9-inch and 3-inch figure set. An edition size of 1000 and a retail price of $74.95. Could this figure, that we saw about a year and a half ago, be part of this set?

If so, we have an article with a break down of this design here.

Next up is an un-named Park 9 Combo Set that is an Open Edition for $24.95.

And same day, a Park 9 Epcot, The Land 9-inch figure. Edition size is 1000. Retail price is $44.95. Most likely this figure we saw sometime last year.

All of these Park 9 items will be available via the Disney Online Store on July 20, except The Land which will wait until the 27th. I am disappointed The Land is not a 3″. It is my most favorite spot in Epcot, but the 9″ cost is just too high these days with all the other great vinyls. Same with the Toy Story one, but I am excited to see what is paired with it. Any educated guesses on the un-named combo?

Animation 2 LE Update

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

Today Disney posted some new or changed dates for several of the Limited Edition pieces of the Animation 2 series.

First, because MC is writing this post and it was his prediction, Roger Rabbit is no longer coming out on July 13th, instead it has been moved to July 27th at both D-streets (but he will bounce into the Disney Store Online on July 27th). The LE is 1200 and the price will be $44.95. Although it’s a 9″ figure, the WDW section says it’s a 3″. Weird…

Second, Humphrey the Bear and Ranger set will be coming out on July 6th at D-Streets. The LE is 1200 and the price for the two pack is $74.95. They will come to the Disney Store Online on July 20th.

And third, Rhino is now officially named in the event listing for his release. According the blog he will be coming out on July 20th at D-Streets. There will only be 1000 of him and he will cost $18.95

Official Openings in DCA June 15th

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

ANAHEIM, Calif. (March 7, 2012) – The Happiest Place on Earth will get even happier June 15, 2012, with the grand opening of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and the Carthay Circle Theatre at Disney California Adventurepark. The exciting, new additions will complete the five-year expansion ofDisneyland Resort, a premier, multi-day vacation destination in Southern California with two theme parks, three hotels and the Downtown Disney shopping and dining district.

With four new attractions opening at Disney California Adventure park, full day-to-night experiences at both parks, and the magical transformation of the Disneyland Hotel with new pools, themed suites and remodeled rooms, guests of all ages will enjoy more fun and adventure than ever before at the Disneyland Resort.

Cars Land expands Disney California Adventure by 12 acres and immerses guests in the thrilling world of the Disney•Pixar blockbuster “Cars.” Guests will feel as if they have stepped into the town of Radiator Springs as they enjoy three family attractions showcasing characters and settings from the movie, plus “Cars”-themed dining and shopping locations such as Flo’s V8 Café, Ramone’s House of Body Art and Radiator Springs Curios.

One of the largest and most elaborate attractions ever created for a Disney park, Radiator Springs Racers is a twisting, turning, high-speed adventure through Ornament Valley and the town of Radiator Springs. Luigi’s Flying Tires invites guests to glide on air aboard special tires, whirling around with their pals. At Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, guests will whip around behind a baby tractor and enjoy tunes from a giant jukebox built from Mater’s most prized possessions.

Starting June 15, guests will enter Disney California Adventure along Buena Vista Street, a place that transports them to an era when Walt Disney arrived in California with new dreams: 1920s Los Angeles. Buena Vista Street features Red Car Trolleys, inspired by the transportation system that once served Southern California, and the Carthay Circle Theatre, modeled after the site of the 1937 world premiere of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Carthay Circle Theatre will include a lounge and the elegant Carthay Circle Restaurant, designed to be the premier dining location in Disney California Adventure.

Adding to the fun at Disney California Adventure this summer will be the newMad T Party in Hollywood Land, the return of Pixar Play Parade, and the new Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop at Pacific Wharf. Mad T Party will feature nighttime, family fun inspired by the wild and whimsical world of Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland.”

The summer debuts of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theatre complement previous additions to the park, including the 4D fun ofToy Story Mania; the spectacular after-dark “World of Color” show; The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure; Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta andParadise Garden Grill restaurants, plus the re-themed attractions Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Silly Symphony Swings and Goofy’s Sky School.

To accommodate a media preview and make final preparations for the exciting debuts, Disney California Adventure will be closed June 14. The fun, new attractions, locations and entertainment will open to the public June 15.

New Character Coming to Disneyland Mid-May 2012

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

From Shawn Slater of the Disney Parks Blog:

In the upcoming Disney•Pixar movie “Brave,” Merida is a headstrong teenager with a vibrant spirit and a softness of heart, struggling to take control of her own destiny. You’ll be able to discover Merida’s story when “Brave” opens in theaters June 22 and, beginning in mid-May, Merida will be coming to Disney Parks in an all-new character greeting experience.

At Magic Kingdom Park, Merida will appear in Fairytale Garden in a setting inspired by her Scottish Highlands home, where young guests will be invited to engage in archery lessons and other activities until it’s their turn to meet her. Joining Merida will be the three bear cubs from the film, who will no doubt be up to plenty of mischief.

To prepare for Merida’s arrival, Rapunzel will be moving from Fairytale Garden April 15, to a new spot at the outskirts of Adventureland where she will continue to greet her loyal fans and subjects.

When visiting Disneyland park in California this summer, Merida and the cubs will find a home away from home near “it’s a small world” in Fantasyland, where guests will also be able to participate in activities inspired by Merida’s story.

According to Creative Director Reed Jones, “These new play and greet experiences at both parks will immerse our guests in ‘Brave,’ giving them the opportunity to be a part of Merida’s Scottish clan. And we’re all excited to have the bear cubs join Merida with their silly antics, creating a whole new way to bring our beloved Disney Characters to life.”

“Regardless of where they find Merida,” said Reed, “Guests are really going to fall in love with her and the bears.”

New Japan Vinyls To Release 7/1

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

More great looking Vinylmation from Japan are coming soon. Thanks to @Vinylmati0n for this info and picture. On July 1, we can expect these 2 figures featuring Mickey and Minnie with accessory fans. They will retail for 1,200 YEN or about $15.

Tim Alcoser Photo Report DLR 3-20-2012

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

There are plenty of chances throughout the park to cast your lot among the multi-millions for a chance to win a Honda CRV.

Monorail Orange pulling into Tomorrowland Station.

All smiles aboard Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!

The Golden Horseshoe since it’s restoration work.

After the big drop on Splash Mountain.

I was just experimenting with this one

Have a wonderful day!

Spotlight On: Custom Artist Aaralyn

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

To have your custom work spotlighted, please send an email to DestinationVinylmation@gmail.com

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On the opening day of the new Disney Pixar film Brave, it is fitting to see a custom featuring the heroine Merida. This one comes to us from Aaralyn. I was sad to hear it is already sold out, but Aaralyn has many more customs to look at and order at her website: www.customsbyaaralyn.com. Now let’s take a look at this custom set.

“As soon as I saw the trailers for Brave, I knew it was going to be an amazing movie. The beauty of the animation inspired me to create this custom set. I attended the midnight premier of the movie, and I have to say it lived up to all my expectations and more. It was a phenomenal film.” – Aaralyn

Merida is designed on a 9″ Vinylmation and comes with a custom bow! The bear cubs are expertly painted onto three 3″ vinyls.

“Personally I think Brave is my new favorite Pixar film because there are not many Disney films that portray the entire family unit as well as Brave does. The interactions and emotions between the characters along with the stunning animation and storyline ranks it number one in my book. And of course, there are the baby bears, and I can’t resist cute things.” – Aaralyn

Facebook: www.facebook.com/customsbyaaralyn
Twitter: @ArtistAaralyn
Instagram: @ArtistAaralyn

Tim Alcoser’s 3/27/12 Passholder Preview Photo Report

WDWNT on July 10, 2012

DLNT Reporter Tim Alcoser went to the Disneyland Resort today and got photos of the Annual Passholder merchandise and entertainment preview for Cars Land and Buena Vista Street. On to the photos…

Inside Stage 17