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.

Duffy Shaped Vinylmation Revealed!!!!

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

Thank you to Tomio for pointing us to these pictures and Attractions Magazine for tweeting them. This is the first look at the new Duffy shaped Vinylmation. It really is a whole new look.

They should be coming out later in 2012. They created an all new mold shape for this and it was the perfect way to go. I absolutely love this design. First of all, making a new vinyl shape for Duffy is the perfect way to go. The shape would have been too similar to Mickey Mouse otherwise. The sitting position allows for the details on the bottom of the feet to be displayed. It keeps the figure a nice size and looks completely adorable… like a vinyl teddy bear. This shape captures the bear’s hefty look and rounded features. There seems to be two designs here, plain and sailor clothed. I would not be surprised to see a ton more as the Duffy plush at the parks are completely customizable with a variety of outfits from country themed to Disney character themed choices. I expect a ton of varied opinions on this one… let’s hear it.

Park Starz Variants Revealed

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

Thanks to a post by @TouringPlans, we now have a look at the three Park Starz Variants. They were unveiled today at the Disney Moms Conference.

They include Copper Abe Lincoln, Gold Yeti and Figment with his yellow sweater. They are set to come out on June 29th along with a signing with artists Thomas Scott and Casey Jones at D-Street Orlando from 5p-7p.

Celeste Custom Vinylmation Giveaway

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

Our friend, custom artist Celeste, made an announcement on her Facebook page she would like to share with you! Celeste is giving away a one of a kind 3″ White Rabbit! He comes with his own trumpet accessory.

All you have to do is become a fan of her Facebook page AND leave a comment… that’s it.

The deadline to join is Midnight (Pacific) Saturday May 5 on Cinco De Mayo. This custom looks great! Now while we are on the subject of Celeste, I saw a custom piece on her Facebook page that she recently finished for a customer. A reminder, the following figure is NOT part of the giveaway.

Super cool! A 3″ Maleficent with Jr. Diablo sitting atop a custom staff. The best part… well, besides the amazing artwork… a magnetic orb on Maleficent’s staff holds Diablo perched up there so the bird is easily detachable! Great job Celeste.